THIS SUNDAY
Sunday, December 2
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: Luke 2:1-5
Sermon: " Caesar Augustus"
Advent Worship Series
Waiting in the Wings: The Supporting Cast of the Christmas Story
We all know the main characters—Jesus, Mary, Joseph, a donkey—but what about the lesser-known characters of the Christmas story? You know, the ones standing outside the stable—who are they, and how does their journey of waiting, struggling, and proclaiming speak to us as we, too, await the birth of hope in a dark time? Join us in worship as we sidle up with the supporting cast and watch what God is about to do. View worship schedule details .
Sock Drive for Christmas Eve Breakfast
Place sock donations for our Christmas Eve Breakfast in the collection bins of the Sanctuary and FLC Foyers starting this Sunday through December 16.
Advent Sunday School Series: Home for Christmas
10:00 a.m., SAN Wesley Hall
Pastor Cathy Stone will lead a four-week Advent study of Home for Christmas: Tales of Hope & Second Chances which brings inspiring stories of hope and second chances. Author and pastor Justin Coleman matches real life stories of struggle and triumph to the Advent themes of hope, love, joy, and peace. Coleman captures the stories of formerly incarcerated men and women as they find work and opportunity through Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles. You’re invited, but not required, to read along. Register Now . 
Christmas Caroling with Children's Choir
12:45 p.m., Brookdale Senior Living 4401 Spicewood Springs Rd
All voices—young and old—are invited to help spread Christmas cheer through song! Join the children's choir in singing Christmas songs and visiting with residents at Brookdale Senior Living facility. We will practice together at Brookdale right before we go in to visit with residents—song sheets provided. Dress holiday festive! For more information, contact Roxie Garza at [email protected] .
Conversations on Racial Justice
4:30-6:00 p.m., FLC Garrison Chapel
We are listening to two episodes from Scene on Radio Podcast’s  "Seeing White Series" on our own and then we will discuss together. Listen to and come prepared to discuss Episodes 33 and 34 (Part 3 and 4 www.sceneonradio.org/seeing-white ). Reserve childcare with [email protected] by the Thursday, November 29. Register online at fumcaustin.org/conversations .
BAPTISM
Branson Edgar Hornsby
Son of Chris and Veronica Hornsby
NEW MEMBERS
Kevin & Suzin Healy, Jonathan, Isabelle, and Alexa Polenz
NEWS AND EVENTS
Director of Finance
FUMC is hiring! With Tom Mays retiring in early 2019, FUMC is looking for a new Director of Finance to help us fulfill our mission. Perhaps you know someone with Accounting and HR expertise who would be a great fit! Candidates can find information about the position on Indeed or in the Director of Finance Job Description .
Children's Christmas Giving
In the spirit of Christmas giving, the Children's Ministry Team invites children to bring a small to medium new or gently used stuffed animal to church to be given to the residents of The Villa at Marbridge. Donations can be placed at the Children's Christmas Tree in the Sanctuary Foyer from December 2 to January 6. A date to deliver the stuffed animals and enjoy fellowship with the residents of The Villa at Marbridge will be scheduled in the new year. For more information, contact Erin Scarth at [email protected] . 
Decorating and Holiday Stroll
Saturday, December 1
4:00-9:00 p.m., SAN Wesley Hall
Kick off your holiday by decorating spaces around the church and then offering hospitality to Austinites of all ages heading to and coming from the Holiday Stroll. We begin with decorating the Sanctuary, Murchison Chapel, Family Life Center, and outdoor spaces. Afterward, volunteers share a meal and then welcome event attendees with music on the front steps, hot chocolate and cookies, and a family-friendly pit stop. Sign up for our decorating team and/or hospitality team at fumcaustin.org/stroll .
Charge Conference
Monday, December 3, 7:00 p.m.
Trinity Church, 4001 Speedway 
This annual business meeting of the church will be shared with Life in the City, St. John’s, St. Luke, University, and hosted by Trinity Church. Church leadership is expected to attend to approve the key action items (Nominations, Clergy Compensation, and various reports) and then spend time with the District Superintendent in learning and conversation.
Kids' Day Out
Saturday, December 8
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
While parents enjoy a morning out, children play, eat pizza, make holiday crafts, decorate gingerbread houses, and watch a movie with our trained childcare staff. We accept infants through 4th graders. The cost is $25 for the first child and $8 for siblings. Register online by Wednesday, December 5 at fumcaustin.org/kids-day-out . Spaces are limited.
Blood Drive
Sunday, December 9, 9:00 a.m.-11:30 p.m. 
Bloodmobile in Parking Lot
FUMC is pleased to host a blood drive for We Are Blood. There is always a need for blood donations and it would be great to get a big response from our church family. Schedule an appointment online at fumcaustin.org/blood-drive .
Social Media 101
Sunday, December 9, 12:30-2:00 p.m.
SAN Wesley Hall
Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter...these social media tools kids use as second nature but, for many of us, social media can be intimidating. Just in time to post holiday photos, learn how to use Facebook and Instagram with hands on help. Bring a brown bag and a smartphone. Presented by Trevor Harper and Bergan Casey.
Christmas Poinsettia Sale
Order by Sunday, December 9
Beautiful poinsettias on the communion rails, around the trees, in the foyers...a great way to celebrate someone you love or who is now in God's hands. Cost is $11 per plant. Plants are florist quality and great for replanting. Plants can be picked up after worship on Christmas Eve. Order Now .
Children's Choir Presentation: Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 16, 10:00 a.m. Sanctuary
Come hear the children’s choir for their Lessons and Carols performance during the Sunday School hour. Through dramatic role playing and traditional Christmas carols, we will celebrate the birth of our Savior. 
FUMC Choir Presentation: "Within Our Hearts Be Born"
Sunday, December 16
9:00 and 11:00 a.m., Sanctuary
Christmas is coming and music is in the air! Come sing praise to God and celebrate through the gifts of others through a special musical offering by our FUMC choir during worship. You'll be blessed!
Youth Engage Christmas Party
Sunday, December 16
4:30-7:00 p.m., FLC Great Hall
All youth are invited to come celebrate together for our last Engage of the year. There will be food, games and music, and a white elephant exchange, so bring a gift that cost $10 or less.
Blue Christmas Service
Thursday, December 20, 7:00 p.m. EDU Murchison Chapel
How come I don’t feel it? In the midst of the wonder and expectation of Advent, many of us might feel out of step with the joy and excitement of Christmas. Some of us have lost loved ones or face the “happy” holidays feeling blue with grief or depression. Senior Pastor Taylor Fuerst leads this special worship service on the longest night to acknowledge our grief and longing for hope.
Christmas Eve Noon Service
12:00 p.m., Murchison Chapel
This traditional service features carols, scripture reading, and Holy Communion and is ideal for those who do not want to drive at night and for those whose plans make it impossible to participate in our later services.

Christmas Eve Family Service
4:00 p.m.*, Sanctuary
Experience the traditions of Christmas carols, the Nativity story, Holy Communion, and a candle-lit Silent Night in this 45-minute worship service especially designed for families with young children.

Christmas Eve Candlelight & Communion
6:00*, 8:00* & 11:00 p.m., Sanctuary
These traditional services will feature carols, choral offerings, scripture, Holy Communion, and candle lighting to celebrate Christ’s birth.

*Childcare is provided during the 4:00 p.m. Family Service and 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. Candlelight Services.
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
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 Austin. Serving as 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 or 11:00 a.m. service from January-June 2019. If you are interested and want to learn more, contact Richard Bettis, [email protected] or (512) 343-2361.
Books for Pickle Elementary
Our next Book Sale is Friday, December 14, 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Clean off your shelves in time for Christmas and donate your gently used or new books to FUMC’s 25-cent sale. Kids love dinosaurs, animals and insects, monsters, fairytale, adventure, mystery, sports and exploration books. Only current titles or popular classics please. Spanish language books especially appreciated. Donations of books can be left in SAN Room 217 behind the Library, or in bins off the Sanctuary Foyer. Consider donating gift cards from Savers. To sort or sell for an hour or two contact [email protected] .
Cookie and Sock Donations
Sock Collection - Dec. 2, 9, & 16 
Cookie Bakers - Dec. 16 & 23
We are collecting chocolate chip cookies (6 per bag, no nuts) and adult white tube socks to provide guests at the Christmas Eve Breakfast. Place donations in the collection bins in the Sanctuary and FLC Foyers through December 23.
"Feed My People" Christmas Eve Breakfast
Monday, December 24
6:30 a.m., FLC Great Hall
Breakfast will be held from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Our guests enjoy coffee and Christmas music beginning at 6:30 a.m., breakfast will be served at 7:00 a.m. Many in the congregation have made this volunteer opportunity a significant part of their Christmas season. Spaces fill fast, so sign up now .
CALENDAR
DECEMBER MISSION EMPHASIS
Austin Justice for Our Neighbors
We get to join God in changing lives each year through our Christmas Offering, a gift to which we contribute, beyond our regular giving for the year. This year, our offering will go toward two efforts—one local, and the other global. First, we will contribute locally toward the work of Austin Region Justice for Our Neighbors (ARJFON), a hospitality ministry of the United Methodist Church that welcomes immigrants by providing free or low-cost, expert immigration legal services to low-income immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. Second, we will devote a portion of our Christmas offering to support our apportionments, the gift we make to support the wider ministry of the United Methodist Church. Read More .
SERMONS ONLINE
Missed Last Week's Sermon?
Sunday, November 25
Preacher: Rev. Michael Mumme
Scripture: John 18:33-38a
Sermon: Hearing the Truth Amid “Fake News”
PRAYER CONCERNS
Within our Congregation
Health: Marilyn Bettis; Mario Contreras; Gussie Fallon; Hadley Fuerst; Nancy Lewis; Elizabeth Lerner; Charlotte Lyerly; Andrea Peck; Bruce Venno; and Dan Wood.
Congratulations to Zac and Sarah Whitley on the birth of David Phillip Whitley.
Condolences to the family and friends of Gene Lyerly on his death.
Other: California wildfires and college and high school students in finals.
Beyond our Congregation
Cheryl Bias’ niece, Lauren; Fay Brown’s sister, Jo Rene Altenburg; Shirley Derryberry’s sister, Marcia Ohlhausen; Sammy Huffaker’s friend, Bill Shults; Don Mayfield’s cousin-in-law, Laura Webb, and her baby, Larson; Doise Miers’ father, Jack Chew; Chip Morris’ cousin, Ruth Bennett, and friend, Joe Long; Connie Payne’s brother, John Bellinghausen; Pat Rives’ friend, Susan Tyler; Barbara Ruth’s mother, Jewel Ruth; Justin and Erin Scarth’s friends, Chad Burnette and Lisa Whatley; Leslie Story’s father, Neel Richardson; and Dick Young’s nephew, Jeff Young.
Condolences to the family and friends of Bill Pampe on his death.
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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