Thursday, November 5, 2026

CHILDREN'S SABBATH

CENTERING MUSIC

Chant donné by Maurice Duruflé

OPENING HYMN

UMH 64 Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord, God Almighty! vv. 1, 2, & 4

SUNG INVITATION TO PRAYER

UMH 191 Jesus Loves Me v.1-2

OFFERTORY

8:30 a.m. How Can I Give You Thanks by Mark Patterson

Asbury & Wesley Choirs; Gail Braymer, piano

11 a.m. Children of the Heavenly Father arr. Dan Forrest

Chancel Choir & André Courville, piano

SCRIPTURE

Mark 10:13-16 (CEB)

SERMON

Surrounded (On Promising to Be the Arms of Christ)

Rev. Jay Hogewood

CLOSING HYMN

UMH 384 Love Divine All Love's Excelling vv. 1, 2, & 4

POSTLUDE

Prelude in D minor, BWV 554 by Johann Sebastian Bach



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• Pastoral Letter
• Church Office Notice
• Rise Against Hunger
• Church Council Meeting Minutes
• Bergeron Pecan Orders
• Church Directory Photography

• Poinsettia Orders Open!
• HOPE Ministries Toy Drive
• HOPE Ministries Food Drive
• Children's Sabbath
• UUMC Folk Concert Series
• Kids Hope

Pastoral Letter 

Hugged

 Then Jesus hugged the children and blessed them. ~ Mark 10:13

The celebration of Children's Sabbath is just days away. Thanks to Elise and our many parents and grandparents, we are poised to celebrate the holy work of Jesus Christ in the lives of our little ones. 

We were starting our weekly staff meeting this past Monday, and began our prayer time with this quick story in Mark’s Gospel. What caught our eyes was that one word, the word not all English versions use, but the Common English Bible does: Jesus hugged the children… I think we all agreed - that’s a nice way to put it. 

I’ve lived long enough to have seen the regard for hugs is a bit like a roller coaster ride: we were high on hugs when I was growing up, then we got low on hugs. Maybe we’re riding toward another high. I mean, if Jesus is willing to give them, why wouldn’t we? 

Hugs are the ultimate invasion of personal space, sure. Which means they might also be the best gift for reconsidering how hugs can disarm us, open us to comfort others, and to being comforted by others. Did you know the average hug is just over 3 seconds. Enough time for two bodies to receive a significant dose of endorphins - oxytocin, dopamine, with a hint of serotonin too. Those are the feel-good chemicals of love, reward, and happiness, in good order…

Maybe you’ve heard about the work of Ken Nwadike, Jr. He’s the guy who started a movement (maybe like the one Jesus himself started) - following the 2013 Boston Marathon, Nwadike considered “Free Hugs” as a way to stand in solidarity with those hundreds of hurt people. He donned a t-shirt - “Free Hugs” - and embraced a moment that offered hope and, well, hugs to any who wanted to join in (check that out: freehugsproject.com/about-free-hugs-campaign/)

With Jesus, there’s even more to the story. Embracing a child was the ultimate demonstration of tender action but with a message of justice too: children in the 1st C CE were valued, yes, but held no social status. Vulnerable. Dependent. Publicly hugging a child meant Jesus was gesturing radical welcome and dignity too. “To the least of these,” he might even say. 

Would we consider the same? Reach out when and where and with whom we can. Share a hug. Our lives may well depend on it. 



In his arms

Jay

Church Office Notice

Our church office is updating its phone system this week, so we may accidentally miss a call or message. We apologize for any inconvenience!

For urgent needs or follow-ups, please email us at office@universitymethodist.org.

Thanks so much for your patience and understanding!

Rise Against Hunger

On Sunday, November 1, nearly 80 University UMC volunteers gathered in the Fellowship Hall to assemble 10,000 meals for impoverished people across the globe. The Rise Against Hunger meal assembly event was intergenerational, lively, and meaningful. The group watched an impactful video that painted a picture of what life is like for those who don't have enough food. 

Knowing that they were serving as part of the solution to the worldwide food insecurity crisis was an awesome feeling for our participants. This year's event was a continuation of a long-standing tradition at UUMC. Rise Against Hunger continues to be a popular mission opportunity for our members. 

On behalf of the Missions Committee, thanks to all of you who participated!

Blessings,

Betty Backstrom

Church Council Meeting Minutes

Church Council groups meet periodically throughout the year to discuss church updates, plans, and ongoing matters. UUMC members are welcome to review the minutes from the October 19, 2026, meeting in the attached document.

Bergeron Pecan Orders 

It's Bergeron Pecan Time! The UUMC Chapel Choir will be selling pecans as a service to our church members. These pecans make great Christmas gifts, are perfect for holiday baking and are guaranteed from this year's crop.

We will be selling pieces and halves in 1lb bags ($9.00), 3lb boxes ($27.00), and 5 lb. boxes ($45.00.) You may order and pay using the link here or by emailing Susannah Craig at susannah@universitymethodist.org.

Only one order will be placed this season, so please make your order by Sunday, November 15 at the latest.

Church Directory Photography 

It’s time for a new church directory! Join us November 19-21 for our Connections Event and be part of our new church family album. Professional photography sessions will be available at the church, and will take place in the library. Every family photographed by Universal Church Directories will receive a complimentary 8×10 portrait and a directory. This is a great opportunity to celebrate our church family, connect generations, and help us stay connected. Questions can be directed to office@universitymethodist.org. Sign up today and help us to make this the best church directory yet!

Days of Photography:

November 19-21

Thursday: 2–8:30 p.m.

Friday: 2–8:30 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

You can sign up for your photography session here: http://www.ucdir.com/

Church ID: LA215

Church Password: photosLA215

Poinsettia Orders Open!



Help brighten our church for Christmas by ordering poinsettias for the season! Please see Church Center for registration information. Orders close December 7.

HOPE Ministries Toy Drive

HOPE Ministries Toy Drive Each year, UUMC hosts a Toy Drive benefiting HOPE Ministries. Monetary donations help purchase toys for underserved children and gift cards for teens in need. You can donate through our giving page or place your contribution in a marked envelope in the offering plate. Please make donations by November 29 so we can purchase and deliver everything by HOPE Ministries' deadline.

Prefer to shop for a toy yourself? Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the church sanctuary on November 29. We ask you spend $20 - $25. Please include batteries if needed. Popular choices include sports balls, dolls, toy cars, and action figures. Please, no toys of violence!

HOPE Ministries Food Drive 



Each year, UUMC collects food for the HOPE Ministries Client Choice Pantry. As part of our Advent Giving Campaign, you can help replenish pantry supplies by donating canned goods and other nonperishable food items. Please bring your donations to church on December 13 during worship services. Church volunteers will deliver the collected items to the pantry. You may also make a monetary donation toward purchasing food through the provided link or in the collection plate. Please submit monetary donations by December 13.

Children's Sabbath 

Join us on November 8 for a special worship service led by the children of UUMC! Come celebrate as our children take charge and lead us in worship.

UUMC Folk Concert Series

University United Methodist Church and Katie Love are excited to announce that they will be hosting the incredible Irish-Americana singer-songwriter Pat Byrne for the second show of the UUMC Folk Concert Series! This community event is open to all. The show will be Thursday, November 12, at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 pm) at the LSU Wesley Foundation (333 E. Chimes St., Baton Rouge, LA). Suggested donations are $20 for individuals, $50 for families, and $10 for students, with payments accepted in cash or online at the event. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

After winning Ireland’s first season of The Voice in 2012, Pat Byrne migrated from Ireland to Austin, Texas, in late 2017. Since then, he has toured extensively, playing stages including the Kerrville Folk Festival, 30A Songwriter’s Festival, SXSW, and Americana Fest. His music melds two musical cultures known for storytelling and raw, from-the-heart emotion with spectacular results. Byrne’s unmistakable voice and cinematic lyrics appeal to listeners’ shared humanity, and have earned him a place among the best of Americana artists such as Jason Isbell, Ryan Adams, and Shakey Graves. His emotional singing paired with his contemporary musicality has drawn comparisons with Byrne’s compatriot and longtime influence Glen Hansard. Byrne’s 2021 album Into the Light was heralded by the Austin American-Statesman as “one of the best-sounding singer-songwriter albums to come out of Austin in years.”



If you missed out on seeing folk-rock band Clay Parker and Jodi James at University United Methodist Church last month, you have another chance for an awesome show. And if you came to the first show, I hope you’ll join us again for a fun night with friends, neighbors, and fellow music lovers.

Kids Hope



The Garden Team had a blast on sweet potato harvest day. You can imagine their delight when after a lot of digging, they finally unearthed this giant sweet potato! 



Thank you, UUMC, for cultivating these fabulous experiences for the best little gardeners in town.

Shirley Flake

Kids Hope Director

shirley@universitymethodist.org

Committee Meetings



• Social Justice Committee | November 15, 12:30 p.m. | Library
• Finance Committee | December 6, 4 p.m. | Library
• Church Council | December 14, 7 p.m. | Chapel
• Executive Committee | December 17, 12 p.m. | Library 

Church Directory



Church members who have attended within 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 learn and remember each other’s names!

We celebrate the tenacious and beautiful spirit of Beth Courtney. A longtime UUMC member and vibrant disciple of Jesus Christ, we will celebrate her life on Tuesday, Nov 24, 9:30am visitation and 11am service of death and resurrection. 

The following article commemorates Beth’s remarkable career:

Beth Courtney, who led Louisiana Public Broadcasting for nearly four decades, has died. LPB announced Courtney’s passing in a statement, remembering the former president and CEO for her “vision, grit, and an unshakable belief in the people of Louisiana.”

Courtney spent nearly 40 years guiding LPB from its early days into a statewide network celebrated for educational programming, in-depth public affairs coverage, and documentaries spotlighting Louisiana history and culture. Her leadership also reached the national stage, where she served on the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s Board of Directors and helped shape national public broadcasting policy.

“For nearly four decades, Beth was the heart and voice of LPB,” the network said. “She helped build a statewide network that brought our stories, culture, history, and civic life into homes across Louisiana.”

The statement also recognized Courtney as a mentor and trailblazing servant leader. “To me, Beth was more than a predecessor. She was a dear friend and mentor. She saw potential in me, challenged me to grow, and showed me what servant leadership looks like. She led with conviction, kindness, and a sharp wit, and she never forgot that public media exists to serve the public. Much of who I am as a leader, I owe to her example and guidance,” said Clarence “C.C.” Copeland, current LPB president and CEO. “Every program we produce and every student, teacher, and family we serve still reflects a piece of Beth’s legacy. On behalf of the LPB board and staff, I extend our deepest condolences to Beth’s family, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched.”

Courtney retired from LPB in early 2022 after 45 total years with the (www.wafb.com/2026/10/30/longtime-lpb-president-ceo-beth-courtney-passes-away/)

The family of Ann Barney, The family of Beth Courtney, including Bob Courtney, Julia and Tommy Moore, and their family. Bernice Nicholson, Elliot Irby and the Irby family, Bill Nelson, Stacy Hudson, Paul Miktus, Ann Flack, Khetia and Khetie Jean-Louis, Karl Buchholz, Alison McCrary, Mary Juneau, Darby Ralls, Ellen Wiemers, Garrett Ward, Gregg Jones, Jessica Roux’s Ukrainian host family, Kristine Hawkins, Lupi Sucre, Maria and Oswaldo Linares, Mindy Piontek, Robert Blackledge, Susan Horton, Susan Pourciau, the family of Arnold Jackson, the Bickham family, Wesley Foundation leadership, Melanie Brooke Civils, and all those in our congregation who are in nursing homes or homebound.