News – February 11, 2022

Dear Members and Friends,

“Between the calendar and checkbook, one’s priorities are laid bare.” You can find this idea paraphrased in different ways by different people. This version is by the best-selling author L.R.W. Lee.

This corresponds to two of the four things that we tell attendees of Membership 101 we ask from members: Time and Treasure. While you have an opportunity to donate or bid some of your treasure at the upcoming church auction, today I want to focus on time.

There are myriad ways to help out around our church. Now that more people are boosted and comfortable going out, you may want to reengage how you were previously helping, or even begin something new! First Church relies on energetic, committed volunteers to serve on committees and teams to work with the staff and ministers. Mahatma Gandhi suggested, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

Connie Acosta is one of our valuable volunteers and is serving as Volunteer Coordinator. You may have heard her on Sunday morning encouraging everyone to get more involved. If you have questions about opportunities, contact her at connie@firstuu.org.

We are getting an influx of visitors on Sunday mornings. Some are people who found us online while hunkered down during the pandemic, watched our services, and are now coming in person to check us out. We would love for more folks to join our Welcome Team and greet these visitors and other members. We even have opportunities for those not yet getting out to greet those watching our livestream online. Let Connie know if you’re interested.

If you’ve been impressed by our online services, you may want to see how the magic is done. You have the opportunity to learn how to help Christian Holmes, our AV Technician, with the sound and livestream. Whether or not you’re technically inclined, it’s a fascinating way to help bring our services to others literally around the world. Email him at christian@firstuu.org.

I imagine you’re enjoying the talents of Dr. Jolie Rocke, our Acting Director of Music, as much as I am. There are opportunities to not only join her making melodies (let her know if you sing or play an instrument!), but even openings for those not musically gifted. You could be a music librarian and help sort and organize the practice room. Perhaps usher at special concerts or be a part of a newly forming Music Team. Email Jolie at jolie@firstuu.org.

If you are able to pick or strum a stringed instrument, you will want to join Carol Burrus, our Director of Religious Community, in the String Band. You may have heard them recently on a Sunday morning. Carol has done a remarkable job keeping programs up and going during Covid. If you’d like to help her out, she is looking for volunteers to work with children and youth during the summer. If you’ve been coming to church for a bit, and are looking for a way to get involved, it’s a great way to “stick your toe in the water” of working with young people. She can use folks for during both services. Email Carol at carol@firstuu.org.

There are roles for all sorts of talent, not just musical, or working with young people, but clerical – and I mean office clerk, not clergy! We have a need for archivists, librarians, and office assistants.

If you like to make an impact, but don’t want to meet with others very often, you may want to be on the Garden Team. For those who do like to get out into the community, work on projects, and make a difference, contact the Community Projects Team at communityprojectsteam@firstuu.org. BTW - they have a blood drive coming up soon! If you are interested in helping in our resettlement efforts with refugees, in our upcoming Get Out the Vote ventures, or a variety of other social justice projects, contact the Justice Coordinating Council at justicecoordinatingcouncil@firstuu.org.

There are lots of Adult Programs if you want to hang out with folks with the same interests. The Climate Action Team is helping educate others and advocate for the environment. The Young Adults Group and the Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Group both meet for support and camaraderie. Email Carol at carol@firstuu.org or check the website for more info.

Boxer, activist, and philanthropist Muhammad Ali told us, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” Help us help our church by volunteering.


Rev. D. Scott Cooper
Assistant Minister of Congregational Life
First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston
scott@firstuu.org

Where are the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston Ministers

This month, Rev. Dr. Colin Bossen will be in the pulpit the third and fourth Sundays and will be supporting Rev. Scott when he leads worship. Dr. Bossen will also be attending the Board retreat on February 19th.

Rev. D. Scott Cooper is back in the First Church pulpit this Sunday. On February 18, he and Conrad will be attending a film screening and benefit for the Abilene Pride Alliance and Big Country AIDS Resources in west Texas.