THIS SUNDAY
Sunday, September 16
Preacher: Rev. Michael Mumme
Scripture: Mark 9:33-37 
Sermon: “I’m terrified, but I’m answering a call…” | Daviss King
"This is My Story" Worship Series
Each week in worship, we hear from an FUMC member—stories of pain and joy, church and family—and we 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 .
3rd Grade Bible Presentation
9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Worship, Sanctuary
We invite all to celebrate and give thanks for the special book that shapes our lives in worship when we recognize and present gift Bibles to all 3rd graders and any older children who have not received a Bible. 
Manna Bag Sale
9:00-11:00 a.m., Sidewalk 
Our fourth and fifth grade children show the love of Christ to those in need through the making and selling of Manna Bags. Bags are $5 each.
Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times
10:00 a.m., SAN Room 215
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 .
Connections Fair
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., SAN 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.
Lunch & Learn About Global Fellows
12:15 p.m., FLC Garrison Chapel
We have launched a new partnership with the Global Mission Fellows (GMF) Program. We invite you to meet Grace Okerson , a GMF from Florida serving with the NOAH Project in Detroit, and Erica Oliveira, a former GMF now on staff with Global Ministries. Come learn ways we can support these young people as their lives are transformed through their work transforming communities. Lunch provided. Register Now.
Mobile Loaves & Fishes 3rd Sunday
4:00 and 5:00 p.m., MLF Kitchen
Teams prepare sandwiches and deliver them around Austin. This Sunday is open to first-timers of all ages to give this ministry a try. Read More .
NEWS & EVENTS
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Do you know someone who is celebrating or struggling? Someone who would be comforted by knowing that there are people who care and are praying for them? A group of skilled and dedicated knitters here at First Church has produced a collection of beautiful prayer shawls. They are available by request in the church office. These free shawls carry the assurances of prayer.
Immigrant Story
Tuesday, September 18, 6:30 p.m.
Westlake UMC, 1460 Redbud Trail
Many of us are, sadly, familiar with a part of the story. Reports of parents being separated from children, children being kept in cages, and other circumstances of utter desperation have been brought to the forefront of our media and consciousness. However, the reports are just part of the story, and the story is far from over. All are invited to attend Immigrant Story where we will hear presentations from acclaimed Austin Immigration Attorney Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch and Sofia Casini, Immigrant Rights Organizer at Grassroots Leadership. Both of these courageous women have worked on, and continue to work on, the front lines of the immigration story right here in Austin. Perhaps there’s something that all of us can do to help. For more information, please contact Pastor Cathy Stone at cathy@fumcaustin.org .
This is My Song
September 23
9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Worship
During worship we conclude the "This Is My Story" series with services of celebration and dedication lifting up the many musicians in our church who weekly give their time and talents to glorify God through musical offerings and leadership in our worship services. Our music ministry provides a crucial element of worship, enabling many to connect with God and receive the love and grace God offers. The FUMC Choir, Children's Choir, and Handbell Ensemble will participate in the 11:00 a.m. service; Soloists and Handbells at 9:00 a.m. A special offering, over and above regular giving, will be taken to provide additional budget support for the things that make our music ministry extraordinary, including our choral stipends and instrumentalists for special services. Please mark gifts with “This Is My Song” in notes. Give Online .
Contemplative Worship Service
September 23, 9:00-10:00 a.m.
EDU Murchison Chapel
These services are offered to beginners and experienced practitioners of mindfulness meditation. The service typically lasts 30 to 40 minutes.
NAMIWalks
Saturday, September 29, 9:00 a.m.
The Long Center
Join our team for this year's NAMIWalks event! We are walking to raise awareness of mental illness and raise funds for the important work of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. First UMC is working to support the work of NAMI as we promote education and awareness about mental illness and work to end the stigma associated with mental illness. Come walk with us or support our team with a donation through our NAMIWalks team page.
Generosity Worship Series - Celebrate! "Living the Abundant Life"
Sundays, September 30-October 28
Do you find yourself thinking more about what is lacking in your life, rather than what is overflowing? Do you feel stuck, wishing you could become more generous or more open to God's leading? Jesus said that he came in order for our lives to change—to become more abundant. He didn't expect that anyone listening had already arrived at the full measure of abundance; he came in order to make it possible. So what does abundance look like on the ground? What is the fulfillment we really long for, and how does God help us get there? Join us for this five-week series this fall as we take steps toward the abundant life Jesus promises.

Generosity Sunday School Series
Sundays, October 7-28, 10:00 a.m.
Wesley Hall
Want to explore practical ways to live out the Abundant Life? Join our Pastors for study and practical discussion in conjunction with our upcoming worship series, "Celebrate! Living the Abundant Life." Study and discussion guides will also be available for Sunday School classes who wish to participate in their own class setting. Contact Pastor Taylor for more information at taylor@fumcaustin.org .
Mercy and Justice 5th Sunday Presentation on Implicit Bias
Sunday, September 30, 10:00 a.m.
SAN Wesley Hall
Who, Me? Biased? As each of us experiences life—in school, at home, in church, at work, watching T.V.—we are surrounded by a number of biases. Some of these biases we consciously accept as our own, some we consciously reject, while many more fall into the subconscious level. Even though we are not aware of implicit biases, they constantly help to form our beliefs, values, ideas, and actions every day. By taking an intentional look at implicit bias and the ways it works in our brains and in our actions, we commit to rooting out the biases that are corrupted by stereotype or prejudice. Join us as we learn what implicit bias is, how it influences our thinking, and how its impact can be minimized.
Putting Your House in Order
Sunday, September 30, 12:15 p.m.
FLC Garrison Chapel
Give the gift of preparedness to those you love. This estate planning workshop helps you share your plans and passions with your loved ones while leaving a legacy of faith to continue the work of the church. Tom Stanton of Texas Methodist Foundation leads this workshop, which includes a detailed workbook. Register online at fumcaustin.org/house . Cost $10.
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 taylor@fumcaustin.org .
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.
Financial Peace University
Mondays, September 17-November 19, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
FLC 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 Fast Track: Into the Word, Into the World
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/disciple .
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
All are invited to participate in our ongoing monthly service opportunities.
FreeStore 3rd Saturday
September 15, 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
September 16, 4:00 and 5:00 p.m., SAN 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
September 25, 4:45-7:00 a.m., Family Life Center
Come help serve breakfast to 300 of our homeless neighbors. Preparing, cooking, and setting up begins at 4:45 a.m.; serving begins by 6:00 a.m.; and clean-up is finished by 7:00 a.m. Arrive and leave to meet your schedule.  Read More .
Disaster Recovery Mission Trip
October 5-8, Friday-Monday 
Sinton, TX
First UMC is sending a mission team (ages 14 and up) to Sinton, TX (Coastal Bend region), to help with long-term recovery from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey one year ago. Volunteers must complete the background check process—no other training is required. Trip cost is $125; workdays are Saturday and Sunday. Please register at the link below and contact cathy@fumcaustin.org to complete background check process or for additional information. Register Now.
SEPTEMBER MISSION EMPHASIS
Global Mission Fellows
The Global Mission Fellows Program of the General Board of Global 
Ministries is a two-year mission service and educational opportunity for young adults, ages 20-30, to work in social justice ministries. Fellows from the United States and other countries leave their home communities, after an extensive orientation, and work either in the U. S. or internationally. This graduate-level fellowship allows participants to address the root causes of oppression and alleviate human suffering alongside community organizations in a variety of issue areas, including public health, migration/immigration, education, and poverty. Through this partnership, FUMC supports these young adults and their work through financial giving, prayers, letters of encouragement, and visits from Fellows. Make checks payable to FUMC and include a note stating that your contribution is for “GM Fellows.” Give Now .
SERMONS ONLINE
Missed Last Week's Sermon?
Sunday, September 9
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: Ephesians 4:25-32
Sermon: "When I told them the truth, they kicked me out of the church." | Bert Garcia
PRAYER CONCERNS
Within our Congregation
Health: Randolph Bias; Carol Brady; Ken and Susan Hensley; Nancy Lewis; Gene and Charlotte Lyerly; Andrea Peck; Pearl Spears; and Bruce Venno.
Condolences to the family and friends of Wilton Stone on his death.
Beyond our Congregation
Robbie Ausley’s sister-in-law,Sue Holt; Cheryl Bias’ niece, Lauren; Craig Blome’s and Tamra Golden’s parents, Paul and Carol Golden; Fay Brown’s sister, Jo Rene Altenburg; Shirley Derryberry’s sister, Marcia Ohlhausen; Bennett and Meisa Ezekiel’s friend, Dev Reddy; Nancy Gillett’s mother, Joyce Lester; Cindy Gunderson’s neighbor, Barbara White; Elizabeth Lerner’s daughter, Katherine; Charlyn Loera’s mother, Alma, and friend, Ruth; Gene Lyerly’s neurologist, Dr. Thomas Hill; Mark Morris’ and Kathy Tullos’ neighbor, Warren Pettinos; Connie Payne’s brother, John; Debbie Rippetoe’s friend, Jo Johnson; Justin and Erin Scarth’s friends, Chad Burnette and Lisa Whatley; Donna Shands’ daughter, June; Leslie Story’s parents, Neel and Pat Richardson; and Dick Young’s nephew, Jeff Young.
Condolences to Grady Basler and Terry Cornwell on the death of their friend, Sue Mayfield, and to the family and friends of Stacy Bolluyt on her 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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