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October 25 at 10:00 AM

Preacher: Matt Gaventa

Scripture: 1 Kings 8

Sermon: Act One: A House for God

New Sermon Series October 18th-November 1st!

The First Church Building Project

The Story of the Original Jerusalem Temple

October 25th:

Act One: A House for God

Scripture: 1 Kings 8

November 1st:

Act Two: A Litany of Loss

Scripture: 2 Kings 25: 8-21

November 8th

Act Three: A Future with Hope

Jeremiah 29

UPC All-Church Retreat October 24

Come spend a day together at John Knox Ranch for the UPC All-Church Retreat! From 10 AM–7 PM, we’ll step away from the usual routine and enjoy a day of fellowship, fun, and community.

With outdoor activities, creative projects, games, nature, and plenty of time to catch up with friends, there’s something for everyone. Most importantly, this is a chance to slow down, come together, and enjoy time with one another—like gathering on a big front porch.

Adults: $20 | Under 18: $10

Register through your Realm account or by scanning the QR code above. We hope you’ll join us!

Click link below to register: https://onrealm.org/UniversityPresb59545/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=NThlMWVlYzQtMGI5Yi00MTEwLWE1YjEtYjRjODAwZWU0ODMx

UPC Photo Shoot - This Sunday, October 25!

We are creating a church directory that we hope to have in print and digital formats soon after January 1. This will be the first directory we have had of our membership in eleven years. We need your help in creating this important resource to connect us to each other.

The easiest way to make this possible is for you to log on to the church website, update your contact information, give permission for sharing your contact information, and upload a photo of yourself or your family.

Click here to access or create a Realm account.

Directions on how to upload a photo to Realm: From the Realm home page, look to the top right of your screen and click your first or preferred name. A dropdown menu will appear: select “My Profile” and once on your profile, click on the large circle containing your initials. This should bring up your computer’s file explorer, allowing you to upload your preferred photo. You may also send your photo directly to the UPC office via email if you run into trouble maneuvering Realm.

If you don't have a suitable photo, we are scheduling times for non-professional, informal photo days on September 13 and October 25, from 11:10-12:30. A sign-up for photo time slots can be found here: Photo Day Sign Up

On those dates, members of the Communication & Outreach Committee will have a table in the courtyard to help you update your contact information. If you have further questions, please reach out to our staff liaison, Pastor Carter: carter@upcaustin.org

Many thanks for your help with this resource!

Warmly,

Dave Jensen, Chair, Communication & Outreach Committee

Click here to access our Realm FAQ page.

All Saints' Sunday Remembrances November 2, 2025

We will recognize All Saints Sunday on November 2, 2025. Please send us the names of any of your loved ones who have passed away during the past year to be included in a remembrance during worship.

Send the information to upc@upcaustin.org by October 23.

Deacons Meeting - November 4

Zoom Link:

https://upcaustin.zoom.us/j/87628004800?pwd=ZkJ47vb8bbHGTKi7UgYM2Z0jdblhRQ.1

Meeting ID: 876 2800 4800

Passcode: 880080

In Life And In Death: Getting Ready For The Last Act Together

We’ll meet in the Fellowship Hall (and on Zoom) during the Sunday School hour, Sundays, October 11-November 1.

See schedule below.

Join by Zoom:

https://upcaustin.zoom.us/j/81277632723?pwd=1oL0m6ZlDv09o0I63114nl2amFnhqS.1

Meeting ID: 812 7763 2723

Passcode: 527044

Regular PDC Updates

•  PDC CONGREGATIONAL GATHERING - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25^th at 12:30 PM
• Join the PDC for lunch or via Zoom to learn more about the concept design options for our UPC facilities and offer direction and input to the future of our church facilities.
• Thursday, October 29, 2026, the PDC will gather at Westminster in the Theater at 10:00 AM to review the financial terms with our developer and to learn about the concept design options for our UPC facilities.
• If you missed the congregational meeting on Sunday, October 11^th and would like to view the recording of this meeting, please contact Stephanie Morris at stephanietmorris@sbcglobal.net. Due to a confidentiality clause in the Letter of Intent, we cannot post this recording.
• The community advisory group for the City of Austin’s West Campus Transportation Plan is encouraging everyone who lives, works, and/or travels in the area to take a brief survey. The goal is to make moving through West Campus easier and safer with the ever-evolving modes of transportation over the next 10 years and whether to change directions of streets (like San Antonio Street into a two street). Stephanie Morris and Christopher Kennedy serve with this group. The survey has been extended to October 26th and we would encourage you to participate at: https://www.speakupaustin.org/westcampus
• The PDC Q&A document has been updated with questions submitted at our gathering in August. To view, please click here.
• The Project Guiding Principles that Overland presented at the August Congregational Gathering are available here.
• The results from the polling cards from our August 16^th Congregational Gathering provided positive results! Lots of great comments and questions were submitted. The PDC will be providing feedback to the questions in our Q&A document in the coming weeks. You can view all these details here.
• Sunday, August 16, 2026, the PDC met with the congregation and provided updates on the selected developer, introduced our architects from Overland Partners and heard information from them, and then reviewed next steps. If you missed this gathering, you can watch the meeting here.
• Monday, August 17, 2026, PDC met with members of Westminster.
• The next PDC gathering will be in September. Date to be announced soon.
• The Executive Summary of the Facility Assessment is available here. The entire Facility Assessment is also available at the PDC site on the UPC website.
• All the PVT/PDC work over the years is available here if you would like to review or catch up on this information.
• If you have any questions or comments, please contact Stephanie Morris at stephanietmorris@sbcglobal.net or 512-415-9797.

Stewardship: “With Jesus Christ as cornerstone”

Last Sunday we kicked off the 2027 Stewardship Campaign, which runs through commitment Sunday on November 22nd. Each Sunday throughout the campaign we will hear testimonials from members of all generations sharing their personal stories about how God is working in their lives through UPC and its ministries.

By now you should have also received a packet in the mail that includes a campaign introduction letter, devotionals for your prayerful consideration, and a pledge card. Pledge cards can be mailed to the UPC office, placed in the offering plate, or you can pledge online here https://onrealm.org/UniversityPresb59545/-/form/pledge/2027 or under the Giving section in Realm at any time. 

On behalf of the Stewardship Committee, and in support of a pledge participation goal of 100 percent, thank you in advance for your prayerful consideration of a pledge of support for UPC for 2027. 

Michael Johnson, Stewardship Committee Chair

Last Day To Apply For Ballot By Mail Is October 23

Download an application for ballot by mail in English or Spanish here. The application includes instructions on how to complete the application. Once you receive your ballot, you may return your completed ballot using one of three methods:

1. USPS postmarked by 7:00 pm Election Day.
2. Contract carrier such as FedEx or UPS delivered by 7:00 pm Election Day.
3. In-person drop-off at the Travis County Elections Building on Election Day from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm with an acceptable form of photo identification. Only the voter may deliver their ballot in person.

Go to the Texas Secretary of State website to track the status of your ballot by mail application or ballot.

Early Voting Is Underway



Early Voting began on Monday and ends on Friday, October 30, 2026. Find a polling place here. Check wait times here. Not sure who is running or what propositions are in front of the voters? Get your sample ballot here.

Voting Information

Enter the voting booth prepared by using this link to generate a sample ballot that is unique to your location. 

Texas 2026 election: Your November sample ballot | The Texas Tribune

Wondering where to vote? Use these links to identify the closest Early or Election Day voting location closest to you. Notice that UPC is an Election Day voting location.

G26-Early-Voting-Flyer-9.21.pdf

G26-Election-Day-Flyer-FINAL-Website-wNotice.pdf

Click HERE to view the City of Austin Propositions on the ballot. 

A Joyful Invitation For The Ladies Of The Church

In honor of Carter Grant

Border Mission Trip - Thanksgiving



We are scheduling a special border mission trip this year to occur the weekend and early week before Thanksgiving. YES, YOU READ THAT RIGHT! The specific dates will be Friday, Nov. 20 to Wednesday, Nov. 25. We will leave late on Friday to accommodate our school age participants, and return early on Wednesday in time to celebrate Thanksgiving with family. In conjunction with our long-time partner, Faith Ministry, we will build a house in Reynosa, Mexico, for a deserving family without adequate housing. You can participate in the trip two ways:

GO WITH US. Please come with us. This is a wonderful way to share (and experience) God’s love for all God’s people in every situation of life. No skill or stamina level required – we have work that matches your abilities. Family groups welcome/encouraged.

CONTRIBUTE. Consider contributing financially. We need to raise money both for construction costs and for members wanting to go but less able to pay associated trip costs (e.g., college students, families). There are many ways to contribute: Place a check in the offering plate made out to UPC and clearly designated for the Border Mission Fund, or give the check to Craig Deats. There are also ON-LINE giving options: the Giving Page on UPC’s Website has a “Border Mission Fund” option, and you can text ”UPCAUSTIN Border” to 73256 using your mobile device.

Please help us answer the prayers of a family seeking a home. For more information, contact Craig Deats at bcdeats@gmail.com, or (512) 567-1419. 

The annual Manos de Cristo tamale fundraiser is now open for orders! Each dozen is $25, with approximately $12 going into Manos programs which include low-cost dental care to under- and uninsured individuals, adult education classes, and emergency food and clothing relief.

There are 5 different flavors; place your orders via credit card payment online at manosdecristo.org/tamales. If you have any questions about tamales or Manos, contact Jennie Chao at jenbc@chaosweb.net.

UPC Bible Study: September 2026 - May 2027

The Second Monday of Each Month:  12:00 -1:30 PM

The Sermon on the Mount: “And Jesus Opened His Mouth and Taught Them...”

This study is held at the homes of UPC members. If you are interested, contact Melinda Wofford here.

Class Schedule:

A Brief Bibliography:

• The Daily Bible Study Series: The Gospel of Matthew, by William Barclay
• The Beatitudes for Today, by James C. Howell
• Sermon on the Mount, by Clarence Jordan
• Westminster Bible Companion Commentary: Matthew, by Thomas C. Long
• Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible: Matthew, by Stanley Hauerwas
• The Cost of Discipleship, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
• Jesus’ Alternative Plan: The Sermon on the Mount, by Richard Rohr

A Few Dollars = A Huge Difference

In Texas, it’s almost impossible to get a job if you don’t have a government-issued ID card. Fortunately, the fees for the cards and for drivers’ licenses are pretty low.

How low? They range from $11 for renewal of an unexpired ID to $33 for renewal of a regular driver’s license. At UPLift, we provide our neighbors with a money order for the appropriate amount and help them complete the state’s application form for IDs (copies of their birth certificates, too; the fee, $22).

It means a lot to our unhoused neighbors, who tell us they lost their important documents when their wallets were stolen or when the city cleared their homeless camps.

So, thanks in advance. And thank you for your continued donations of food and hygiene products.

Food needs for the snack line include:

• Strawberry jam
• Nutrigrain protein bars
• Oatmeal (Quaker Old-Fashioned Oats, not instant)
• Tea bags (many neighbors prefer tea)

Needs for the free hygiene table include:

• Men’s or women’s deodorant
• Reading glasses (any power)
• Sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer
• Dental hygiene products

Your donations of $10 and $15 gift cards from Goodwill, H-E-B and Walmart are always appreciated. Please write the dollar amount on each card with a Sharpie. The H-E-B cards help our neighbors pay for prescription co-pays and over-the-counter medications. The other gift cards help a neighbor get a winter coat, small furnishings for a new apartment and various staples.

Mealtrain

• Mealtrain for Roxann Vallejo, please visit: https://mealtrain.com/92d1d5 

Roxann Vallejo, UPC member and Deacon, welcomes assistance with the purchase of toddler formula for her grandbaby, Ke’von. Formula name:

"Enfagrow Premium Toddler Gentlease, for 1+ years" (purple canister).



Needed: One 29.1-ounce can per week. The cost is approximately $33-$42, depending on where you purchase. After signing up on the MealTrain page for the Sunday of your choosing, please deliver the Toddler formula to UPC and place the can in the decorated box on the front pew, lectern side. Thank you for your participation in this important MealTrain ministry!

Sign up to Donate Flowers for Sunday Worship

With loving hands and gentle care,

A vibrant offering, a fragrant prayer.

Sweet blossoms, gifts of nature's grace,

Adorn the altar, a hallowed space.

For souls that yearn and spirits sigh,

A touch of beauty, reaching for the sky.

A simple gesture, a heartfelt plea,

May God's own light forever be.

If you would like to adorn the chancel of UPC with a floral arrangement, please sign up for a Sunday slot. Follow the link below to sign up here for a Sunday during remainder of 2026:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040F4DABAB29A2FA7-54361272-flower#/

Photo Shoot for UPC Member Directory

Sign up here

Communion Servers

Sign up here

UKirk Tuesday Dinners

Sign up here

Provide Lunch for the Youth Group

Sign up here

Current Prayer List

Please continue in prayer this week for our entire prayer list of congregation members and friends linked here. This list will be continually updated to reflect submitted prayer requests from the past few weeks.

UPC Prayer Partners

The UPC Prayer Chain emails is a group of

faithful prayer warriors who commit to praying for people throughout the week, and more specifically, to take time to respond to immediate or urgent prayer requests. If you are not already receiving these prayer request emails, opt-in with the link provided here. Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer.

Prayer Requests

Let us know if we can pray for you, or if you would like to speak to a pastor. Please request prayers here.

University Presbyterian Church is rooted in worship, growing through education and service, and connecting to campus and community. Please continue to support the church as we navigate new ways to worship and serve:

• Online - Click HERE
• Text UPCAUSTIN to 73256
• Mail: You can mail a check to University Presbyterian Church, 2203 San Antonio Street, Austin, Texas 78705

If you have questions, please contact Loree in the financial office at UPC. And thank you.

UPC Financial Snapshot Through September 2026:

Join our closed Facebook Group for UPC friends and family!

Go to facebook.com/groups/UPCAustin/ and click "Request to Join" to be added to the group.

You must have a Facebook account to join this group. Questions? email the church office.