Dear Reader,
This is the Tuesday, January 20, 2026 full edition of the Tapestry newsletter of upcoming events and announcements. All events are open to anyone who wishes to join, except where otherwise noted.
Quick Links to Contents:
Upcoming Sunday Service at 11:00 AM:
The Goal of World Community
by David McCorkle
So much has happened since the 6th Principle was adopted in 1961 and revised in 1985. Can
we continue to say we want "world community"?
If you're unable to join us in person, Zoom is still an option by clicking HERE.
Announcements:
Cooking Covenant Group: February: A Celebration of All Things Chocolate! Potluck-Style Event
by Tracy Cook on 1/19/2026
Howdy, Friends and Neighbors!
For February, we will have a Celebration of All Things Chocolate! I will be making my Chicken Mole again. The from-scratch, homemade mole sauce is vegan, so I will also bring Mole Sweet Potatoes, yum! Plus all of the toppings. And probably some sweet options because I *love* chocolate!
Rumor has it that Someone is making homemade Chocolate Pudding, which is of course delicious. What will you be bringing?! Or are you more of a taster? Come on down, then! There’s going to be plenty!
This is a pot-luck style event, so come with your goodies ready to eat. And remember your to-go containers! This event will be held on Saturday, February 7 at Dawn and Elisa’s home from 3:00-4:30 PM.
Read More and Comment on the Cooking Covenant Group Blog
2026 UU Network of Houston Luncheon
Connect — Advocate — Mobilize
Join Unitarian Universalists from across the Metropolitan Houston area for our 2026 regional luncheon.
This half-day gathering is designed to bridge our history with our future as we prepare for the critical year ahead.
Event Details:
- When: Saturday, January 24, 2026
- Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Where: Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church 1901 Bering Dr, Houston, TX 77057 (Westwood Hall)
- What to Bring: Please bring a smartphone, tablet, or laptop for the Hands-on Communications Lab.
- Register: https://www.uuhouston.org/register-2026/
What to Expect:
We will open with a shared luncheon and a look at the "Houston UU Network Story." The afternoon will feature essential updates from the Houston UU Ministers Association, Southern Region UUA, the Texas UU Justice Ministry, and the launch of the 2026 "UU the Vote" Team Building Toolkit. We will conclude with an interactive workshop to get everyone synced on our 2026 communication app.
Cooking Covenant Group: January: Calendar of Events
by Tracy Cook on 1/13/2026
Howdy, Friends and Neighbors!
Welcome to 2026 🎉
Here is a list and a basic description of the themes or topics for the year ahead. I will also post in my monthly blog and on Facebook, and bring a hard copy each month to post at church. Please attend any of the events that appeal to you. Remember, we renamed the group Cooking and Eating Covenant Group for a reason - who doesn't like free food!!!
Some of the events will be hosted at my house, some up at the church, so watch the monthly postings.
January:
We didn’t meet in person because at the last minute I had to cancel. The guy painting my front rooms (Tito, for those who know him) was doing a great job but it just took longer than he was expecting. My fault, I changed my mind about what I wanted. I love the rooms! Anyways, I did take input from several people online and via texts.
February: Chocolate! Potluck-style
Bring all things chocolate, ready to serve. This can be sweet or savory. I will bring my Chicken Mole of course! The mole sauce is vegan, so I’m also making Sweet Potato Mole. And also some sweet offerings. Please also remember some to-go containers so you can take food home. This event will be held up at Tapestry from 3:00-4:30 PM on Saturday, February 7.
March: Imposter Foods!
Potluck-styleThis event is typically held around April Fool’s Day. But this year I decided to change things up! If you are looking for inspiration *BEFORE* the actual day of tricking people, now’s your chance! What, exactly, is an “imposter food”? Get some ideas by looking up “imposter foods” online and make one of the items they suggest. Or, use this as a jumping-off point and get inventive! We will meet at Tapestry on Saturday, March 7 from 3:00-4:30 PM. All are welcome! Remember to-go containers so you can have some laughs when you get home.
April: Hand-Pies! Demonstration
What’s a hand pie, you may ask?! Well, it’s a pie that you hold in your hand! Think empanadas, or even poptarts! I will provide an oil crust that is vegan, plus some sweet and some savory fillings. Do you have something you’ve always wanted to try, but in a hand-held version?! Bring it along! The filling shouldn’t be too wet, as that will make the pastry soggy. Anything that doesn’t drip off a spoon should work. Saturday, April 4 at Tracy’s house, from 3:00-4:30 PM.
May: Freezer Meals! Participation
We will make some freezer meals for our freezers as a gift to our future selves! I have a TON of different meals - carnivore, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, even snacks and breakfasts! We have usually done this in September, but the start of summer can be a busy time, too. I’ll provide all of the spices, and you provide the rest of the ingredients and some gallon-sized baggies. I’ll also print out recipes and stickers, since I have plenty of labels as well. Just contact me and I will send you the link to my library of recipes! We will meet at my/Tracy’s house on Saturday, May 2 from 3:00-4:30 PM.
June: Yogurt! Demonstration
Yogurt is quite easy to make, but it *does* take some time! I will demonstrate the technique I have used many times. But since it takes 12 hours to mature, I will also have some ready to consume. I will also have coconut yogurt made ahead of time, if anyone would like to taste some. If you would like to bring along some toppings or mix-ins, that would be lovely! Maybe some fruit, or granola? I will have honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Who knows what kinds of fruit or jellies I will have at that time, ha! Meet at my/Tracy’s house on Saturday, June 6 from 3:00-4:30 PM.
July: Berry Goodness! Share with Y’all ❤️
Please note: due to the holidays, we will meet the evening before to pack up!
This event is one where we meet with treats already packaged up to be shared. We will meet at my/Tracy’s house on Friday, July 3 at 7:00 PM to pack up and label bags for the families at Tapestry. If you are going to make something - and anyone is welcome to make something - please remember that Tapestry has several people who live a plant-based life (vegan), and others who are gluten-free. If you’d like to make something just for the vegans, or just for the gluten-free folks, then just bring your items labeled as such. I am sure they would appreciate it! No refrigerated items, please!
August: Biscotti! Demonstration
I love a good biscotti! And I love to share with people, so what a perfect match! Come and see how I make my biscotti, and taste several more varieties while the demonstration batch is in the oven. Meet at my/Tracy’s house on Saturday, August 1 from 3:00-4:30 PM. Definitely bring to-go containers! I promise there will be soooooo many biscotti!
September: Souper Saturday! Potluck-style
Woo hoo! Soups! My favorite! If I could eat soups all day, every day, then I most certainly would. I know how to make a wide variety of soups, but not all of them. I’m really interested in tasting YOUR favorite soup! We will hold this event at my house, since the electricity at church is…not adequate for a potluck that needs plugs. Please bring a double-batch of soups: one cooked and chilled and portioned out; and another cooked and in your soup pot or crockpot, ready to serve! If you need some assistance with labels, just let me know ahead of time and I can print labels for both your soup-to-go and your soup pot. Meet at my/Tracy’s house on Saturday, September 5 from 3:00-4:30 PM.
October: Spooky Foods! Potluck-style
This annual event will be held at Tapestry on Saturday, October 3, from 3:00-4:30 PM. It is a potluck-style, and kids are welcome! Bring the little goblins along for some treats, and maybe a few tricks! The foods will be a combination of store-bought goodies with strange names, and weird-looking foods that may look gross but actually are yummy. And remember to bring some to-go containers so you can take your fave treats home.
November: Triple Events!
- Tamalada on Saturday, November 7 at Tracy’s house starting at 3:00. We will go late on this day, guaranteed! But there will be lots of laughter, too. Many hands make light work.
- ○ If you wish, bring a tamale filling already prepared, enough to fill a 9X13 casserole dish. That gives you enough to have some of your own and also share with others.
- ○ If you just want some tamales, you can have some, but you have to do the work! For your efforts, you will get a dozen tamales. You can mix and match, if you’d like that option.
- ○ There will be more details as the date approaches.
- Bread Communion
- ○ This event will be held in the Fellowship Hall after services on Sunday, November 15. Please bring bread, or a dish whose main component is bread. Homemade or store bought is fine! Alternately, you can bring something to put on the bread - butter, jellies, cheeses, etc.
- Thanksgiving
- ○ We had so much fun at Meyer Park last year! I think we will do that again! There will be a sign-up sheet as we eat closer to the event. But you can also just show up and eat some food. Last year I had enough leftovers to last several days without cooking! More information to follow.
December: Holiday Treats Bake Sale Event
Hopefully we can find a location where we can sell without worrying about insurance concerns or whatever. Keep checking back for progress!
Read More and Comment on the Cooking Covenant Group Blog
Pathways to Membership Class
We are excited to offer an informational class with everything you need to know to take the next step in your journey with Tapestry Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston.
Our next opportunity will be in-person on the beautiful grounds of
Congregation Jewish Community North
5400 Fellowship Lane in Spring, TX 77379
Saturday, January 31, 2026, 11am-12:30pm.
Refreshments, warm welcome, and a bounty of information will be served. For more information, visit our Pathways page. To register or if you have questions, email us at membership@uutapestry.org.
2026 United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week in Galveston
Event: 2026 United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week in Galveston
Theme: Joy, Compassion, and Meaning in Life from Interfaith Perspectives
Time: 9:00am-1:30pm (CT)
Date: Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026
Location: Parish Hall of First Lutheran Church (2415 Winnie St, Galveston, TX) and Online
Registration (by 1/22): https://utmb.us/96f
3PT Seeking New Members
The Third Principle team, which serves to identify leadership and volunteer opportunities within the congregation, is currently seeking additional members. With the departure of 2 team members, the board will appoint at least one interim member, who will be ratified on the next congregational ballot.
In the past, the 3PT team was known as the "nominating committee", and they assist in nominating members to serve on the board, filling vacancies in staff and volunteer positions, and assist in identifying opportunities for member development such as leadership training or networking opportunities. Once the team has a full complement of members, they intend to consider whether to resume using the "nominating committee" title going forward, to allow increased clarity in filling the position for the future.
If you are interested in serving on the 3PT team, please contact a board member or email board@uutapestry.org.
UBarU News: UBarU Upcoming Events for 2026
by Karin Gates on 1/5/2026
Here is the schedule of UBarU events for 2026. Click on the image to enlarge.
Read More and Comment on the UBarU News Blog
Share-the-Plate
January's share-the-plate offering is going to Native Seeds/SEARCH. For generations, communities across the Southwestern U.S. and northwest Mexico, the Southwest region, have saved and cultivated seed varieties, passing them down as part of their cultural and agricultural heritage. These seeds have not only grown crops but have also nourished communities and coexisted with Mother Earth. Today, this legacy is at risk of extinction as industrial agriculture continues to replace traditional, sustainable practices, eroding local food systems and biodiversity. Native Seeds/SEARCH offers a solution by conserving and sharing heirloom seed varieties from farmers and communities spanning from Utah to central Mexico.
Live Justice-Centered Folk Music Concert in Houston
Join others on Saturday Feb. 7th in welcoming award-winning singer/songwriter Tom Neilson to Houston to share his witty and right-on social commentary in support of building a movement toward a world that works for all of us! Tom will be joined by singing partner Lynn Waldron to lift our spirits on a number of intersectional justice issues. Limited seating of 110 is available at the venue - RSVP early!
When: Saturday Feb. 7, 2025
Doors 6:30 pm; Concert 7:00 pm
Where: Live Oak Friends Meeting
1318 W 26th Street, Houston, TX 77008
RSVP and Tickets: $20 per person online
See https://bit.ly/TomHTX26
About the venue:
Live Oak Friends Meeting is an open, welcoming community of the Religious Society of Friends, also known as Quakers. The meeting house is also a beautiful James Turrell Skyspace. The building is ADA compliant. Free parking is available at the venue.
UBarU News: Winter is Here! Kind of...
by Tracy Cook on 12/16/2025
January 16-19, 2026
This is a weekend with no "expert" telling you how or what to write, just time at UBarU to write undisturbed and opportunities to share your work with other writers, receiving feedback or participating in workshops if desired. You may also enjoy and be inspired by hearing the work of others.
Come with your drafts, finished products and empty pages. All genres welcome, from fiction to memoir, from poetry to sermon.
Lodging, meals and programming is included. Lodging options include a private room or bunk in the Brown center, or you can bring a tent or small RV for camping. Please indicate dietary preference on the registration. You can bring snacks and drinks as well. We have a refrigerator and microwave for your use, as needed.
Additional information about the schedule and what to bring will be emailed prior to the event.
February 14-15, 2026
UBarU is hosting a fundraiser on Valentine’s Day. Join the fun which will include an elegant dinner with candlelight, music, chocolate, and wine on Saturday night, followed by a Star Party, 1 night lodging, and breakfast on Sunday morning. Enjoy yourself and know that your are helping UBarU to raise money for updates needed to meet new camp safety requirements, as well as general improvements to our campus. Cost will be $300 per person to stay in a private suite in the Brown Center or cottages (double occupancy- there are queen beds in the DMBC private rooms, and a mixture of queen, king, and full in the cottage rooms).
If you would like to arrive early on Friday, Feb 13, please add that option to your registration ($50 per person). We will provide dinner on Friday and a Continental breakfast on Saturday, in addition to the Saturday night dinner and Sunday breakfast already part of the event. Please plan to bring something for lunch on Saturday. There is a refrigerator and microwave available for your use.
Join us FEB 20-23, 2026
Bring your art projects to work on, share, and collaborate with friends at UBarU!
Breaking with tradition a bit since President’s Day weekend is also Valentine’s weekend - we have moved the event a week later. Still 2 or 3 nights to give plenty of time for project work! Meals (Friday dinner - departure day breakfast) and lodging included in the cost.
Check—In Friday after 3pm or Saturday morning. Opening circle will be after dinner on Friday.
Check—Out Sunday morning after breakfast or Monday by 10:30 am.
Fun with friends (old and new) enjoying creative processes together. The retreat will include a brief workshop on a creative art for those interested. The retreat may also include an optional field trip on Saturday to shops or art displays in the area. There will be lots of time for project work, visiting, and exploring.
Formerly known as “Fiber Arts” but we have expanded the range of projects. Come join the Fun!
Read More and Comment on the UBarU News Blog
We’re Hiring: Sunday Child Care Provider!
Tapestry UU Church is looking for a caring, reliable person to watch our little ones on Sundays, 10:30 AM–1:30 PM. A church volunteer will be there to help!
Details:
- Ages: 16+
- Pay: up to $25/hr (depending on experience)
- All toys and supplies provided
- Background check required
- This paid position is open to non-members only
- CPR Certification a plus
If you are interested, or know someone who might be, please send a brief resume and two references to the Tapestry UU Church Board at board@uutapestry.org.
Tapestry Board Meetings
Your Tapestry Board of Trustees is meeting monthly.
When: 2nd Saturday of each month beginning at 3:00 pm.
Where: Location will vary. Email board@uutapestry.org for more meeting specifics.
View the upcoming agenda by clicking HERE.
Tapestry Disc Golf!
Disc Golf Signal app group SIGN-UP
Interested in getting together for disc golf? If you'd like to play disc golf some early Saturday morning then join the Disc Golf Signal app group for notifications on the day(s) before the game. Then if you are available show up with some water and a hat. There will be discs available so there is no need to buy or bring discs. The game takes less than 2 hours and is free.
You can email dg@uutapestry.org with your Signal app phone number or userName to get an invite to join the Signal app Disc Golf group. If you have the Signal app installed you can send a message to: oldwippersnapper.01 to join the group. Then you'll get a Signal app Disc Golf group event notification whenever anyone posts an upcoming disc golf game event with the date, time, and location for the game. If you see the event notification just show up on Saturday to get some exercise, to spend some time in nature, and to enjoy playing disc golf with friends.
Disc Golf is good fun, companionship, and a great way to get out in nature. All skill levels are welcome, and loaner discs are available. There are a variety of attractive and challenging courses in the NW Houston area (no fees required), and we sometimes organize road trips to sample other venues. See our Disc Golf group slideshow at: https://uutapestry.org/DiscGolf. We also meet on Zoom Fridays at 4 pm CT to talk and plan future events.
The Group is open to current and former members and friends of Tapestry UU Church of Houston who are interested in playing disc golf. Games and other outings are organized on the Tapestry Disc Golfers Facebook private group page and via the Signal app. To learn more, request to join the Tapestry Disc Golfers Facebook group, or email dg@uutapestry.org. See you on the course!
We're Looking for More Liturgists!
Covenant Groups
The following groups are currently accepting new members:
- Cooking Covenant Group
- Gardening Covenant Group
The Women Aligned Spiritually Group is currently closed, but it may reopen to new members next summer.
For more information, please see https://uutapestry.org/CovenantGroups or to suggest a new group, email pastpresident@uutapestry.org.
Tapestry Caring Team
Upcoming Events From Our Calendar:
January 20 (Tuesday), 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Worship Team Meeting
This meeting is to discuss ongoing Worship Team tasks
January 21 (Wednesday), 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Membership Team Meeting
January 23 (Friday), 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Disc Golf V-Beer Meeting
Weekly Friday 3 PM to 4:30 PM disc golf v-beer Zoom meeting
January 24 (Saturday), 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: WFPB Covenant Group Meeting
The Whole Food Plant Based (WFPB) Covenant Group meets via Zoom every Saturday at 2:30 pm. Our mission is learning more about WFPB eating, cooking, recipe-sharing, and supporting each other in our healthy lifestyle journeys. We are currently viewing each of the 40 video presentations each week from the Holistic Holiday at Sea cruise which several of our members recently enjoyed, along with discussion, and monthly sharing potluck WFPB snacks. Please contact wfpb@uutapestry.org if interested in joining us.
January 24 (Saturday), 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Houston UU Network Luncheon
We will open with a shared luncheon and a look at the "Houston UU Network Story." The afternoon will feature essential updates from the Houston UU Ministers Association, Southern Region UUA, the Texas UU Justice Ministry, and the launch of the 2026 "UU the Vote" Team Building Toolkit. We will conclude with an interactive workshop to get everyone synced on our 2026 communication app.
Where: Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church 1901 Bering Dr, Houston, TX 77057 (Westwood Hall)
• What to Bring: Please bring a smartphone, tablet, or laptop for the Hands-on Communications Lab.
• Register: uuhouston.org/register
New Book Recommendations In Our Reading Room:
 | By: Mel Robbins I enjoyed this inspiring self help book by an enthusiastic (in her audio version) and popular author. “Robbins’s Let Them Theory teaches us to detach from situations and behaviors that are outside our sphere of influence. It involves shifting your mindset to take control of what you do and how you spend your time and energy.” Read and recommended by Geoff Sanders. |
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Thank you for your interest and readership...
Newsletter editor, Tapestry Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston
newsletter@uutapestry.org