Sunday, November 10

22nd Sunday after Pentecost

Series: Going Through Grief

Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst

Scripture: Romans 8:31-39

Sermon: "When You Are Dying..."

Everyone goes through grief, and we experience that grief from a variety of perspectives throughout our lives. In this series, we'll explore the promises God gives us through Scripture for times when our friends are grieving, when we are grieving, and when we, ourselves, are dying.

Candy Collection

Please donate any leftover Halloween candy to our Mobile Loaves & Fishes (MLF) Ministry. Collection bins will be in the Santuary foyer, the FLC lobby, and the church office.

Items Needed for Caritas

During the month of November, help those in need by bringing canned goods and full-size toiletries to church. All contributions will be donated to Caritas of Austin, a local nonprofit working toward preventing and ending homelessness in Austin. Donations may be left in the collection bins located in the foyers of the Murchison Chapel, Sanctuary, and Family Life Center. View Donation List .

Advent Helpers Needed

Sunday, November 10, 12:15 p.m., SAN Library

Do you have creative gifts you'd like to use for an Advent church project? Pastor Taylor is looking for a few creative souls to help our church and our neighborhood ask, "What can't wait?" during the coming Advent Season. Come to a brainstorming session to participate. Light lunch provided.

Lunch & Learn: Homelessness and Front Steps

Sunday, November 10, 12:15 p.m.

SAN Wesley Hall

Natalie Freeburg is the Community Relations and Volunteer Coordinator for Front Steps. Front Steps is one of the largest providers of services for those experiencing homelessness in the Austin area and manages the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH) in downtown Austin. Natalie's presentation will focus on how to interact with compassion, with those in our community who are experiencing homelessness, while keeping boundaries and learning the best ways to help someone on a longer-term basis instead of offering a quick fix. Come with your questions! Lunch from Jason’s Deli (suggested donation of $10) will be provided only with registration at fumcaustin.or g/luncha ndlearn .

FEAST

Sunday, November 10, 7:00-8:30 p.m., FLC Garrison Chapel

FEAST is a new kind of dinner church program that aims to build bridges among young adults from different churches and even different denominations in the Austin area. These meetings focus on creating meaningful and personal interactions among individuals seeking more connection and engagement in a faith-interested atmosphere. Join us to FEAST on the Spirit, on Scripture, on good food, and on great conversation. Register at fumcaustin.org/feast .

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.

Community First! Village Service Day

 Saturday, November 9, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

9301 Hog Eye Road

Community First! Village provides affordable, sustainable housing, and a supportive community for the disabled, chronically homeless in Central Texas. A typical service day could entail harvesting the gardens, laying pathways, tending the chicken coop or goats, dry landscaping yards for micro-homes, beautifying the property, etc. Register Here .

Charge Conference

Thursday, November 14, 7:00 p.m., Simpson UMC, 1701 E. 12th Street

This annual business meeting of the church will be shared with several other churches in our district and hosted by Simpson UMC. Church leadership is expected to attend to approve the key action items (Nominations, Clergy Compensation, and various reports) and then spend time with the District Superintendent in learning and conversation.

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 .

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. This new ministry launched in May 2019 and is blessing everyone involved. It’s growing and our greatest need is for additional volunteers! Come hear stories of love, acceptance, and transformation from our dedicated volunteers. To learn about volunteering, contact [email protected] .

First Steps

November 17, 2019 at 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. For more information, contact Trevor Harper at [email protected] . Register at fumcaustin.org/firststeps .

FUM Preschool Anniversary

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

SAN Wesley Hall

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. Hope you can join us!

iAct Square One Thanksgiving Luncheon

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 .

Intergenerational Advent Party

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 Texas 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. Learn 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 event attendees with music on the front steps, 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 (Kinder – 5th grades). Sign up for our decorating team, hospitality team, and childcare at fumcaustin.org/stroll .

Cold Weather Shelter for Women

During the winter months, FUMC provides shelter for up to 25 women on Tuesday nights when the predicted overnight low is expected to be 35 degrees and wet or 32 degrees and dry. We have shifts to welcome and greet guests, provide/serve dinner, and act as overnight hosts. Sign up at fumcaustin.org/shelter. 

Christmas Breakfast for the Homeless

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 a 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 .