San Marcos Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

August 19, 2018 "What's So Radical About Hospitality and Inclusion?" Rev. Marisol Caballero

Description:"Radical" hospitality and "radical" inclusion are often-heard buzzwords in liberal religious circles and even the annual utopian experiment that is Burning Man. Where did this concept come from? What are the socio-religious origins of hospitality and inclusion? What makes practicing either more radical than the run-of-the-mill, old-fashioned hospitality and inclusion? What are the theological implications for UUs of such terms and practices? Rev. Marisol Caballero is a Tejana ...

August 12, 2018 "Hurry Up and Wait" Minister Krista Weber Huang

Sometimes life comes in fits and spurts. We’ve worked and pushed and focused nearly to the point of exhaustion and then suddenly we’re left waiting, feeling like nothing is happening. But is waiting really that passive? Let’s explore together this Sunday how we can make the most of this often frustrating rhythm of life as our new minister, Krista Weber Huang, introduces herself before going on maternity leave.  Krista Weber Huang is our new minister! She'll be with us for the month of Aug...

August 5, 2018 “Caring About Truth: Part II” Rev. Karl Brown

In 2007 I gave a sermon for SMUUF, “Caring About Truth,” that countered the notion that people in power had the right to decide what the facts are, such as the existence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq We are now dealing with a President, Political Party, and fanbase that seem to care little about whether a statement is true or false and more about whether it is effective. Spinoza believed that most people cannot help but love truth. What does it mean, concretely and as a practical ma...

July 29, 2018 "Desperate Love" Rev. Valda Jean Combs

What kind of love would it take to give up everything you hold dear, leaving home and the comfort of the familiar to walk with both terror and temerity into the great unknown?

July 22, 2018 "When All Else Fails, Retreat!" Rev. Betty Skwarek

If you are in a war, retreat means you are losing and need to back up. If you are at peace, retreat means going to a place of rest and rejuvenation. Such a difference! When we are overwhelmed by all that goes on around us, how do we find that place of peace that allows us to regroup for a better day. Rev. Betty Skwarek is a Community Minister affiliated with Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church in Cedar Park, Texas. Her work includes building an online ministry for underserved liberal in...

July 15, 2018 "Which Is Worst?" Rev. Marisol Caballero

San Marcos Unitarian Universalist Fellowship July 15, 2018 A favorite comedy podcast of mine, Unhappy Hour, has a segment called, “Which is Worst.” (Poor grammar intended.) It’s a silly version of the game, “Would You Rather?,” yet from today’s headlines of national and global evils, I increasingly find myself wondering if we aren’t presented each day with a menu of: bad, worse, worst. Is it possible to have a faith-filled response without ruining our health, hardening our hearts, and aban...

 July 8, 2018 "Interdependence Day: Patriotism for Religious Liberals" Steve Brooks

For many, July 4 is a day for brass bands and bombs symbolically bursting in air. For others, grown up in the shadows from Vietnam to Iraq, it’s hard to embrace a rah-rah patriotism. What’s a patriotism for religious liberals, which holds America to her dreams without looking away from her nightmares? When religious and political fundamentalisms try to hijack America’s symbols, from Old Glory to the Constitution, how do we recapture the flag? Steve Brooks, professional singer/songwriter a...

July 1, 2018 "Church as Search for Harmony" Rev. Art Severance

Church, and religion I will argue, could be about a search for meaning, compassion, love and ultimately for a harmony of all humankind with one another and the idea of the Holy, however we define, think, or talk about it. Eastern religion, especially, speaks of it as crucial to a balance of life and certainly we seek it in music! I will explain why a 12 string guitar as more harmony than a 6 string. Rev. Art Severance, formerly minister of First UU Church in San Antonio, has also served U...

June 17, 2018 "A Complex Fathers Day" Krista Weber Huang

Join Krista Weber Huang as we both celebrate Father's Day and remember the tragedy of the mass shooting at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC three years ago. We'll explore together the emotional and complex intersectionality of gender, race, culture, and genes in the nurture vs nature debate and how our UU faith call us to respond with open minds and open hearts. Krista Weber Huang is UU Candidate for Ministry who graduated from Meadville Lombard in 2016 and completed a year long C...

April 8, 2018 "Whom You Would Change, First You Must Love..." Rev. Dr. Christine Tata

If we are dedicated to positive social change, and if we are also dedicated to freedoms of speech and thought, this directive is a provoking and difficult challenge: Whom you would change, you must first love. How do we love those who seem only to hate? And even if we do love them, how does that allow us to change their minds or their behavior? Let’s follow the prophetic voice of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the pastoral example of Dr. Viktor Frankl, and look together at the role of radi...

April 1, 2018 "Flower Power" Rev. Betty Skwarek

What do the flowers say?  Ninety-five years have passed since the Reverend Norbert Capek introduced the Flower Communion to his Unitarian congregation in Prague, Czechoslovakia. Much has changed since then, but the Flower Communion continues. What started as a simple exchange of flowers has become a favorite celebration for Unitarian Universalists everywhere.  Why has this ceremony thrived?  What does it offer us today? Rev. Betty is the affiliated Community Minister at Live Oak Unitaria...

February 11, 2018 - "What It Takes To Soar" Rev. Pamela Wat

What is beyond the status quo or business-as-usual? What awesome possibilities can we imagine for ourselves, our community, and the world? Rev. Pamela Wat has served as the minister at Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship since 2010. She has a B.F.A. in Related Arts with a concentration in Dance from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania, an M.A. in Creative Arts/Interdisciplinary Arts from San Francisco State University and a Master of Divinity from San Francisco Theological Seminary. ...

February 4, 2018 - "And Let It Begin With Me" Amy DuBose

Everyone says, "but I'm only one person." Now, more than ever, this myth needs to be debunked. Together, we will explore how we can build a more peaceful and united world. It all begins with one. Amy DuBose has been a member of SMUUF since November of 2012. She has guest ministered at SMUUF before, as well as Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church in Cedar Park. In January of 2017, Amy moved to Bryan when she secured a new job there.  Professionally, Amy works for the Bryan-College Statio...

January 7, 2018 - "Carpe Diem Mañana" Rev. Art Severance

Carpe Diem sounds fine for the Type A personality, the minister or corporate giant as CEO, and him or her of the clean desk. But for us, deep down here in the heart of Texas, should we choose mañana and the desk of the creative mind as we look toward 2018? Rev. Art Severance, formerly minister of First UU Church in San Antonio, has also served UU congregations in Kirkland, OH, Boulder, CO; Stockton, CA; and Amherst, NY. After his recent retirement, he and his wife moved back to San Antonio...

December 24, 2017 - "An Unapologetic Merry Christmas!" Rev. Phil Mason

Might there be a way for everyone to embrace the spirit of love? The Rev. Phil C. Mason is a native of Austin, Texas and a graduate of The Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest in the class of 1996. He was ordained in the Diocese of Colorado and served there as priest and rector for 13 years. On retirement in 2009 he and his wife Susan moved back to Texas and built a home near San Marcos and Wimberley. Since returning “home” Rev. Mason has served as Interim Rector at Grace Episco...

December 17, 2017 "Each night a child is born is a holy night"

The children of SMUUF design and deliver their own complete service, complete with a dedication of three children (with a little help from DRE Laura Haygood and friends).

December 10, 2017 - Rev. Valda Jean Combs "Let Her Live"

"Let Her Live," based on Exodus 1 in the Hebrew Bible, where the midwives acted as revolutionaries to save the babies. The Rev. Valda Jean Combs is an ordained Baptist minister and pastor of Salem United Methodist Church in Tomball, Texas. Her activism in the wake of the deaths of African-Americans at the hands of police; on behalf of reproductive justice for women and responsible sex education, and as an ally for LGBTQ people is proof of a wide-ranging appreciation for the dignity of ever...

December 3, 2017 - Rev. Michael Nelson Miller "To Pluck Up and Pull Down"

Based upon an obscure passage from the Book of Jeremiah in the Hebrew Bible, our sermon is essentially inspired by the proposed "border wall," and is about all of the border walls in our lives. Rev. Michael Nelson Miller presently teaches Mexican Cultural History in the Honors College at Texas State and serves as the pastor at La Iglesia Presbiteriana Mexicana San Marcos, generally called Memorial Presbyterian. Mike was the campus pastor at Texas State for eight years and before that w...

November 26, 2017 - Lee Legault, UU Seminary Student "Friendly Silence"

What can the Religious Society of Friends teach us about a beloved community of blessed silence and mysticism at its most unassuming? What can we learn about ourselves when we listen for the spark of the Divine within each of us? We will explore the Quaker faith and experience an abbreviated Quaker listening service. Come and reconnect with the still, small voice within. Lee Legault practiced law for fifteen years in the areas of civil litigation and appeals before realizing she was called...

November 19, 2017 - Rev. Marisol Caballero "Running Through Red Lights In Hell"

Winston Churchill is fabled to have said, "If you're going through Hell, keep going." Where do we find what keeps us going through difficult times? How do we know when to "keep going" and when to pause? Rev. Marisol Caballero is a Tejana from Austin, lifelong Unitarian Universalist, and a graduate of Union Theological Seminary. She currently serves the Unitarian Universalist Association's Faith Development Office as Faith Innovation Specialist. Within UU circles, Marisol serves on the Dive...

October 1, 2017 "Who Am I?" Rev. Christian Schmidt, UU Church of Berkeley, CA

Our identities, complex and multi-faceted, affect the way we see the world, how we are treated, and what matters most to us. The first step to forming deep, meaningful, diverse religious community is owning our own personal identities and acknowledging what that means for us, then beginning to understand others' identities. Rev. Schmidt is a native Texan who was born and raised in Austin, lived in Houston and College Station, and attended Austin Presbyterian Seminary before moving east to ...

September 24, 2017 "Singing For Our Lives" Erin J. Walter, UU Community Minister

”Singing for Our Lives” - Drawing upon both UU hymns and the powerful music of the Zomba Prison Project, minister and musician Erin J. Walter will explore the ways music can deepen our understanding of our first principle of Unitarian Universalism, the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Erin J. Walter is the Affiliated Community Minister of Wildflower (UU) Church in South Austin, to be co-ordained there by First UU Austin and Wildflower on Oct. 27, 2017. Erin's calling is rooted i...

September 17, 2017 “We Forgive Ourselves and Each Other: What We Can Learn from the Jewish High Holy Days”

August 20, 2017 “A Joyful Noise” Don Hymel (read by Kathy Feinstein)

If we agree there is music that is appropriate for playing in church, just what kind of music is that? This particular church service will include music by the Beatles, Jackie DeShannon, the Romantics, and others. “The Tim and Bob Show”, made up of Kathy & Steve Feinstein and Mary Lou & Don Hymel, is an award-winning Classic Rock cover band from San Antonio who have been making music together for many years, including at Unitarian Universalist churches. SMUUF folks who attended the WUUHOOs...

August 13, 2017 "Who Are We?" Rev. Betty Skwarek

Parker Palmer in his book "Let Your Life Speak" writes about living the undivided life. His spiritual discipline is Quaker, but his writings and teachings speak volumes far beyond his chosen faith. He tells about his search for a vocation, for his life’s purpose and the joy that brings. Buddhist teachings offer a similar message and a practice that offers personal peace and deep happiness in our daily lives. But in this world filled with distractions and demands, how is it possible to live t...

August 6, 2017 - Reflections from General Assembly “We, the Member Congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association...”

“We, the Member Congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association…” Karen Muñoz, Jordan Buckley, Billy Stokes, and Rev. Scottie McIntyre Johnson share their experiences.  Unitarian Universalism is congregationally-based; we have been (at least on our Unitarian side) since our Puritan ancestors declared it to be so in 1648. Each individual church governs itself, ordains and calls its own ministers, and completely supports itself. And, yet, also since 1648, our individual, autonomous...

July 30, 2017 "Pines, Ashes, Seedlings and Cypress, Gravel, Grasses" Rev. Nell Newton

It’s easy to be dazzled by beauty of nature and when we wander into religious naturalism we are apt to spend more time admiring its prettier parts. Our 7th principle asks us to hold “respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.” But that web has some dark strands and complex connections that elude our understanding. In this sermon we’ll take a walk through the burned out forests of Bastrop and the scoured banks of the Blanco River to consider the implications o...

July 23, 2017 "Big Changes Mean Big Pains" Rev. Phil Mason

The Rev. Phil C. Mason is a native of Austin, Texas and a graduate of The Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest in the class of 1996. He was ordained in the Diocese of Colorado and served there as priest and rector for 13 years. On retirement in 2009 he and his wife Susan moved back to Texas and built a home near San Marcos and Wimberley. Since returning “home” Rev. Mason has served as Interim Rector at Grace Episcopal Church, Llano, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in San Antonio and...

July 16, 2017 "In This Refulgent Summer" - Rev. Scottie McIntyre Johnson

Our 19th century Unitarian ancestor, Ralph Waldo Emerson, opened a famous speech at  Harvard Divinity School on July 15, 1838 with those words. Emerson’s address harshly criticized and profoundly altered the nature and character of the Unitarianism of his day. Is the Unitarian Universalism of the 21st century in need of a similar change of course? In our own "refulgent summer", let us consider what we might learn from "Waldo", as Emerson's friends called him. (P.S. "Refulgent" is a wonderful...

July 9, 2017 "Toward a More Perfect Union: Liberal vs Conservative Brains" Rev. Karl Brown

Recent research indicates that differences in our society on issues such as global warming, defense spending, immigration, and gay rights is, to some extent, deeply rooted in neurobiological differences, particularly in regard to the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. If the brains of liberals and conservatives tend to function differently, is there a path toward reconciliation? What are some of the ways pointing towarda more perfect union? Are there ancient mythologies of war and peace...

July 2, 2017 “Toward a True Patriotism” Rev. Scottie McIntyre Johnson

Liberals and progressives have always been justifiably wary of an uncritical “my country right or wrong” kind of patriotism. But, could it be that our reluctance to “wave the flag” has actually contributed to the rise of the radical right? During these unsettled and unsettling times, it is more important than ever for every citizen of our nation to engage in a true form of patriotism that works for a country “with liberty and justice for all”. Two days before Independence Day, come to church...

June 25, 2017 “The Nature and Character of a Sacred Text” - Pastor Jaime Bouzard

Most religious traditions have sacred texts or stories, ones held in reverence and transmitted through generations as normative for a tradition's life.  The Torah holds that place in Judaism, the New Testament for Christians, the Vedas for Hinduism and so on.  What makes a text sacred? Why are some sacred and others not?  What texts are sacred in your own life?  These are the questions we explore in this Sunday's sermon.

June 18, 2017 "To Realize We Are Free: A Commemoration of Juneteenth" Rev. Scottie McIntyre Johnson

"To Realize We Are Free: A Commemoration of Juneteenth" Although Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Sept. 22, 1862 and Lee surrendered to Grant on April 9, 1865, it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that word reached any of the more than estimated 250,000 slaves in Texas that they had been freed. Today, Juneteenth is a holiday, which celebrates the accomplishments, contributions, and unquenchable spirit of African Americans to our nation. What lessons might all of us learn from this...

June 11, 2017 “Seeing God in a Wild Old Dog: Toward an Uncertain Reverence” Andy Gerhart

San Marcos Unitarian Universalist Fellowship June 11, 2017 What is it like for a mystical agnostic Unitarian Universalist to attend a Presbyterian seminary?  Come hear how Austin/Nashville singer songwriter, Patty Griffin, inspires an uncertain reverence as Andy Gerhart, UU seminarian at Austin Presbyterian Theological Sschool, preaches about “unboxing God.”

June 4, 2017 "It's Flower Communion All Over the World!" Rev. Scottie McIntyre Johnson

San Marcos Unitarian Universalist Fellowship June 4, 2017. Unitarian Universalist "Flower Communion" is a beloved annual tradition in ours and most other UU congregations. This year it is extra-special, as we join with UU churches all over the world to celebrate the 95th anniversary of the first Flower Communion held in Prague, Czechoslovakia, on June 4, 1922. Everyone - whether you’re a child or an adult - is invited to bring a flower of your own choosing to church on June 4 to add to our c...

May 28, 2017 “The Eight Worldly Concerns of Buddhism” Mary K. Isaacs

"May we not be oppressed by the eight worldly concerns," says the Buddhist blessing. What is it talking about?? The Eight Worldly Concerns are central to Buddhist philosophy, and pertain to our reactions to praise and blame, pleasure and pain, material gain and loss, and fame and disgrace--in other words, the business of living. We spend most of our time dealing with one or another of these emotional forces, and how we do it can build our spiritual strength or tear us apart. The teaching is ...

May 21, 2017 “Radical Hospitality: It’s Not Just about the Cookies” Rev. Scottie McIntyre Johnson

Before worship this Sunday, the wonderful Hospitality Teams who provide refreshments and clean-up for our Social Hours after Worship each week will meet. They deserve our heart-felt appreciation because food lovingly offered is a very important way to show hospitality. But it’s not all there is to it!  What would it look like to show truly radical hospitality to guests who enter our doors – and to each other?

May 14, 2017 "We Are All Mothers" Rev. Scottie McIntyre Johnson

Mother's Day Service - People’s emotions on Mother’s Day are all over the map - from the sticky sweet sentimental to extreme sadness to anger. No matter what our relationships were or are with our own mothers or our own children, it’s important to acknowledge that we all owe something to those who mothered us, and we can all - no matter our gender - mother someone else. 

May 7, 2017 “What Gifts Can We Bring?” Rev. Scottie McIntyre Johnson

On this day when we celebrate the official end of our Stewardship Campaign (although financial stewardship is, of course, on-going), let us consider the many gifts needed to build the Beloved Community we call the San Marcos Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. We’re all in this together, friends!

April 30, 2017 “What Kind Of Character Are You?” - Rev. Peter E. Bauer

April 16, 2017 “An Easter Sunday Alleluia!” Rev. Scottie McIntyre Johnson

Unitarian Universalists  often have a hard time with Easter. What meaning can this season possibly have for someone who does not take the biblical account of Jesus’ resurrection literally? Let’s ponder this question together on Easter Sunday morning.

SMUUF Stewardship Testimonial - Teresa Smetzer - April 9, 2017

"Side By Side" Rev. Scottie McIntyre Johnson

In our way of “doing church”, equal power and equal responsibility is vested in both the clergy and lay leadership. The minister can’t do it without you, and, although you can do it without the minister, I’d like to think you couldn’t do it quite as well. We’re all in this together, folks, and together, there’s no limit to what we can do!

SMUUF Stewardship Testimonials - Rev. Scottie McIntyre Johnson - April 2, 2017

SMUUF Stewardship Testimonial March 26, 2017 - Marissa, Ben, David & Harrison Fehler

"The Goodwill Principle" Rev. Matthew Tittle

At times, we naturally find ourselves at odds with another person. What can we do to offer and assume goodwill in all of our relationships and encounters? Can we truly love both our neighbors and enemies as ourselves? Rev. Dr. Matt Tittle is a retired UU minister. He has served congregations in Illinois, Indiana, Houston, New Jersey, and New Zealand. He is also a retired naval officer and a university professor. He currently lives in Austin and teaches for Capella University.

SMUUF Stewardship Testimonial by Karen Muñoz March 19, 2017

"Fill Your Core, Strengthen Your Resolve" Rev. Chuck Freeman - March 19, 2017

Now is not a time to be screaming and shrieking our faith and moral values. This is a time to be grounded in the richness of our souls. Wise teachings like the Tao anchor us in the deep wells of unmovable dignity for all beings. How do we become spiritual activists personally and collectively that flow resolutely like a mighty river? Rev. Chuck Freeman has been in the ministry since 1977 serving Church of Christ and Unitarian Universalist congregations. He is the founding minister of the F...

SMUUF Stewardship Testimonial - Lee and Gary Bricker March 12, 2017

"Who Do You Think You Are?" Fr. Phil Mason - March 12, 2017

A frequent and popular guest in the SMUUF pulpit, the Rev. Phil Mason is a native of Austin and a 1996 graduate of The Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest. He was ordained in the Diocese of Colorado and served there as priest and rector for 13 years. In 2002-2003, Father Phil studied with the Interim Ministry Network of the Albin Institute and was certified by the IMN.