THIS SUNDAY
Sunday, July 14
5th Sunday after Pentecost
Journey with God Series
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: Joshua 4:1-8
Sermon: "Crossing the Threshold"
Retiree Recognition Sunday
Sunday, July 14, 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Worship Services
FUMC will recognize members and visitors who have retired this past year.
The Bible and Progressive Christianity
Sundays, July 14-August 4
10:00 a.m., SAN Wesley Hall
Many progressive Christians struggle with how to read and interpret the New Testament in the face of its apparent contradictions and challenges to our modern values. Dr. Brad King will lead lectures and discussions designed to promote a better understanding of the Bible’s place in progressive Christianity and to provide you with the tools and knowledge to pursue a deeper, personal relationship with these ancient texts.

July 14 Topic – “The “Biblical” Worldview and Creation Anthropology”
One of the most important factors of biblical interpretation is what it says about the place and responsibilities of humanity in the world. Learn how our ideas about creation and creationism shape and are shaped by factors inside and outside of the scriptures.
Marriage Equality Churchwide Vote
Sunday, July 14, 12:15 p.m., Sanctuary
The Administrative Board unanimously recommended the Marriage Equality Resolution found at fumcaustin.org/marriageequality for adoption by a churchwide vote. The resolution recognizes God's blessing of both same-sex and opposite-sex marriages and treats all couples equally who are seeking the blessing of marriage. Professing members of FUMC will cast paper votes. You must be present for your vote to be counted. Approval requires a 75% affirmative vote of the members present. If you need childcare during the vote, which should last about an hour, please email [email protected] . Snacks from home are recommended. If you will be unable to attend and would like to at least express your opinion on the resolution, you are welcome to send a note or an email to the church office at [email protected] .
Journey with God
At First Church, we believe every person is a beloved child of God, on a journey to God, with God. This summer, as we journey to places near and far, we invite you and your families to capture what God is doing beyond our walls and beyond our city. Mail us your travel postcards or jot a note on the mock postcard found in a pew and we’ll display them in the Sanctuary Foyer for all to see the ways you’ve seen God while on your journey. Read question prompts at fumcaustin.org/journeywithgod.
NEWS AND EVENTS
Sign Up for Table for 8
Our first season of Table for 8 went really well. It's time to shake things up and sign up for new groups! Table for 8 is a fun way to connect with people from First Church in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. Singles, couples, and families of all ages are welcome. Sign up in July in the foyer or online. This time, you may select whether you want to be grouped by geography or schedule availability. Then you will be placed with others in a dining group. From this group, an initial “lead host” will contact all the other members to decide the date and time of your first gathering. Tables are encouraged to meet three times in the fall and three in the spring. The group can meet at a home, restaurant, park...it is up to you! Questions? Visit our FAQ at fumcaustin.org/tablefor8 or email Emily Buchanan at [email protected].
Vacation Bible School Launch Party
Sunday, July 21, 12:15-2:00 p.m. SAN Wesley Hall
Lunch and launch! Start the Mars and Beyond adventure early with our VBS party. Come enjoy lunch and activities to get ready to GO BEYOND during a fun week of exploring God’s power. Free registration at fumcaustin.org/vbs helps us plan for food and games.
ASP Slideshow
Sunday, July 28, 12:15 p.m., Garrison Chapel
All are invited to a slide show of this year’s Appalachia Service Project trip. Come hear stories from our high school youth about the trip, the people they met, and the experiences shared in Harlan County. Register at fumcaustin.org/asp-slideshow.
Summer Book Club for All Ages
Now-August 11
Our Summer Book Club is as easy as 1, 2, 3! 
  1. Pick your book. 
  2. Read your book. 
  3. Bring your book and discuss.
Books to choose from: (1) The Universal Christ by Richard Rohr; (2) Inspired by Rachel Held Evans; (3) I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown; (4) Shameless by Nadia Bolz-Weber; (5) Torn by Justin Lee; (6) Beloved by Toni Morrison; (7) The Only Road by Alexandra Diaz (youth/young adult); (8) Who is My Neighbor? By Levine and Sasso or The Youngest Marcher by Cynthia Levinson (children).

Gather with other summer readers to discuss books and share responses on August 11 at 10:00 a.m. in Wesley Hall. All are invited to find a creative way to respond – a picture, poem, poster, button…Bring it with you on August 11 or give it to Pastor Cathy to share. For more information, contact Pastor Cathy Stone at [email protected] or 512-478-5684 (ext. 215).
Civil Rights Pilgrimage Information Session
Sunday, August 11, 12:15 p.m.
EDU Murchison Chapel
Mark your calendars for March 13-20, 2020. This eight-day pilgrimage for adults, youth, and families will include visits to Birmingham, Jackson, Little Rock, Montgomery, Memphis, and Selma. As we begin planning this summer, it will be helpful to have an idea of interest. For more information, Pastor Cathy Stone at [email protected] . If you are interested in this trip, register for the Information Session at fumcaustin.org/civilrightspilgrimage .
SERVING OPPORTUNITIES
There are many opportunities to do lots of good, in a variety of places, with many different people, throughout the summer! Please view our volunteer opportunities. Every helping hand makes a difference. Read More .
Front Desk Receptionist
Duties for this position include answering the phone, greeting members and clients to make them feel welcome, providing information, and some light office work. We are looking for someone who is friendly and approachable. Shifts are Monday-Wednesday from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. or 1:00-5:00 p.m. and Thursday 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. If you are interested in volunteering in the church office, contact Marcia Houston at [email protected] or 512-478-5684 (ext. 200).
Ushers Needed
Want to be an Usher or Greeter? You can be part of a team that continues to make FUMC one of the most welcoming congregations in Texas. Being an usher or greeter is an excellent opportunity to meet other members, make new friends, and welcome visitors to FUMC Austin. Your commitment would only be one Sunday a month at either the 9:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. service from July-December, 2019. If you are interested, contact Richard Bettis by calling (512) 343-2361, emailing [email protected] , or texting (512) 657-7641. He will send you all of the information. Won’t you please consider joining us? We guarantee you will find it most rewarding. 
Volunteer with Children and Youth
We give our regular teachers the summer off, which gives our parents and other church members a wonderful opportunity to build relationships with these amazing young disciples. Just a few hours of your time can make a big difference. Curriculum is provided and classrooms prepared. Caution: the more you serve, the more fun you have! Prayerfully consider how you can support our children and youth. Sign up at fumcaustin.org/teachers .
Vacation Bible School: Ways to Help
The VBS countdown has begun and here’s how you can help:
  • Purchase items from our Amazon wish list at fumcaustin.org/vbssupplies.
  • We will have take-home/work-from-home VBS projects. Fun the family can enjoy inside on a hot day! You can find these projects outside EDU Room 108.  
  • Our campers will create 200 hygiene kits for our Feed My People Breakfast. Help by donating the following supplies (travel size except if noted otherwise): comb-full size, deodorant-full size, gallon ziploc bags, hand sanitizer, lip balm, lotion, razor, shampoo, soap - full size, toothbrush, toothpaste.
  • Our kids love crafts! Help them have the experience of a lifetime as they create styrofoam Planets, a Galaxy in a jar, Solar System necklaces, and Constellation jar lamps. Help by donating the following supplies: 130 CDs or DVDs (used is fine), 130 4” Styrofoam balls, 300 thin paper plates, black pony beads, cotton balls, food coloring (all colors), paint brushes, paper clips, silver glitter, toilet paper rolls, toothpicks, wood beads (at Michael's).
Thank you for helping make VBS a huge success. All donation items can be left outside EDU Room 108. 
Vacation Bible School (VBS) Workdays
Friday, July 19, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 20, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Help us transform our Sanctuary and hallways for VBS week! Please join us for fellowship and fun as we gather to paint, cut, and assemble decorations for our upcoming Mars and Beyond VBS. Whether or not you consider yourself creative, we have a job for you! Sign up at the link below for the day(s) you can help. Childcare is provided.
Friday, July 26, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Help take down decorations from VBS. Childcare is provided and we will go to lunch at Central Market on Lamar and 38th Street afterwards.
To sign up to volunteer, if you haven't already, first you will need to fill out a one-time profile form in our volunteer management platform at  fumcaustin.org/vsp . Once submitted, you will receive a login and then you can view all available jobs and signups. If you have already created your profile, you can access the signup at fumcaustin.org/vbsvolunteers .
Vacation Bible School (VBS) Volunteers Needed
Monday-Thursday, July 22-25, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
For a safe and fun VBS, we need over 50 adult and youth volunteers! We look forward to going on this adventure "To Mars and Beyond" with all of you and our awesome participants! Sign up at fumcaustin.org/vbsvolunteers .
CALENDAR
Thursday, July 11

Sunday, July 14

Sunday-Friday, July 14-19
Reach Beyond Mission Youth Trip

Friday and Saturday, July 19-20
VBS Workdays

Sunday, July 21
Murchison Chapel Service
Manna Bag Sale
Vacation Bible School Launch Party

Monday-Thursday, July 21-25
Vacation Bible School
Triumph Sports Camp
Wednesday, July 24

Friday, July 26
VBS Workday

Sunday, July 28
Contemplative Worship Service

Monday-Wednesday, July 29-31

Wednesday, July 31
Summer Schlitterbahn Youth Trip

Sunday, August 4

Saturday, August 10
JULY MISSION EMPHASIS
Click here to view video.
Mission Projects During Vacation Bible School (VBS)
During VBS, children participate in hands-on activities showing love to neighbors. They learn about and contribute to our main ministries with the hungry and homeless in the Austin community assembling Manna Bags for the congregation to distribute and Hygiene Kits for distribution at the Feed My People Breakfast. By the end of the week, the children will have a deeper appreciation of these ministries, the people we serve, and why these ministries are so important. How can you help? Monetary donations may be left at the communion rail, made online, or sent to or brought by the church office. Please indicate “VBS Mission Projects” on your gifts. In addition to monetary donations, we are collecting items for the Hygiene Kits. We need 300 of each of the following items: Full Size-Chapstick; Combs; Disposable Razors; Feminine Hygiene Items; Stick Deodorant; and Toothbrushes. Travel Size-Bar Soap; Conditioner; Hand Sanitizer; Lotion; Shampoo; and Toothpaste. Bring donations by Sunday, July 14. Donation bins are located in the sanctuary foyer and Family Life Center. We are thankful to have such generous members and the opportunity to serve our children and community. Donate Now .
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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