Scott Butki Requests Your Social Justice Related Books

What: I’d like your books for a project I’m calling Social Justice Book Distribution

When: Bring books on Sundays. We’ll have a special bin for it

Why: Instead of just circulating social justice books around the church and social justice circles I’ve
started a project to use a little free library at Spicewoods Park to distribute those books, along with others. The library currently includes books by former First UU ministers Erin Walters and Susan Yarborough.

Who: Me, who lives in North Austin, plus I’m in the process of recruiting ambassadors, folks, especially those from other areas of town, to help circulate and distribute books to other little free libraries.

How: The books you give me will not just go into the hands of the little free library but I’ve also given some to  the church, to LGBT advocacy groups, to Jim Rigbys church (I’m going to see if he wants he or his church to join the project) and just to LGBT folks who want to see something beautiful (that got the books banned): LGBT representation in books for kids and YA.

What else: The project exploded last Friday when I attended an event by a banned books project who, excited by my project scope, gave me all their books, and my collection grew from 20 books to more than 150. I gave away about 50 on Sunday at church.

I’m transitioning the project from a Scott Project – I was calling myself the Johnny Appleseed of Social Justice Books – to a Church Social Action Council event project.

Email me at sbutki@gmail.com for more information, for questions or to learn about what it would mean to be an ambassador.

On Tuesday, November 7, the Austin Sierra Club Climate Crisis Committee and the First UU Green Sanctuary Committee will meet. To beat the crisis, we must have good policies at the local, state, and national levels. We will have the top climate lobbyist at the state legislature give us tips on how to more effectively influence climate policy. We will start with food and fellowship. We will end by meeting in various climate action teams to see how we can be more involved in this crucial climate work with whatever time we have.

Agenda:

    6:30 p.m. – Potluck supper (please come even if you have nothing to bring)

    7:15 p.m.  – Get to know each other social activities

    7:30 p.m. – Remarks on effective advocacy by Cyrus Reed, Sierra Club’s Environmental Director

    7:45 p.m. – Breakout into action teams

You may join at 7:30 p.m. by Zoom if you wish.

We hope to see you there!

All are welcome at Planned Parenthood, regardless of insurance or documentation status, income level, where you live or who you love. Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas is proud to be a trusted Austin provider of reproductive healthcare and sex education and to advocate on behalf of the patients we serve. 

Last year, 9,230 patients received healthcare at Planned Parenthood’s 4 Austin health centers. To expand access to healthcare appointments for patients juggling work, school, and childcare, appointments are available at one of Planned Parenthood’s Austin health centers 7 days a week and some weeknight hours. Planned Parenthood’s vision is a world in which everyone can access quality healthcare and information to live their lives fully, without judgment.  

The 19th Annual Women and Fair Trade Festival by Austin Tan Cerca de la Frontera returns to First UU Saturday, November 18th and Sunday, November 19th from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Nine artisan cooperatives from Mexico, Palestine, Guatemala, Ecuador, India and the U.S. including: Jolom Mayaetik, Palestine Online Store, Fuerza Unida, Colores del Pueblo, Marigold Gateway to India, UPAVIM, Warmipa Huasy, Las Rancheritas/Rug Hook Project and Cooperativa Posada will setup in Howson Hall and the Gallery. Artisan cooperatives represent an alternative to dominant forms of production and distribution that often exploit, rather than support, craftswomen. This year they’ll welcome.

Volunteer spots are available by either signing up at Sign-Up Genius or emailing Jana at development@atcf.org. To learn more about Austin Tan Cerca de la Frontera, go to atcf.org.

Jim Hightower is an American syndicated columnist, Texan, progressive^[1][2] political activist, inspiring fun speaker, and author. He publishes a monthly newsletter that is notable for its in-depth investigative reporting, The Hightower Lowdown.

Dear DRUUMM Community, In these challenging times, our hearts are heavy as we witness the continued violence in Palestinian Gaza and Israel. We are in solidarity with all those affected by this conflict, and we especially hold our Muslim and Jewish members of color in our thoughts and prayers. We deeply appreciate the wisdom and guidance shared by our UUA President, Rev. Sofía Betancourt, who reminds us of the importance of engaging with the complexities of this issue while condemning violence against civilians. As Unitarian Universalists, we are committed to the principles of peace, liberty, justice and nurturing Beloved Community, and we recognize the long history that has shaped this devastating conflict. It is essential that we, as a community, acknowledge the pain and trauma experienced by our members who are directly impacted by this ongoing crisis. We recognize the emotional toll that these events can have on individuals and families. We want to assure you that we are here for you, and our chaplains are available to provide support and a listening ear to anyone who needs it. May we center our humanity in this terrible period, upholding actions that protect life and our commitments to human rights. We encourage critical, open and respectful dialogue within our community. Together, we can strive for understanding and seek peaceful solutions that uphold the dignity and human rights of all. As we struggle with the unbearable pain and uncertainty, may we come together in compassion, solidarity, justice, and love. Let us be the balm that we ourselves need, and that this world needs. Together, we will find our way towards repair, transformation, and ultimately, towards peace. May it be so. In love and solidarity, DRUUMM Steering Committee

Statement from the UUA President Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt Regarding the Conflict Between Israel and Hamas

DRUUMM Pastoral Care Request

Saturday, October 21, from Noon – 10:00 p.m.
Vesper Church, 3106 E 14 ½ Street, Austin, TX 78702

Inside Books Project celebrates 25 years with a big party!

After a brief respite while the Texas state prisons were in lockdown, Inside Books Project is again sending free books to Texas prisoners like we have for the past 25 years. To celebrate this milestone, Inside Books is holding a party and would love for all our friends and friends of friends from First UU to come.

The party will feature local music, food, beverages and raffle items from:

• Magnolia Café
• Bouldin Creek Café
• Capriotti’s Subs
• VIA 313
• Sunday brunch for 2 at Moonshine
• Black Swan Yoga
• Manis Massage
• Whole Foods
• Esters Follies
• Half Price Books 
• Kick Butt Coffee
• Tai Chi
• Lazarus Brewing and many others!

Unique and inspiring inmate art will be available to enjoy and purchase. There will also be books to browse and books to buy.

The Ministerial Search Committee is pleased to announce our work is complete, and we’re asking the First UU congregation to call Rev. Chris Jimmerson as our settled minister.

We’re grateful to congregants who shared your thoughts with us on a written survey, and to congregants who attended a variety of Search Party meetings and Focus Group meetings. We heard you and appreciated you sharing the qualities and functions you want in ministry. Next, the seven of us worked together to discern your feedback. We also studied Rev. Chris’ ministerial record, references and other information, and we interviewed him. Thus, we see Rev. Chris has much to offer this congregation to meet what you’ve said you want in ministry.

We see that Rev. Chris is not only a good match, he’s a great match. Next week, we’ll work with him to create a calendar of events for you to learn more about his expertise through one-on-one meetings. There will be a candidating week to provide additional opportunities for you to get to know Rev. Chris better both individually and in groups during the week before you have an opportunity to vote.

Please join us in celebrating this important milestone in the life of the church we love so much.

Your Ministerial Search Committee

Susan Thomson, chair, Carolyn Gremminger, Tomas Medina, Peggy Morton, Celeste Padilla, Tom Shindell, Bis Thornton

Sunday, October 29, 2023, 1 pm   

In-person in the Sanctuary and Online

Purpose of the Meeting. The Ministerial Search Committee has completed its discernment process and has recommended that the congregation call the Rev. Chris Jimmerson as its Settled Minister. This is your official notice of a Congregational Meeting to determine whether the congregation affirms this recommendation.  
 

Ballot Language. “Do you affirm the Ministerial Search Committee’s recommendation to call Rev. Chris Jimmerson to be Settled Minister for First UU Church of Austin? 

___ Yes ___ No” 
 

Place and Time. Votes may be cast in-person in the Sanctuary or online. You must be present (online or in-person) to vote. The meeting will begin at 1 pm and the voting will begin shortly thereafter. Please use this Zoom link, passcode is 512452.
 

Eligibility to Vote. Only eligible members may vote. Please double-check in advance to ensure that your name is correctly listed on the Eligible Voters list. View the list of eligible voters.  If you have any questions about voter eligibility, including if you feel that you were mistakenly not listed on the list of eligible voters, please contact Shannon Posern at shannon.posern@austinuu.org. 

The church bylaws specify eligible voters as: “Individuals who have been members of the church for 30 days or more and who have (as an individual or part of a family unit) made a recorded financial contribution during the last 12 months and at least 30 days prior to the meeting, have the right to vote at all official church meetings.” 
 

Voting Process. A quorum of eligible members must be present for a vote to be taken. This meeting will use a confidential voting process that is different from the voice votes used in other congregational meetings. It is the process recommended by the UUA for hybrid meetings. Details on this process will be available in advance of this meeting.  
 

Voting Procedures.  

In-person. Persons voting in-person may begin checking in outside the Sanctuary at 12:30 pm. You will be given your ballot at that time. Please enter the Sanctuary immediately after receiving your ballot and plan to remain there until you have cast your vote. This helps protect the integrity of the voting process. 

Online. Members not in the sanctuary may vote by Zoom. You may begin checking in online at 12:30 pm. If you are in a household with multiple voting members, please sign in on separate devices, if possible. This will make voting easier. If you are unable to sign in from two devices, the person monitoring the Zoom link will provide instructions about how to cast your vote. 
 

Results. The results will be tabulated when the voting is complete and will be announced that afternoon.   
 

Materials: 

• Meeting Agenda – https://austinuu.org/wp2013/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Agenda-10-29-2023.pdf
• Ballot Language  – https://austinuu.org/wp2013/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Ballot-Language-102902023.pdf
• Covenant of Healthy Relations – https://austinuu.org/wp2013/governance/covenant-of-healthy-relations/
• Rules of Procedure  – https://austinuu.org/wp2013/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Rules-of-Procedure-for-October-29-2023-Meeting.pdf
• Section XI of the Bylaws  – https://austinuu.org/wp2013/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Section-XI-of-the-Bylaws.pdf
• Meaning of the Vote document  – https://austinuu.org/wp2013/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/The-Meaning-of-the-Vote.pdf

The Ministerial Search Committee that you elected is pleased to announce our work is complete, and we’re asking the First UU congregation to call Rev. Chris Jimmerson as our settled minister.

We’re grateful to congregants who shared your thoughts with us on a written survey, and to congregants who attended a variety of Search Party meetings and Focus Group meetings. We heard you and appreciated you sharing the qualities and functions you want in ministry. Next, the seven of us worked together to discern your feedback. We also studied Rev. Chris’ ministerial record, references and other information, and we interviewed him. Thus, we see Rev. Chris has much to offer this congregation to meet what you’ve said you want in ministry.

We see that Rev. Chris is not only a good match, he’s a great match. Next week, we’ll work with him to create a calendar of events for you to learn more about his expertise through one-on-one meetings. There will be a candidating week to provide additional opportunities for you to get to know Rev. Chris better both individually and in groups during the week before you have an opportunity to vote.

Please join us in celebrating this important milestone in the life of the church we love so much.

Your Ministerial Search Committee

Susan Thomson, chair, Carolyn Gremminger, Tomas Medina, Peggy Morton, Celeste Padilla, Tom Shindell, Bis Thornton

• whether the Search Process was comprehensive, inclusive, collaborative and transparent,
• whether the congregation was heard and represented accurately by the Search Committee,
• whether the Search Committee sees the qualities and gifts of the candidate are a good match for the congregation’s needs,
• whether the congregation is willing to move into a shared ministry partnership with the candidate, and
• whether this candidate is best for the whole congregation.

• what is best for a particular individual within the congregation,
• whether individuals think they would have chosen the candidate who was identified by the search committee on their own, given what they know about the congregation,
• whether individuals think that every sermon the candidate preaches will or will not speak to the hearts and minds of every single member every single time, whether there might be a better match out there somewhere, or whether the candidate is the perfect minister.

On Sunday, October 29, the congregation of First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin will be voting “to affirm the Ministerial Search Committee’s recommendation to call the Rev. Chris Jimmerson as a Settled Minister.” Voting to call a settled minister is one of the most important votes you will cast as a member of this congregation. This is a unique type of vote – it is not the same as an election. You are not being asked to elect Rev. Chris. Instead, you are voting on the following issues:

• whether the Search Process was comprehensive, inclusive, collaborative and transparent,
• whether the congregation was heard and represented accurately by the Search Committee,
• whether the Search Committee sees the qualities and gifts of the candidate are a good match for the congregation’s needs,
• whether the congregation is willing to move into a shared ministry partnership with the candidate, and whether this candidate is best for the whole congregation.

You are NOT voting on:

• what is best for a particular individual within the congregation,
• whether individuals think they would have chosen the candidate who was identified by the search committee on their own, given what they know about the
  congregation,
• whether individuals think that every sermon the candidate preaches will or will not speak to the hearts and minds of every single member every single time,
• whether there might be a better match out there somewhere, or
• whether the candidate is the perfect minister.

In summary, this vote is not like a political election or popularity contest. Rather, it is the culmination of a process that identifies the church’s needs and asks whether the person we are considering, in this case Rev. Chris, has the qualities and gifts that are a good match for what the congregation needs.

Members of the Board will be available Sundays after each service to answer your questions about this or any other aspect of the Ministerial Transition.

Gretchen Riehl, Board President

Our Inside Books Project wants you to know 2 important things: 

 Who’s Stepping Up to Address the Climate Crisis? 

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