Dear Reader,
This is the Tuesday, October 27, 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 Vulnerable Journey of Healing
by Michelle DeRouen
Often when you hear about people talk about healing, it seems like a linear journey. "I have already worked on that issue" comes up many times. In reality, healing is more like a spiral. A different version of the same issue can show up over and over again. Being vulnerable, and learning to have compassion for those who trigger us and for ourselves can feel like hard work.
If you're unable to join us in person, Zoom is still an option by clicking HERE.
Announcements:
The Pagan Pages: October Meeting: Summary
by Tracy Cook on 10/26/2026
We met on Saturday, October 24 this month. We talked a little bit about this Full Moon being the Hunter’s Moon. In northern regions, the crops have all been harvested, and the focus has changed to storing up and drying meats. But, this doesn’t have to be literal for us! We don’t get snowed in on a regular basis, nor do we have to store meat for the winter. I can go to H-E-B at any time!
So, what does the Hunter’s Moon mean for us now? We talked about moving from hurricane prep to Snowmageddon prep, and having enough nonperishable food on hand to last a few days without power. We also talked about doing an ‘Autumn Cleaning’, where we sweep out or declutter our spaces.
The bulk of our time, though, was spent talking about Samhain (pronounced Sah-wen). Many people had only seen the word in print, and so we all shared experiences about hearing it spoken correctly for the first time!
We shared our personal traditions for this time of year. One person shared some of her art work, and also some pictures of her altar. We talked about how, especially in northern climates, the physical darkness encourages one to focus on oneself.
Tarot spreads are a good way to reflect, as well. Discussions were on how we use Tarot, and many of us shared how we came to Tarot and how we found it helpful.
I shared my experiences with Aroma Freedom Technique, which I found extremely powerful in recovering from deep-seated trauma. Several people mentioned they were interested, and so I will email my friend’s contact information and pricing to the members. If anyone else in the Congregation is interested, it is an experience! I am still processing what I learned from the session, and I went through it almost a year ago.
Our next meeting will be Saturday, November 28, from 6:00-8:00 PM. We will be discussing the Beaver Moon, which is also a Super Moon! We can also begin planning for Yule. However, there will not be a December meeting, as the fourth Saturday is December 26.
Read More and Comment on The Pagan Pages Blog
Learning from a Weaver
The Tapestry UU Fiber Arts Group is sponsoring a night with Monica's stepmother! Barbara Ellen Watermelon, https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraEllenWatermelonDesigns/, is a bona fide weaver with a loom in her sewing room and a membership in her local Weaver's Guild. She will share with us life lessons she has gleaned while, quite literally, weaving a tapestry of love and action for decades from Florida. This event will be at 2338 Goldspring Lane, Spring 77373 on 11/23 at 6 pm. Please RSVP to 832-527-3905 by phone or text to ensure we have sufficient seating.
Thanksgiving 2026
Thanksgiving - Thursday, November 26 We had so much fun at Meyer Park last year! I have reserved the same pavilion as last year - I can’t tell you where it is because I am directionally challenged, ha! But it is through the archway, and in the same section as the dog park. There is a sign-up sheet (code linked below). But you can also just show up and eat some food. Last year I had enough leftovers to last several days without cooking! Isn’t that great! I will be there at 8:30-ish in the morning. I say ‘-ish’ because this is vacation and Before Coffee. George will start the grill for reheating, and it will be ready to receive items around noon. We can start nibbling on snacks and appetizers at any point, but the Main Meal will begin at 3:00. Please feel free to stop by even if you are having your own festivities at home! Say hello to people, maybe get a piece of pie… And remember your to-go containers!!! Sign-Up Genius Code: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C45A5AA2BA7F4C70-66505020-thanksgiving
Bread Communion on Sunday, November 15
This is a much-loved annual tradition at many UU churches, ours included.
We will have our Bread Communion 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! If you have a gluten-free bread, please label it as such. Alternately, you can bring something to put on the bread - butter, jellies, cheeses, etc. Have your breads sliced ahead of time, so the people who set up our tables do not have extra work or miss the actual services.
Cooking Covenant Group: November: TRIPLE Events This Month!
by Tracy Cook on 10/6/2026
Howdy, Friends and Neighbors!
This is a busy time of year for a lot of us, and Tapestry is no exception. We have three events coming up next month!
1. Tamalada on Saturday, November 7 at Tracy’s house starting at 3:00 PM. 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 an 8X8 baking dish. That gives you enough to have some of your own and also share with others.
- Make sure your filling is not too wet, or your tamales will never firm up.
- 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.
- I am making: Sweet Potato Mole (vegan); King Ranch Casserole; and Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake
2. 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.
3. Thanksgiving - Thursday, November 26
- We had so much fun at Meyer Park last year! I have reserved the same pavilion as last year - I can’t tell you where it is because I am directionally challenged, ha! But it is through the archway, and in the same section as the dog park. There is a sign-up sheet (coming soon). But you can also just show up and eat some food. Last year I had enough leftovers to last several days without cooking! Isn’t that great!
- I will be there at 8:30-ish in the morning. I say ‘-ish’ because this is vacation and Before Coffee. George will start the grill for reheating, and it will be ready to receive items around noon. We can start nibbling on snacks and appetizers at any point, but the Main Meal will begin at 3:00.
- Please feel free to stop by even if you are having your own festivities at home! Say hello to people, maybe get a piece of pie…
- And remember your to-go containers!!!
Read More and Comment on the Cooking Covenant Group Blog
Letter From Our Minister: New Religious Education Course Announcement
by Laura McGuire on 10/5/2026
Join us virtually on the below dates for the new UUA Woven Faith course. Explore your faith, thought-provoking questions, and more with your Tapestry friends and Rev. Dr. McGuire. More information can be found HERE.
1 PM CT at this ZOOM LINK.
- October 25th
- November 22nd
- December 13th
- January 17th
- February 21st
- March 28th
- April 11th
- May 30th
- June 27th
- July 25th
- August 15th
Read More and Comment on the Letter From Our Minister Blog
Share-the-Plate
October's share-the-plate offering is going to The League of Women Voters of Houston, which fosters a thriving democracy by engaging all people in the political process through nonpartisan information sharing, passionate civic engagement and by providing opportunities to participate in the democratic process.
UBarU News: Fall Events at UBARU
by Tracy Cook on 9/8/2026
September 11-14: Creative Arts (NEW!)
Bring your art projects to work on, share, and collaborate with friends at UBarU! Formerly known as “Fiber Arts” but we have expanded the range of projects. Come join the Fun!
September 18-21: Writers’ Retreat
Come with your drafts, finished products, and empty pages. All genres welcome, from fiction to memoir, from poetry to sermon.
October 2-4: Bioblitz
Over the weekend we will have time for learning, sharing and fellowship, and gathering info about plants and other wildlife at UBarU
October 16-18: Women’s Retreat
Every fall and spring UU women-aligned folks gather for a weekend of relaxing, having fun and Sharing Our Stories. Please join us for this Friday evening through Sunday morning retreat at UBarU. ALL ARE WELCOME!
October 16-18: Men’s Retreat
You are invited to join other Men-aligned folks from UU churches across Texas who will gather for a weekend retreat at UBarU Camp & Retreat Center near Kerrville. Come and enjoy fellowship in the Texas Hill Country. Rest, relax, enjoy delicious meals, and use the time as a break from your normal routines and schedules.
November 6-8: GenderfUUl
The Genderfuul retreat is an affirming retreat where trans, non-binary and agender UUs can build community with each other. From nature walks to spiritual discussions and crafts, we hope that each person is able to relax and connect with the sacredness of being genderful. Our chaplain will foster an environment where everyone is encouraged to acknowledge and value a wide variety of identities, experiences, feelings, and vocabulary.
Read More and Comment on the UBarU News Blog
We're Looking for More Liturgists!
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!
Tapestry Caring Team
Upcoming Events From Our Calendar:
October 30 (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. Contact dg@uutapestry.org for more information.
November 1 (Sunday), 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM: Birthday Sunday
November 2 (Monday), 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM: Pastoral Care Services
Rev. Dr. Laura McGuire will be available to schedule pastoral care sessions. Please use the following link to schedule your time with them.
https://calendly.com/ncea/tapestry
You can also email them at TapestryMinister@gmail.com
November 2 (Monday), 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Worship Team Meeting
This meeting is to discuss ongoing Worship Team tasks
November 2 (Monday), 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM: Program Council
Thank you for your interest and readership...
Newsletter editor, Tapestry Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston
newsletter@uutapestry.org