Contemplative Worship Service

Sunday, March 24, 9:00-10:00 a.m., EDU Murchison Chapel

These services are offered to beginners and experienced practitioners of mindfulness meditation. The service typically lasts 30-to-40 minutes.

Churchwide Lenten Study

Sundays, March 24-April 14, 10:00-10:45 a.m., SAN Wesley Hall

We continue our churchwide study of Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week by author, professor, and biblical scholar Amy-Jill Levine. Facilitated by Revs. Karen Vannoy and John Flowers.

Mercy & Justice 5th Sunday Presentation - Maternal Healthcare

March 31, 10:00 a.m. 

EDU Murchison Chapel

All are encouraged to attend this presentation sponsored by our United Methodist Women to learn about and participate in advocating for better maternal care in Texas. We will hear from Kelene Blake-Fallon, who co-chairs the Community Engagement Team of the Black Mamas Community Collective (BMCC). Maternal health issues disproportionately affect women of color across the country. Notably, the pregnancy-related mortality rate for non-Hispanic black women in Texas was 2.3 times higher than the rate for non-Hispanic white women in 2012 regardless of income, education, marital status, or other health factors. The BMCC works to improve post-partum outcomes and lower the mortality rate among Black mothers through sharing resources, advocacy, and awareness.

Cheers Ministry for Boomers

Sunday, March 31, 12:00 p.m.

EDU Room 108

Boomers are invited to join us for the first official event of the new Cheers Ministry — a community for those young-at-heart who are recently retired, semi-retired, or thinking about setting a date to retire. Designed for our members and visitors who are of the Baby Boomer generation (you know who you are), this group is a way to build community, get to know others, and find ways to connect within our large church family. We will meet for lunch, conversation, and a service project to assemble UMCOR cleaning kits. Questions? Contact Dick Young at [email protected] or 512-789-8480.  Read More . 

Con Confianza Safety Training

Sunday, March 31,1:00-3:00 p.m.

Wesley Hall

The Rio Texas Conference requires all volunteers with youth, children, and vulnerable adults to be certified through a 3-step Safe Gatherings process. This certification is required to teach summer Sunday School, participate in youth retreats or mission trips, and lead Vacation Bible School, among other service opportunities. FUMC will host an online training session to complete step 3. We encourage participants to attend in person because there will be opportunities to discuss training topics pertinent to our church. However, if you are unable to attend in person, you can attend online. If you plan to attend in person, visit fumcaustin.org/conference-safety-training to register, NOT the Conference website. If you plan to take the course online from a different location, register online at riotexas.org/safetrainings for the March 31 online session. If this day/time doesn't work for you, select another time listed on the website to fulfill the requirement. Questions? Contact FUMC Safety Policy Administrator Emily Buchanan at [email protected] .

General Conference Debriefing & FAQ Response

Pastor Michael Mumme responds with an FAQ to the questions you submitted following the General Conference Debrief on March 3. Read his FAQ responses to your questions and watch the video of the debrief at fumcaustin.org/generalconference2019 .

Join the Easter Choir

Wednesdays, April 3, 10, 17 7:00-7:45 p.m.

SAN Choir Room

Calling all interested singers who wish to participate in our festive Easter services by singing in the choir. Rehearsals are Wednesdays, April 3, 10, and 17, from 7:00-7:45 p.m. in the Choir Room. Enter at Colorado 3 door. All three rehearsals are required. For more information, contact Scott Davis at [email protected] or 512-478-5684 (ext. 209).

Rescheduled Training for Thursday Women's Ministry

Sunday, April 14, 12:15-2:00 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 training on April 14 or May 5. Please keep this new ministry in your prayers as leaders plan and prepare. Lunch will be provided. Questions? Contact Pastor Cathy Stone at [email protected] or 512-478-5684 (ext. 215).

Lenten Labyrinth Experience

April 15-21, Murchison Chapel

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. FUMC welcomes all members and guests who are downtown during the week to take part in this Lenten practice.

Palm/Passion Sunday Worship

April 14, 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Sanctuary

We wave palms as the people welcome Jesus to the Holy City, and then we continue our journey with Him to the cross.

Maundy Thursday Worship

April 18, 12:10 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sanctuary

Gather with Jesus and his friends in the Upper Room to celebrate the Holy Meal and experience the washing of feet. Childcare for infants and toddlers is provided for the 7:30 p.m. evening service.

Good Friday Family Service

April 19, 10:30 a.m., Murchison Chapel

Experience the stories of Christ’s life through Easter with age-appropriate storytelling of passion week and walking the Labyrinth. Wear socks! Childcare for infants and toddlers is provided.

Good Friday Worship Service

April 19, 12:10 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sanctuary

We experience Christ’s crucifixion through Tenebrae, a service of darkness, with special music from the FUMC Choir.  Childcare for infants and toddlers is provided for the 7:30 p.m. evening service.

Easter Egg Festival

April 20, 9:30-11:00 a.m., West Capitol Grounds

Join us on the West Capitol lawn for this fun community-wide event with face painting, games, and the Easter Bunny! Bring food donations for Caritas of Austin.

Easter Sunday Worship

April 21, 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., Sanctuary

Celebrate God’s victory over the powers of sin, oppression, and death in two identical services with Communion and full choir. Childcare for infants and toddlers is provided for both the 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Easter services.

Butterfly Release

April 21, 10:00 a.m., Capitol Lawn

Enjoy the beauty of resurrection and new life as we release butterflies on the Capitol lawn.

Morning of Service at Marbridge

Thursday, March 21, 9:30-11:00 a.m.

2310 Bliss Spillar Road

Come make a difference as we interact with residents through games, crafts, and other activities planned by the Marbridge staff. This event is family friendly for all ages. Children under the age of 10 years should be accompanied by an adult. Marbridge is a non-profit residential community that offers transitional and lifetime care to adults with a wide range of cognitive abilities and provides them opportunities to learn, experience, and achieve a whole new life. Space is limited, so please register online at fumcaustin.org/marbridge .

Egg Festival Preparation

Sundays-April 7

The Easter Bunny needs help. We are accepting donations to ensure there are plenty of treats for the children at our Easter Egg Festival on April 20. Donations of candy and egg-sized plastic toys or stickers are most helpful. Recommended candy choices are individually wrapped Lifesavers, small Nerds boxes, Starbursts, and small wrapped bubble gum. All candy should be nut free and fit inside an egg. Place donations in the bunny barrels found near the entrances of the children’s Sunday School wing and the Sanctuary. To help stuff eggs, contact Dustin Goss at [email protected] . To volunteer the day of, go to fumcaustin.org/eggfestivalprep.

Habitat for Humanity Build

Saturday, April 13

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: 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] .

United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)

When we want to buy fair-trade products. When farmers need help with appropriate agricultural technology. When a natural disaster strikes somewhere around the globe. When a community needs clean water and effective sanitation. When these and many other disasters occur, UMCOR is there because our contributions support the life-saving work in sustainable development, global health, relief supplies, and disaster response. Your gifts, marked “UMCOR,” may be left at the communion rail or placed in the offering plate today or any Sunday in March. You may also send them to or bring them by the church office.  Read More .

Missed last week's sermon?

Sunday, March 17

2nd Sunday in Lent

Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst

Scripture: Mark 11:15-19

Sermon: "Anger in the Temple"

Listen Now.

Within our Congregation

Health

Grady Basler; Sandy Bowles; Gussie Fallon; Paul Hicks; Katie Kaighin; Kathy Morales; and Weldon Wink.

Congratulations

To Jeff Jackson and Cathy Stone on their marriage on March 23. 

Condolences

To Mary Rogerson on the death of her husband, David.

Other

Lucio Gonzales and travel mercies for Karen Smith on her mission trip to the Philippines.

Beyond our Congregation

Suzin Bedell-Healy’s mother, Barbara Bedell; Cheryl Bias’ niece, Lauren; Sandy Bowles’ daughter, Carla Bowles; Fay Brown’s sister, Jo Rene Altenburg; Judy Chambers’ friend, Elizabeth Christensen; Bob Garrett’s father, Leo Garrett; Rita Garza’s mother-in-law, Mary Garza; Nancy Gillett’s brother, Ted Lester; Virginia McCarroll’s friend, Izzie’s mom; Larry Peters’ friend, Peter Balbour; Marie Richards’ daughter, Rachel Bailey; Pat Rives’ friend, Susan Tyler; Leslie Story’s father, Neel Richardson; Amy Wink’s friend, Ayse Karoglu 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 .