THIS SUNDAY
Sunday, July 29
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: John 21:1-19
Sermon: "Peter"
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. 
VBS Service Squad Bake Sale
9:30-10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m., Church Sidewalk
The VBS Service Squad (3rd-5th graders) spent last 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 baked goods each day that are on sale today. Proceeds will benefit one or more of these organizations.
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 .
Fifth Sunday Presentation on Mental Health
10:00 a.m., Wesley Hall
“In Our Own Voice” is a program developed by the National Alliance on Mental Health. This presentation by individuals living with mental health conditions educates the public and supports the individual’s wellness and empowerment while dispelling the stigma of mental illness. This relevant and important conversation is hosted by our Mercy & Justice Team. Read More .
ASP Slideshow
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. 
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] .
UMW Children's Underwear Drive
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.
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, and 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 at  fumcaustin.org/pridesignup . 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 .
Back-to-School Blessing
August 19, 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
August 19, 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 worship). 
 
Children Movin' Up Sunday School
August 19, 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
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
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 .
JULY MISSION EMPHASIS
Mission Projects During Vacation Bible School (VBS)
During VBS, children participated in hands-on activities showing love to neighbors. They learned about and contributed 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. The children have a deeper appreciation of these ministries, the people we serve, and why these ministries are so important. It's not too late to donate to funds to cover expenses. Monetary donations may be left at the communion rail, made online, or sent to or brought by the church office. Please indicate “VBS Mission Projects” on your gifts. Donate Online .
SERMONS ONLINE
Missed Last Week's Sermon?
Sunday, July 22
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: Mark 15:22-41
Sermon: "The Cross"
PRAYER CONCERNS
Within our Congregation
Health : Francis Allen; Randolph Bias; Fay Brown; Gary Diehl; Kelly Flores; Merianne Gaston; Ken and Susan Hensley; Paul Hicks; Pat Martin; Alice Parrish; Michael Render; Marie Richards; Pearl Spears; Bruce Venno; and Tom Watkins.
Other: Travel mercies to Africa for Henriette Iranyibuka.
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; Curtis Fuelberg’s and Susan Griffith’s friends, A. J. Goertz and Ron Rogers; Nancy Gillett’s mother, Joyce Lester, and brother, Ted Lester; Cindy Gunderson’s neighbor, Barbara White; Reverend Sheldon Johnson; Ahanna Martinez’s parents; Kelly Mills’ sister, Tori Repass, and mother, Sandra Mills; Mark Morris’ and Kathy Tullos’ friend, Beth Nilsson, and neighbor, Warren Pettinos; Connie Payne’s brother, John; Justin and Erin Scarth’s friends, Chad Burnette and Lisa Whatley; 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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