- Pastoral Letter
- Children’s Ministry Reminder
- Baptism Announcement
- Advent Giving Campaign
- Give Me A Word Class
- Centenary College Choir Performance
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- January Sermon Series
- Final Generosity Campaign
- Kids Hope News
- Family Ministries Field Trip to Global Wildlife
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Beloved,
In these days just after Christmas, I send you grace and peace in the name of Jesus—the Word made flesh, the Light who has come near and remains with us. As the celebration settles and we begin to look toward a new year, I find myself holding the whole of this past year with you. 2025 has carried both gifts and challenges—moments of deep joy and seasons that required real endurance. There were times of celebration and times when simply showing up took courage. And yet, here we are, still gathered by the light of Christ, reminded that God so often does holy, wondrous work in ordinary places, through ordinary people, in the midst of a world still becoming.
Today, I want to say a heartfelt thank you.
Thank you for your faithfulness—the quiet prayers, the steady presence, the generous hearts, the willingness to love even when life is complicated. I am especially grateful for our volunteers, whose hands and hearts make our ministry a blessing to so many. Whether you taught or served, cleaned or cooked, visited or called, prayed or planned, set up or stayed late, offered hospitality, led with care, or simply noticed someone who needed to be seen—you have helped this community embody the love of Christ. You are part of how God has been at work among us this year.
The Christmas story reminds us that God does not ask us to save the world. God gives us a Savior—and then invites us to live as people who trust that love is stronger than darkness.
As we move through these quieter days between Christmas and the New Year, I also want to offer you an invitation that is every bit as holy as service: rest. Breathe. Let your shoulders drop. Receive the gift of Christ’s presence without rushing past it. If you are weary, may this season be gentle with you. If you are grieving, know that the Child of Bethlehem is no stranger to fragile beginnings. If you are grateful, may your gratitude become a soft place to land.
Looking ahead, I believe God is already preparing new wonders among us. In 2026, may we be a people who watch for God’s light, follow where it leads, and love with renewed courage. There is more mercy to be poured out, more healing to be offered, more neighbors to bless, more disciples to form, and more joy to grow in our life together.
One way we will begin the year intentionally is with Epiphany Sunday, January 4, when each of us will be invited to choose a “star” word—a word of prayer and intention for the year ahead, like a guiding light helping us pay attention to God’s invitations. I hope you will come, bring your family, and step into the new year with your church community—open-hearted, expectant, and ready.
Beloved, thank you for being part of this faith family. Thank you for the ways you have loved, served, and stayed. May you know the nearness of Christ in this Christmas season, the deep rest of God’s peace, and the steady hope of God’s promises. From the heart of my family to yours, wishing you a blessed close to the year and a happy, safe New Year.
Warmly,
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Senior Pastor,
University United Methodist Church
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Children’s Ministry Reminder
Children’s Sunday school and choir will begin for 2026 starting NEXT Sunday, January 11. This means that on THIS Sunday, January 4, there will be no Sunday school, but nursery will still be provided.
Enjoy the rest of your holiday break. Looking forward to serving all of our kids in the new year!
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Baptism Announcement
Join us on January 4 at 8:30 a.m. service as we celebrate the baptism of Ella Frances Faerber, daughter of Woodson and Kelly Faerber. Baptism is a joyful moment in the life of the church, and we invite you to be present as we give thanks for God’s grace and welcome Ella into the family of faith.
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Advent Giving Campaign
This year's Advent Giving Campaign was a huge success and served as a blessing to hundreds of men, women, and children in our community who live in need.
The HOPE Ministries Toy Drive collected around $6,000 in funds and toys which provided gift certificates and toys to more than 300 deserving children and youth, making Christmas brighter for them and for their families.
Our food drive for the HOPE Ministries Client Choice Food Bank was also a huge success. UUMC was able to deliver two packed carloads of groceries, along with a check for $1,000 for the purchase of additional food items. The food came at a great time because of the tremendous needs felt by their clients during the holidays and school break.
IRIS Domestic Violence Center received a vanload of baby diapers and wipes. The center was thrilled to receive these much-needed items, along with a check for $570.
Socks collected for the One Stop Center were delivered this Monday, along with a check for $670. At the time the socks and check were delivered, folks were pouring into the center, seeking shelter from the cold and wind. Although One Stop does not provide overnight shelter, we were told that folks spending the day there would be provided night shelter across the street at St. Vincent de Paul's on Monday and Tuesday nights. Our city is blessed to have both of these vital outreach programs.
Thanks to all of you for your generosity toward the people of this community who need food, shelter, warmth, and the knowledge that there are those in our city that care about them!
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Give Me a Word Class
Join us in January as we read Give Me a Word by Christine Paintner. In this class, our practice will be to choose a word in January to savor throughout the year. Paintner’s book offers 30 days of short readings to help us discern what that word might be for 2026.Whether you have already chosen a word or are new to this practice, you are invited to join us in this creative way of beginning a new season.
The in-person group will meet at University UMC in Baton Rouge on Mondays from noon to 1:00 p.m. CST, January 5–February 2. A Zoom group will meet on Tuesdays from noon to 1:00 p.m. CST, January 6–February 3. The book is available on Amazon and through other book retailers
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Centenary College Choir Performance
Dr. Dave Hobson and the Centenary College Choir will be performing a concert at University UMC on January 11, 2026 at 4 p.m. in our sanctuary. This will be a wonderful opportunity for to gather and enjoy the gift of music together. Join us for this exciting event! Any questions or need for further details, please contact the church office at info@universitymethodist.org.
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January Sermon Series
Life constantly tells us to be more—more polished, more productive, more in control. But what if God is already at work right in the middle of our unfinished, imperfect lives? In this four-week series called "New Mercies," we’ll explore what it means to live with courage, compassion, and connection, drawing on insights and the wisdom of Scripture.
Together we’ll learn to let go of perfectionism, shame, and the fear of “not enough,” so we can receive the grace to grow, tell the truth about our struggles, and show up more fully for God, ourselves, and one another.
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Final Generosity Campaign Totals
After Commitment Sunday, we are grateful to share our latest stewardship numbers:
- 118 households have pledged for the 2026 ministry year.
- $706,745.00 has been pledged to support the mission and ministry of University UMC.
- 63 households increased their pledge this year.
- 14 new households have made a first-time pledge.
- We are $43,060 / $45,0000 of our matching goal for first time pledgers! Bringing our total to 749,805.00.
We continue to receive pledge cards, and every commitment strengthens our ministry for the year ahead. Thank you for your generosity and ongoing support.
All donations for 2025 must be physically received in the church office by Tuesday, December 30 to be included on your 2025 tax statement.
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Kids Hope News
Thank you, UUMC, for a fabulous 2025 at our partner school! Our mentoring pairs, book clubs, garden team, and teacher encouragers all flourished thanks to the many faithful volunteers and to those of you who support us through donations and keep us lifted in prayer.
Here’s to making 2026 even more impactful! Please reach out if you’d like to join this life-changing program in the new year. We’d love to have you!
Shirley Flake
Kids Hope Director
shirley@universitymethodist.org
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Family Ministries Field Trip to Global Wildlife
Join us for a fun Family Ministries field trip to Global Wildlife on Sunday, January 25, at 2:00 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon together exploring the park and spending time with other families.
Registration is available through Planning Center. Please register as soon as possible so we can get an accurate headcount!
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Church Directory
Church members who we have record of attendance in the last year have been invited to the church directory. If you haven't received your invitation, use the link below to access your profile. If the link does not work for you or if you have any questions, please email Rev. Mary Rachel at revmaryrachel@universitymethodist.org. If you haven't already, we'd love for you to upload a photo of yourself and your family to the directory. Pictures help us to learn each other's names and remember each other's names.
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The memorial service for Carolyn Hargrave will be on January 5 at University United Methodist Church with a visitation at 10:00 a.m., service at 11:00 a.m., and a reception following.
The memorial service for Bill Hamilton will be on January 10 at University United Methodist Church with a visitation at 10:00 a.m., service at 11:00 a.m., and a reception following.
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Pat Ketelsen, Alison McCrary, the family of Carolyn Hargrave, Mary Juneau, Beth Courtney, Charlotte Love, Darby Ralls, Ellen Wiemers, Garrett Ward, Gregg Jones, Janet Grace, Jessica Roux’s Ukrainian Host Family, Kristine Hawkins, family of Liz Savoie Chandler, Lupi Sucre, Maria and Oswaldo Linares, Mindy Piontek, Penny Delaney, Rev. Linda Joseph, Robert Blackledge, Susan Horton, Susan Pourciau, the Family of Arnold Jackson, Trey Bickham, Lou Bickham, Wesley Foundation Leadership, Melanie Brooke Civils, and all of those in our congregation who are in nursing homes or homebound.
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