THIS SUNDAY
Sunday, February 17
Family | Circus Series
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: 1 Samuel 20:35-42
Sermon: “Mi Familia: Who do you rely on?”
Family Circus Worship Series
Parents. Siblings. Best friend. Barista. Spouse. The canine love-of-your-life. Whoever it is, there’s someone in your life whom you call “family.” No two families are just alike, and yet we all know the experience of those challenging and life-giving relationships that make us who we are. Join us for worship as we explore who we are as God’s family and how we live with our real-life families, in the best and worst of times. View worship schedule .
Austin Marathon
Please be aware of the Austin Marathon as you plan your route to church this Sunday. To access the parking garage, travel north on Lavaca Street and turn left on 13th. Mobility impaired individuals may park in the bus lane on Lavaca to drop off passengers or if they are a single driver, park in the bus lane during the church service, but your vehicle must be moved by 11:30 a.m. For information about how to get from your neighborhood to the downtown area, view our travel guide at fumcaustin.org/austin-marathon .
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). Sign up at fumcaustin.org/mlf .
BAPTISMS
Conley and McCall Green , daughters of Eric and Lane Green and sisters of Wilson Green, were baptized into Christian discipleship on February 10.  
NEWS AND EVENTS
Tom Mays' Retirement
Business Administrator Tom Mays will retire February 28. We celebrate his service of more than four and a half years to the church. Tom has led us in transparent, accurate financial reporting, adhering to the highest standards of accuracy and privacy in our individual giving, and ensuring the funding of our ministry priorities throughout seasons of growth and celebration. Help celebrate Tom’s ministry by sending a note of thanks or by giving a love offering. Gifts and notes can be given directly to Tom or through FUMC marked “Tom’s Gift” and placed in the offering plate, sent to the church office, or given online . (Please note that this type of gift is not considered tax deductible.)
"Artifacts of Human Trafficking" Exhibit
Shine a light into darkness through art as we explore the pervasive sex trafficking industry in the United States through the "Artifacts of Human Trafficking" exhibit, an installation created by Austin artist, Amie Stone King, with accompanying juried, 2-D mixed media works from artists around the world based on the themes of desperation, isolation, and deceit. The exhibit will be on display in Murchison Chapel until March 6. The exhibit is available for viewing during church business hours Mondays-Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursdays 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and on Sundays from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Read More .
Latin American Liberation Theology
Thursdays, February 14-April 4, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Highland Park Baptist Church, 5206 Balcones Dr, Austin, TX 78731
Have you ever wondered about the genesis of Liberation Theology? What influences brought about this revolutionary theology which continues to reverberate today? Please join Elizabeth Lerner in an 8-week course, Social Justice and Religion — Latin American Liberation Theology, class #58 at the Lifetime Learning Institute (LLI) of Austin. For more information and to register, visit www.fumcaustin.org/lli . 
Sweetheart Dance
Saturday, February 23, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
FLC Great Hall
Celebrate the loving relationships in your life with a fun evening of dancing and fellowship. DJ, door prizes, selfie photo booth, snacks, and memory-making included. Friends, spouses, partners and partners-in-crime, parents/grandparents, and children—all are welcome. Prizes awarded for most-years-together, best-dressed couple/group, and more. First 50 guests will receive a special gift. Cost is $5 per person, with a $20 maximum per family. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Austin Region Justice for Our Neighbors (ARJFON). For more information or to volunteer to bring sweet treats, contact Erin and Justin Scarth at [email protected] .
Contemplative Worship Service
Sunday, February 24, 9:00 a.m., EDU 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.
Austin CROP Hunger Walk
Sunday, February 24
2:00 p.m. Registration
2:30 p.m. Step-off
Camp Mabry, 2200 West 35th Street
This is a family-friendly interfaith community event raising funds for hungry people around the world and right here in Austin. This year the CROP Hunger Walk is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first Walk. FUMC was a pioneer in organizing the first Walk in Austin. This is the longest tenured mission project of the congregation. For more information, contact Howard Hartman at 512-924-1378 or  [email protected] . Sign up to be a part of our FUMC Walk Team at at fumcaustin.org/crop .
Baptism Class
Sunday, March 3, 12:15 p.m.
EDU Room 108
Are you ready to have your child Baptized? Director of Children’s Ministries Lara Greene and Pastor Taylor Fuerst 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 Baptism, and only offered twice each year. Register at fumcaustin.org/baptismclass .
Ash Wednesday
Worship Services
Wednesday, March 6, 7:00 a.m.,12:10 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sanctuary
We begin our Lenten journey by confronting our own sin and mortality. Ashes remind us that we are going to die; however, they are marked on us in the sign of the cross to assure us of God’s love for us.

Ashes to Go
Wednesday, March 6, 8:00-10:00 a.m., Church Parking Lot
For those whose schedule prevents them from attending the Sanctuary services, and as a public witness to passers-by, pastors will be outside of the church marking people with ashes.
Lenten Book Study
Sundays, March 10-April 14
10:00 a.m., Wesley Hall
For the season of Lent, we will be hosting a churchwide study of Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week by author, professor, and biblical scholar Amy-Jill Levine. The author explores the biblical texts surrounding the Passion story. She shows us how the text raises ethical and spiritual questions for the reader, and how we all face risk in our Christian experience. Register at fumcaustin.org/lentstudy .

Geographic small groups around town will be another option for this study. Registration and more information will be available next week. Books will be available to purchase for $15 in the foyer on February 24 and March 3.
Contemplative Lenten Study
Sundays, March 10-April 14
12:15-1:45 p.m.
SAN Room 212
Lent is naturally a time for preparation and contemplation, but what does it mean to sit in silence and listen to God? What effects can it have on our connection with God, ourselves, and the world? A study of Laurence Freeman’s “Sensing God: Learning to Meditate During Lent” provides the opportunity for those interested in mindfulness meditation and contemplative prayer to begin or enhance this life-changing practice. Daviss King will lead the sessions which will include discussion of the book and a period of silence to practice contemplative prayer. Participants will need to register online and secure a copy of the book. Register at fumcaustin.org/sensing-god .
SERVING OPPORTUNITIES
Assemble UMCOR Relief Kits
Sunday, March 17
10:00 am, FLC Great Hall
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is the UMC’s disaster response agency. When disasters occur, UMCOR is often the first in and last out following a natural disaster. All ages and stages are invited to gather and help assemble UMCOR cleaning and hygiene kits. These kits assist families and Emergency Response Teams by providing cleaning materials to make homes safe, clean, and habitable following a disaster, and also by providing families who are displaced with necessary toiletries. All Sunday School classes are invited to participate. There will be no regular Sunday School for children and youth. 

Purchase UMCOR Relief Kit Supplies
Please support this opportunity by purchasing one or more of the required items for the relief kits by Sunday, March 10 , only using our Amazon wish list at http://a.co/it1YUAx . Items will be delivered directly to the church. Questions? Contact Pastor Cathy Stone at [email protected] with any questions.
Habitat for Humanity Build
March, April and May
FUMC will join area Methodist churches for the 2019 Habitat Methodist Build at 7220 Boyle Drive (east Austin off Johnny Morris Road). Our commitment includes a fundraising goal of $7,500, along with providing 10 volunteers for the following Saturdays: March 16, April 13, and May 4. 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] .
CALENDAR
Sunday, February 17
Chapel Service
Engage Not Meeting

Saturday, February 23
Sweetheart Dance

Saturday-Tuesday, February 23-26
General Conference UMC

Sunday, February 24

Tuesday, February 26

Sunday, March 3

Wednesday, March 6
Ashes to Go
Ash Wednesday Services
Sunday, March 10
Lenten Book Begins: Entering the Passion of Jesus

Saturday, March 16

Sunday, March 17
Engage Not Meeting

Sunday, March 24

Tuesday, March 26

Saturday, March 30
ASP Construction Workshop

Sunday, March 31
Mercy & Justice Fifth Sunday
Safe Gatherings Con Confianza Training
FEBRUARY MISSION EMPHASIS
"Feed My People" Breakfast
FUMC hosts the "Feed My People" Breakfast Program of the non-profit organization Foundation for the Homeless, Inc. (FFH) each Tuesday and Thursday in our Family Life Center. Guests are served a hot breakfast and have the opportunity to shower. FUMC buys the food and drink for the breakfast on the 4th Tuesday of each month. Approximately 250-300 guests are fed each Tuesday and Thursday. Donations will help cover operational costs. Give Online .
SERMONS ONLINE
Missed last week's sermon?
Sunday, February 10
Family | Circus Series
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: 1 John 4:7-12
Sermon: “Life in the Family Circus”
Other ways to listen? Subscribe to our iTunes podcast or YouTube channel.
PRAYER CONCERNS
Within our Congregation
Grady Basler; Pamela Craig; Gussie Fallon; Joseph Miers; Melanie Miller; Kathy Morales; and George Smith.
Beyond our Congregation
Cheryl Bias’ niece, Lauren; Melissa Biegert’s father, Travis Langley; Fay Brown’s sister, Jo Rene Altenburg; Herb Canada’s daughter, Rita Canada; April Ferrino’s mother, Sara Ferrino; Ann Fields’ sister-in-law, Cindy Brown; Emily George’s friend, Shauna Autry; Nancy Gillett’s brother, Ted Lester; Marijo Hartman’s friend, Cil; Reverend Earle Lewis’ sister, Mary Bost; April Mitchell’s friend, Katie Post; Jan Morris’ mother, Marian Moore; Mimi Raper’s friend, Charlyn Freehill; Larry and Delia Peters’ friend, Ron Shorter; Pat Rives’ friend, Susan Tyler; Barbara Ruth’s mother, Jewell Ruth; Justin and Erin Scarth’s friends, Lisa Whatley and Chad Burnette; Tabatha Stephens’ mother, Marilyn Hoisington; Leslie Story’s father, Neel Richardson; Dorothy Whitfield’s sister, Mary Connell; Amy Wink’s father, Weldon Wink; 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 
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