THIS SUNDAY
Sunday, August 19
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: Romans 8:22-28
Sermon: "I walked away from God..." | Jim Bowen
Each of us has a story—an experience that has helped us understand God and ourselves through joy, connection, hurt, and hope. When we tell our stories, we find that they intertwine with God's story and the stories of others. Each week in worship, we'll hear from an FUMC member—stories of pain and joy, church and family—and we'll reflect through prayer, scripture, song, and sermon. Join us as we delve into the stories of FUMC and find our own lives wrapped in the story of God. Read More .
Back-to-School Blessing
9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Sanctuary 
All students, teachers, and administrators will receive a blessing and a gift as a tangible reminder of God’s and our congregation’s love and support. Bring your backpack or any personal item to be blessed as well. 
 
New Sixth Graders Parade
9:45 a.m., Sanctuary Front Steps 
Everyone is invited to help us cheer the class of 2025 as they move from our children’s ministry all the way across the street to our youth ministry. Meet on the front steps at 9:45 a.m. (or directly following 9:00 a.m. worship). 
 
Children Movin' Up Sunday School
10:00 a.m., New Classrooms 
We highly encourage parents to accompany their children to their new classrooms so they can meet their child’s teachers as well as other families. Look for room locations in parent email or on our website .
Summer Book Club Conversations
10:00 a.m., Murchison Chapel
Join with others who read a book, or books, from our summer reading list. Register online today and let us know which book(s) you read. View recommended reading list and register at fumcaustin.org/summerbookclub .
Bolder Than Texas Information Session
10:00 a.m., Wesley Hall
Please join us to learn about the Bolder Than Texas project that will record our past and present, as well as our hopes for the future. We will discuss the project’s scope, answer questions, and offer practical advice and how-to’s for generating and recording the stories of our living faith. Read More .
FUMC Children's Choir
12:15-1:00 p.m., SAN Room 110
Children's choir rehearsals begin for Kindergarten through 5th grade. Children meet in SAN Room 110 for a brief snack prior to rehearsal. If you have questions email [email protected] .
NEWS & EVENTS
Austin PRIDE Thank You
Thank you to all who came out for Austin PRIDE week events! More than 60 FUMC members and friends witnessed to our faith and God's boundless love for the LGBTQ community at last week's interfaith celebration, festival, and parade. That kind of love changes lives!
Early Response Team (ERT) Basic Training
August 18, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Wesley Hall
The Disaster Response Team of the Rio Texas Conference has always been ready to assist at any time when disasters are beyond the resources of a local community or beyond that of the district. FUMC is building an Early Response Team (ERT) to work in conjunction with other United Methodist churches in our area to help victims when disasters occur. For additional information, please contact Ben Patterson at (512) 217-0756 or [email protected] . Register and learn more at fumcaustin.org/ert .
Accessibility During Elevator Construction
Beginning on August 12, accessibility to the Sanctuary for the mobility impaired will include a path through the North Entrance of the church. The South Entrance will be closed during the Sanctuary Elevator construction expected to last up to five weeks. The north stairwell to the Sanctuary will be reserved for the mobility impaired only. All able-bodied persons should access the Sanctuary from the front steps. Read More .
UMW Children's Underwear Drive
Throughout the Month of August
Our FUMC United Methodist Women's (UMW) Joy Circle toured the Southside Community Center in San Marcos in April and discovered the need to supply the San Marcos ISD with new children's underwear. Many children attending area schools have limited resources and no extras. The school nurses give children new underwear when they have accidents or become ill at school. The need is great! Please join the Joy Circle in contributing new clean (preferably packaged) underwear for ages 5-12 during the month of August. A collection bin is located in the Sanctuary Foyer.
Acolyte Training and Registration
August 26, 9:30 a.m.-10:45 a.m.
SAN Room 110 and Sanctuary
For all parents and children or youth who are in 3rd grade and older who want to commit to assisting with worship this year. Both novice and seasoned acolytes will increase their understanding of their responsibilities and sharpen their skills. Acolytes support both clergy and laity, ensuring that the behind-the-scenes tasks and logistics of worship flow smoothly. These tasks may include bringing the light of Christ into and out of worship,serving Communion, preparing the worship space, assisting with the worship slides from the balcony, and ushering and greeting. Read More .
Administrative Board Meeting
August 26, 12:15-2:00 p.m., Great Hall
All are welcome to attend and participate in discussion. Board members have voting rights. Lunch will be provided for $10 per person. Board members and guests who plan to attend are asked to RSVP by 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 22. Childcare available by emailing [email protected] to make reservations. Register at fumcaustin.org/adminboard .
Back-to-School on Lake Travis
Sunday, August 26, 2:30-8:15 p.m.
Drop off at Church Parking Lot
All middle and high school youth are invited to join us for a four-hour tour of Lake Travis to celebrate the start of a new school year! Food and water toys provided! We will carpool from FUMC Austin at 2:30 p.m. to our Marina (16107 FM 2769, Leander, TX 7864) for a 3:30-7:30 p.m. boat time and return to FUMC at 8:15 p.m. The cost is $20 and includes dinner. Youth are invited to bring up to two new friends at $10 per friend—that's three people for $30. We have a capacity of 70 people on the barge so be sure to register your crew as soon as possible. Register at fumcaustin.org/barge .
Faith at Home Parenting Class
Sunday, September 9, 10:00 a.m.
SAN Room 215
When households practice faith at home, everyone grows closer to God. Research shows that children and youth whose families participate in Christian conversations, Bible reading, traditions, and prayer are more likely to claim their faith as adults. At a "Faith at Home" session, we learn and try out some spiritual practices that are "do-able," adaptable, fun, and meaningful. These activities can be used by households of all shapes and sizes, including singles, friends, couples, children, teens, and parents. This class will focus on exploring the practice of prayer and touch on some practical ideas to enhance the worship experience for you and your child. Register Now .
First Steps
Sunday, September 9, 12:15 p.m.
Garrison Chapel
Are you interested in joining FUMC? Prior to joining the church, we ask all to participate in a First Steps class, to learn about Methodist beliefs and the ministry of FUMC, meet the pastors and other members, and ask questions. Sign up at fumcaustin.org/firststeps .
Kids’ Night Out
September 14
6:00–9:00 p.m.
EDU Room 102
Pizza and a movie for the kids (infants-1st grade) and date night for the parents! Cost is $25 for first child, $8 for siblings.  Read More .
Kids’ Club
September 14
6:00–9:00 p.m.
EDU Room 108
All 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders are invited to a night of faith building through games, mission projects, a movie, and pizza! Read More .
Connect for Tweens
September 14
6:00–9:00 p.m.
Great Hall
Calling 5th, 6th, and 7th graders! Connect bridges children and youth ministries by building relationships. Read More .
Connections Fair
September 16, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Wesley Hall
Looking for a new place to connect at FUMC? Come to the Connections Fair and learn about new ways to learn, grow, serve, and share. Check out tables hosted by various classes, missions, committees, book studies, and fellowship groups and learn more about new places to connect with FUMC.
Baptism Class
Sunday, September 30, 12:15 p.m.
EDU Room 108
Are you ready to have your child Baptized? Pastor Taylor Fuerst and Director of Children’s Ministries Lara Greene host this class to discuss our beliefs about Baptism, logistical information about scheduling and service preparation, and ways to help your child live the baptized life. This class is required for those preparing for a child’s Baptism. To register, indicate your interest on the Connections Card in worship or register at  fumcaustin.org/baptismclass . If you are interested in adult Baptism, email Pastor Taylor at [email protected] .
ADULT DISCIPLESHIP
We have several ways for you to gather with others and grow closer to God. Through Sunday School classes, small groups or other discipleship opportunities, we want to help you grow in your faith surrounded and supported by others who are growing in theirs.
Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times
Sundays, August 26-September 23, 10:00 a.m.
Wesley Hall
In this study based on his book Unafraid , Adam Hamilton explores the most common worries and fears experienced by Americans today. Led by Pastor Cathy Stone. Register at fumcaustin.org/unafraid .
Practicing Christian Mindfulness
Sundays, September 9-October 14, 12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
SAN Room 212
This class explores mindfulness practices to incorporate into your life today. Led by Cindy Walter. Register at fumcaustin.org/mindfulness by September 1.
Financial Peace University
Mondays, September 17-November 19, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Garrison Chapel
With Dave Ramsey’s class Financial Peace University, you CAN take control of your money. Freedom from debt is part of being free to follow Christ. Join Pastor Michael Mumme for this personal finance class with a faith perspective. Register at fumcaustin.org/peace .
Disciple 2 Fast Track
Mondays, September 17-December 3, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
FLC Room 104
This 24-week study led by Pastor Cathy Stone immerses you in the books of Genesis, Exodus, Luke, and Acts. Each week you encounter three spiritual disciplines, learn what they are, and how you can engage in those disciplines. Classes meet for a total of 24 weeks, 12 weeks in the fall and 12 weeks in the spring. Daily preparation is 3-5 chapters of the Bible. The cost is $30 for two study manuals. Register at fumcaustin.org/disciple2 .
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
All are invited to participate in our ongoing monthly service opportunities.
FreeStore 3rd Saturday
August 18, 8:45-11:00 a.m., Memorial UMC
Sort, organize, and shelve donated items; assist shoppers; bag items; provide hospitality; and share stories over a cup of coffee. Something for everyone, so just show up and serve. Read More .
Mobile Loaves & Fishes 3rd Sunday
August 19, 4:00 and 5:00 p.m., MLF Kitchen
MLF serves daily, but this monthly third Sunday is for families and individuals who want to try face-to-face service with experienced volunteers. Read More .
Feed My People 4th Tuesday
August 28, 4:45-7:00 a.m., Family Life Center
Prepare and serve breakfast to 300 of our homeless neighbors working in shifts starting at 4:45 a.m. and ending by 7:00 a.m. Without our regular supply of UT student volunteers, we need extra help during the summer. Training provided.  Read More .
AUGUST MISSION EMPHASIS
English as a Second Language
FUMC began it's ESL Ministry as an initiative by a pastor for whom English was a second language, one who thought he knew English until he arrived in this country and faced a myriad of challenges with communication. Add to this dilemma the cultural differences in medical care, the condition of women in society, how to go to the grocery store, how to take a bus, and how to navigate the educational system for one's children. For over a decade, individuals who find themselves in these situations have come to our ESL classes. Attendees say the difference between these classes and those offered by educational institutions is the feeling of community, the creation of a place to belong. The social hours of ESL classes are a safe place to practice a language, but also a place to feel at home. One of the unique things about our ESL Ministry is providing childcare so mothers or fathers who care for the family can concentrate on improving their language skills. Although the teachers are volunteers, materials, childcare, utilities for the FLC, and refreshments for the social hours all cost money. Contributions at the altar rail offering during the month of August go to support this quiet but powerful ministry. Read More .
SERMONS ONLINE
Missed Last Week's Sermon?
Sunday, August 12
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: John 4:7-21
Sermon: "Living God's Story"
PRAYER CONCERNS
Within our Congregation
Health: Judy Breckbill; Randolph Bias; Gary Diehl; Merianne Gaston; Ken and Susan Hensley; Curtis Higgs; Jan Higgs; Andrea Peck; Pearl Spears; and Bruce Venno.
Congratulations: To John Wright and Barbara Ruth on the birth of their grandson, Theodore Leo Stafford.
Condolences: To Sarah Austin and family on the death of her mother, Linda Hopper, and to the family and friends of Paul Ruiz on his death. 
Beyond our Congregation
Robbie Ausley’s sister-in-law, Sue Holt; Cheryl Bias’ niece, Lauren; Craig Blome’s and Tamara Golden’s parents, Paul and Carol Golden; Fay Brown’s sister, Jo Rene Altenburg; Lauren Cook’s father, Randal Hendrix; Shirley Derryberry’s sister, Marcia Ohlhausen; Bennett and Meisa Ezekiel’s friend, Dev Reddy; April Ferrino’s mother, Sara, and aunt, Irma; Gordon Wesley and Jan Iverson’s brother, John; Cindy Gunderson’s neighbor, Barbara White; Marijo Hartman’s friend, Cecilia Collins; Reverend Sheldon Johnson; Judy Kostura’s friend, Donna Perkins; Elizabeth Lerner’s daughter, Katherine Lerner; Mark Morris’ and Kathy Tullos’ neighbor, Warren Pettinos; Alice Parrish’s friend, D’Anna Wick; Connie Payne’s brother, John; Pat Rives’ friend, Barbara Hall; Justin and Erin Scarth’s friends, Chad Burnette and Lisa Whatley; Lee Sloan’s friend, Ron Hall; Leslie Story’s father, Neel Richardson; and Dick Young’s nephew Jeff Young.
Church Life enables members to connect, view giving history, schedule giving, and access the church calendar. Available in mobile app with same login. Read More .
Contact Us
1201 Lavaca St. Austin, TX 78701
(512) 478-5684 
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