Sunday, November 17

Hunger and Homelessness Sunday

Preacher: Rev. Cathy Stone

Scripture: John 4:5-30

Sermon: "At the Well"

November Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month

National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is November 16-24, 2019, 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. Read More .

Items Needed for Caritas

Help those in need by bringing canned goods and full-size toiletries to church. Contributions will be donated to Caritas of Austin, a local nonprofit working toward preventing and ending homelessness in Austin. Place donations in collection bins located in the foyers of the Murchison Chapel, Sanctuary, and Family Life Center. View Donation List .

Manna Bag Sale

9:30–11:00 a.m. Sidewalk

Our 4th and 5th graders show the love of Christ to those in need through the making and selling of Manna Bags. You may purchase a bag for $5.

At the Well Ministry

Sunday, November 17, 10:00 a.m., EDU Murchison Chapel

Inspired by God’s Spirit, At the Well welcomes Austin-area women experiencing homelessness by providing hospitality, supportive services, and some of life’s basic necessities in a caring, safe, and accepting environment that affirms self-worth and dignity. Come hear stories of love, acceptance, and transformation from our dedicated volunteers.

First Steps

Sunday, November 17, 12:15 p.m., FLC Garrison Chapel

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. Register at fumcaustin.org/firststeps .

FUM Preschool Anniversary

Sunday, November 17, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

EDU Preschool Hallway

First United Methodist Preschool will celebrate its 40th Anniversary. Please join us for a come-and-go celebration with refreshments, photo displays, and a stroll through the campus. See old friends, tour the renovated preschool, and see fun photos from every decade. We hope for a great turnout from current and former families.

Mobile Loaves & Fishes 3rd Sunday

Sunday, November 17, 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., SAN MLF Kitchen

MLF serves daily, but this day is for those who want to try face-to-face service working with experienced volunteers. Join theMake-Ready Team from 4:00-5:00 p.m. (preparing food and loading truck) and/or the Truck Team from 5:00-6:30 p.m. delivering food around Austin).

iAct Square One Thanksgiving Luncheon

Wednesday, November 20

9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. 8th St

iACT Refugee Services will host their annual Thanksgiving Luncheon for ESL students with help from St. John’s UMC and FUMC. You are invited to join us to set up tables/decorations, provide desserts, plates, utensils, and cups, and serve a delicious turkey luncheon to students. Volunteers are needed from 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and donations can be dropped off before the luncheon. Read More .

Contemplative Worship Service

Sunday, November 24, 9:00 a.m., EDU Murchison Chapel

These services are offered to beginners and experienced practitioners of mindfulness meditation. The format includes an opening, a reading, a period or two of meditative silence, and a closing prayer. The service typically lasts between 30 to 40 minutes.

Intergenerational Advent Party

Sunday, November 24, 10:00-10:45 a.m.

Great Hall, Family Life Center

Come share and explore the meaning of Advent with your church family. We will begin with food and conversations and then we will respond together in small groups as we prepare our hearts to listen and wait this Advent. This is a great opportunity to bridge generational lines and connect with people of all ages in new and fun ways. Help us provide food at this pot-luck party. Sign up to bring breakfast items at fumcaustin.org/adventparty.

Interfaith Day of Thanks Service & Celebration

Sunday, November 24, 3:00-4:30 p.m. 

Riverbend Church, 4214 N Capital of TX Hwy  

For the past 34 years, iACT has had the great joy and privilege of bringing this service to the Austin community. This is a unique opportunity for Austinites of all faith backgrounds to come together to give thanks as one community. Free, family friendly and all are welcome! A reception follows the service. Register Here .

Youth Service Night

Sunday, November 24, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Rainbow Room, 2113 Wells Branch Parkway, Bldg 4 Suite 150, Austin, TX, 78728

FUMC Youth are invited to serve at the Rainbow Room. The Rainbow Room is a warehouse where donated supplies are available to case workers serving children around Central Texas. Youth will help in the warehouse. In addition, Our FUMC Youth and Church are collecting donations of unwrapped toys and diapers to take to Partnerships for Children to support kids in the care of CPS and foster care this season. These collections will support Holiday Wishes and the Rainbow Rooms—two programs run by Partnerships for Children. Food will be provided.

"What Can't Wait" Sermon Series

Begins Sunday, December 1

Advent is a season of waiting, but is idle waiting what God wants of us? In preparation for the coming Messiah, we wonder together—what things can’t wait? What demands our immediate attention? What requires our work and preparation? What is it that God can’t wait for? Is it our praise, reconciliation, and proclamation? Is it the end of suffering, isolation, and fear? This Advent, we invite you to join us in imagining, prioritizing, and preparing. As we wait, what can’t?

Cookie and Sock Collection

Sundays in December

Sock Collection - Dec. 1, 8, 15 & 22

Cookie Bakers - Dec. 15 & 22

We are collecting chocolate chip cookies (6 per bag, no nuts) and adult white tube socks to provide guests at the Christmas Eve Breakfast. Place donations in the collection bins in the Sanctuary and FLC Foyers. Read More .

Decorating and Holiday Stroll

Saturday, December 7, 4:00-9:00 p.m.

SAN Wesley Hall

Kick off your holiday by decorating spaces around the church and then offering hospitality to Austinites of all ages heading to and coming from the Holiday Stroll. We begin with decorating the Sanctuary, Murchison Chapel, Family Life Center, and outdoor spaces. Afterward, volunteers share a meal and then welcome guests on the front steps with hot chocolate and cookies and a welcome family-friendly pit stop. For parents/guardians who are volunteering during the decorating from 4:00-6:00 p.m., childcare for Infants-Preschool is available and fun activities are planned for elementary-aged children (Kinder – 5th grades). Sign up for our decorating team, hospitality team, and childcare at fumcaustin.org/stroll .

Calling All Women

Sunday, December 8, 2019, 12:15 p.m.

FLC Garrison Chapel

Join the United Methodist Women of First Church for a Holiday Round-Up informational meeting. Not an “official” United Methodist Woman? No worries! We’ll introduce ourselves and share an overview of who we are and what we do, so you can find a circle that fits—or maybe even create your own. The UMW has been advocating for women and children for 150 years—you can help make the next 150 even better. We’ll have a light lunch; children (and men) welcome!

Christmas Poinsettia Sale

Order by Sunday, December 8

Poinsettias on the communion rails, around the trees, in the foyers...a great way to celebrate someone you love or who is now in God's hands. Cost is $12 per plant. Plants are florist quality and great for replanting. Plants can be picked up after worship on Sunday, December 22 and Christmas Eve, December 24.  Order Online .

Kids' Day Out

Saturday, December 14, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

EDU Room 102

While parents enjoy a morning out, children play, eat pizza, make holiday crafts, decorate gingerbread houses, and watch a movie with our trained childcare staff. We accept infants through fourth graders. The cost is $25 for the first child and $10 for siblings. Register Now .

Feed My People Christmas Eve Breakfast

Tuesday, December 24

6:30 a.m., FLC Great Hall

Breakfast will be held from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Our guests enjoy coffee and Christmas music beginning at 6:30 a.m., breakfast is served at 7:00 a.m. Many in the congregation have made this volunteer opportunity a significant part of their Christmas season. Spaces fill fast! Sign Up Now .

Blue Christmas Service

Thursday, December 19, 7:00 p.m.

EDU Murchison Chapel

How come I don’t feel it? In the midst of the wonder and expectation of Advent, many of us might feel out of step with the joy and excitement of Christmas. Some of us have lost loved ones or face the “happy” holidays feeling blue with grief or depression. Senior Pastor Taylor Fuerst leads this special worship service on the longest night to acknowledge our grief and longing for hope.

Christmas Eve Noon Service

12:00 p.m., Murchison Chapel

This traditional service features carols, Scripture reading, and Holy Communion and is ideal for those who wish to celebrate early and for those whose plans make it impossible to participate in our later services.

Christmas Eve Family Service

4:00 p.m.*, Sanctuary

Experience the traditions of Christmas carols, the Nativity story, Holy Communion, and a candlelit "Silent Night" in this 45-minute worship service especially designed for families with young children.

Christmas Eve Candlelight & Communion

6:00*, 8:00* & 11:00 p.m., Sanctuary

These traditional services feature carols, Scripture, Holy Communion, and candle lighting to celebrate Christ’s birth.

*Childcare is provided during the 4:00 p.m. Family Service and 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. Candlelight Services.

Becoming a Better LGBTQ+ Ally

Saturday, January 11, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

SAN Wesley Hall

Ally training provides a basic framework of understanding lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ+) persons and the unique challenges they often face. This training is designed to create dialogue regarding what it means to be an effective ally. Participants are encouraged to explore their own biases, build their knowledge and understanding and develop empathy. Whether you already consider yourself an ally, or want to become one, this training can help each of us learn how to be a better neighbor to those within the FUMC-Austin community and beyond. A $15 donation at registration is requested. Please register at fumcaustin.org/ally .  

VBS 2020 Save the Date

Attention families and volunteers! Winter is coming to next year’s VBS with Knights of the North Castle. Mark Monday-Thursday, July 20-23, on your calendars now so you can join the fun! Our kick-off party will be Sunday, July 19. Registration and volunteer sign up will be available in January.

Drive-A-Senior (West Austin)

 Drive-A-Senior (West Austin) provides transportation for older adults in the Austin area to enhance their ability to continue to live independently. Given the rise in the senior population, weekly rides are increasing in number and we are in need of additional drivers. Volunteer opportunities are strictly at your convenience rather than a specific day and time. If you know someone who would enjoy enriching the lives of seniors in need, please have them contact our Drive-A-Senior (West Austin) Chair, Tom Ausley at [email protected] or 512-453-6336.

Feed My People Christmas Eve Breakfast

For 21 years, FUMC has sponsored a Christmas Breakfast in the Family Life Center. Each year, we provide a hot breakfast served restaurant style with hosts and smiling waitstaff. After breakfast, guests receive caps, gloves, socks, lip balm, a one-day bus pass, and homemade cookies. Many thanks to the over 100 volunteers who help make this breakfast an event that provides our neighbors who are homeless or the working poor with a vivid reminder that they are loved. Your generous donations ensure that enough food, drinks, caps, gloves, and other toiletry items can be purchased. Give Now .