THIS SUNDAY
Sunday, March 10
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11
Sermon: "Entrance"
Spring Forward
Don’t forget! This Sunday, daylight savings time begins so you will need to plan to set your clock forward one hour when you go to bed Saturday night.
Lenten Worship Series: The Final Week with Jesus
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
Don't forget to register to join a Lenten study group this Sunday or during the week. Register at fumcaustin.org/lentstudy .

Sundays-April 14, 10:00-10:45 a.m.
We begin 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.
  • 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-April 14, 12:15-1:45 p.m., SAN Room 212
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. Participants should register online and secure a copy of the book. The book can be purchased on Franciscan Media and Contemplative Life Bookstore . Register at fumcaustin.org/sensing-god .
Youth IMAX Night
Sunday, March 10, 3:45-6:30 p.m., Bob Bullock Museum
All 5th-12th grade youth are invited to a movie night to see the new Marvel film, Captain Marvel ! Since it is opening weekend for the film, please purchase your tickets beforehand on the Bob Bullock website . Youth should plan to arrive by 3:45 p.m. to get seats together before the show starts at 4:15 p.m. The movie will run until 6:30 p.m. We will not meet at the FLC.
NEWS AND EVENTS
General Conference Debriefing
If you missed Pastor Michael and Pastor Taylor's debriefing from General Conference last Sunday, a recording is available on our FUMC Austin YouTube Channel . The briefing covered key items that were found constitutional and unconstitutional during the conference, the follow-up Judicial review in April, and what we may anticipate before General Conference 2020. FAQs were accepted in written format and can be emailed to michael@fumcaustin.org . A follow up FAQ summary will be available next week. View Recording .
Training for Thursday Women's Ministry
Sunday, March 17, 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. We will have two opportunities for volunteer training that includes an overview of the ministry, volunteer roles, ways to welcome and interact with our guests, and signup information. All potential volunteers are encouraged to attend. Lunch will be provided. Questions? Contact Pastor Cathy Stone at cathy@fumcaustin.org or 512-478-5684 (ext. 215).
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.
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 rtyoung@austin.rr.com 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 emily@fumcaustin.org .
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.
SERVING OPPORTUNITIES
Egg Festival Preparation
March 10-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 dustingoss@yahoo.com . To volunteer the day of, go to fumcaustin.org/eggfestivalprep.
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 terri.sohn@gmail.com .
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 UMCOR 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 cathy@fumcaustin.org with any questions.
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 .
CALENDAR
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
No Children's Choir
Women's Program Training Session
Engage Not Meeting

Monday, March 18

Thursday, March 21

Sunday, March 24
Engage Not Meeting
Tuesday, March 26

Saturday, March 30
ASP Construction Workshop

Sunday, March 31
Mercy & Justice Fifth Sunday - United Methodist Women
Cheers Ministry Event
Safe Gatherings Con Confianza Training

Sunday, April 7

Friday, April 12

Saturday, April 13

Sunday, April 14
Palm Sunday

April 15-21
Lenten Labyrinth Experience

Saturday, April 20

Sunday, April 21
MARCH MISSION EMPHASIS
Click here to watch video.
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 .
SERMONS ONLINE
Missed last week's sermon?
Sunday, March 3
Family | Circus Series
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: Luke 24:13-49
Sermon: "We had hoped..."
Other ways to listen? Subscribe to our iTunes podcast or YouTube channel.
PRAYER CONCERNS
Within our Congregation
Health
Grady Basler; Sandy Bowles; Tom Derryberry; Gussie Fallon; Katie Kaighin; Melanie Miller; Kathy Morales; and Weldon Wink.

Condolences
To Scott Davis on the death of his father, Martin Davis.

Other
Lucio Gonzales and our Church worldwide. 
Beyond our Congregation
Cheryl Bias’ niece, Lauren; Melissa Biegert’s father, Travis Langley; Sandy Bowles’ daughter, Carla Bowles; Fay Brown’s sister, Jo Rene Altenburg; Cheryl Etie’s friend, David Siems; April Ferrino’s mother, Sara Ferrino, and mother-in-law, Gloria Hernandez; Ann Fields’ sister-in-law, Cindy Brown; Bob Garrett’s father, Leo Garrett; Caroline Jones’ friend, Rick Acuna; Alice Parrish’s cousin, Cynthia; Larry Peters’ friend, Peter Balbour; Pat Rives’ friend, Susan Tyler; Leslie Story’s father, Neel Richardson; Ann Venno’s cousin, Rosemary Todd; 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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