Many of you know that your Staff Support and Building & Grounds Committees have been at work on trying to find a full-time Facilities Specialist for this church. After considering a number of candidates both by phone and person, we found much to our surprise and delight that the right candidate was already a part of our church family. And so it is my absolute pleasure to announce that Frank Adkins, long a member of UPC and a familiar face from our Sunday morning choir, begins today as our newest full-time staff member. 

Of course, being a staff member is a bit different than being a church member, and so I will thank all of you in advance for helping us to make this transition both in Frank’s life and in our church life. One of the ways we can do that is by learning a new vocabulary word together. On Frank’s job description it says “Facilities Specialist,” but around the church we’re going to call him the Sexton. 



UPC Session welcomed four new members at their called meeting Sunday, December 3. Sisters Brown Hobbie (left) and Nel Hill (right) each relocated to Austin in 2015. Brown, who is a retired family nurse practioner, joins us by transfer of letter from First Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC.

Nel, a retired librarian, joins by transfer of letter from Swift Creek Presbyterian Church in Mosely, Virginia. Brown and Nel have been visiting UPC for a few months, and are happy to formally become a part of UPC.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to be an opera star to spread the spirit of Advent. This annual event is great for any age or ability level. Join the Deacons on December 10 after church for a quick lunch in Fellowship Hall, followed by an afternoon of Christmas carols to some of our members. Don’t sing? Grab some jingle bells and come anyway!

Please RSVP to Jennie Chao at  [email protected] or sign up at the Alternative Gift Market. Let a Deacon know if someone in your life needs some caroling. Thanks!

The UPC Nominating Committee is beginning the work of putting together next year’s slate of church officers. Do you know somebody who might be called to serve our church with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love? Let us know! We’d love to hear from you! You can send your nominations to Kay Bryant at  [email protected] om or

download the nominations form here.

Most of you have heard about the amazing program we are honored to host here at UPC every Monday at 1:00 p.m. -- the Street Youth Ministry. Our building offers youth experiencing homelessness a clean place to shower, a computer lab to work toward finding jobs and resources, and a general gathering place in a safe and comfortable environment. The Street Youth Ministry program supports street-dependent young people in Austin. It builds relationships with the clients and provides crucial resources, such as meals and snacks, socks, toiletries, clothing, and bus passes. It offers access to strengths-based guidance counseling, prayer requests, group activities, worship, Bible study, and safe fun activities.

Every Tuesday morning, UPC volunteers provide some food and coffee, hygiene items, and occasional financial assistance for our clients. While all donations are welcome at any time, here are some items to consider bringing to worship this week.

Thank you for your incredible support of this UPC mission!!

Please join Collegium Musicum as they present "Arise, My Love!" with works by Ola Gjeilo, Gerald Finzi, John Rutter, Morten Lauridsen, and more. This concert promises to offer moments of deep connection and transcendant love.

Free and open to the public.

Curtis White, Artisitic Director

Jim Hall, Assistant Conductor