Sunday, July 12
6th Sunday after Pentecost
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: Luke 14:16-24
Sermon: “The Great Banquet”
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.
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Children's Summer Online Sunday School
8:45 a.m. -
This is a special time for our preschoolers where we will have fun learning about God's love through songs and a short story.
9:00 a.m.
- Kindergarten through 5th graders will have a faith lesson, music, and a time to check in with their church friends.
Meeting ID:
402 211 293,
Password:
children,
Dial-in by Phone:
1-312-626-6799
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City of Austin "1928 Master Plan" Presentation
Sunday, July 12, 9:45 a.m., Zoom Online
In 1917 the Supreme Court ruled zoning laws that segregated were illegal. Cities interested in maintaining racial segregation had to develop other ways to do so. On March 22, 1928, an all white and all male Austin City Council adopted the “1928 Master Plan,” which created a “negro district” in what is now City Council District 1. This deliberate, segregationist plan successfully moved 15 freedmen communities from all over Austin, the legacies of which still continue to shape our city today. A shameful event in Austin’s history, its negative legacies continue to shape Austin in 2020. Join with the Downtowners Class to hear FUMC member Beverly Silas for an online presentation about the plan that moved people of color out of most of west Austin and into east Austin. Please contact Sally Watkins at
[email protected]
for the Zoom link to attend the presentation.
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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.
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Interactive Worship on Zoom
Sundays at 11:00 a.m. (opens at 10:50 a.m.)
Our Interactive Worship on Zoom includes opportunities to connect with one another, share prayer concerns, and view our worship service.
Meeting ID:
496 666 774,
Password:
welcome,
Dial-in by Phone
: 1-312-626-6799
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FEAST/TOAST for Young Adults
Sundays at 5:00 p.m.
All young adults ages 20-45 are invited to join us weekly to check in, share, and connect on Zoom! We'll treat this time as a virtual happy hour.
Meeting ID:
516 485 253,
Password:
feast,
Dial-in by Phone
: 1-312-626-6799
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Stories from people building community and fulfilling the mission of the church in new ways during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Disciple Fast Track
By Janet Duke
I took Disciple Fast Track with Dr. Brad King because it had been a long time since I did a focused Bible study. The Bible always speaks to me more when I study it formally. I knew I would find that, but I had no idea how much Brad would expand my understanding.
Brad provided so many insights into time periods, cultural influences, and scholarship on authors and writings. It added a much deeper understanding to the spiritual work of Bible study and brought freshness to our discussions. I gained new appreciation for the writings and the context for each book. One touching aspect was a growing appreciation of how studies of ancient texts and fragments has added — is constantly adding — to our understanding of the history of the Bible and those who wrote and preserved it for us. In addition, I learned from the insights and comments of my classmates and we learned to know one another through discussion and prayer.
The class met weekly at church until COVID-19 hit, then we shifted to Zoom. While I missed the personal connection of being in the same room, Brad did not miss a beat and everyone continued to attend. We soon grew accustomed to the new format and discussion never lagged. I was so grateful the church provided an alternate facility and realized how much I would have missed if unable to complete Disciple Fast Track.
Using video conferencing was so successful, I've continued with book studies. In fact, I've found the convenience of being able to attend from home means I have to block less time, if only because I avoid a long drive to the church. I have studied more because of this access and convenience. I look forward to other courses being offered and the pleasure of meeting more church members.
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Compassion Camp Virtual Vacation Bible School
Register by this Sunday, July 12
Monday, July 20-Friday, July 24
Join us for virtual VBS this summer and learn about Compassion: for others, for ourselves, and for the world. All ages are invited to participate. This event is FREE and we would love for you to join us, wherever you are. Sign up and opt in to receive our Compassion Camp emails which will include the link to that day’s interactive video. Each day has a new song, story and demonstrations for art, crafts, yoga, mission, and other fun activities. Emails will include the link to our live evening Round Up at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom. Register for Camp Kits for participating households with materials and supplies to accompany the videos. Kits will also include a yard sign and custom buff/bandana per family member along with other special surprises. A donation of $5 is appreciated to help offset the cost of these materials. Camp Kit pick-up is Saturday, July 18 from 10:00 a.m.–noon or by appointment the week of July 11-17.
Register Online
.
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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
.
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Cheers Ministry Virtual Potluck
Thursday, July 16, 7:00 p.m.
Zoom Online
The FUMC Cheers group for retired and soon-to-be-retired people will host a virtual potluck on Thursday, July 16 at 7:00 p.m. Please register to receive the Zoom link. Mark your calendars for the third Thursdays of August (8/20) and September (9/17) at 7:00 p.m. for more Cheers activities. If you have questions or suggestions of activities for our group, contact
[email protected]
.
Register Online
.
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Learning the Parables
Wednesdays Through July 29, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Zoom Online
Dr. Brad King and Lara Greene
Like many Jewish rabbis, Jesus was fond of using parables as a means of getting his audiences to arrive at deeper spiritual truths. Many of Christ's parables were intentionally difficult to understand. In other cases, Jesus was very clear about what he meant, but we have trouble understanding him across so many years of history! Join Dr. Brad King and Lara Greene to explore more deeply with your head and your heart some parables you think you know, and some you have never heard before. This combination class will alternate between the two styles of our teachers and their expertise. Zoom link provided after registration.
Register Here.
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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:
Meeting ID:
805 144 062
Password:
welcome
Dial-in by Phone:
1-312-626-6799
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Living the Parables
Meet Barnabas, the FUMC Staff Encourager. This “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36) lives to encourage people through challenging times. When Pastor Taylor mentioned a worship series on the parables this summer, Barnabas offered to help. In June and July, he will provide weekly emails to encourage the congregation and share guides for engaging with the parables in new ways. Sign up to receive his emails every Monday through July 27.
Learn More
.
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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
.
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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
.
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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.
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Story Submissions
Help us build the next issue of
Bolder than the State of Texas
! We are particularly seeking stories about Change and Resurrection. We are open to poetry, essays, photography, or art! Be part of the story this church is telling the world. Submissions accepted continually. Submit your stories online at
fumcaustin.org/bolderthantexas
. For more information, contact Amy Wink and Caroline Jones at
[email protected]
.
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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."
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Submit a Prayer Request
If you have a loved one to lift up, send us your prayer concerns and we will add that person(s) to our prayer list. Prayer requests can be submitted to our pastoral staff using our
online form
or emailed to
[email protected]
.
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Emergency Assistance Fund
This year’s July Mission Emphasis will support ministry with our neighbors through the Emergency Assistance Fund (EAF). Through the Emergency Assistance Fund, our church offers direct assistance to our neighbors in need. We provide:
- Work boots for those entering a new construction job, often following incarceration;
- Stop-gap support to help people remain in their current housing and help people avoid homelessness;
- Assistance to secure vital documents, such as ID's, birth certificates, and food handlers permits.
- Long-distance bus tickets to help those stranded in the midst of a journey,
- Emergency payment of cellular phone bills to keep this lifeline open for those who live on the street;
- Manna bags, a handy package of food, drink, and socks for the day’s needs;
…as well as the individual, unpredictable needs that come our way. While our church buildings are closed due to COVID, we still responding to some of these needs through the Feed My People Breakfast as well as the Homeless Outreach Street Team and agencies working directly with neighbors. As the pandemic continues, we anticipate increased requests for assistance and your generosity will allow us to respond in ways that are life changing and often lifesaving.
You can give online or mail a check to the church throughout the month of July.
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Submit a prayer request
online
.
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Within our Congregation
Sandy Bowles, Herb Canada, Marijo Hartman, Glenna Marks, Keely Nugent, Mari Perez, Dick Raycraft, Pam Tackett, and Dan Wood.
Condolences to Mary Higgs and Chris Higgs on the death of her brother-in-law and his uncle, Pat Higgs; to Kathy Morales on the death of her father, Jerry Smith; and to Donna Poole on the death of her grandchild, Brady.
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; Molly Drazic’s neighbor, Rachel Stewart; Ann Fields’ cousin, Bill Leonard; George Gaston’s friend, Dr. Robert Wootton; Marcia Houston’s mother, Johnnie; Sammy Huffaker’s mother, Dorothy Steed; Cindy Reidland’s friends, Carly and Colton Wimberly; Michael Render’s nephew, Nathan Smith and his wife, Stephanie; Barbara Ruth’s nephew, Garrett Reeves; Kay Sterling’s friend, Henry Helwig; Ann and Dick Young’s friends, Mike and Linda Mitchell and Dick Young’s nephew, Jeff Young.
Guidance for our Local, State, and Federal leaders and decision makers.
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Contact Us
First United Methodist Church
1201 Lavaca St. Austin, TX 78701
(512) 478-5684
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