THIS SUNDAY
Sunday, March 7
The Third Sunday in Lent
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: John 2:13-22
Sermon: "Again and Again, We Are Shown the Way"
Again & Again: A Lenten Refrain
This Lent, we spend 46 days in a refrain, back and forth with God: again we struggle, and again God meets us; again we suffer, and again God heals. Join us as we spend this season acknowledging our difficulties and receiving God’s promises along the way. Learn more at fumcaustin.org/lent.
Sunday Worship
Our video worship service is at 11:00 a.m., accessible through our Zoom worship time, FUMC Austin Mobile App, YouTube Channel, and Facebook page. Zoom link is in the Sunday morning email.
Sunday School
Children's Sunday School meets weekly on Zoom at 9:00 a.m. for Kindergarten-5th Grades. Youth Sunday School meets bi-weekly at 10:00 a.m. (next meeting is 3/07). Check the Sunday morning email for Zoom links. Adult Sunday School classes continue to meet weekly, all interested should reach out to class contacts for more information.
Sprouts
Sunday, March 7, 10:15 a.m.
Our Children's Ministry hosts bi-weekly parent and infant/toddler (0-3 years) meetings with baby-friendly curriculum led by nursery staff and teachers, including everyone's favorite, Ms. Pam. Check Sunday morning email for Zoom link.
Holy Communion
Sunday, March 7, 12:30-1:00 p.m., Register Here.
Sunday, March 7, 1:15-1:45 p.m., Register Here.
Sign up to attend a brief Communion Service in the FUMC parking lot, where we have devised the safest possible way to share in this Sacrament together. One car per registration and 22 slots per time slot. Bread and juice will be individually bagged for each car and distributed when you arrive, and participants will be invited to park in every other spot, joining the service from your tailgate or camping chair behind your car.
Austin CROP Hunger Walk
March 7, 2:00 p.m., Facebook Live
After Holy Communion at 2:00 p.m., join the FUMC Austin Team as we kick off the virtual Austin CROP Hunger Walk together. The pastors at the church will go live on Facebook so please join us. We'll pray, share a few CROP Walk highlights, and then start walking. Those who participate on the FUMC Austin Team are also invited to a special virtual mini-concert with Sara Hickmann, a local Austin musician. Click here to join the FUMC Austin team, donate to the team, or learn more about the CROP Walk.
NEWS & EVENTS
Stay up-to-date on events at fumcaustin.org/events.
ASP Construction Workshop
Saturday, March 6, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Church Parking Lot
FUMC youth and adults attending ASP will be participating in a construction workshop this Saturday. This is part of their safety-training with the hopes of being able to serve the people of Appalachia by making their homes warmer, safer, drier.
Curtis Higgs Men's Study Group
Monday, March 8, 6:30-8:00 p.m., Zoom
Men of all ages, who enjoy book studies and discussion based on Scripture and Christian faith, meet almost every Monday night for study, prayer, and fellowship. On March 8, the men's study group will begin discussing Streams of Living Water: Celebrating the Great Traditions of Christian Faith by Richard J. Foster. In this landmark work, Foster examines the "streams of living water"—the six dimensions of faith and practice that define Christian tradition. He lifts up the enduring character of each tradition and shows how a variety of practices, from individual study and retreat to disciplines of service and community, are all essential elements of growth and maturity. For more information, contact Randy Teich at [email protected]. Register Online.
Moms Demand Action Advocacy Week
Monday, March 8, 7:00 p.m.
This event was rescheduled due to weather conditions. RSVP for Moms Demand Action Texas Advocacy Week to end gun violence! Our virtual rally kick-off and group photo is on Monday, March 8 at 7:00 p.m. Wear your red Moms Demand Action shirt (or anything red)! Can't join the Rally? RSVP now to participate anytime Monday-Friday March 8-12 through our online platform, where even more content and activities will be happening all week long. Register at http://bit.ly/TXMomsAdvocacy2021.
We're Hiring a Director of Finance
The church staff position of Director of Finance is currently open. If you or someone you know is interested, please visit fumcaustin.org/hiring or contact Dave Ballbach, Director of Operations at [email protected].
Communications Pulse Survey
This past year during a pandemic has required many adaptations to how we interact with our church community. The church has had to adapt. You have had to adapt. We’ve gone virtual for worship, Sunday School, and book studies. We want to hear from you on how you are receiving communications from the church and opportunities for improvement to help you feel more connected to our church community. The survey should take about 5 minutes to complete the questions. All answers are anonymous. Take Survey.
COVID Vaccine Assistance
Need help scheduling a COVID-19 vaccine appointment? If you or a family member are over the age of 65 or otherwise eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, you can complete this form to request assistance from church volunteers. No protected health information is required, and any information you provide (name, DOB, contact info) will not be shared except as needed to schedule an appointment. Questions? Contact Terri Purdy at [email protected].
Baptism Class
Sunday, March 14, 1:00 p.m. on Zoom
Are you interested in having your child Baptized? FUMC requires all parents to attend our Baptism class before scheduling your child's baptism. Now is a great time to participate in the class, regardless of whether you would like to schedule a Covid-safe Baptism soon or wait until we return to in-person worship services. Questions about Baptism? Email Pastor Taylor at [email protected]. Register Online.
Book Study: Across That Bridge
Tuesdays, March 16, 23, 30
6:30-8:00 p.m., Zoom Online
In Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America, Congressman John Lewis draws from his experience as a prominent leader of the Civil Rights Movement to offer timeless wisdom, poignant recollections, and powerful principles for anyone interested in challenging injustices and inspiring real change toward a freer, more peaceful society. Zoom invitation will be sent with registration. Contact Pastor Cathy at [email protected] for additional information. Register Online.
Cheers Service Event Packing Super Manna Bags
Thursday, March 18, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
FUMC parking lot
On Thursday, March 18, join the Cheers Group to assemble “Super” Manna Bags for our least, last, and lost friends living on the streets. In addition to the usual manna bags, which provide a day’s worth of nutrition, we will pack the “super” bags with a mylar space blanket, hygiene kit, first aid kit, poncho, and a prayer card. The event will be outdoors, and we will observe the safety protocols: masks and social distancing. We also will have time for a short devotional. Register Online.
Creating Spirit, Practicing Presence: "Meeting God at the Page"
March 20, 1:30-3:00, Zoom
Join us for the next Creating Spirit, Practicing Presence workshop, “Meeting God at the Page.” Dr. Amy L. Wink, writer, poet, educator, and scholar of women’s diaries, autobiography, and life-writing, will lead this interactive workshop on writing as a spiritual practice. We will explore journaling, creative nonfiction, prayer-writing, and other fruitful ways to meet God at the page. No grades, but have paper and pen ready for practicing! Register Online.
Daily Prayer & Reflection
Are you receiving our daily prayer & reflection emails during Lent? If not, please opt in to begin receiving these daily emails which include a focus word, short scripture, reflection prompts, and a prayer. Sign up here. We invite you to share your reflections throughout Lent on our Facebook Group.
Manna Bags Needed
We are collecting assembled manna bags for our hungry neighbors experiencing homelessness, to be distributed by the Homeless Outreach Street Team and the Downtown Austin Community Court. Manna Bag items can 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." Email Pastor Cathy at [email protected] to coordinate drop-off. 
MARCH MISSION EMPHASIS
United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)
When we want to buy fair-trade products. When farmers need help with appropriate agricultural technology. When a natural disaster strikes somewhere around the globe. When a community needs clean water and effective sanitation. When these and many other disasters occur, UMCOR is there because our contributions support the life-saving work in sustainable development, global health, relief supplies, and disaster response. Your gifts, marked “UMCOR,” may be made online or mailed to the church office throughout the month of March.
PRAYER CONCERNS
Submit a prayer request online.
Within Our Congregation
Sandy Bowles, Kathy Morales, Ruby Parker, Mari Perez, Sallie Novinger, Dick Raycraft, Pam Tackett, and Dan Wood.

Beyond Our Congregation
Meridith Albrights’s friends, Nancy, Janae and Joey Johnson, 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; George Gaston’s friend, Dr. Robert Wootton; Marcia Houston’s mother, Johnnie; Lori Huang’s mother, Sharon Reed; Cindy Reidland’s friends, Carly and Colton Wimberly; Donna Shands’ friend, Jim Claborn and her mother, Eva Reneau; Alan Stephens’ father-in-law, Bob McBride, and his mother-in-law, Betty McBride; Shannon Sullivan’s parents, Max and Ruby Pope.
FUMC Austin Mobile App
Our mobile app makes it easy to stay up-to-date on opportunities to grow in your faith and connect with others. Download in iTunes or Google Play stores. Learn More.
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Contact Us
First United Methodist Church
1201 Lavaca St. Austin, TX 78701
(512) 478-5684