Beloved, 

It's here! It's finally here! This Sunday, our three-week campaign for the support of our ministry in 2026 will begin. As I have encouraged you in worship, if you are not sick or out of town, please do all you can to be present for this meaningful conversation in the life of our church. Each week we will hear from witnesses in our faith community and discern our own call to support the church financially.

This Sunday, please don't forget to stop by the Fellowship Hall to pick up your Generosity Update. 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. They are alphabetized by last name, and guests also have copies available. The digital version of the booklet can be found in the link below. Read the content, reflect and prepare for commitment Sunday, which is November 16!

Start praying for yourself and for your church as we move through this season together, dear friends. Today and always, I am so grateful for you!

With gratitude and hope,

Rev. Katie McKay Simpson

Senior Pastor,

University United Methodist Church

All Saints Day

All Saints Day will be remembered Sunday, November 2 in both worship services. Please come to honor those members in our church who have died and others in your life who have passed on. We will have time to honor all with a ritual of lighting candles during the service.

Kids Hope News

Basil, basil, get your fresh basil! Our young gardeners are keeping busy this month packaging basil to share with their families and teachers. We even have a blueberry basil that smells divine! Shout out to our fabulous Garden Team Volunteers for giving kids this wonderful opportunity. We have a great time growing together.

Shirley Flake

Kids Hope Director

shirley@universitymethodist.org

Social Justice Committee

The United Methodist Church has a long history of advocating for social justice. While university students John and Charles Wesley visited prisons and tutored neighborhood children. Early Methodists expressed opposition to societal ills such as slavery, smuggling,inhumane prison conditions, alcohol abuse, and child labor. More recently, United Methodists have worked, marched and prayed for racial justice, care of the environment, and full inclusion within the church and society.

UUMC’s Social Justice Committee believes that our Christian responsibility goes beyond charity. We are committed to both charitable acts and efforts to reform the church, social and governmental structures to make this a more just, equitable world. Activities our committee has been involved with in the last few years include Pride Fest, Reconciling Ministries Network, Take Back the Night at LSU, Together Baton Rouge, volunteering at Front Yard Bikes and McKinley Elementary, Suicide Awareness Walk, Hope Ministries, and Rise Against Hunger. We have hosted a couple of educational opportunities during the Sunday School hour to explore the General Conference move to full inclusion of members and its impact on UUMC. We have hopes to add more of these educational opportunities on topics such as homelessness, food deserts, immigration, food insecurity, and incarceration.

The Social Justice Committee is currently recruiting new members. Come join us and share your passion for social justice! Conact the church office at office@universitymethodist.org for more information. You can also look for the Social Justice Committee in Groups in your Church Center app, or click the link below.

Join Us for the Wesley Work Day: A Call to Service!

The LSU Wesley Foundation supports LSU students in developing and nurturing their Methodist faith. As part of our ongoing mission, we're hosting a volunteer work day to care for our Wesley Center – a vital hub for spiritual growth and community.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
• Time: 9 a.m. to 12 noon
• Location: Wesley Center, 333 East Chimes Street, Baton Rouge, LA

What we’ll be doing: We'll tackle a variety of light maintenance tasks to keep our space welcoming and functional, including: Power washing exterior surfaces, Washing windows, Replacing lightbulbs, Labeling items in the facility for future removal, Minor carpet cleaning, Trimming light underbrush around the property

This is a fantastic opportunity to serve alongside fellow community members, build connections, and contribute to the foundation that fosters faith among LSU students.

What to Bring: Work gloves (required for all volunteers), If you have them available: Hedge shears, plant pruners, bush loppers, a couple of garden hoses, or heavy-duty extension cords

Everything else, including tools and supplies for the main tasks, will be provided on-site. Whether you are a student, an alumnus, or a community supporter, your help will make a real difference.

No prior experience is needed—just a willing heart!

Come join us for a morning of service, fellowship, and fun. We look forward to seeing you there!

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. 

Game Day Parking Volunteers

We are looking for Game Day parking volunteers! Our gates open six hours before kick off. We have two three-hour shifts for parking volunteers. If you have any questions contact Ed Dodd, or email the church at parking@universitymethodist.org.

You can register as a volunteer using the link below.