Sunday, November 15
Hunger and Homelessness Sunday
Preacher: Rev. Cathy Stone
Scripture: Matthew 22:34-40
Sermon: "Hunger and Homelessness"
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November Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month
National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is November 15-22, 2020 sponsored by the National Coalition for the Homeless. During November, FUMC is working to raise awareness about the pressing problem of hunger and homelessness with educational and service opportunities. Learn more about ways to get involved at fumcaustin.org/hunger.
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27th Annual Homeless Memorial Service
Sunday, November 15, 8:00 a.m., Online
Caritas of Austin will stream the virtual Annual Homeless Memorial Service at 8:00 a.m. to recognize the women, men, and youth who have lived and died in Austin while homeless and living in poverty. The service will include a reading of the names of all those that have passed this year. Please join us in remembrance. Register for this free event here. To view Facebook event, click here.
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Sunday School
Children's Sunday School meets weekly on Zoom at 9:00 a.m. for Kindergarten through 5th Grades. Youth Sunday School meets bi-weekly (next meeting 11/15). Please check 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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Sunday Worship
We go live with a video worship service 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. Our Interactive Worship service over Zoom begins at 10:50 a.m. and includes opportunities to connect with one another, share prayer concerns, and view our worship service. Check your Sunday morning email for Zoom link.
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Sprouts
1st and 3rd Sundays, 10:15 a.m.
FUMC's Children's Ministry hosts bi-monthly parent and infant/toddler (0-2) meetings. We have baby-friendly curriculum led by nursery staff and teachers, including everyone's favorite, Ms. Pam. Check your Sunday morning email for Zoom link.
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Interfaith Summit
on Maternal Health
Sunday, November 15, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Join Circle Up: Methodist Women for Moms for an afternoon of interfaith coalition building and expert-led discussions about the state of maternal health in Texas and what we, as people of faith, can do about it. Panelists include: Nakeenya Wilson, Executive Director of Black Mamas ATX; Dr. Lori Trego PhD, Associate Professor at the College of Nursing, CU Anschutz; and Scott Atnip, Director of Congregational Response, Texas Impact. Register Here.
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Charge Conference
Sunday, November 15, 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Zoom
This annual business meeting of the church will be shared with many other churches in our district and hosted on Zoom by District Superintendent Teresa Welborn. Administrative Board members are asked to attend to approve key action items (Nominations, Clergy Compensation, and various reports) and then spend time with the District Superintendent in learning and conversation. Use the Zoom Link (Password 802135) to join.
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Toast Happy Hour
2nd and 3rd Sundays, 5:00-6:30 p.m. on Zoom
Join us to check in, share, and connect on Zoom with Dr. Brad King and young adults ages 20-45! We’ll treat this time as a virtual happy hour. Bring a drink. Bring a story. Bring a friend. Reach out to Dr. Brad King to get added to the FEAST mailing list and get access to the Zoom login details at [email protected].
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2021 Pledge Commitment
First Church thanks you for your commitment to live generous lives. We pray that you may find the level of giving that is right for you as you progress in your journey of faith and commitment. Your pledges and contributions are a critical part of how we make a difference in our church, our community, and our world in 2021. Pledge Online.
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Advent/Christmas Worship Survey
FUMC does not currently have plans to allow in-person worship in the Sanctuary on Sunday mornings. However, we would like to gather information about your interest in other in-person worship opportunities during the seasons of Advent and Christmas. Thank you for taking a moment to respond. Click Here.
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Reach Beyond Mission 2021
Registration Now Open!
Reach Beyond Mission is the middle school mission trip for FUMC youth that have completed 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Registration is now OPEN for Reach Beyond 2021 is taking place in Austin, the week of July 18-July 23. Registration is $100 and total cost is $350. Please register as soon as possible to help us have an idea of how many youth are going. Spaces are limited. Register Online.
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Thanksgiving and Recipe Swap
Thursday, November 19, 7:00 p.m.
For those newly retired or about to retire, our November Cheers activity will be a Zoom Thanksgiving and Recipe Swap. The long Thanksgiving weekend is a favorite holiday for many— a time for family, friends, food, and football. This year, due to the pandemic, our celebrations likely will be different and smaller. Cheers invites you to spend time together to enjoy our connection and share our favorite traditions and family recipes. Mary Faye Randolph has generously offered to compile all of our recipes into a Cheers Thanksgiving Cookbook. Send a copy of your favorite recipe to Mary Faye at [email protected] (Word format if possible). Then join us on Zoom to share your favorite traditions, stories, and memories. Register Here.
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Examining The Book of Revelation
Sunday, November 22, 10:00 a.m.
Join us for a special presentation about the Book of Revelation by Dan Smith, a PhD Candidate in the UT Religious Studies program (the same program from which Pastor Brad earned his degree). Smith interrogates the text of Revelation, revealing its themes of violence, protest, and resistance, all of which resonate in our current climate. So join us on Zoom as we work to explore and understand this famously difficult text. Register Here.
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First Steps
Sunday, November 22, 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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Book Discussion: Evicted
Sunday, November 22, 4:30-6:00 p.m.
This November, we are highlighting the issues around hunger and homelessness. Join us as we read and discuss Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond. In Evicted, Princeton sociologist and MacArthur “Genius” Matthew Desmond follows eight families in Milwaukee as they struggle to keep a roof over their heads. Evicted transforms our understanding of poverty and economic exploitation while providing fresh ideas for solving one of 21st-century America’s most devastating problems. Its unforgettable scenes of hope and loss remind us of the centrality of home, without which nothing else is possible. Please read at your own pace during November and join Pastor Cathy for a one-time discussion on November 22. Books may be purchased through a local bookstore or Amazon. Contact Pastor Cathy at [email protected] for additional information. Register Here.
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30th Anniversary ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 26
Virtual All Day
If you haven’t heard the news – this year’s ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot is going virtual! One of Austin’s favorite Thanksgiving traditions, one hundred percent of the proceeds are donated to Caritas of Austin. Caritas is a nonprofit whose mission is to prevent and end homelessness for people in Greater Austin. Be sure to sign up to get your Trot on from wherever you are! Learn more about Caritas of Austin at https://caritasofaustin.org/ Register and learn more about the Turkey Trot at https://thundercloud.com/register/.
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Mercy & Justice Fifth Sunday Presentation
Sunday, November 29, 9:45 a.m.
Zoom Online
Our Mercy and Justice Team invites you to our Fifth Sunday Presentation on Zoom. We will hear from Rev. Jared Slack, Development Director of The Other Ones Foundation. The Other Ones Foundation (TOOF) is a nonprofit that provides extremely low-barrier employment, case management, and humanitarian aid to people experiencing homelessness in Austin. Before coming to TOOF, Jared served as the Pastor of Missional and Spiritual Formation at The First Baptist Church of Austin. We look forward to hearing Jared’s passion for offering others the opportunity to participate in the vision and mission of The Other Ones Foundation. Join us and bring your questions! Zoom link provided after registration. Register Here.
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Sleeping Bag & Blanket Drive
Sunday, November 29, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
FUMC Parking Lot
Help our neighbors experiencing homelessness keep warm this holiday season with a donation to our sleeping bag and blanket drive. This month, collect blankets and sleeping bags from friends and family and then bring them all to the FUMC parking lot on Sunday, November 29, between 1:00-3:00 p.m. We request that sleeping bags are adult size and blankets are fleece twin/XL twin size. Each sleeping bag or blanket will make a difference for those experiencing homelessness and may literally save a life. You may also purchase blankets and sleeping bags from this Amazon wish list, along with other items for Christmas gifts to give to our neighbors experiencing homelessness.
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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 needs 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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NOVEMBER MISSION EMPHASIS |
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Central Texas Food Bank
Central Texas is among the fastest growing regions in the nation. But, for many of our neighbors, that growth comes at a high cost. Hunger affects people from all walks of life. Working families, retired seniors on fixed incomes, grandparents with custody of grandchildren, the chronically ill, and the disabled all turn to the Food Bank for help in emergencies or as part of their regular meal planning.
Due to COVID-19, the Central Texas Food Bank is experiencing a dramatic increase in need for our services as more people are impacted by shutdowns and work stoppages. But they remain open and the work continues. CTFB provides essential services to neighbors in need across 21 counties with the goal to always provide food to the neighbors that need it most.
We can help ensure that all our neighbors have access to the nourishing food they need to grow to meet their full potential. Every dollar donated provides four meals for our Central Texas neighbors in need. Gifts can be made online or a check marked “CT Food Bank” may be mailed to the church during November.
When giving online, please put “CAFB or Central Texas Food Bank” in the Notes field.
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FUMC Endowment Fund
In memory of Howard Allen, given by Jerry and Patsy Heare.
Gifts to FUMC
To our Ministry Plan in memory of Howard Allen, given by Hank and Niki Faulkner.
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Submit a prayer request online.
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Within our Congregation
Sandy Bowles, Judy Breckbill, Gerry Carroll, Mari Perez, Dick Raycraft, Pam Tackett, George and Jackie Vanderhule, and Dan Wood.
Beyond our Congregation
Meridith Albright’s brother-in-law, Doug Fogle, 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; Anthony Gutierrez’s mother, Elizabeth Gutierrez; Sydney Head’s aunt, Tara Hershman; Marcia Houston’s mother, Johnnie; Cindy Reidland’s friends, Carly and Colton Wimberly; Dianne and Micheal Render’s friends, Aubie Camp and Sonny Dearing; Alan Stephens’ father-in-law, Bob McBride; Keely Nugent’s friends’ newborn, Cruz Garcia-Gonzalez; and Dick Young’s nephew, Jeff Young.
Condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Judy Kostura’s colleague, Zollie Steakley on his death; and to the family and friends of Julie Nelson’s friend’s father, Felix Magajna.
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Contact Us
First United Methodist Church
1201 Lavaca St. Austin, TX 78701
(512) 478-5684
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