This religious organization is wholly independent, self-governed, and currently has no relationship with the Unitarian Universalist Association
OUR FOCUS
We focus on providing opportunities to nourish the human spirit, enrich relationships, and do the important work of social justice. We welcome your questions, comments and interest!
OUR PURPOSE
The purpose of the Fellowship is to apply our values to establish and maintain a loving, welcoming, supportive community that nurtures spiritual and personal growth.​
The Fellowship's larger purpose is to create a better world through information and engagement within the Fellowship and with the wider community.
SECOND SUNDAY
ZOOM ONLY SERVICE
​
​
​
Please join us at 10:30 am central
on Zoom at
​
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9206920833?pwd=bkhDa3htSlozNkkxbGV2eDJOWmpVQT09&omn=84835995569
link subject to change - please verify on monthly announcement)
​
​
October 13th
NEW TIME!!​
​​
Blessing of the Animals
​​​​​
In honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the Open Hearts and Minds Fellowship will dedicate its service on October 13th to animals and animal lovers everywhere.
St. Francis was a thirteenth century monk who founded the Franciscan order of monks that still exists today. He is the patron saint of animals and of the environment. Many faith traditions, including unitarian universalists, celebrate St. Francis Day by blessing animals during their Sunday service.
On Sunday October 13th the Open Hearts and Minds Fellowship will follow this tradition with a service that honors all creatures great and small. During the service those present on Zoom will be invited to share their stories and memories about their pets and favorite animals. Guest speaker Rev. Terry Cummings will offer a blessing to all the animals that are physically present, or who are present in the hearts and minds of our members and friends. Rev. Terry will also share a reflection on the spiritual connection between people and animals in her sermon, Animals Are People Too. We hope that you can join us on Zoom.
FOURTH SUNDAY
IN-PERSON SERVICE
​
Please join us at 10:30 am central at the
South Austin Senior Activity Center
3911 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Or
on YouTube at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvuTKfxt3FE
(link changes every month - please verify on monthly announcement)
​​​
​
September 22nd​​​
​​
​
​
Halloween: Masks, Myth, Magic, Mystery,
and Metaphors
​​​
​
Rev, Art Severance will join us.​
​
​
Rev. Fred Wooden is a UU minister who served five churches over 40 years, retiring in 2020 from the independent liberal Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids. Along the way he served First UU in Austin from 1990-1994. In later life he was drawn to the practice of pilgrimage and will consider how it may be the quintessential UU spiritual practice.
In the past, UU churches in New England closed for summer vacation and then reopened in the fall with an-gathering service featuring a water communion.
Now we know churches need to remain open all year to serve people searching for a spiritual home.
In Philip Larkin’s poem, Water, he suggests all religious services should feature watery imagery, including the most powerful symbol of all – a humble glass of water raised “in the east.”
​
