Sunday, May 16
7th Sunday of Easter
Preacher: Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: Acts 1: 1-11
Sermon: What's Next?
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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 5/23). 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.
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Celebrating Our Seniors
Join us for 11:00 virtual worship as we honor this year's high school graduates. For more about where these bright, young adults are headed next year, click here.
Tess Ancipink
Hart Black
Abby Buchanan
Cade Dulaney
Caroline Greene
Peyton Ivey
Tom Strandwitz
Ryan Schuelke
Thomas Waggoner
Josephine Wilson
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Sprouts
Sunday, May 16, 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.
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Deep Dive Into Scripture
Sunday, May 16, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Want to dive a bit deeper into the Scripture you heard in worship? Join Dr. Brad King this Sunday for an after- church Bible study. Our focus will be the Scripture passages from the previous three weeks, but feel free to bring questions or topics that you encounter as you go about your life!
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First Steps
Sunday, May 16, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
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 ask questions. Questions? Contact Trevor Harper at [email protected].
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UMW Unit Meeting
Sunday, May 16, 2:00 p.m.
Join us on Zoom for our first unit meeting of 2021. Deaconess Cindy Andrade Johnson will be with us to share an update on what is happening at the border. She is a humanitarian and advocate who has worked with migrants all her life and lives in Brownsville, Texas. We hope you'll join us - all are welcome! Contact Emily George with any questions at [email protected]. Join Zoom. Meeting ID: 956 2869 8634
Password: UMW
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TOAST Check-In
Sunday, May 16, 5:00-6:30 p.m.
This Sunday, join the FEAST community as we bring back our TOAST program. Once a month, we meet in person to share a drink, share a story, and connect with our wonderful community. If you're interested in joining us for this or any of our other FEAST events, email Pastor Brad at [email protected] to get plugged in. |
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Picnics for 8
Registration now open!
This last year was such a hard year of disconnection. Now that we are able to start coming together again, it’s time to celebrate! We’re assembling a light-hearted, playful mini-session of “Picnics for 8” to help you gather for in-person fellowship with other members during the summer months. This opportunity is open to new and returning members alike and it’s a great way to start feeling connected (again)! Register online by May 20 to be placed in groups of 8 adults to meet for monthly meals in June-August. Groups will be created geographically, if possible. We encourage groups to follow appropriate CDC and Austin Public Health guidelines as they change over the summer months, but mostly we want you to really enjoy each other’s company. Don’t worry, there will still be a chance to register for the full season of Table for 8, to begin in person in September – this is just a bonus round! If you have any questions, please email Emily Buchanan, Director of Discipleship, at [email protected].
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Austin Summer Fun Guide
This summer, as things begin to open back up, we wanted to offer our recommendations on places we’ve been that have safety protocols in place and make for a fun and safe outing with your Picnic for 8. So get out there and enjoy being together again! Got questions on more fun activities to do in Austin? Contact Devon Bailey at [email protected] or visit do512.com for a steady stream of events happening all around Austin.
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Reception Desk Now Open
We have opened the church office with adjusted hours of 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, closed on Fridays. Please call ahead if you are wanting to connect with a specific individual to make sure that they are onsite to meet with you. Masks and social distancing are required upon entering the building.
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ASP Stock Sale
For more than forty years, FUMC Austin has been sending youth and adults to the Appalachia Service Project (ASP) to build relationships and repair homes to make them warmer, safer, and drier. This service trip is one of the backbones of our high school youth ministry. Last year, ASP was unable to host volunteers due to COVID-19 but we have created a plan to safely return this June 18-29. In order to go, our team of 25 youth and 15 adult team leaders must raise a total of $25,000. In years past, we raised this money through our sidewalk "stock sale" after worship on Sundays, but this year, our stock sale has gone online and we're raising money as a team instead of individually. This trip cannot happen without the generosity and support of our FUMC family. Please consider donating toward this important mission of the church. For more information, contact Youth Director Devon Bailey at [email protected].
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Director of Communications Position is Open
FUMC is hiring a Director of Communications. The purpose of the Director of Communications is to carry out the mission of FUMC through the ministry of communications, marketing outreach, and digital engagement. If you are interested in submitting a resume for this open staff position at First Church, please send the resume to Dave Ballbach, Director of Operations, at [email protected]. View job description at fumcaustin.org/hiring. |
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Farewell
We have greatly benefitted from having Mary Heckmann on our staff as Director of Communications. We are sad to say, but happy for her that, after six years at the church, she has decided to take the leap back to corporate America and return to her roots at Dell where she worked nine years prior. On May 17, she begins her new role at Dell in an online product marketing role. We wish her the best in her new role.
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Mercy & Justice Book Study:
Minor Feelings
Tuesdays, May 11-25, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Thursdays, May 13-27, 12:30-2:00 p.m.
Join Pastor Cathy as we read and discuss Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning. Poet and essayist Cathy Park Hong fearlessly and provocatively blends memoir, cultural criticism, and history to expose fresh truths about racialized consciousness in America. Part memoir and part cultural criticism, this collection is vulnerable, humorous, and provocative—and its relentless and riveting pursuit of vital questions around family and friendship, art and politics, identity and individuality will change the way you think about our world. Zoom invitation will be sent with registration. Contact Pastor Cathy at [email protected] for additional information. We encourage you to purchase the book locally at Black Pearl Books or Book People. Learn More.
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We Need Children's Books
Needed By May 15
Pickle Elementary has requested that we host another “Quarter Book Sale” before the end of the school year in mid-to-late May. Since we haven't had a sale in 16 months, and want to limit the “summer slide” after a challenged year of virtual learning, we’ve agreed to do it. But that means we need more children’s books ASAP. If you or your friends or family members can donate any new or gently used books — current titles please — appropriate for preschool through 5th grade (bonus points for Spanish titles), please contact Heather Schuelke at [email protected] to arrange pick up or drop them off at the Schuelkes’ house at 2702 Carlton Road, Austin, 78703. We also accept monetary donations to purchase new ones.
About Pickle Book Drive
FUMC has partnered with Pickle Elementary in East Austin for several years. The core ministry is our book sale. Because the original principal wanted the students to feel ownership for the books, we “sell” all books for a quarter. Pre-pandemic, we would have these sales two times per year. Since we started in the Spring of 2007, we’ve distributed over 50,000 books to Pickle Elementary students. Please help us keep this important ministry continuing.
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Curtis Higgs Men's Study Group: St. Francis of Assisi
Mondays, May 17-June 14
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 May 17, the men's study group will begin discussing St. Francis of Assisi by G. K. Chesterton over five weeks. This magnificent spiritual biography chronicles the beloved St. Francis of Assisi's calling, his extraordinary life, and his influence in the Church. The patron saint of animals, birds, and the environment, Francis of Assisi led the rediscovery of nature in the Christian West. Register Online.
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Cheers at the Wildflower Center
Tuesday, May 18
5:00-8:00 p.m.
Our next Cheers event will be “Smell the Flowers” at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center’s weekly Tuesday Twilight event. You can walk the grounds and see the beautiful spring flowers, enjoy music in the amphitheater, and sample foods from local trucks. Senior tickets are $10.00 per person. Tickets should be purchased 7 days prior to the event, and we ask that each person or couple make their own reservations directly with the Center. Secure your reservation online at www.wildflower.org. Click on the menu in the upper righthand corner; then click on “Featured Events;” then click on “Twilight Tuesday.” NOTE: Tuesday, May 18th will not show up until 7 days prior to the event. Please be sure to register on Church Life and at the Wildflower Center. Looking forward to being together outside!
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Connect for Tweens returns!
Friday, May 21
6:00-9:00 p.m.
All 5th, 6th and 7th graders are invited for a night of fun and fellowship. We'll meet at the parking lot of McDonald's (1209 Barton Springs Rd. ) at 6:00 p.m., go next door to play Peter Pan Mini Golf, and return for dinner! Pick-up is at 9:00 p.m. in the same lot. We will cover the mini-golf, but please bring money for dinner afterwards! Masks required to participate.
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Pentecost Party
Sunday, May 23
4:30-6:00 p.m., Parking Lot
Celebrate the beginning of the Church at this come-and-go party complete with cake, crafts and activities to help you celebrate Pentecost and visit with church friends. Families with children will also have the opportunity to personalize worship tote bags in preparation for in-person services. For everyone's safety, we will remain outdoors and masks are required. Parking available on the street and in the garage
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Deep Dive:
The Gospel of Matthew
Wednesdays, May 26-June 9
6:00-7:30 p.m., Zoom
Join us for a return to our Deep Dive into the Gospels, exploring some of the deeper academic and faith questions posed by our scriptures. In this second series of discussions, we will explore the Gospel according to Matthew as an inheritor and editor of Mark's gospel. Each week we will also read and discuss one article (in addition to the Biblical text) that offers a new way to read or think about scripture. Register Online.
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Mercy & Justice Fifth Sunday Presentation: Gun Violence
Sunday, May 30, 9:45-10:45 a.m., Zoom
Our Mercy & Justice Team invites you to a presentation from Community Justice Action Fund. CJAF is a nonprofit organization that is changing the conversation on gun violence prevention by leading with the people closest to the pain of everyday gun violence. Their threefold strategy galvanizes the power of the people most affected by the pain to inform solutions that effectively tackle the root causes of gun violence. Our presenters will be Irina Alejandro, the Organizing Associate, and Thia’a Rahman, the Distributed Organizing Manager. Contact Pastor Cathy at [email protected] with questions. Zoom link provided after registration. Register Online.
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Manna Bags Needed
We are collecting assembled manna bags for our hungry neighbors experiencing homelessness. Officer Borton with the Homeless Outreach Street Team hands out manna bags to neighbors they work with and we have provided over 1,000 manna bags for distribution through the Downtown Austin Community Court. DACC has increased their client load and is needing more manna bags. This is a great project for families or individuals, we’ll take 8 or 100! 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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Mobile Loaves & Fishes
The Mobile Loaves & Fishes downtown Austin truck (based at FUMC) is still serving meals to the homeless and working poor in our community — even during the pandemic — and we are needed now more than ever! Last year our MLF truck provided over 26,000 hearty meals with the help of more than 300 dedicated volunteers. That’s 350 runs completed on 310 days! Please give generously as we try to make a difference for our friends living on the streets. Checks marked “Mobile Loaves and Fishes” may be mailed to the church or donations made online, selecting the Mobile Loaves and Fishes drop-down option. For more information about MLF, contact Scott Wilder at [email protected] or 512-971-1525.
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Submit a prayer request online.
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Within Our Congregation
Sandy Bowles, Michael Carrillo, Bill and Shirley Derryberry, Ann Fields, Kathy Morales, Ruby Parker, Mari Perez, Sallie Novinger, Dick Raycraft, Dick Young, and Dan Wood.
Beyond Our Congregation
Curt Ashmos’ friend, Elissa Marek; Grady Basler’s sister, Tonya Basler Stout; Cheryl Bias’ niece, Lauren Stafford; Fay Brown’s sister, Jo Rene Altenburg; Peggy Davis’cousin, Stacy Davis; George Gaston’s friend, Dr. Robert Wootton; Marcia Houston’s mother, Johnnie; Marijo Hartman’s brother, Buddy Rector; Judy Kostura’s friends’ niece, River; Joel Leagans’ friend Maggie Blanco; Cindy Reidland’s friends, Carly and Colton Wimberly; Kristin Robertson’s husband, Adam Gordon; and Alan Stephens’ father-in-law, Bob McBride, and his mother-in-law, Betty McBride.
Condolences to the family of Judy Kostura’s colleague, Broadus Spivey, on his death.
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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
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