This Sunday
Sunday, January 19
2nd Sunday after Epiphany Sunday
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: Matthew 4:12-22
Sermon: "You Are Called"
The Most Important Things
We are covering The Most Important Things you need to hear from the Bible. These are the essentials; if you don't remember anything else all year, hold on to these messages as you enter what is sure to be a momentous year.
Manna Bag Sale
Sunday, January 19, 9:30–11:00 a.m. Sidewalk
Our 4th and 5th graders show the love of Christ to those in need through the making and selling of Manna Bags. You may purchase a bag for $5.
Olivia Weldon's 95th Birthday Celebration
Sunday, January 19, 9:15-10:30 a.m., SAN Wesley Hall
Olivia Weldon’s grandchildren are hosting this event to celebrate Olivia’s 95th birthday. Olivia, a member since 1966, is well known and well loved at First Church. She has been a leader in the former Couples Class and in United Methodist Women. With the late Larry Prehn, she started the Kitchen Guild soon after the opening of the Family Life Center, inaugurating the Wednesday Evening Suppers. For many years Olivia has been a weekly volunteer in the church office, and now she and her son, Jim Hudson, are there every Thursday morning to assemble and organize the Sunday worship bulletin and the FUMC Weekly . Now a member of the Downtowners Class, Olivia attends Sunday School and worship regularly. Your presence will be your gift.
Just Mercy Book Discussion
Sunday, January 19, 10:00-10:45 a.m., SAN Parlor
For those that read Just Mercy over the holidays or have now seen the movie, join us for a Sunday morning conversation as we discuss justice issues of race, poverty, and mass incarceration. 
Civil Rights Pilgrimage Meeting
Sunday, January 19, 12:15-1:45 p.m., EDU Murchison Chapel
Our trip is set for March 15-21, 2020 and we still have spots available. This seven-day trip for adults, youth, and families will take us through Jackson, Selma, Montgomery, Birmingham, and Memphis. All participants should attend this meeting. Lunch provided.
Mobile Loaves & Fishes 3rd Sunday
Sunday, January 19, 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., SAN MLF Kitchen
MLF serves daily, but this day is for those who want to try face-to-face service working with experienced volunteers. Join the Make-Ready Team from 4:00-5:00 p.m. (preparing food and loading truck) and/or the Truck Team from 5:00-6:30 p.m. delivering food around Austin). Register at fumcaustin.org/fumc-mlf .
Loving Movie and Discussion
Sunday, January 19, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Sanctuary
Our Mercy & Justice Team invites you to watch Loving , the story of a couple whose arrest for interracial marriage in 1960s Virginia began a legal battle ending with the Supreme Court's historic 1967 decision. Register at fumcaustin.org/movienight.
At a Glance
Click on the links below to learn more.
Youth News
Engage Attends Movie Night, 1/19

Service Spotlight
Cold Weather Shelter , As Needed

 Children's News
Baptism Class , 2/23
Click here to view the full FUMC calendar.
We're Hiring!
We give thanks for the ministry of Galen Fischer this past year and bid him farewell upon his resignation from FUMC staff. The church seeks to hire a new Director of Finance as soon as possible. If you or someone you know is interested, please visit fumcaustin.org/hiring or contact Dave Ballbach, Director of Operations at [email protected] .
MLK Day Community March
Monday, January 20, 9:30 a.m., First UMC
Meet at the corner of 12th Street and Colorado Street for breakfast tacos before we join the March at 10:00 a.m. for a rally at the Capitol. Then we march to Huston-Tilliston for a Community Festival. Contact Pastor Cathy Stone at [email protected] to arrange carpools.  
Coffee with the Pastors
Sunday, January 26, 10:00-10:45 a.m.
SAN Parlor
Want to connect deeper in our FUMC community? Come visit with the pastors and lay leaders in this periodic series of coffee and conversation. New and long-time members are welcome. Register at fumcaustin.org/coffee .
2020 Leadership Kickoff and Charge Conference
Sunday, January 26, 12:15-3:00 p.m., Great Hall, Family Life Center
During this event, we'll share lunch together, learn some key information about serving in leadership at FUMC, and divide into ministry teams/committees to plan and set goals for the coming year. This meeting also includes approval of the FUMC 2020 budget and clergy compensation. Register at fumcaustin.org/chargeconference .
FEAST for Young Adults
Sunday, January 26, 7:00-8:30 p.m., FLC Garrison Chapel
FEAST is a monthly dinner gathering for young adults (roughly ages 20–45) to build community and dig into the more difficult side of faith together. Led by Dr. Brad King, FEAST is a modern take on the most ancient form of Christian communal worship: the love feast. In addition to delicious food, these meetings are focused on creating meaningful and personal interactions among individuals seeking more connection and engagement in a faith-interested atmosphere. Register at fumcaustin.org/feast .
Curtis Higgs Prodigals Study Group Begins New Study
Mondays, 6:30-8:00, FLC Room 103
New Study Begins January 27
Men of all ages, who enjoy book studies and discussion based on Scripture and Christian faith, meet almost every Monday night in the Schmidt-Jones Family Life Center for study, prayer, and fellowship. The group is beginning a new study of Barbara Brown Taylor's book, Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others . The renowned New York Times bestselling author recounts her moving discoveries of finding the sacred in unexpected places while teaching the world’s religions to undergraduates in rural Georgia, revealing how God delights in confounding our expectations. All men are welcome. For more information, contact Randy Teich at [email protected] or call 512-426-7769. Register at fumcaustin.org/prodigal .
Pre-teen Human Sexuality Course
January 31-February 1, 2020
FLC Garrison Chapel
Wonderfully Made provides kids in 5th and 6th grades the opportunity to ask questions about growing up and get faith-based answers. You may invite friends. Register early-spaces are limited! Cost is $50. Register Here .
Rethink Mission
Saturday, February 1, 8:00 am–12:00 noon
Oak Hill UMC, 7815 Hwy 290 West
You are invited to spend a morning learning, sharing, and celebrating many of the great successes in missions within the Capital District. Join us for breakfast/registration beginning at 8:00 a.m. Our plenary session begins at 9:00 a.m. followed by two workshop sessions with topics straight from the headlines – homelessness, immigrants, at-risk kids, disaster recovery, and what’s next in ministries to our LGBTQ siblings. One of this year’s featured presentations will focus on Justice for our Neighbors (JFON).
First Steps
Sunday, February 2, 12:15 p.m. FLC Garrison Chapel
Are you interested in joining FUMC? Prior to joining, we ask all to come to this class to learn about United Methodist beliefs and the ministry of First Church, meet the pastors and other members, and ask questions. Signup at fumcaustin.org/firststeps .
Mercy & Justice Book Study: Strength to Love
Tuesdays, February 4-18, 6:30 p.m.–7:45 p.m., FLC Room 104
Join Pastor Cathy Stone as we read and discuss Strength to Love by Dr. Martin Luther Kings, Jr. In these short meditative and sermonic pieces, some of them composed in jails and all of them crafted during the tumultuous years of the Civil Rights struggle, Dr. King articulated and espoused in a deeply personal compelling way his commitment to justice and to the intellectual, moral, and spiritual conversion that makes his work as much a blueprint today for Christian discipleship as it was then. Register at fumcaustin.org/bookstudy .
Not Safe for Church: Sexuality & the Bible
Sundays, February, 2-23, 12:15-1:45 p.m. SAN Wesley Hall
Join Dr. Brad King to learn how the Bible has been used to understand human sexuality and discuss the Bible’s teachings can integrate into our intimate lives. Register at fumcaustin.org/sexuality .
Learning Your Number: Enneagram 101
Saturday, February 8, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
FLC Garrison Chapel
This one-day class introduces this ancient tool for understanding our individual differences and promoting compassion. Cost is $40. Register at fumcaustin.org/enneagram .
Scripture Readers Practice
Sunday, February 9, 10:00 a.m., Sanctuary
Are you looking for ways to participate in worship? We are in need of scripture readers and will provide training. Come practice reading from the pulpit and review responsibilities of serving as a reader. Register at fumcaustin.org/scripture . If you are interested but cannot make this practice, contact Daviss King at [email protected] or 512-478-5684 (ext. 204). 
January Mission Emphasis
These two ministries are making a difference in both the lives of women experiencing homelessness as well those serving on Thursday mornings or cold Tuesday nights. Your financial support of these ministries ensures that we are able to provide basic necessities in a caring, safe, and accepting environment that affirms self-worth and dignity.

At the Well
We are committed to caring for and serving with our neighbors experiencing homelessness, especially women who are more vulnerable and at risk. Inspired by God’s Spirit, At the Well welcomes women experiencing homelessness into our Family Life Center each Thursday morning. Since At the Well launched in May, we have made a difference in the lives of more than 60 women. That difference is as varied as the individuals: a bus ticket back to family in Oklahoma, a place to take an online course for a food handlers license, a shower, food, and most importantly, fellowship. 

Cold Weather Shelter
During the winter months, we provide shelter for up to 30 women on Tuesday nights when the temperatures are expected to be below freezing. Together, neighbors and volunteers have made a difference in each other’s lives. Your financial support of these ministries ensures that we are able to provide basic necessities in a caring, safe, and accepting environment that affirms self-worth and dignity.

Prayer Concerns
Submit a prayer request online .
Within our Congregation
Stephanie Benold; Sandy Bowles; Michael Crowe; Mari Perez; Debbie Rippetoe; Karen Smith; Bill and Ann Thurman; and Dan Wood.

Condolences to Meridith Albright on the death of her nephew, Ryan Fogle; and to Dorothy Whitfield and David Whitfield on the death of her sister and his aunt, Mary Cornell.

Beyond our Congregation
Curt Ashmos’ friend, Elissa Marek; Kim Battle’s grandmother, Nana; Grady Basler’s sister, Tonya Basler Stout; Cheryl Bias’ niece, Lauren Stafford; Bob Block’s friend, Tim Sullivan; Fay Brown’s sister, Jo Rene Altenburg; Charlotte Chew and her students; Noble and Sharon Doss’ granddaughter, Millie Owens; Sharon Doss’ friend, Charlane Cox; George Gaston’s friend, Dr. Robert Wootton; Cindy Gunderson’s friends, Bill and Cyndi and Steve and Debbie; Mary Heckmann’s sister-in-law, Susi Tyler; Sammy Huffaker’s friend, Sue Ann Boren; Jeff Jackson’s aunt, Joyce Jackson; Melanie Miller’s and Jen Stuart’s father, Doak Thomas; Riley Nix’s grandfather; Mimi Raper’s friend, Albert Almanza; Cindy Reidland’s friends, Carly and Colton; Barbara Ruth’s brother-in-law, Jerry Reeves; Shirley Sanders’ mentees, Moseis Cortez, Daniel Vargas, and Luis Vargas; Randy Teich’s friend, Bob Radefeld; Danielle Thoma’s friend, Joe Stevens; Kathy Tullos’ friend, Vivian Ballard; Lisa Webb’s mother, Theresa Webb; Adam Wooderson’s uncle, Billy Wooderson; and Dick Young’s nephew, Jeff Young. 
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First United Methodist Church
1201 Lavaca St. Austin, TX 78701
(512) 478-5684