THIS SUNDAY
Sunday, January 27
Preacher: Rev. Michael Mumme
Scripture: Esther 4:5-17
Sermon: "Esther"
Worship Series
Sundays-February 3
J.R.R. Tolkien taught us that “courage is found in unlikely places.” With the legislative session, a watershed General Conference on the docket for the United Methodist Church, and countless other moments of high stakes and crucial decisions, how do we find courage? Join us as we reflect on stories of courageous people in both the Bible and modern history, drawing from their faithful example to find our way through challenging times.
Contemplative Worship Service Fourth Sunday
9:00 a.m., EDU Murchison Chapel
These services are offered to beginners and experienced practitioners of mindfulness meditation. The format is simple and includes an opening, a reading, a period or two of meditative silence, and a closing prayer. The service typically lasts 30-40 minutes. All are welcome.
Experiences at the Brownsville Border
10:00 a.m., SAN Wesley Hall
Marianela Ramirez Watson is a member of the United Methodist Women and has been a long-term aide through the United Methodist-related Good Neighbor Settlement House in Brownsville. She will share first-hand experiences of working with asylum seekers at the border over the last few years, and how the experiences have changed, based on needs, changing governmental requirements, etc. We will also hear from FUMC member, Noble Doss, who traveled to Brownsville this past December for “Courts and Ports” with Texas Impact. This group visited Good Neighbor Settlement House, observed immigration court and crossed the border into Matamoros, Mexico.
Baby Steps
Sundays-February 3, 10:00 a.m., SAN Room 215
Baby Steps is a parenting class led by Lara Greene, Director of FUMC Children’s Ministries. These discussion-based classes are designed to equip parents/guardians with practical tools to help them engage spiritually with their child in their first five years of life.
BAPTISM
Barrett and Charlotte Ann Crisco
Barrett Crisco and his daughter, Charlotte, were baptized into Christian discipleship on Sunday, January 20. They are pictured with his wife, Carly, and son Cash.
NEWS AND EVENTS
Pre-Teen Sexuality Workshop
Friday and Saturday, February 1-2
FLC Great Hall
Registration deadline is January 25. The pre-teen years are tough. Changes are happening to bodies, minds, and emotions which make it hard to know exactly what is going on. And what hard topics to try and discuss with Mom and Dad. Wonderfully Made provides kids ages 10–12 the opportunity to ask questions about growing up and get faith-based answers. The curriculum covers physical development and spiritual connection while helping pre-teens establish a foundation for their life in Christ. Register online at fumcaustin.org/preteenworkshop .
Charge Conference/ Leadership Kickoff
Sunday, February 3, 12:15-3:00 p.m.
Great Hall, Family Life Center
During the 2019 FUMC Leadership Kickoff Event and Charge Conference meeting, we’ll share lunch together, learn some key information about serving in leadership at FUMC, and divide into ministry teams to plan and set goals for the coming year. This meeting also includes approval of the FUMC 2019 budget, clergy compensation, and the establishment of a Long-Term Capital Project Fund. Please register online at fumcaustin.org/chargeconference .
Book Study: White Fragility
Tuesdays, February 5, 12, 19
6:30-7:30 p.m.
FLC Room 103
Join us as we read and discuss White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo. This book deftly illuminates the phenomenon of white fragility and “allows us to understand racism as a practice not restricted to ‘bad people’" (Claudia Rankine). In this in-depth exploration, DiAngelo examines how white fragility develops, how it protects racial inequality, and what we can do to engage more constructively. We have a Facebook group for online discussion as well as meeting in person. Register at fumcaustin.org/whitefragility .
Women's Slumber Party
Friday, February 8 at 6:00 p.m.–Saturday, February 9 at 9:30 a.m.
Family Life Center
Women of the church and our guests will share dinner, fun, good conversation, snacks, games, movies, fellowship, and maybe sleep. Plan to bring a sleeping bag and a pillow, air mattress is optional. Dinner and continental breakfast provided. Feel free to bring a traditional slumber party snack and board game. Register at fumcaustin.org/slumberparty . For those who wish to come for Friday evening only, free childcare is available. To make a childcare reservation, register your child at fumcaustin.org/kno and note you are attending the slumber party. Also, if interested in helping with planning, contact Ann Young, anngyoung73@gmail.com or (512) 517-2212.
First Steps
Sunday, February 10, 12:15 p.m.
FLC Garrison Chapel
Are you interested in joining FUMC? Prior to joining the church, we ask all to participate in a First Steps class to learn about Methodist beliefs and the ministry of FUMC, meet the pastors and other members, and ask questions. For more information, contact Trevor Harper at trevor@fumcaustin.org . Register at fumcaustin.org/firststeps .
Conversations on Racial Justice
Sunday, February 10, 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 monthly to discuss and learn more about racial oppression, issues of whiteness and racism, and other topics through videos, podcasts, and short articles. Register at fumcaustin.org/conversations .
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. Special prizes for most-years-together, best-dressed couple/group, and more. Cost is $5 per person, with a $20 maximum per family. For more information or to volunteer to bring sweet treats, contact Erin and Justin Scarth at erin.scarth@gmail.com .
Austin CROP Hunger Walk
Sunday, February 24
2:00 p.m. Registration, 2:30 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  hhartman1@austin.rr.com . 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? 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 Baptism, and only offered twice each year. Register at fumcaustin.org/baptismclass .
Prayer Shawls
Do you know someone ill, grieving, or in crisis? The Knit Wits are a group of dedicated knitters whose mission is to knit or crochet prayer shawls for anyone in need of a tangible symbol of God’s love and comfort. To request that a prayer shawl be sent to someone, please contact marcia@fumcaustin.org or indicate on your Connections Card during worship. The Knit Wits create their prayer shawls as an act of love and service, and donations are not necessary, although they are always appreciated.
SERVING OPPORTUNITIES
Worship Volunteers Needed
Please let us know if you can serve as an Usher/Greeter, Communion Helper, or on our Audio/Visual Team by indicating so on your Connections Card during worship or contacting the person listed below. 

Serving as an Usher or Greeter is an excellent opportunity to meet other members, make new friends, and welcome visitors to FUMC Austin. The commitment is one Sunday a month at either the 9:00 or 11:00 a.m. service. If you are interested, contact Richard Bettis, richard.betti44@gmail.com or (512) 343-2361.

The Audio/Visual Team needs two volunteers at the media center in the balcony each week to run worship slides and adjust audio. No experience is necessary and training is provided. Commitment is one Sunday per month. If you are interested, please contact Kim Block at kpblock@austin.rr.com .

Communion Helpers are needed to help prepare communion. Setup includes purchasing the bread, setting up the altar, and cleaning up after service. Communion is served every week at the 9:00 a.m. and 1st Sundays at the 11:00 a.m. If you are interested, please contact Teresa Edwards at te4858@gmail.com .
Tutors Needed
Pickle Elementary students need tutors to help finish classroom and homework assignments across subjects. Most of the students are children of Spanish speaking parents who are unable to teach their kids because of language and education barriers. If you have 30 minutes each week anytime between 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., please sign up. The school will match you with a student and we will confirm the schedule. To sign up, call or email bergan.casey@gmail.com or 512-656-2515.
CALENDAR
Sunday, February 10
ASP Team Meeting

Saturday, February 16
FreeStore 3rd Saturday

Sunday, February 17
Chapel Service

Saturday, February 23
Sweetheart Dance

Sunday, February 24

Tuesday, February 26

Sunday, March 3
JANUARY MISSION EMPHASIS
FreeStore
The FreeStore connects people who need and people who need to give, through weekly opportunities to shop for free clothing and small household items. It is a place where people from all walks of life have an opportunity to build relationships. The foundations of this intentionally cross-cultural, multi-racial community lie in the affirmation of God’s love for all people. You are invited to support this ministry by donating funds to help with its operation, by donating gently used or new clothing and household items, or by serving anytime it is open. Read More .
SERMONS ONLINE
Missed last week's sermon?
Sunday, January 20
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Profiles of Courage Series
Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-20
Sermon: "Samuel"
Other ways to listen? Subscribe to our iTunes podcast or YouTube channel.
PRAYER CONCERNS
Within our Congregation
Health: Grady Basler; Gussie Fallon; Melanie Miller; Kathy Morales; and Bruce Venno.
Condolences : to the family and friends of Frances Allen on her death.
Other: Federal employees during the government shutdown.  
Beyond our Congregation
Cheryl Bias’ niece, Lauren; Fay Brown’s sister, Jo Rene Altenburg; Kathy Calnan’s nephew’s son, Ronin; Pamela Craig; April Ferrino’s mother, Sara; Mary Higgs’ friend, Tanua Snyder; Katrina Morales’ family; Larry and Della Peters’ mother, Ruby Ybarra, and friend, Lucienda Watson; Mimi Raper’s friend, Charlyn; Crispin Ruiz’s sister-in-law, Gloria; Justin and Erin Scarth’s friends, Chad Burnette and Lisa Whatley; Leslie Story’s father, Neel Richardson; Greg Trosclair’s father, George Trosclair; 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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