Beloved, 

Thank you for your participation in our generosity campaign these past few weeks, whether you have engaged in person or online, you are a vital part of the potential success of this effort. If you did not pick up your Generosity Update booklet over the first two weeks in worship, the booklet was mailed to your homes early this week. In this booklet, you will find the final update on our UUMC Vision, a layout of current opportunities and challenges, and an outline of different ways to support our ministry, along with a pledge card. The digital version of the booklet can be found in the link below and is also posted on our website. Read the content, reflect and prepare for commitment Sunday, which is THIS SUNDAY, November 16 in both services!

One thing to note: Remember that over this past week, we have a group of committed members that, together, are starting a $45,000 dollar MATCH opportunity for those who will be pledging a financial gift to the church for the first time! This means that your dollars will be DOUBLED dollar-for-dollar with the commitment you make for the 2026 ministry year. Please pray about taking advantage of this rare and wonderful opportunity to support our future together. If you have any questions about the details of this match, please contact me at revkatie@universitymethodist.org.

Continue to pray for yourself and for your church as we move through this season together, dear friends. Today and always, I am so grateful for you! We look forward to seeing you Sunday.

With gratitude and hope,

Rev. Katie McKay Simpson

Senior Pastor,

University United Methodist Church

Charge Conference

Our congregation’s Charge Conference will be held this year as a Cluster Charge Conference, together with other United Methodist churches in the Southwest District. It will take place on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Wesley UMC, 544 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, beginning at 4 p.m. All church leaders and members of UUMC are welcome to attend for a time of worship, celebration, and church business.

Facility Management

Over the past five years, Facility Management has overseen and completed several major projects across church properties, continuing our commitment to ensuring that our spaces enhance the overall experience of our church community and its visitors through safety, functionality, and comfort.

Some of the most notable improvements include:

• Holmes Building cooling water tower – $40,000 (supports the HVAC system)
• Children’s Building new boiler and pumps – $30,000
• Fellowship Hall second-floor air handler rebuild – $30,000
• Trice Building first-floor new condenser – $20,000
• Kitchen A/C system (indoor and outdoor units) – $16,000
• Church office indoor air handler – $9,000
• Back parking lot resurfacing
• Property landscaping enhancements

In 2025, we have undertaken additional projects, including a new Trice Building second-floor boiler ($30,000), Chapel roof repairs ($13,400), Children’s Building roof repairs ($13,000), rear parking lot drainage improvements ($9,375), and Chapel Shop roof repairs ($2,550). Additionally, routine facility maintenance continues year-round, ensuring all church properties remain safe, comfortable, and well-maintained through regular inspections, repairs, and upkeep.

Kids Hope News

McKinley Elementary Principal, Dr. Veronica Sanders, gave us an inspirational reminder about being called to serve as active participants in our community. She thanked our volunteers for their listening ears and patient hearts. We are thankful for her outstanding leadership and warm receptiveness to our church/school partnership. Our mentoring, book clubs, and garden team all thrive because of her willingness to allow Kids Hope volunteers to connect with the children in meaningful ways.



Shirley Flake

Kids Hope Director

shirley@universitymethodist.org

UUMC Children's Choir

UUMC' s Children' s Choirs (the Asbury Choir and the Wesley Singers) performed during both services this past Sunday. They did a beautiful job and richly added to our worship experience!

We are looking forward to their next performance on Dec. 7 for their annual Christmas program, Radio J-O-Y! Where the Best Songs are Songs About Christmas, which will be held in the Fellowship Hall during Sunday school hour at 9:30 a.m.

Be sure to mark your calendar!

LSU Lunch

LSU students, join us for a FREE lunch after services on November 16! We'll gather at noon in the Library, and all LSU students are welcome. For more information, please contact Rev. Mary Rachel Moore at revmaryrachel@universitymethodist.org

Night Visions - Searching the Shadows of Advent and Christmas

Join us this Advent to mark the days of preparation by gathering in community. Together in this study, we will embark on a journey of theological discussion, personal reflection and, at times, engagement of creativity to help inhabit this season of preparation for Christ's coming into the world. Jan's original artwork, reflections, poetry, and prayers will accompany us from the beginning of Advent through Epiphany Day, inviting us to encounter the God who dwells in darkness as well as in daylight. Participants are encouraged to buy the book and follow along the daily reflections throughout the seasons of Advent and Christmas.

We will meet on Tuesday, December 2, 9, 16 and 23 from 12-1 p.m. in the Chapel. Use the link below to register for this in person Advent study.

It's Pecan Time!

It's our annual Bergeron Pecan Time! The UUMC Chapel Choir will be selling pecans as a service to our church members. We will be selling pieces and halves in 1 lb. bags ($9.00), 3 lb. boxes ($27.00), and 5 lb. boxes ($45.00). You may order using the link below, or there will be a sign-up sheet in the Fellowship Hall on November 2, 9, and 16. Only one order will be placed this season, so please make your order by Sunday, November 16 at the latest. You may also place your order by emailing Susannah at susannah@universitymethodist.org.