THIS SUNDAY
Sunday, February 24
Family | Circus Series
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: Acts 10:19-48
Sermon: "Second Cousins and Third Dogs: Who is welcome at your table?"
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 .
Contemplative Worship Service
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.
Manna Bag Sale
9:30–11:00 a.m., Sidewalk
Our 4th and 5th graders show the love of Christ to those in need through the making and selling of Manna Bags. You can purchase a bag for $5. 
Austin CROP Hunger Walk
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 .
NEWS AND EVENTS
General Conference Update
Pastor Taylor and Pastor Michael will attend the 2019 Special Session of General Conference, occurring Saturday, February 23 through Tuesday, February 26, in St. Louis, Missouri. Pray for the 864 delegates from across the globe who will receive the Way Forward report and consider legislation enacting one of four plans that address the church’s ministry to and with LGBTQIA persons. Read More .
Women's Slumber Party Thank You
By Ann Young
Thank you to the 55 women who attended the (what we hope will be) annual FUMC Women's Slumber Party. Despite falling "graupel," attendees were treated to a "mocktail" hour and delicious dinner by Shirley Derryberry and the Bell Choir. Karen Vannoy led us in a thoughtful after-dinner program, after which we rocked the FLC with games and laughter. Many thanks to the supportive church staff and everyone who helped decorate and clean up. See you all next year!
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] .
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 .
New Ministry Opportunity
Sunday, March 3, 12:15 p.m., EDU Murchison Chapel
We are launching a new ministry on Thursday mornings with women experiencing homelessness. We will create a safe and welcoming environment away from the streets for a few hours with showers, resources, and more. Come learn more about our vision, volunteer opportunities, and ways you can support this new ministry. For more information, please contact Pastor Cathy Stone at [email protected] or 512-478-5684 x215.
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 .
Conversations on Racial Justice
Sunday, March 3, 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 about racial oppression, issues of whiteness and racism, and other topics through videos, podcasts, and articles. Register at fumcaustin.org/conversations .
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 marked as a cross remind us that we will die, and yet we will always belong to God.

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 Worship Series
March 10-April 14, 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Service
This year, in this holy season of preparation leading up to Easter, we delve deep into the last moments leading up to Jesus' Crucifixion — his entrance into Jerusalem, being anointed with oil, overturning the tables, sharing the last supper, and facing God in the garden of Gethsemane. Step by step, we will make our way through these moments with Jesus on his way to the cross and beyond, as we connect more deeply with the Lord of life this Easter.
Churchwide Lenten Study
All are invited to participate in 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.

Lenten study groups will meet for six weeks, on the same day of the week at the same time. Books will be available to purchase for $15 in the foyer on February 24 and March 3 or in the church office. Register at fumcaustin.org/lentstudy .

Sundays, 10:00-10:45 a.m., March 10-April 14
  • Churchwide - SAN Wesley Hall, Facilitated by Revs. Karen Vannoy and John Flowers
  • Parents of Young Children - SAN Room 215
  • Young Adults - FLC Room 102  

Mondays, 7:00-8:30 p.m., March 11-April 15
  • Manor - Home of Howard and Marijo Hartman
  • Southwest Austin - Home of Scott and Deborah Wilder, Facilitated by Amy Wink

Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m., March 12-April 16
  • Northwest Austin - Home of Chip and Jan Morris
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 should register online and secure a copy of the book. Register at fumcaustin.org/sensing-god .
SERVING OPPORTUNITIES
Habitat for Humanity Build
Saturday, March 16
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 ten 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] .
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. 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 , 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.
CALENDAR
Saturday, February 23
Sweetheart Dance

Saturday-Tuesday, February 23-26
General Conference UMC

Sunday, February 24

Tuesday, February 26

Saturday, March 2
ASP Construction Workshop

Sunday, March 3
New Ministry Opportunity

Wednesday, March 6
Ashes to Go
Ash Wednesday Services

Sunday, March 10
Churchwide Lenten Study Begins: Entering the Passion of Jesus

Monday, March 11
Tuesday, March 12

Saturday, March 16

Sunday, March 17
Chapel Service
Engage Not Meeting

Sunday, March 24

Tuesday, March 26

Saturday, March 30
ASP Construction Workshop

Sunday, March 31
Mercy & Justice Fifth Sunday - United Methodist Women
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 17
Family | Circus Series
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: 1 Samuel 20:35-42
Sermon: “Mi Familia: Who do you rely on?”
Other ways to listen? Subscribe to our iTunes podcast or YouTube channel.
PRAYER CONCERNS
Within our Congregation
Grady Basler; Sandy Bowles; Pamela Craig; Joseph Miers; Melanie Miller; Kathy Morales; George Smith; and Brandon Tate.
Beyond our Congregation
Arthur Asika’s friend, Moses Ayiku; Cheryl Bias’ niece, Lauren; Melissa Biegert’s father, Travis Langley; Fay Brown’s sister, Jo Rene Altenburg; Janet Camp’s sister, Nancy Willet; Herb Canada’s daughter, Rita Canada; April Ferrino’s mother, Sara Ferrino; Ann Fields’ sister-in-law, Cindy Brown; Bob Garrett’s father, James Leo Garrett, Jr.; Emily George’s friend, Shauna Autry; Nancy Gillett’s brother, Ted Lester; Andy and Melanie Greene’s friend, Dan Foster; Marijo Hartman’s friend, Cil; Mack Hicks’ friend, Karen Moore; Reverend Earle Lewis’ sister, Mary Bost, and niece, Glenda Lewis Pfeiffer; 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, Chad Burnette and Lisa Whatley; Tabatha Stephens’ mother, Marilyn Hoisington; Cathy Stone’s sister, Jen Norwood, brother, Rod Stone, and nephew, Jake Norwood; Leslie Story’s father, Neel Richardson; Dorothy Whitfield’s sister, Mary Connell; Amy Wink’s father, Weldon Wink; John Wright’s and Barbara Ruth’s daughter, Lizzie Wright; 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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