THIS SUNDAY
Sunday, July 22
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: Mark 15:22-41
Sermon: "The Cross"
FUMC will journey together through the Bible this summer! Our worship each week focuses on passages we are reading, delving deeper into the story of who God is and what God is up to in the world. 
Contemplative Worship
9:00 a.m., Murchison Chapel
These services are offered to beginners and experienced practitioners of mindfulness meditation. The service typically lasts 30 to 40 minutes.
Sign Up for Table for 8
9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Sanctuary Foyer
Sign up this Sunday for our new Table for 8 Fellowship Groups. Volunteers will be in the foyer to assist with registration.  Read More .
"The Story of God" Group Discussion
10:00 a.m., Wesley Hall
On Sundays throughout the summer, join in group discussion as we read through the Bible. Daily reading bookmarks are available to guide you through the scripture. To learn more, visit fumcaustin.org/storyofgod .
Vacation Bible School Returning Volunteer Packet Pickup
Children's Hallway, Education Building
A packet with all relevant materials, such as schedules, rotations, and parking information is available to pickup for returning volunteers ONLY.
Vacation Bible School New Volunteer Training
12:15-12:45 p.m., Room 111, Sanctuary Building
New volunteers should plan to attend this brief training before helping with set-up on decorating day.
Vacation Bible School Decorating Day
12:15-3:00 p.m., Wesley Hall
Decorate and help with final prep for Vacation Bible School. Childcare provided with registration at [email protected] . Lunch provided.
NEWS & EVENTS
Table for 8
Table for 8  is a fun and exciting way to connect with people from First Church in a casual and relaxed atmosphere! Singles, couples, and families of all ages are welcome. Register online to sign up! Then you will be placed with others in your geographical area and a dining group will be formed. Our intent is to mix you up so that new relationships develop and grow while sharing a meal. From this group of 8, an initial “Lead Host” will contact all the other members to decide the date and time of your first gathering. Tables will meet three times in the fall and three in the spring. The group can meet at a home, a restaurant, a park...it is up to you! Questions? Visit our FAQ online at fumcaustin.org/tablefor8 or email Pastor Cathy Stone at [email protected] .
VBS Service Squad Bake Sale
July 29, 9:30-10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.
Church Sidewalk
The VBS Service Squad (3rd-5th graders) will spend this next week learning about mercy and justice topics and organizations that FUMC regularly supports, including Austin Region Justice for Our Neighbors, FreeStore, and Mobile Loaves & Fishes. As part of the curriculum, they will make baked goods each day to sale next Sunday. Bring cash to buy their tasty treats to benefit one or more of these wonderful organizations. 
Fifth Sunday Presentation on Mental Health
July 29, 10:00 a.m.
Wesley Hall
Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition, as one in five adults will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. However, everyone is affected or impacted by mental illness through friends and family. “In Our Own Voice” is a program developed by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), in which two trained speakers share compelling personal stories about living with mental illness and achieving recovery. This relevant and important conversation is hosted by our Mercy & Justice Team. Read More .
ASP Slideshow
July 29, 12:15 p.m.
Garrison Chapel
Family Life Center
All are invited to a slide show of this year’s Appalachia Service Project trip to Magoffin County, Kentucky. Come hear stories from our high school youth about the trip, the people they met, and the experiences shared. We will also celebrate Gordon Wesley and his 25 years of leading this trip! A light lunch and ice cream will be served. 
PRIDE Interfaith Celebration
August 5, 4:00 p.m.
JCC Austin, 7300 Hart Lane
 This annual LGBTQiA+ inclusive faith celebration features speakers from our LGBTQiA+ communities and the return of the outstanding Celebration Choir! This year’s featured speaker is Kat Marcias. Reception immediately following. FREE. All are welcome!
Book Study: I'm Still Here
Tuesdays, August 7, 14, 21
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Family Life Center, Room 103
Join us as we read and discuss “I’m Still Here” by Austin Channing Brown, a powerful new voice on racial justice, an eye-opening account of growing up as a black Christian, female in middle-class white America. Register Now .
Kids' Night Out
August 10, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Education Building
While parents enjoy an evening out, children play, eat pizza, and watch a movie with our trained childcare staff. We accept infants through 4th graders. Cost is $25 for the first child and $8 for siblings. Reservations required. Make reservations at [email protected] no later than the Wednesday prior to the event. 
Austin PRIDE Festival
August 11, 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Join the five reconciling United Methodist churches in presenting an affirming witness by helping to host a booth at the Austin PRIDE festival. Help let the LGBTQiA+ community know that FUMC is an affirming church. Sign up for shifts coming soon. For more information, contact the Reconciling Team at [email protected] .
Austin PRIDE Parade
August 11, Beginning 8 p.m.
Family Life Center
Ride or walk with the FUMC float in the 2018 Austin PRIDE Parade. We gather at the Family Life Center and walk to our starting position at an evening time to be determined. Save the date and watch for announcements of details.   
Back to School at the Pool!
August 12, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Balcones Woods Pool
11204 Alhambra Drive
Families of all ages are invited to join us for a fun Back-to-School Bash. Calendars and information about fall children's ministry programming will be available, plus a sign-up for Children's Choir. Contact [email protected] with questions.
Early Response Team (ERT) Basic Training
August 18, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Wesley Hall, Sanctuary Buiding
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 .
Summer Book Club
Now-August 19
Summer Book Club is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Join with others who read the same book from our summer reading list.  1. Pick your book and register at fumcaustin.org . 2. Read your book. 3. Bring your book and discuss. Gather to discuss books on August 19 at 10:00 a.m. in Wesley Hall. For more information, contact Pastor Cathy Stone at [email protected] . View recommended reading list and register at fumcaustin.org/summerbookclub .
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Day of Service in the Caritas Community Kitchen
Thursday, August 9
9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
611 Neches Street Austin
FUMC adults and youth (12+) are invited to serve in the Community Kitchen at Caritas. Caritas of Austin provides a free, nutritious lunch—no questions asked—to over 300 individuals Monday through Friday. We have ten spots reserved to serve in this primarily volunteer-operated kitchen. Individuals and families must register online . 
All are invited to participate in our ongoing monthly service opportunities.
FreeStore 3rd Saturday
July 21, 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 .
Feed My People 4th Tuesday
July 24, 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 .
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 .
JULY MISSION EMPHASIS
Mission Projects During Vacation Bible School (VBS)
During VBS, children will participate in hands-on activities showing love to neighbors. They will learn about and contribute to our main ministries with the hungry and homeless in the Austin community assembling Manna Bags for the congregation to distribute and Hygiene Kits for distribution at the Feed My People Breakfast. In addition to monetary donations, we are collecting items for the Hygiene Kits. We need 300 of each of the following items: Full Size: Chapstick; combs; disposable razors; feminine hygiene items; stick deodorant; and toothbrushes. Travel Size: bar soap; conditioner; hand sanitizer; lotion; shampoo; and toothpaste. Bring donations to the church by Sunday, July 22. Donation bins are located in the Sanctuary Foyer and Family Life Center. Donate Online .
SERMONS ONLINE
Missed Last Week's Sermon?
Sunday, July 15
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: John 4:1-26
Sermon: "Jesus"
PRAYER CONCERNS
Within our Congregation
Health : Francis Allen; Randolph Bias; Fay Brown; Gary Diehl; Kelly Flores; Merianne Gaston; Susan Hensley; Paul Hicks; Alice Parrish; Michael Render; Marie Richards; Pearl Spears; Bruce Venno; and Tom Watkins.
Congratulations: To Brenda Hostler on her one year recovery anniversary on August 2.
Condolences : To Virginia McCarroll on the death of her sister-in-law, Lella Henderson.
Other: Parents and children in detention and travel mercies for Henriette Iranyibuka, Donna Shands, and Tim and Cindy Walter and their family.
Beyond our Congregation
Robbie Ausley’s sister-in-law, Sue Holt; Cheryl Bias’ niece, Lauren; Craig Blome’s and Tamera Golden’s parents, Paul and Carol Golden; Fay Brown’s sister, Jo Rene Altenburg; Bennett and Meisa Ezekiel’s friend, Dev Reddy; Denise Fischer’s daughter, Ingrid; Curtis Fuelberg’s and Susan Griffith’s friend, Ron Rogers; Albert Garcia’s mother; Rev. Sheldon Johnson; Kelly
Mills’ mother, Sandra Mills, and sister, Tori Repass; Mark Morris’ and Kathy Tullos’ neighbor, Warren Pettinos; Julie Nelson’s friend, John Nash; Connie Payne’s brother, John; Judy Kostura’s colleagues; Justin and Erin Scarth’s friends, Lisa Whatley and Chad Burnette; Leslie Story’s father, Neel Richardson; Carol Walker’s friend, Carolyn Huff Womack; Amy Wink’s
friends, Monica, Edward and Amber; and Dick Young’s nephew Jeff Young.
Condolences: to the family and friends of Vernon Gooden on his death.
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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