Sunday, January 5
Epiphany Sunday
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
Sermon: "God Has Bigger Plans Than You Do"
|
|
The Most Important Things
Sundays, January 5-February 16
Your life is filled with messages—messages advertising a product or service you (supposedly) need, messages convincing you to vote for a politician, messages all demanding your attention. We believe that Church is the place where we are meant to talk about the most important things in the world. So, we are beginning 2020 with just that:
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.
|
|
Epiphany Party
Sunday, January 5, 10:00 a.m., FLC Great Hall
Celebrate Christ’s light in the world. Families, children, and adults all are welcome! Children and youth will not have regular Sunday School class that day. Sign up to bring food items or bake Epiphany cupcakes.
Sign Up Here
.
|
|
Financial Peace University
Information Session
Sunday, January 5, 12:15 p.m., FLC Garrison Chapel
Come learn about Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, watch an introductory video, and pick up your materials for class beginning on Tuesday, January 14.
Register Here
.
|
|
Conversations on Racial Justice
Sunday, January 5, 4:30-6:00 p.m. FLC Room 104
Join us as we work to be anti-racists, seeking to undo racism in ourselves and to recognize and understand our participation in systemic racism. We will conclude listening to The New York Times podcast, “The 1619 Project.” No prep or prior listening required.
Register Here
.
|
|
At a Glance
Click on the links below to learn more.
|
|
|
|
Youth News
Service Spotlight
Children's News
|
|
|
Click
here
to view the full FUMC calendar.
|
|
Mercy & Justice Book Study:
Shameless
Tuesdays, January 7, 14, 21, 28
6:30-7:45 p.m., FLC 104
Join Pastor Cathy Stone as we read and discuss
Shameless
by Nadia Bolz-Weber. Raw and intimate, this book offers an overhaul of our harmful and antiquated ideas about sex, gender, and our bodies. Register at
fumcaustin.org/shameless
.
|
|
Invitation to Genesis
Wednesdays, January 8-February 19
6:30-8:00 p.m., FLC, Room 103
Explore questions of creation in a 7-week study of Genesis with Amy Wink. This study is designed to help us understand the challenges we face in creating the world God imagines. Register at
fumcaustin.org/genesis
.
|
|
Becoming a Better LGBTQ+ Ally
Saturday, January 11, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
SAN Wesley Hall
Ally training provides a framework of understanding lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ+) persons and the challenges they face. Register at
fumcaustin.org/ally
.
|
|
Baby Brunch
Sunday, January 12, 10:00-11:00 a.m., SAN Wesley Hall
Have a newborn or child under 18 months old? Our Children’s Ministry invites you to come enjoy this fun event filled with fellowship and food. We are excited to partner with you as you begin this incredible journey with your child. Please RSVP to
[email protected]
.
|
|
Financial Peace University
Tuesdays, January 14-March 10, 6:30-8:00 p.m., FLC Garrison Chapel
With Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, you CAN take control of your money. Freedom from debt is part of being free to follow Christ. Join Ellis and Lisa Pittman for this personal finance class with a faith perspective. Cost is $99 per family.
Register Here
.
|
|
Disciple I Fast Track: New Testament
Wednesdays, January 15-April 1
6:30-8:00 p.m., FLC Room 104
This 12-week study, led by Dr. Brad King, is the New Testament portion of the class begun last fall. Spots are available. New participant cost is $15. Register at
fumcaustin.org/disciple
.
|
|
Olivia Weldon's 95th Birthday Celebration
Sunday, January 19, 9:15-10:30 a.m.
SAN Wesley Hall
Olivia’s 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 First Church Weekly. Now a member of the Downtowners Class, Olivia attends Sunday School and worship regularly. First Church members and friends are cordially invited to come by the reception to celebrate Olivia, a true First Church treasure. Your presence will be your gift.
|
|
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.
|
|
MLK Day Community March
Monday, January 20, 9:00 a.m., MLK Statue, UT Campus
The Annual Community March celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy while uplifting diversity and multi-culturalism in our city. Following a short program at the MLK Statue, we will march to the historic Huston-Tillotson University, where exciting activities are planned. We can arrange carpools. Contact Pastor Cathy Stone at
[email protected]
.
|
|
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
.
|
|
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
.
|
|
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
.
|
|
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
.
|
|
 |
Audio/Visual Volunteers
Our AV Team needs two volunteers at the media center in the balcony each week: one to run worship slides and one to adjust audio. Commitment is one Sunday a month. Contact Dave Ballbach at
[email protected]
.
|
|
|
|
Ushers Needed
Want to be an Usher or Greeter and provide a warm welcome each Sunday? Commitment is one Sunday a month at either the 9:00 or 11:00 service from January-June, 2020. Contact Richard Bettis at
[email protected]
.
|
|
|
|
At the Well
We are committed to caring for and serving with our neighbors experiencing homelessness. This is especially true for women, who are traditionally more vulnerable and at risk in this population. Inspired by God’s Spirit, At the Well welcomes women experiencing homelessness into the Great Hall of our Family Life Center each Thursday morning. We provide hospitality, showers, new undergarments, computer access and assistance, mats for sleeping, crafts, books, and much more.
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. This ministry provides a warm and safe place for women to sleep along with dinner and breakfast. 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 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, Bill Derryberry, Kathy Morales, Mari Perez, Debbie Rippetoe, Ken Santos, Sally Watkins, Dan Wood.
Those struggling with grief during this holiday season.
Beyond our Congregation
Curt Ashmos’ friend, Elissa Marek; 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; Melba Cox’s daughter, Sandra Helton; Melanie Dow’s nephew, Jonas Ellwanger; Michelle Gallman’s cousin, Gary Coleman; Roxie Garza’s father; George Gaston’s friend, Dr. Robert Wootton; Nancy Gillett’s mother, Joyce Lester; Victoria Grogan’s mother, Robbie Wheat; Sammy Huffaker’s friend, Sue Ann Boren; Patty and Mary Katherine Kane’s friends, John and Barb Andersen; Melanie Miller’s and Jen Stuart’s father, Doak Thomas; Cindy Reidland’s friends, Carly and Colton; Rider family’s friend and caregiver, Rosalie Broussard; Barbara Ruth’s brother-in-law, Jerry Reeves; Jill Barker-Standish’s mother, Linda Standish; Dick Young’s nephew, Jeff Young; Dick and Ann Young’s friend, Jay Shiffler.
|
|
|
Missed last week's sermon?
|
|
|
|
Online Directory & Giving
Church Life
enables members to connect, view giving history, schedule giving, and access the church calendar.
|
|
|
|
Contact Us
First United Methodist Church
1201 Lavaca St. Austin, TX 78701
(512) 478-5684
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
