THIS SUNDAY
Sunday, April 21
Easter Sunday
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: Luke 24:1-12
Sermon: " Without Explanation"

The news is breaking: Christ is Risen! We gather with lilies, brass, and the joy of the risen savior to celebrate God's victory over the grave and wonder what this good news might mean for us. Come and worship!
Butterfly Release
10:00 a.m., West Capitol Lawn
Enjoy the beauty of resurrection and new life as we release butterflies.
Help Us Make a Flowering Cross
Bring a flower on Easter Sunday!
Christ's resurrection brings new life to the whole world—it is the beginning of the restoration of all things! Help us create this beautiful symbol for all to see as they drive down Lavaca. Simply bring flowers—as many as you like!—to place on the cross, located outside, in front of the Sanctuary.
Lenten Labyrinth Experience
Walk the labyrinth on Sunday!
During Holy Week, a labyrinth, an ancient pattern for prayer, meditation, and contemplation, will be available in Murchison Chapel during church office hours, during the Egg Festival, and on Easter Sunday.
Mobile Loaves & Fishes (MLF) 3rd Sunday
4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. SAN MLF Kitchen
MLF serves daily, but this day is for individuals and families who want to try face-to-face service working with experienced volunteers. Join the Make-Ready Team from 4:00-5:00 p.m. (preparing food and loading truck) and/or the Truck Team from 5:00-6:30 p.m. (delivering food around Austin). Signup at fumcaustin.org/mlf .
NEWS AND EVENTS
Easter Egg Festival
April 20, 9:30-11:00 a.m., West Capitol Grounds
Join us on the Capitol lawn for face painting, crafts, games, preschool egg hunts, and elementary school egg roll races! A visit from the Easter Bunny is a special tradition. Bring food donations for Caritas of Austin. View our egg hunt and race schedule at fumcaustin.org/eggfestival .

Volunteers Needed
We still have many volunteer opportunities at the Easter Egg Festival. Sign up online for a shift (or more). From greeters to egg organizers, we have a job for you. Sign Up Here .
Renegades Worship Series
April 28-June 2
Renegades: The unbelievable stories of the earliest Christians
Back before Church people got so “churchy,” they were outlaws. Everything they did was experimental; they challenged social and political norms; persecution and arrest were a way of life. They followed God, and in the process, they turned the world upside down. Join us for worship as we track the adventures of Jesus’ first followers.
ASP 40th Anniversary
Celebrate the ASP legacy at First Church!   For 40 years, we have been participating in the Appalachia Service Project, sending youth and adults to serve alongside families in the Appalachian Mountains to make their houses warmer, safer, and drier. We want your help to mark the occasion! On Sunday June 9, we've got big plans, so save the date, and help us out in three ways:

  1. Upload your favorite ASP photos to social media using the hashtag #FUMCASP40 or email them to [email protected] by June 1.
  2. Upload a short video (one minute or less) sharing what ASP means to you or recounting a memory using that same hashtag by June 1. 
  3. Wear your work clothes or ASP t-shirt to worship on June 9! ASP alums from across the years will share the impact these trips have had on them personally and on the life of this church. Afterward, we will celebrate with a luncheon for the whole congregation. 
Recognizing Graduating Seniors
Graduation is an exciting milestone—at any age! We want to recognize all graduating seniors—high school, college, or graduate school—in our FUMC Weekly on May 19. Please provide as soon as possible a picture of the graduate, name, school graduated from, degree(s) received, and future plans. Email information by May 12 to Devon Bailey at [email protected] .
FUMP Registration
First United Methodist Preschool is currently enrolling students (ages 2 months - 5 years) for the 2019 - 2020 School Year. The teachers and staff at FUMP strive to create an atmosphere in which each child can develop socially, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and intellectually. FUMP offers an educational experience through a flexible, well-planned program. The basis of the program is that play is learning! If you are interested in learning more or to inquire about openings, please contact our director, Sandy Pennington at [email protected] .
Contemplative Worship Service
Sunday, April 28, 9:00 a.m.
Murchison Chapel
Contemplative prayer can provide a welcome respite, a place to find the inner resources to actively serve a chaotic world from a place of strength and peace. This 30-to-40 minute service is offered to beginners and experienced practitioners of mindfulness meditation.
First Steps Class
Sunday, April 28, 12:15 p.m., FLC Garrison Chapel
Are you interested in joining FUMC? Prior to joining, we ask all to come to this class to learn about United Methodist beliefs and the ministry of FUMC, meet the pastors and other members, and ask questions. To sign up, fill out the Connections Card and place it in the offering plate, go online at fumcaustin.org/firststeps , or email Trevor Harper at [email protected] .
Training for Thursday Women's Ministry
Sunday, May 5, 12:15 p.m., FLC Great Hall
This May, we are launching a new ministry with women experiencing homelessness following the “Feed My People” Breakfast on Thursday mornings. All potential volunteers are encouraged to attend this training. Lunch will be provided. Questions? Contact Pastor Cathy Stone at [email protected] or 512-478-5684 (ext. 215).
Alternative Gifts for Mother's Day
Order Deadline: Monday, May 6
On Mother's Day, May 12, you are invited to honor your Mother — and other women who are important to you — by making an alternative gift that helps a mother and family in need. View items and donate online or submit an order form found in the worship bulletin at church on Sunday. Order Online .
Pre-teen Retreat: Love in Action
Friday, May 10, 6:30 p.m.-
Saturday, May 11, 2:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: May 5
Calling all 4th, 5th, and 6th graders! It’s time for our annual retreat. Our Friday night sleepover at the church includes playing games, having dinner together, participating in small groups, and preparing to serve and love our neighbors on Saturday morning. Drop-off and pick-up will be at the Family Life Center. Cost is $40. Register by May 5. If you have any questions, contact Lara Greene at [email protected] . Register at fumcaustin.org/loveinaction .
Book Study: The Color of Compromise
Tuesdays, May 14, 21, 28, June 4
6:30-7:30 p.m., FLC Room 104
Join us as we read and discuss The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church's Complicity in Racism by Jemar Tisby. The Color of Compromis e is both enlightening and compelling, telling a history we either ignore or just don't know. Tisby provides an accurate diagnosis for a racially divided American church and suggests creative ways to foster a more equitable and inclusive environment among God’s people. Register at fumcaustin.org/compromise .
Cheers Ministry
Thursday, May 16
Save the date! The Cheers Ministry, a community for those young-at-heart who are recently retired, semi-retired, or thinking about setting a date to retire, is planning a field trip to Fredericksburg to visit the Nimitz museum. Details will be announced soon.
Courts & Ports: Faithful Witness on the Texas-Mexico Border
The Texas Interfaith Center for Public Policy/Texas Impact invites you to participate in Courts & Ports: Faithful Witness on the Texas-Mexico Border . This 2-day immersion experience engages people of faith to witness first-hand the legal and law enforcement processes related to immigration, detention, and deportation occurring in South Texas. First UMC will send a team Sunday evening, June 16 – Wednesday morning, June 19. Please contact Pastor Cathy Stone at [email protected] to register or to learn more.
Vacation Bible School Registration
July 22-25 (4 Days: Monday-Thursday) 
9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
For children 4 years-completed 5th grade.
VOYAGERS, come with us on a journey to Mars and Beyond this summer! The Starship Galaxion needs our help. It's going to be an out-of-this-world adventure as we explore where God's power can take us. Spots fill up quickly. Early bird pricing is $30 before June 1, then $40 until the registration cut-off on July 10. And plan to kick-off the fun at our Launch Party on Sunday, July 21 from noon-2:00 p.m. Register at fumcaustin.org/vbs .
Summer Sports Camp for Kids
Post-VBS Sports Camp
July 22-25, 12:30-4:30 p.m.
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. 

Rookies Camp
July 29-August 1, 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
For ages 2.5-6 years, younger children will learn the basics of basketball, indoor soccer, and lots of other fun & goofy games. The cost is $75 before June 1 and $85 after June 1.

Register through Triumph Sports at TriumphSports.com/FUMCAustin .
SERVING OPPORTUNITIES
Habitat for Humanity Build
Saturday, May 4, 7:45 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
7220 Boyle Drive
FUMC will join area Methodist churches for the 2019 Habitat Methodist Build. Our commitment includes a fundraising goal of $7,500, along with providing 10 volunteers on Saturday. If you would like to put your faith into action, sign up at fumcaustin.org/habitat . Donations may be placed in the offering plate (marked "Habitat Build") or made online . For more information, contact Terri Purdy [email protected] .
Books for Pickle Elementary
Our next Book Sale is Friday, May 17, 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Donate the books your kids read this school year to students at Pickle Elementary who need books for summer reading. Books sell for 25 cents. Kids love dinosaurs, animals and insects, monsters, fairytale, adventure, mystery, sports, and exploration books. Only current titles or popular classics please. Spanish language books especially appreciated. Donations of books can be left in SAN Room 217 behind Library, or in bins off the Sanctuary Foyer. Consider donating gift cards from Savers. To sort or sell for an hour or two contact [email protected] .
Community First! Service Day
Saturday, May 18
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Community First! Village, 9301 Hog Eye Road, Austin TX 78724
Community First! Village provides affordable, sustainable housing, and a supportive community for those who experience chronic homelessness in Central Texas. A typical service day could entail harvesting the gardens, laying pathways, tending the chicken coop or goats, dry landscaping yards for micro-homes, beautifying the property, etc. Register at fumcaustin.org/serviceday .
CALENDAR
April 15-21

Thursday, April 18

Friday, April 19

Saturday, April 20

Sunday, April 21
No Children & Youth Sunday School
Children's Choir Not Meeting
Engage Not Meeting

Monday, April 22
Office Closed Easter Monday
Sunday, April 28
Manna Bag Sale
Confirmation Sunday
ASP Team Meeting

Saturday, May 4

Sunday, May 5
ASP Stock Sales Begin
Conversations on Racial Justice

Tuesday, May 14

Thursday, May 16

Friday, May 17

Saturday, May 18
APRIL MISSION EMPHASIS
Easter Offering
At Easter, we celebrate the life-giving Resurrection of Christ. As a response to the new life we've been given, each year we dedicate a special Easter Offering to a ministry or facility need that increases our ability to serve others. This year's Easter offering will directly support ministry with our neighbors through the Emergency Assistance Fund (EAF) and new Thursday Morning Ministry with Women Experiencing Homelessness. Read More .
SERMONS ONLINE
Missed last week's sermon?
Sunday, April 14
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: Mark 14:32-52
Sermon: “Gethsemane”
Other ways to listen? Subscribe to our iTunes podcast or YouTube channel.
PRAYER CONCERNS
Within our Congregation
Health
Sandy Bowles; Gussie Fallon; Ruth Howie; Kathy Morales; Chuck Watt; Olivia Weldon; and Weldon Wink.
Beyond our Congregation
Jan Ashmos’ mother; Sarah Austin’s grandmother, Betty Williams; Cheryl Bias’ niece, Lauren; Sandy Bowles’ daughter, Carla Bowles; Fay Brown’s sister, Jo Rene Altenburg; Jimmie Sue Francis’ friend, Diane Whitehead Fojtasek; Bob Garrett’s father, Leo Garrett; Sarah Gutierrez’ brother, Mark Bishop; Lori Huang’s mother, Sharon Reed; Daviss King’s father, Hugh D. King; Charlyn Loera’s sister-in-law, Joulin Serna; Kathleen Malaspina’s friend, Kathy Farley; Barbara Ruth’s mother, Jewel Ruth; 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 
Join our Facebook Group !