- Volunteers Needed
- January Sermon Series
- Jazz Service
- Give Me A Word Class
- The Rough & Tumble
- Kids Hope News
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- Mission Committee
- Family Ministries Field Trip to Global Wildlife
- LSU Student Lunch
- Youth Ministries
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WEATHER UPDATE
We are closely watching the weather as it develops for the weekend, and will make a determination by Friday at 5pm as to whether we will hold UUMC worship services or not on this Sunday, January 25th. Of course, our desire is to go on with scheduled services as planned, but in the event that snow accumulation and other hazardous conditions are guaranteed, we will close worship in-person and have abbreviated online options for worship that will be available for live streaming on our website and social media channels (Facebook and Youtube). We will also have materials sent out for youth and children so their formation for the week can continue at home.
Please pray for our community and our neighbor's safety as we anticipate this storm developing across our state.
-Rev. Katie McKay Simpson
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Dear Church Family,
I want to share an important staffing update with you.
Alaina Clemons has accepted a new position that is more closely aligned with her educational background, and as a result, she will be stepping down from her full-time role with the church. We are grateful that Alaina has offered to remain with us in a part-time capacity for a limited time to continue handling several critical tasks while we work through this transition.
The church is already moving diligently to fill this position; however, this staffing change will have a significant impact on the day-to-day operations of the church office until the role is fully filled. During this interim period, our ability to provide some services as quickly as we have in the past will be affected. Simply put, the same amount of work is now being done by one fewer person, and certain requests or responses may take longer than usual.
Pastor Katie and the Staff-Parish Relations Committee are asking for your support in three important ways:
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Volunteer, if you are able. We will need assistance in the church office, particularly with answering phones and being present to help as needs arise. If you are interested in assisting, please contact Emma Burke at emmaburke@gmail.com.
- Help us identify candidates. If you know someone who you believe would be a good fit for the role of Office Administrator, please encourage them to contact the church and apply.
- Extend patience and grace. This transition leaves a significant gap and will necessarily change how the church office functions in the short term.
Finally, I ask that you keep all of our church staff, clergy, and lay leaders in your prayers as we begin the process of finding the next person to support the administrative work that makes our ministries possible.
Thank you for your understanding, your willingness to help, and your continued faithfulness to the life of our church.
Grace and peace,
Robert Hoke
Chair, Staff-Parish Relations Committee
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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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Jazz Service
Join us on February 8 for a Jazz-themed service celebrating the spirit of Mardi Gras! Invite a friend and come worship with us while enjoying the beautiful, soulful sounds of Louisiana jazz woven throughout our service.
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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 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. CST, January 12 through February 2. A Zoom group will meet on Tuesdays from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. CST, January 13 through February 3. The book is available on Amazon and through other book retailers.
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The Rough & Tumble
Join us for an evening of music with The Rough & Tumble at University United Methodist Church on Sunday, January 25.
Doors open at 6 p.m. with the show beginning at 6:30 p.m. This hardscrabble folk/Americana duo, featuring Mallory Graham and Scott Tyler, delivers engaging performances with accordions, guitars, ukuleles, close harmonies, and unique percussion. Known for their stark honesty, compelling storytelling, and well-crafted melodies, The Rough & Tumble promise a one-of-a-kind concert experience, especially following their 2024 release Hymns For My Atheist Sister and Her Friends To Sing Along To.
A suggested donation of $20 per individual or $50 per family is appreciated, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. All are welcome to join us for this memorable evening of music and community.
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Kids Hope News
Garden Team, Mentors, and Book Club Leaders are back in action to the delight of the students and teachers! They bring so much joy to our partner school.
If you’d like to help us show the teachers a little love by signing up to drop off treats on a Friday this semester, please reach out.
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, February 22, at 2 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon together exploring the park and spending time with other families.
Please note: This event was originally scheduled for January 25 and has been moved to February 22 due to predicted weather.
Registration is available through Planning Center. Please register as soon as possible so we can get an accurate headcount!
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LSU Student Lunch
We invite all students to join us for our FREE LSU Lunch on Sunday, January 25, at 12 p.m. in our Library! Invite a friend who would enjoy a hot meal!
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From the Mission Committee:
As University UMC begins a new year, we look forward to once more serving our brothers and sisters within our community and those in need across the globe!
Please consider participating in our exciting and rewarding mission opportunities that are ongoing and make note of some fun and worthwhile events that are on the church calendar.
Rise Against Hunger
Saturday, March 21
Help us package 10,000 meals for people in need around the globe. Event is designed for volunteers of all ages--a perfect family mission project. Held in our Fellowship Hall. Time TBA.
Holy Grill
April 13-17; September 7-11 (Labor Day Week, likely won't serve on Monday)
A project of the Interfaith Federation of Baton Rouge, volunteers serve hot meals for guests five days a week. Meals served at noon at Cadillac Street BREC Park.
Churchwide Mission Lunch
Sunday, April 19
Immediately after the 11 a.m. service, plan to stay and enjoy lunch while assembling hygiene kits that will be sent to the Capital Area Alliance for the Homeless. The event will be held in the Fellowship Hall. Lunch and hygiene kit items will be provided.
Habitat for Humanity United Methodist Build
Typically held in September
Date and time TBA.
Advent Giving Campaign
Every Sunday in Advent, church members are invited to bring items or to make monetary donations that benefit local charities. Past campaigns have collected for HOPE Ministries (toys and food), IRIS Domestic Violence Center (diapers and wipes), and Capital Area Alliance for the Homeless (socks).
Ongoing:
Kids Hope at McKinley Elementary School
Work alongside young gardeners in our fabulous edible garden. Tuesdays from 8-9 a.m.
Mentor a 2nd Grader who would benefit from having a friend. Tuesdays from 12:45-1:30 p.m.
Lead a book club of about five fourth graders. Tuesdays from 2-2:45 p.m.
Drop off treats to teachers. Occasional Fridays.
Questions? Contact Shirley Flake, Kids Hope Director.
Front Yard Bikes
Assist with the FYB after school program held from 3-5 p.m. at the Carver Branch Library on Terrace Street. Includes reading, crafts, STEM enrichment, homework supervision, and more. Serving kids from elementary through high school grades.
Some gardening opportunities are available, and FYB is always grateful to receive donations of bikes.
Questions? Contact Tonya Eichelberger at (225) 454-0110.
HOPE Ministries Client Choice Food Pantry
Every third Wednesday from 8:30-11 a.m.
Volunteers stock shelves with donated food items and accompany clients throughout the pantry as they shop. Pantry located at 4643 Winbourne Avenue.
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Youth Ministries
Parent meetings will be held on Sunday, January 25, in the Youth Wing.
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Church Directory
Church members whom 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 Barbara Hughes will be on January 23 at University United Methodist Church with visitation at 10 a.m., the service at 11 a.m., and a reception following.
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Pat Ketelsen, the family of Barbara Hughes, Alison McCrary, 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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