THIS SUNDAY
Sunday, September 23
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: Jeremiah 9:23-24, Psalm 101:1
Sermon: "This Is My Song"
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 Fourth Sunday
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.
Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times
10:00 a.m., SAN Wesley Hall
In this study based on his book Unafraid , Adam Hamilton explores the most common worries and fears experienced by Americans today.
NEWS & EVENTS
NAMIWalks
Saturday, September 29, 9:00 a.m.
The Long Center
Support 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.
Sanctuary 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.

Sunday School Series: Celebrate! "Living the Abundant Life"
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 [email protected] .
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.
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 [email protected] .
Conversations on Racial Justice
Sunday, October 7, 4:30-6:00 p.m.
FLC, Garrison Chapel
Join us as we work together on racial justice, seeking to undo racism in ourselves and recognize systemic racism, while working for and supporting work being done to end racial oppression. This group meets on first Sundays to discuss and learn more about racial oppression, issues of whiteness and racism, and other topics through videos, podcasts and short articles. Please contact Pastor Cathy Stone at [email protected] for additional information.
Kids’ Night Out
October 12
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
October 12
6:00–9:00 p.m.
FLC Garrison Chapel
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
October 12
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.
Book Study – Transforming by Austen Hartke
Tuesdays, October 16, 23, 30
6:30-7:30 p.m.
La Madeleine, 5493 Brodie Lane
Join us as we read and discuss Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians by Austen Hartke. This book provides access into an underrepresented and misunderstood community and will change the way readers think about transgender people, faith, and the future of Christianity. By introducing transgender issues and language and providing stories of both biblical characters and real-life narratives from transgender Christians living today, Hartke helps readers visualize a more inclusive Christianity, equipping them with the confidence and tools to change both the church and the world. Register Now .
Administrative Board Meeting
Sunday, October 14, 12:15 p.m.
FLC Great Hall
All are welcome to attend and participate in discussion. Board members have voting rights. Lunch provided for $10 per person. Board members and guests
who plan to attend are asked to RSVP by 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 10. Register at fumcaustin.org/adminboard . Childcare available by making reservations at [email protected] .
Family Fall Party
Friday, October 19, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
FLC Great Hall
Join us for some family fun! Preschoolers and elementary-aged children are invited to bring their parents to the FUMC Fall Party, hosted by the Children’s Ministry Team. Activities will include face painting, a bounce house, a prize walk, and other games. Halloween costumes are encouraged! Pizza and drinks will be available for purchase. In lieu of an admission fee, please bring a non-perishable food item for the Central Texas Food Bank. Sign up to help here .
Churchwide Celebration Picnic
Sunday, October 21, 12:15 p.m.
Capitol Lawn
We will celebrate our ministry and growth in generosity at a churchwide picnic. Bring your picnic blanket and come prepared to purchase lunch. Have a favorite outdoor game to share? Feel free to bring games— washers, kickball, or even Frisbees— as we gather for fellowship and fun! Register at fumcaustin.org/picnic .
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
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 [email protected] to complete background check process or for additional information. Register Now.
iACT Hands on Housing
October 20, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
iACT’s Hands on Housing utilizes 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 Fall Raise the Roof event, and help repair and paint a home. Register at fumcaustin.org/hoh .
All are invited to participate in our ongoing monthly service opportunities.
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 .
FreeStore 3rd Saturday
October 20, 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
October 21, 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 .
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 16
Preacher: Rev. Michael Mumme
Scripture: Mark 9:33-37
Romans 8:12-17
Sermon: "Adopted By Love: Faithful Despite Fear" | Daviss King "
PRAYER CONCERNS
Within our Congregation
Health: Randolph Bias; Carol Brady; Ken and Susan Hensley; Nancy Lewis; Gene and Charlotte Lyerly; Andrea Peck; Conneen Viva Sanders; Pearl Spears; Bruce Venno; and Olivia Weldon.

Condolences: To the family and friends of Elaine Ward on her death.

Other: For those who are affected by Hurricane Florence.
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; Peggy Davis’ aunt, Virgie Sorrells; Bennett and Meisa Ezekiel’s friend, Dev Reddy; Jimmie Sue Francis’ friends, Travis Brown, Joe Harrelson, and David Orton; Nancy Gillett’s mother, Joyce Lester; Kathleen Graham’s cousins, J. R. and Tiffany Tucker; 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; Stacy Prentice’s grandmother, Jean Alston; Debbie Rippetoe’s friend, Jo Johnson; Rick Russell’s cousin, James Winborn; 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 Kevin and Haley Rose on the death of their friend, Jo Hallmark.

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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