University UMC Children & Family Ministries Newsletter 
Fall 2016
Greetings Families and Friends of University UMC, 

Below you will find the top  gatherings coming up this fall as well as a list of recurring events and our Godly Play fall semester schedule. There is something for everyone to help grow in your faith and connect you more deeply to our church community. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Peace & Hugs,




Natasha Ulack
Director of Children's Ministries
[email protected]
512-478-9387 ext. 221

Vacation Church Camp Creation Team
Sunday's: Sep 19, Oct 23, Mar 26 & June 11 
12:15-2:15, Room 308 (lunch provided)
For four years, five of the same fabulous creative and thoughtful minds have come together to create our one of a kind Vacation Church Camp curriculum at UUMC. If you or a child you know has gained something from this teams creativity, I invite you to join us as part of our VCC Creation Team to continue this tradition of "out of the box" programing. We would love to have your insight as we strive to provide an experience that has a lasting impact on our children and those they encounter.

All Family Potluck & Game Night
Sat. Sep. 24, 5:30-7:30, Fellowship Hall
All families are welcome to join Heather & Natasha for a Saturday night of Bingo, Family Feud & more. Bring a dish to share. We look forward to seeing families with children of all ages for fellowship & fun!

Families Serve at Open Door
Sat. Oct 29, 8:30-11:00 a.m., Fellowship Hall 
All families and friends are welcome to join us Saturday morning to serve brunch to the homeless guests in the UUMC Fellowship Hall. "Open Door" feeds brunch to hundreds of people from the Austin homeless and economical disadvantaged community every Saturday but they need extra help to serve food and manage the free clothing store. Come bring your children to share in this gift of giving as we serve food for over 150 people. This fantastic opportunity is best suited for children 3 and older. Please make sure each child under 7 is accompanied by an adult. Please R.S.V.P to  Natasha Ulack  by Tues. Oct 25  

SAVE THE DATE
Children's Sunday
Sun, Oct 9 11:00 Sanctuary Service
Come join us as our new 2016-17 Tweens serve as worship leaders & greeters for UUMC. 

Presentation of the Second Grade Bibles
Sun, Sep 25 11:00 Sanctuary Service
Second graders and their families please join Pastor John & Natasha during children's time to receive your Bibles. The Deep Blue Bible is filled with interactive elements to capture inquisitive young minds.  This Bible is ideal for reading together with parents and bringing to Sunday School for the remainder of elementary and middle school. Please email your child's full name to  Natasha Ulack by Sunday, Sept 18.

Wesley Choir Sings
Sun, Oct 16 11:00 Sanctuary Service
Join the new 2016-17 Wesley Choir as the lead us in worship through music for the first time this Fall semester.

4th-6th Grade Our Whole Lives Parent Information Session
Sun, Nov 13 12:15-2:15 UUMC Library, 2nd Floor
All parents with 4th-6th graders are welcome to come hear more about O.W.L , the fantastic sexual education class taught at UUMC. This is the second in a series of classes taught at four different age levels throughout your child's school years. In this age group we focus on puberty, communication & reproduction. This class will be taught on Sundays for 8 weeks beginning January 8th from 12:15-2:30. For childcare & lunch reservations, please R.S.V.P to Natasha Ulack by Sunday, Nov. 6.

Gift of the 2016 Baby Bells
Sun, Nov 27 11:00 Sanctuary Service
All the UUMC babies born in 2016 will be presented with an engraved bell ornament to welcome them as part of the UUMC family. As a tradition, the children are encouraged to bring their bells to ring at the Christmas Eve service annually. Please contact Natasha with your child's full name by Nov. 1 if you would like your infant to be included. 


Wednesdays with Wee Ones
Calling all stay at home parents & children. Join some fabulous UUMC families for playing and connecting in the fresh air! Please R.S.V.P. to Natasha Ulack if you can join us or would like to carpool.

Sep 14/10:15-12:15/Eastwoods Park 
Oct 12/10:15-12:15/Ramsey Park 
Nov 9/10:15-12:15/Northwest Park 
Tween Time
All 4th and 5th graders are invited to Tween Time at UUMC. These older children meet the first Sunday of every month right after church in the courtyard. These two hours will be spent getting to know each other, exploring secular music with religious themes, doing service activities, playing games and eating lunch. 

First Sundays, 12:15-2:15 pm   
Oct 2 
Nov 6
Dec 4

Dads Night Out
Join fellow dads for a night out catching up and getting to know new and seasoned UUMC dads better in the relaxed environment. Contact Chris Ulack to R.S.V.P.

Oct 14/8:00/The Draught House

Moms Night Out
Calling on all moms! Come join us for a night to get to know the fabulous women around UUMC & UUMC-ECC. Share stories, laugh and relax. Please RSVP to Natasha Ulack 

Sep 23/7:30/Vinaigrette
Nov 12/7:30/Salty Sow

Parents Night Out
Parents Night Out is for children 8 months to 10 years old. The cost is $12 for one child, $6 for siblings and $24 for families of 3 or more. Click here to download and print a registration form. Spaces fill quickly so get yours in now! Forms must be in by the Sunday before PNO. Youth are welcome to attend as group assistants.
   
Saturday, Sep 17 4:30 to 8:30 pm 
Friday, Oct 21 4:30 to 8:30 pm 
Saturday, Dec 3 4:30 to 8:30 pm 

Little Ones Pot Luck
Families with children under the age of five join us for a pot luck. We meet the second Sunday every other month to get to know fellow families with young children at UUMC. For more the location address or to be added to the Little Ones yahoo group, contact Kiersten Dube.

Sundays, 4 to 6 pm
Sep 11/ The Dube House
Nov 13 /The Ulack House

Godly Play at UUMC
Click here for our 2016 Fall Godly Play story calendar
This Montessori-based Sunday school program for children 2 years old through 5th grade is held on the 3rd floor from 9:45-10:45 every Sunday throughout the year.  Godly Play is based upon the recognition that children have an innate sense of the presence of God. All they lack is the appropriate language to help them identify and express it so it can be explored and strengthened. The Godly Play approach teaches classical Christian language in a way that enhances the child's authentic experience of God so it can contribute to the creative life of the child and the world.