FUMC eNews - March 22, 2018

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THIS SUNDAY

Sunday, March 25

Palm Passion Sunday

Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst

Scripture: Exodus 14:10-31

Sermon: "The Road Through the Sea"

Palm/Passion Services

9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m., Sanctuary

Wave palms as we celebrate the coming King, Jesus. Children are invited to gather in the Sanctuary foyer at 10:50 a.m. prior to the procession of palms as the service begins.

Contemplative Worship Service Fourth Sundays

9:00 a.m., Murchison Chapel

This monthly service is offered to beginners or experienced practitioners of mindfulness meditation and typically lasts between 30 to 40 minutes.

Lenten Sunday School Class

10:00 a.m., Wesley Hall

Join Pastor Cathy Stone during the Sunday School hour for an abbreviated study of Adam Hamilton's Moses: In the Footsteps of the Reluctant Prophet .

Easter Lily Sale

Last day to order!

All are invited to place lilies in the sanctuary on Easter Sunday in honor or in memory of loved ones. The cost is $11 for each plant. Plants can be picked up after the 11:00 a.m. worship service on Easter Sunday. Order Online .

Easter Eggs Needed

Last Sunday to bring Easter eggs or make a donation!

We still need more than 1,000 stuffed eggs for our Egg Festival on March 31. Pre-stuffed eggs are also accepted. Please make sure candy is nut free. Place them in the bunny barrels in the children's wing and the sanctuary foyer or donate online and put "Egg Festival Supplies" in the notes. Thanks for your help to make this community event successful.

NEWS & EVENTS

March for Our Lives - Austin, TX

March 24, 11:00 a.m., Family Life Center

As followers of Jesus, called to live into the reality of God’s dream of shalom as described by Micah, we must address the epidemic of gun violence so “that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in God’s paths.” We join our country in heartbreak at ever-increasing incidents of gun violence, particularly in schools and we seek a solution to this crisis.

This Saturday, families and individuals of all ages are invited to unite with the youth of our city and nation to bring about change. Our Baptismal promise calls us to strive for justice and peace among all people. Join our FUMC group as we gather in the Family Life Center at 11:00 a.m. before walking to Austin City Hall for the start of the March for Our Lives at 12:00 p.m. During the March, kids and families will take to the streets to demand that their lives and safety become a priority and that we end gun violence and mass shootings in our schools today. The March ends at the Texas Capitol to hear speakers and learn more about getting involved. This event will end by 3:00 p.m. For more information, contact Kathy Tullos at [email protected] . To learn more about the march, click here .

Easter Offering - Rise Up

It’s a resurrection invitation—an invitation from Christ to rise from the grave with Him into new life. This Easter, I invite you to “Rise Up” by giving to our Easter Offering that will support a major renovation to our sanctuary elevator. For years, our elevator has been increasingly unreliable and it's time we overhaul its control system and other components. This is a major commitment, with a price tag of $75,000. To ensure accessibility for those with short or long-term disabilities, the elevator is essential to our mission to invite all people to know the love of God. Read More .

Walk The Labyrinth

Murchison Chapel During Holy Week March 26-April 1

A labyrinth is an ancient pattern for prayer, meditation, and contemplation. During Holy Week, a labyrinth will be available for walking during regular business office hours and Easter. Read More .

Maundy Thursday Services

March 29, 12:10 & 7:30 p.m., Sanctuary

Gather with Jesus and his friends in the Upper Room to celebrate the Holy Meal and experience the washing of feet.

Good Friday Family Service

March 30, 10:30 a.m., Murchison Chapel

Experience the stories of Christ's life through Easter with age-appropriate prayer stations and walking the Labyrinth. Wear socks!

Good Friday Services

March 30, 12:10 & 7:30 p.m., Sanctuary

Experience Christ's crucifixion through scripture, prayer, and passion hymns.

Easter Egg Festival

March 31, 9:30-11:00 a.m. West Capitol Lawn

Join the Easter Bunny for an egg hunt/roll. Breakfast tacos, hot dogs, and sausage rolls available for sale. Bring food donations for Caritas of Austin.

Easter Worship Services

April 1, 9:00 & 11:00 a.m., Sanctuary

Celebrate God's victory over the powers of sin, oppression, and death in two identical services with Communion and full choir.

Butterfly Release

April 1,10:00 a.m., West Capitol Lawn

Enjoy the beauty of the resurrection and new life as we release butterflies.

Childcare During Worship

During Holy Week, our nursery for infants and toddlers will be available during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday evening services at 7:30 p.m. and at the Good Friday Family Service at 10:30 a.m.

Parking

Parking is available in the Trial Lawyer's parking garage at Lavaca and 13th Street during the 7:30 p.m. evening services on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. For noon services, parking is available at meters and in the church parking lot.

Family Hike

April 7, 10:30 a.m., Mayfield Park

Join the FUMC Children’s Ministry Team for a family-friendly hike and enjoy a picnic lunch together. The park is located at 3505 W 35th St, Austin TX 78703. Contact [email protected] with questions. For park information, please visit www.mayfieldpark.org.

Faith at Home: Sacred Moments

April 8, 10:00 a.m., Wesley Hall

Want to help your child feel closer to God, but life is just too busy to sit down for a devotional? Join Director of Children and Family Ministries, Lara Greene and other parents, grandparents, and care-takers of children and/or youth to discuss ways to cultivate sacred moments amidst our everyday events. Register here .

FUMC Writing Workshop

April 8, 2:00-3:30 p.m., Family Life Center, Room 104

This workshop will focus on creative expressions of faith: poetry, music, and art as prayer and praise; claiming a creative Christian identity; and encountering God through our creative gifts. Bring your writing materials and your stories. Contact Amy Wink and Caroline Jones at [email protected] with questions. Read More .

We are Blood Donation Drive

April 15, 9:00-11:30 a.m., Bloodmobile in Parking Lot

Blood donations have long been considered one of the easiest volunteer actions a person could make. Where else can you lay back for a few minutes and make a huge difference for others within the community while receiving juice and cookies for your efforts? Schedule an appointment at fumcaustin.org/blood or call Craig Wellborn at 512-206-1316.

Young Adult Lunch

April 15, 12:15 p.m.

Front Steps of Sanctuary Building

Young adults (ages 18-35) are invited to lunch together once a month. This group will walk or carpool someplace nearby to eat. Questions? Contact Devon Bailey at [email protected] .

First Steps

April 15, 12:15 p.m.

Garrison Chapel, Family Life Center

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 ask questions. Sign up by emailing Trevor Harper at [email protected] or submit your registration online.

July 23-27, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Rolling River Rampage invites rafters aged 4 years through completed 5th grade on a white-water rafting adventure to experience the ride of a lifetime with God! The cost is $30 before June 1 and then $40 until registration cut-off on July 9. Register at fumcaustin.org/vbs . To volunteer, contact Sarah Whitley at [email protected] .

Summer Sports Camp

July 23-26, 12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

FUMC Family Life Center

A multi-sport camp for ages 5-12 consisting of fun games like dodgeball, kickball, capture the flag, and other games revolving around classic sports like basketball, flag football, and soccer. The cost of the camp is $85 before June 1 and $95 after June 1. Register through Triumph Sports at TriumphSports.com/FUMCAustin .

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Hands on Housing Spring Blitz

April 7, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

iACT’s Hands on Housing uses volunteers and skilled professionals to repair the homes of senior citizens and disabled individuals who are living in deep poverty. Come join us for the Spring Blitz event, and help repair and paint a home. Sign up here .

Keep Austin Beautiful Service Day

April 14, 9:00-11:00 a.m.

FUMC families are invited to help clean two neighborhoods as part of Keep Austin Beautiful Day. A volunteer appreciation party follows at Huston-Tillotson University. North: 7500 Blessing Avenue, 78752, and South: 1100 Cumberland Road, 78704. Questions? Contact Terri Purdy at [email protected] . Read More .

All are invited to participate in our ongoing monthly service opportunities.

Feed My People

4th Tuesday

March 27

4:45-7:00 a.m.

Family Life Center

This ministry serves breakfast to 300 of our homeless guests.