Today we’d like to introduce you to Rev. Nell Newton San Marcos UU Fellowship.
Hi Rev. Nell Newton, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
SMUUF was founded back in the 1990s by a small group of folks who wanted a UU congregation in Hays County. Drawing folks from Wimberly, Martindale, Kyle, and San Marcos, they have deepened their roots in the community. With a strong call to social justice, and creating community, the congregation is well-known for showing up and speaking up. They are currently housed within the First Lutheran Church of San Marcos with weekly services held at 11:00 AM. Their part-time minister, Rev. Nell Newton, uses storytelling, music, and preaching to guide them as they seek to build Beloved Community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not a smooth road. The pandemic halted their ability to meet in person and moving online was a challenge. Once things opened up, they rented space in a location that only allowed them to meet in the afternoon and attendance declined. But, now they are in a new space with great neighbors where they can meet on Sunday mornings!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As the minister of this congregation, I love accompanying folks on their journeys. I specialize in storytelling, teaching, and listening to the stories people bring to me. This little congregation is so sweet, so caring, so imperfect, and so earnest that it is a joy to journey with them!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
It helps to have at least three! You need one who knows your profession deeply, one who knows YOU deeply, and one who knows your community deeply.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://smuuf.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanmarcosuu
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/51888184011/
Image Credits
Beverly Demafiles, Trish Passano
