The phrase, from ancient text, “where two or more are gathered” is our motivation to reach out beyond ourselves so we might grow our soul and serve the world.  As a small congregation, our outreach happens in two’s and three’s for a couple of important reasons.  There is a plethora of opportunities to serve the world and whenever someone feels the call to get involved, they do it.

These programs spring up when someone invites others to join them and an outreach program is born at our church.  Often the motivation comes from one, or more, of our Principles.

Should something spark interest for you, let us know.  We’ve love to have you participate. Our current outreach programs are:

Earth Day Festival– We plan and hold the annual Texoma Earth Day Festival each April. The festival includes a key note address, workshops, children’s activities, a trash fashion show, student art show, vendors, and recycling. The Earth Day Planning Committee is made up of both members of Red River UU and community leaders from other congregations and organizations.  We partner with more than 40 sponsoring businesses and organizations to create the festival. Most of the sponsorships were in the form of in-kind donations. Both the Friends of the Sherman Public Library and Austin College’s Green Serve schedule their coordinating events around the Texoma Earth Day Festival.

Dinners at the Grayson County Shelter– Several local congregations regularly rotate in providing a supper for current shelter residents. Red River UU’s commitment is once a quarter.  The Shelter Crew, a group of about 15 volunteers, create a menu, divide up the work, and each prepares (or purchases) a dish.  Some then stay and have dinner with shelter residents.

The Little Free Library – Our Little Free Library creation story began when a member of our congregation, on a visit to Madison, WI saw a Little Free Library. He brought the idea back to Texas and church members designed and built our library.  That was in June 2014 and at that time we were the ONLY L.F.L. anywhere in Grayson Co. TX and Bryan Co. OK.  We planted the idea in the area and are proud that today there are several L.F.L.’s in Texoma. Since the pandemic started we have also been using one of the shelves for food items for anyone that needs help.

Children’s Clothing Swap – Several times each year, we have children’s clothing swaps. Anyone may come to the swap and exchange gently used children’s clothes for other donated clothes for the children in their lives.  We do require that any clothes that are brought in to be clean, in good condition, and free of stains or holes.  We also welcome members of the community who are in need but have no clothes to swap – ensuring that all kids have access to clean clothes that fit is the priority.  Visit our calendar for information about our upcoming swaps!

G.O.T.V.– Volunteers staff a table at community events to get people to register to vote.  The congregation received a small UUA grant ($229), made two large banners, and has held four or five Get-Out-the-Vote drives.  While that may seem puny, the banners have been lent to several other organizations, which have found the banners a real help in recruiting potential registered voters.

Annual Fan Drive–  Each spring, a local radio station holds an area-wide fan drive for those without a/c.  When someone takes the lead, the congregation collects between 18-20 fans and delivers them to the radio station.

Tx UU Justice Ministry– The congregation voted to become a member of TXUUJM when it first was created in 2012, and annually contributes  $2/member each October.  One or two members of  the congregation  are on their advisory board.

LGBTQ+ Welcoming Congregation Team
Red River LGBTQ Facebook Page
Red River UU LGBTQ Instagram
Red River UU LGBTQ @UuLgbtq  Twitter

The team hosts multiple events at the church which are open to all LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, and supports Grayson Pride.  Check out our Facebook Page (link above) to stay current with happenings.

Grayson County NAACP– The congregation holds a life-time membership in the chapter, but has rarely been involved in any of its work.  Some years we have purchased a table for their annual youth scholarship dinner, held at Austin College.