News – June 9, 2023

Dear Members and Friends:

To quote Oscar Hammerstein II, “June is bustin’ out all over!” and it was certainly bustin’ with activity Sunday! Lots of you were here for the Flower Celebration and Annual Meeting. We not only held our flower ritual at the services, but children were dedicated (even some we weren’t expecting!), new members and graduates recognized, and we honored you, our committed, continuing members.

At the meeting, not only was the usual business done, but we voted on the Eighth Principle. After a healthy dialogue, it passed by a significant margin. This continues our church’s decade’s long leadership in Houston to dismantle racism.

And to quote Ron Popeil, “But wait, there’s more!” We’ll be bustin’ with activity all summer. In a little over a week, Rev. Colin and I and many of our colleagues will be at Ministry Days in Pittsburg, then General Assembly begins. And like Colin, I will be taking some time off after GA to travel.

To help us out in the pulpit while we’re away, we have some familiar and some new faces. On the last day of General Assembly, I’ll welcome our Emeritus Minister, the Rev. Dr. Dan King to the pulpit. On July 2, the Rev. Dr. Becky Edmiston-Lange, Minister Emerita of nearby Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church, will be preaching.

We are excited to be welcoming the Rev. Mona S. Lopez on July 9. She is the Director of Spiritual Care at Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church. Rev. Mona offered one of the prayers at our Day of Mourning for the Victims of Gun Violence. On August 13, Carrie Holley-Hurt, the intern minister at Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church in Cedar Park, will preach. Carrie was a very vocal presence in Austin this last legislative session. Colin and I met her at our minister’s retreat, and knew she would be a welcome presence in our pulpit.

I’ve secured coverage in case there are pastoral care concerns that can’t wait until we’re back. If you or a loved one need a minister, call the office at 713-526-5200 and you’ll be given the number of the minister on call.

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