Experiencing Hope in a Time of Despair with author Mark Yaconelli

Sunday, November 6

5:00-7:00PM

FLC Great Hall

“Story, as it turns out, [is] crucial to our evolution—more so than opposable thumbs. Opposable thumbs let us hang on; story [tells] us what to hang on to.”

—Lisa Cron, Wired for Story

The soul speaks in story. Take time on this weekend when we remember the saints of our lives for this intergenerational chance for some soul-stirring storytelling. Our guest, Mark Yaconelli, is an author and community organizer, who will lead us in Christian practices that invite connection, hope and healing. While the deadline for dinner reservations has passed, you are still welcome to attend this weekend’s event. No matter your age, don’t miss this chance to do heart work in community as we uncover the ties that bind us. 

Middle School Mission Trip Information Session

Sunday, November 6

12:15-12:45PM

FLC Garrison Chapel

Join us after worship to learn more about Be The Neighbor (formerly Reach Beyond Mission), our vision-focused week of Middle School service. Students who will have completed 6th-8th grade are invited to our summer trip to Dallas, where we will put our faith into action through service and justice in ways that are relational, sustainable, and dignity affirming. From July 16-22, 2023, groups will work with and learn from a variety of BTN's partner organizations and hear personal stories shared by guest speakers, learn through fun and challenging activities, and find a safe space to ask questions about complex justice issues. The total cost of the trip is approximately $350 per student. A deposit of $100, preferably made by check, is due with registration. 

Mercy & Justice Book Study

Tuesdays, November 8,15, 22, and 29

6:30-8:00PM

Zoom

Join Pastor Cathy Stone as we explore the themes of There There, the first novel by Cheyenne and Arapaho author Tommy Orange. This wondrous and shattering novel follows twelve characters from Native communities, all traveling to the Big Oakland Powwow, all connected to one another in ways they may not yet realize. This chorus of voices tells of the plight of the urban Native American--grappling with a complex and painful history, with an inheritance of beauty and spirituality, with communion and sacrifice and heroism. Hailed as an instant classic, There There is at once poignant and unflinching, utterly contemporary, and truly unforgettable. Zoom link sent with registration.

Cheers: A Christmas Carol

RSVP by November 9

Performance: Sunday, November 27

2:30PM

Zach Scott Theater

Don’t be a Scrooge! Cheers, a gathering of recent and soon-to-be retirees, invites you to kick off the holiday season with an Austin version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Join us for the matinee performance, which begins at 2:30PM, allowing time for a quick lunch before the good cheer, laughs, and great music begin. Trust us, this is a version of A Christmas Carol that you have never seen before! Discounted tickets are $75 per person. Registration and payment are required by November 9 in order to hold our reserved tickets. Reserve yours today by using the button below. For more information, contact Dick Young.

Handbell Rehearsals 

Sundays, November 13 & 20 and December 4 & 11

12:30-1:30PM | Family Life Center

Have you have thought about ringing handbells? The First Church Ringers are regrouping and invite adults and youth to this short-term Advent opportunity. No experience with handbells is necessary, but there will be just four rehearsals, so it is essential that you can read music and that you can commit to all four rehearsals. We will ring in worship on December 18. For more information, contact Lewis Worthington. 

Connect for Tweens

Friday, November 18 

6:00-9:00AM

FLC Garrison Chapel/Great Hall

All 5th-7th graders are invited to Connect, a time just for tweens! Together, we will cook dinner, play games, talk pre-teen life, connect with God, and give kids and parents a Friday night break. Register at fumcaustin.org/youth.

iACT's Interfaith Day of Thanks Service and Celebration

Sunday, November 20 | 3:00PM

St. Matthew's Episcopal Church

8134 Mesa Drive

Please join Interfaith Action of Central Texas as we celebrate our 38th Annual Interfaith Day of Thanks Service and Celebration. People of all faith traditions will gather to celebrate what it is they are thankful for in a beautiful display of interfaith unity. Bring your favorite dish, ready to serve and labeled for those with dietary restrictions, to share at the reception to follow. (No pork or shellfish, please!) 

Food Drive for Caritas

Sundays in November

Fight hunger and homelessness through our annual food drive for Caritas of Austin. The Caritas Pantry provides take-home groceries to families as people are transitioning out of homelessness. Together with Caritas’ other services, this food assistance builds a strong foundation as people work toward their life goals. Through November, you may bring some of Caritas’ most needed items to church and leave them in collection bins located in the foyers of the Chapel, Sanctuary, and Family Life Center.

Caritas needs:

• Cans of Chili
• Cans of Meat (Chicken, Sardines, Spam, Tuna, Vienna Sausage)
• Cans of Soup
• Instant Coffee
• Mayonnaise (small bottles)
• Mustard (small bottles)
• Peanut Butter and Jelly 
• Regular Coffee
• To-go Tuna Kits
• Tomato Sauce

Manna Bag Make & Take

Sunday, November 20

8:30-11:00PM 

Murchison Chapel

Stop by to assemble a few manna bags for our unhoused neighbors. These bags will be distributed by the Homeless Outreach Street Team and our church office. Manna bags are also available to purchase for $5, so stop by to make one and take one!

Youth Skate Night

Sunday, November 20

3:00-5:00PM | Playland Skate Center

All youth are invited to bring a friend to Skate Night! We will provide a pizza snack, but bring money for skates and available arcade games. Prices range from $11-15 plus tax, based on what type of skates you rent. Get those details at fumcaustin.org/youth.

For Their Flourishing:

A Conversation on Youth Health and Development

Sunday, November 27

4:30-6:00PM 

Last August, we gathered as family to both support and discuss our youth as they develop. We talked about mental health and steps we can take to ensure their well-being. All parents and guardians are invited to participate in a continued conversation. We will have an activity for any youth that accompany you that evening. Snacks and refreshments provided evening, but there will be no structured Engage program.. For more information about youth events, contact Devon Bailey.

Advent Kickoff

Sunday, November 27

10:00-10:45AM 

Explore the meaning of Advent by creating an Advent wreath with your church family. We will make wreaths, play Advent Bingo, and share food and fellowship. Live greens and wreath supplies (one per household) are available on a first-come, first-served basis for a donation of $20. No purchase or registration required to attend and enjoy the fun. Volunteers are needed for check-in, clean-up, and to bring gardening shears and food. Reserve your wreath supplies and sign up to volunteer at fumcaustin.org/advent-kickoff. Children and youth will not have regular Sunday School that day, so bring the whole family to the party! Contact Emily Buchanan with questions..