Welcome

My first UU church was First Jefferson Unitarian Universalist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. I was a student at Texas Christian University when someone told me about this church, and in October 1979 I visited. I participated an adult education group in which pro-choice advocates from Planned Parenthood spoke; then I attended the worship service. The sermon was "Stages of Spiritual Growth". What kind of church was this that could challenge me to look at difficult issues and to look at my faith as a process? I knew from that moment that Unitarian Universalism was my faith.

But what is a Unitarian Universalist? Well, this is not an easy question to answer. Members of our faith range from Atheists to Agnostics to Buddhists to Earth-based traditions to Humanists to Theists to Christians. What do all these beliefs hold in common? Unitarian Universalists feel called to an inner quest for truth and meaning, and feel compelled to explore the Great Truths presented across all faiths in support of that quest. As a Unitarian Universalist, one can come to understand that revelation is not sealed; we can still have experiences of the spirit/soul/heart that can aid us in understanding the basic questions of our lives, of humankind, and of our universe.

We cannot answer the question of what it is to be a Unitarian Universalist in a simple way, nor can we answer what it takes to be a member of a Unitarian Universalist church in a simple way. It is both easy and difficult to become a member of Spindletop Unitarian Church. It is easy to join our church: sign the membership book and make a contribution of record. But it is also difficult to be a member of our church: unceasing self-examination and an unquenchable dedication to making the world a better place are not calls everyone can answer.

I encourage new members and guests to talk with me about what Unitarian Universalism is and what they hope to find in this church community. I want people to understand that they will be challenged to live their faith, however they understand it. As a church, we encourage our members on their quest for the spirit/soul/heart/divine; we encourage our members to take action in their world to make it a better place; we encourage our members to be involved in this loving, caring community. Spindletop is a Unitarian Universalist faith community that encompasses all these qualities and more. This church is a place where you can come to live your faith with mind, heart and soul.

I am in the pulpit at Spindletop one or two Sundays of each month. I also provide time to meet with congregants and visitors on the Sundays that I am in the pulpit, and by appointment on alternate Wednesdays from 10 AM to 3 PM. I can be contacted at home, at the church phone number, and through email at tcapo@uuma.org

Biography: I am an ordained Unitarian Universalist (UU) minister. In August 2001 I earned my Master of Divinity degree from the Houston Graduate School of Theology. I have my Master's degree in psychology and am a practicing psychotherapist. I also have provided lectures and workshops on issues ranging from marital relationships, stress, spirituality, eating disorders, men's issues, etc. for University of Houston, NASA, Alvin Community College, Texas Christian University, and other institutions. I am married and have two sons. A UU since 1979, I have been active in the UU congregations where I was a member, as well as active at the District and Denominational level. I am a Mediator and Consultant in the Southwest Conference.