Sunday, July 26

8th Sunday after Pentecost

Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

Sermon: " The Workers in the Vineyard"

You know the feeling…that feeling that happens as you listen to or read a story, and the realization washes over you: this is really about me! This is just the feeling that Jesus was going for when he shared parable after parable with his disciples. Parables are short stories that shine a light on our lives and help us to see the world a bit differently. They spur us toward change. They reveal who God is. They give us a vision for the world God dreams of. This summer, we invite you not just to read the parables, but to be read by them.

Video Worship Service

We go live with a video worship service in the Sanctuary at 11:00 a.m. on Sundays accessible through our Zoom worship time, our YouTube Channel and on Facebook page . This traditional worship service lasts about 50 minutes.

Interactive Worship

Sundays at 11:00 a.m. (opens at 10:50 a.m.)

Our Interactive Worship includes opportunities to connect with one another, share prayer concerns, and view our worship service. Check your Sunday morning email for Zoom link.

Celebrate Our Pastors on Zoom

Following our Video Worship Service, those who participate in worship through Zoom will join in a time of affirming and celebrating the reappointment of Pastors Taylor Fuerst and Cathy Stone, as well as the new appointment of Dr. Brad King as a Licensed Local Pastor to serve as Associate Pastor at FUMC! Join us as we celebrate and pray for a new year of ministry with this great team!

First Steps

Sunday, July 26, 1:00 p.m., Zoom Online

Are you interested in joining FUMC? Prior to joining the church, we ask all to participate in a First Steps class to learn about Methodist beliefs and the ministry of FUMC, meet the pastors and other members, and ask questions. For more information, contact Trevor Harper at [email protected].   Register Here .

Virtual FEAST!

Sunday, July 26, 7:30-9:00 p.m., Zoom Online

All young adults ages 20-45 are invited to join us for a Virtual FEAST! While this event can't replace our dinner events in the Family Life Center, we can still have food, fellowship, and great conversation over Zoom. Our topic will be "Pandemics and Christian Experience," which will include some historical discussion as well as a look at the theological questions and conversations that pandemics raise. Register Here .

Creating Spirit, Practicing Presence

Saturday, July 25, 1:30-3:00 p.m.

Join us for the third workshop of our series, Creating Spirit, Practicing Presence , facilitated by Dr. Amy Wink, as we explore breadmaking as a spiritual practice. Reverend Brad Fuerst will lead this workshop and guide participants through the process of breadmaking and offer his insights on this contemplative practice. Register Online .

The Joy Circle Welcomes You!

Thursdays at 10:30 a.m., Zoom

Our United Methodist Women (UMW) Joy Circle invites all interested ladies to join us as we discuss the UMW Mission Study, Finding Peace in An Anxious World , beginning this week. Contact Elizabeth Lerner at [email protected] or at (512) 589-6305 for more information or with questions.

Table for 8

Register before July 31

FUMC's Table for 8 ministry has been a great way for people to connect with members of the church community they might not normally see. Singles, couples, and families of all ages have participated in this fellowship ministry by geographical area. Unfortunately, many of this year's groups were cut short by stay-at-home orders amidst the pandemic. Others found ways to meet on Zoom or through social distancing. For those seeking connection at this time of real disconnection, registration is now open for new groups to begin online/socially distanced gatherings starting in September. This year, we are also allowing existing groups to stay intact for another cycle, if they choose. Either way, registration will be open online through July 31. If you have any questions, please email Emily Buchanan, Director of Discipleship, at [email protected] . Register Here .

Conversations on Racial Justice

August 2, 4:30-6:00 p.m.

Zoom Online

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. This group meets on first Sundays, 4:30-6:00 p.m., to discuss and learn more through videos, podcasts, and short articles - no prep needed, just show up ready to listen, discuss, and learn together. The August conversation will focus on racial justice and housing, including ways the Austin housing landscape has been shaped with race in mind. Please contact Pastor Cathy Stone at [email protected] for additional information. Zoom links provided after registration.  Register Here .

Mercy & Justice Book Study: Redefining Realness

Tuesday, August 4-18, 6:30–8:00 p.m. or Thursday, August 6-20, 1:00–2:30 p.m.

Zoom Online

Join Pastor Cathy Stone as we read and discuss Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More . With unflinching honesty and moving prose, Janet Mock relays her experiences of growing up young, multiracial, poor, and trans in America, offering readers accessible language while imparting vital insight about the unique challenges and vulnerabilities of a marginalized and misunderstood population. Though undoubtedly an account of one woman’s quest for self at all costs, Redefining Realness is a powerful vision of possibility and self-realization, pushing us all toward greater acceptance of one another—and of ourselves—showing as never before how to be unapologetic and real. Please register below and a Zoom invitation will be sent. Contact Pastor Cathy at [email protected] for additional information.

Tuesday, August 4-18, 6:30–8:00 p.m., Register Here .

Thursday, August 6-20, 1:00–2:30 p.m., Register Here .

Pride Week this August

Pride Week in Austin is coming up August 9-15. The Pride Parade and Festival have all been postponed until 2021. However, we can still celebrate the spirit of pride from our homes! One way to show your support for the LGBTQ+ community is by placing a pride flag in your yard, your windows, and social media during Pride Week. We found lots of options at rainbowdepot.com . Join us for worship on August 9 and we’ll celebrate pride together! 

Weekly Prayer & Connection

Wednesdays, 7:30-8:00 p.m.

A simple, low-key time to gather with FUMC family to check in and pray for one another and our world. No frills, no program, just people and the Holy Spirit! We'll gather each Wednesday night.

Zoom Login: 

https://fumcaustin.zoom.us/j/805144062?pwd=NkRVRGp4U3VFcGhySHN0VlpuYmk2dz09

Meeting ID: 805 144 062

Password: welcome

Dial-in by Phone: 1-312-626-6799 

Back-to-School

Going back to school will look different this year, but we know that God is present through all of it! Here are the ways you can help bless the work of education in our community.

Help us identify our teachers and school staff!

Do you work in a school? Do you know someone at FUMC who is a teacher? We want to bless our educators more than ever during this challenging time, and we want to be sure we don’t miss anyone! Help us identify all those educators in our congregation by filling out the form on this page .

Prayers for Schools—we need your help!

Our schools are a major lifeblood of our community and the students, teachers, staff, and administration of those schools need our prayers as they face uncertainty in the coming school year! So, we are asking FUMC to pray for the schools near you. FUMC members are spread throughout the Austin area, from Elgin to Horseshoe Bay, and from Buda to Burnet—together, that’s a lot of schools! Between now and August 16, take time to walk or drive to your neighborhood schools to say a prayer for the students, faculty, staff, and administration of that school. Use the prayer we’ve provided, or say your own prayer. Then take a selfie in front of the school’s sign so that we can show all the different schools our church is praying for! Send your picture to [email protected] by August 16 to help us keep track and share our prayers with the community! Not sure what to pray for? Here's a suggested prayer from Pastor Taylor!

Back-to-School Blessing

Sunday, August 23, 11:00 a.m. During Worship

Join us for worship on August 23 as we bless everyone involved in our education community. The blessing will happen in our worship service at 11 a.m., available on Zoom, Facebook, and YouTube.

Your Gifts Keep Us Going

Your gifts are a blessing to the ministry of FUMC. It is your donations that keep the church operating during this unique time. We may not be together in person for some time to receive offerings, but it is important we still pay our bills and staff to support and adapt ongoing ministries. You can give online to the ministry of FUMC through our website or by mailing a check to FUMC at 1201 Lavaca St. Austin, TX 78701. We appreciate your gifts.

Manna Bags Needed

We are seeking assembled Manna Bags to hand out to our hungry neighbors on the street. Officer Shelly, our officer from the Feed My People Breakfast, is helping distribute the Manna Bags where they are needed the most. Completed manna bags may be dropped off at the Family Life Center. Please email Pastor Cathy at [email protected] with any questions about items to include and for her phone number to coordinate drop-off. She will unlock the FLC front door remotely. Manna Bag items could include: tuna or chicken lunch kit, peanut butter or cheese cracker sandwiches, Nutri Grain fruit bar, raisins, juice box, socks, and an encouraging message such as "God loves you."