This Sunday
Sunday, February 2
4th Sunday after Epiphany Sunday
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: Romans 12:1-8
Sermon: "You're Not Meant To Do This Alone"
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.
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. Sign up at fumcaustin.org/firststeps .
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. Don't forget to bring your lunch. This is a brown bag lecture series. Register at fumcaustin.org/sexuality .
Youth Super Bowl Night
Sunday, February 2, 4:30-7:00 p.m., Home of Bert and Lara Greene
Join us for a Super Bowl Party! All Middle and High School youth are invited to join us for the big game! We'll have the game going on several screens, some fine Super Bowl foods and games for the ages! Feel free to bring a side dish and a bathing suit and towel! We hope to see you there! Email [email protected] for more information!
At a Glance
Click on the links below to learn more.
Youth News
High School Retreat , 2/14-2/16
Middle School Retreat , 7/11-7/18

Service Spotlight
Cold Weather Shelter , As Needed

 Children's News
Baptism Class , 2/23
Click here to view the full FUMC calendar.
Financial Updates
2019 Christmas Offering
Our Christmas Offering in 2019 was a great effort in supporting renovations to our kitchen, which feeds 250+ hungry people twice each week, as well as providing for youth ministry, leadership gatherings, new member lunches, and many other events. Our goal was to raise $100,000 toward the full renovation cost of over $300,000, and we surpassed that, raising over $123,000! Thank you for your generosity!

Year-end Financials and 2020 Pledges
FUMC ended the year in healthy financial standing, thanks to your generosity! A strong November and December helped us finish the year $18,000 ahead of our expenses, and within 1% of our budget. Full Financial Reports are available at fumcaustin.org/financialstatements . We had a strong response in Pledge Commitments to the 2020 Ministry plan, with a 10% increase in pledges, bringing our total pledges to $1,700,722. These pledges make it possible to sustain and grow our ministry with confidence in the coming year. Pledges also give each of us the opportunity to exercise our faith, relying on God's generosity and sacrificially offering what we have for God's work of changing lives. Thank you for your generous giving and your pledge to continue that generosity in 2020!

Redirected Apportionments
Since General Conference in February of last year, FUMC Austin has sought to make a prayerful, thoughtful response to the passage of the Traditional Plan, which further harms LGBTQ people. In July we voted to practice marriage equality in our Sanctuary and to fully support our clergy who choose to perform weddings prohibited by the UMC. Additionally, this fall our Administrative Board voted to withhold a portion of our Apportionments as a protest against the current policy. Instead of giving those funds to the denomination, we devoted 10% of our assigned apportionments to organizations that support and advance the well-being of LGBTQ+ people, both in the church and beyond. We hope you'll go online to check out these incredible organizations!

  • $1800 to allgo  
  • $1800 to Qwell Foundation
  • $4500 to Strong Family Alliance  
  • $1800 to TENT (Transgender Education Network of Texas)
  • $4500 to Thrive Youth Center  
  • $3600 to UMC Queer Clergy Caucus
Rethink Mission
Saturday, February 1, 8:00 a.m.–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).
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] .
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 and 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 .
Cheers Ministry Potluck
Thursday, February 6, 6:00-9:00 p.m., FLC Garrison Chapel
The Cheers Ministry, a community for those young-at-heart recently retired or thinking about retiring, invite you to an old-fashioned potluck. The theme is "Show your Stuff" where you can show your hobbies, crafts, photography, art, and collections or other ways you spend your retirement spare time. If you plan to bring your 'stuff,' please let Dick Young know at 512-789-8480 or [email protected] . Cheers will provide the meat dishes, tea, and water. Register at fumcaustin.org/cheers .
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). 
FEAST: Happy Hour
Sunday, February 9 at 5:00 p.m.
Scholtz Garten: 1607 San Jacinto Blvd
Last year, we launched FEAST—a new program that brings young adults together to eat good food and talk about the difficult issues facing Christians in the modern world. In February, FEAST will expand to include a monthly happy hour event. Join us at our first FEAST happy hour! Contact Brad King at [email protected] with any questions about this or other FEAST events. Register at fumcaustin.org/feast .
High School Retreat
Friday-Sunday, February 14-16
Our High School students are invited to a weekend of fun and adventure at Mo Ranch! Spaces are limited! Please plan to drop off at 4:30 p.m. in the church parking lot on Friday, February 14 and pickup around 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. Cost is $150. Register by February 11 at fumcaustin.org/highschoolretreat .
Civil Rights Speaker: Jim Harrington
Sunday, February 16, 10:00 a.m., SAN Wesley Hall
All are invited to come hear human rights attorney Jim Harrington, founder and Director Emeritus of the Texas Civil Rights Project. Harrington has handled a wide array of civil rights cases, some precedent-setting, involving grand jury discrimination, voting rights, immigration, capital punishment, police misconduct, racial and ethnic discrimination, and the rights of persons with disabilities. Since retiring, Jim has established Proyecto Santiago at St. James’ Episcopal Church in east Austin, which advocates for the Latino community. He was ordained an Episcopal priest on January 17, 2020. No registration required.
General Conference Briefing
Sunday, February 23, 10:00 a.m., Sanctuary Main Floor
Pastor Taylor will lead a briefing about the state of the United Methodist Church and the proposals likely to be voted on at Annual Conference in May.
Baptism Class
Sunday, February 23, 12:15 p.m. EDU Room 108
Are you ready to have your child Baptized? Pastor Taylor Fuerst and Lara Greene host this class to learn about our beliefs about Baptism, logistical information about scheduling and service preparation, and ways to help your child live the Baptized life. This class is required for those preparing for a child’s Baptism. To register, indicate your interest on the Connections Card during worship or online at fumcaustin.org/baptismclass .
One Human Race Workshop
 Saturday, February 22, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
FLC 100 - Garrison Chapel
This free one-day workshop provides a safe, open, and productive environment to learn and share about race. Snacks and lunch are provided. We’ll watch Race: The Power of an Illusion , examine concepts from Eric Law's The Wolf Shall Dwell with the Lamb and Robin DiAngelo’s White Fragility and share in small groups. The workshop is appropriate for people aged fourteen and older. Registration is required. Visit onehumanraceaustin.org to reserve your place. Contact Daviss King at [email protected] or Cathy Stone at [email protected] with any questions. 
Sweetheart Dance
 Saturday, February 22, 6:00-9:00 p.m.,
FLC Great Hall
Celebrate the loving relationships in your life with a fun evening of dancing and fellowship. DJ, door prizes, selfie photo booth, snacks, and memory-making included. All are welcome—children, friends, spouses, parents/grandparents, and partners and partners-in-crime. Special prizes for most years together, best-dressed couple/group, and more. Cost is $5 per person, with a $20 maximum per family. Proceeds will benefit this year’s Austin CROP Hunger Walk. 
Austin CROP Hunger Walk
Sunday, March 1
2:00 p.m. Registration, 2:30 p.m. Step-off
Camp Mabry, 2200 West 35th Street
This family-friendly interfaith community event raises funds for hungry people around the world and here in Austin. This year’s walk is focusing on providing animals for people in the Dominican Republic. AustinCROP Hunger Walk is featuring a petting zoo for all ages to enjoy. Be a partner in this fun event by joining our First Church Walk Team. Sign up at fumcaustin.org/crop .
Feed My People Breakfast Experience 2020
Saturday, March 28, 8:00-10:00 a.m., FLC Great Hall
Foundation for the Homeless (FFH) is pleased to host a Feed My People (FMP) Breakfast Fundraiser for the benefit of First United Methodist Church of Austin and its kitchen remodeling project. Every Tuesday and Thursday morning, FMP serves breakfast to over 300 of our homeless neighbors, the primary users of the kitchen. Feed My People, a Foundation for the Homeless volunteer-run program, has fed Austin’s homeless in FUMC’s Family Life Center since May 2000—that’s 20 years of kitchen use! Come experience our FMP breakfast and learn about the impact of this ministry in our community. Enjoy a typical FMP breakfast including scrambled eggs, biscuits, sausage patties, gravy, coffee, milk, and orange juice. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. for coffee and fellowship. Breakfast is served at 8:30 a.m. followed by a program of speakers. Register at foundationhomeless.org/fmp .
Reach Beyond Middle School Mission Trip
Saturday, July 11 to Saturday, July 18
Join us Summer 2020 for our annual Middle School service trip. This year we’ll be headed to Albuquerque, NM, for a week of learning and serving. Please note two additional days of travel have been added to the trip (different from previous years.) Cost is $350+additional fundraising. Register by January 31 at fumcaustin.org/reachbeyond .
February Mission Emphasis
Feed My People Breakfast Ministry
FUMC hosts this program of the non-profit organization Foundation for the Homeless, Inc. (FFH) each Tuesday and Thursday, every week of the year. Guests receive a hot breakfast, fellowship, toiletries, and showers. As you can imagine, a lot of plates, cups, napkins, cutlery, cleaning supplies, electricity, and water are used. In addition to hosting all the breakfasts, FUMC buys the food and drink for the breakfast on the fourth Tuesday of each month. You are invited to help by donating funds for its operation or by volunteering on fourth Tuesdays. Donations may be left at the altar rail or sent to or brought by the church office. Give Here .
Prayer Concerns
Submit a prayer request online .
Within our Congregation
Stephanie Benold; Sandy Bowles; Marla Loucks; Mari Perez; Debbie Rippetoe; Karen Smith; and Dan Wood. 

Condolences to the families and friends of Melba Cox and Janelle Hadsell on their deaths.

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; Bob Garrett’s nephew, Michael Garrett; George Gaston’s friend, Dr. Robert Wootton; Gina Harper’s nephew, Bradley Bozic; Howard Hartman’s step-niece, Janie Georges; Mary Heckmann’s sister-in-law, Susi Tyler; Sammy Huffaker’s friends, the Grahame Jones family; Charlyn Loera’s and Jazmin Kent-Loera’s friend, Wilma; Charlyn Loera’s and Jazmin Kent-Loera’s sister, Joulin; Melanie Miller’s and Jen Stuart’s father, Doak Thomas; Andrew Pyle’s aunt, Mary; Cindy Reidland’s friends, Carly and Colton; Shirley Sanders’ mentees, Moseis Cortez, Daniel Vargas, and Luis Vargas; Mimi Raper’s friend, Judy Jackson; Lisa Webb’s mother, Theresa Webb; Glen and Sandy Wilkerson’s friend, Carol Hal; and Dick Young’s nephew, Jeff Young.
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First United Methodist Church
1201 Lavaca St. Austin, TX 78701
(512) 478-5684