Sunday, November 1
All Saints Day
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12
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All Saints Day
All Saints, the first Sunday in November, is a day the United Methodist Church celebrates the communion of saints as we remember persons in the congregation who have died within the last year. During our video worship service, all are invited to have a candle nearby to light in remembrance of a saint in your life.
Remembering All Our Saints
Howard Allen, Stephanie Benold, Clara Nell Broadbent, Shirley Brooks, Melba Cox, Sharon Tinsley Cooper, Charles Cremer, Janelle Hadsell, Raymond Clyde Lewis, Glenna Marks, Ruth Nicks, and Darrellyn Smith.
Daylight Savings Time Ends
As a friendly reminder, don't forget to set your clocks back by one hour this Sunday with the end of daylight savings time.
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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 11/01). 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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Sprouts
1st and 3rd Sundays, 10:15 a.m.
FUMC's Children's Ministry will host 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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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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Conversations on Racial Justice
Sunday, November 1, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
(Adjusted time due to All Saints Day)
Join us as we work to be anti-racists. This group meets on first Sundays to discuss and learn more about racial oppression, issues of whiteness and racism, and other topics through videos, podcasts, and short articles. This Sunday we will discuss the election, advocacy, and the everyday ways we can hold the line to demand democracy. The Zoom link will be provided after registration. Please contact Pastor Cathy Stone at cathy@fumcaustin.org for additional information. Zoom links provided after registration. Register Here.
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All Saints Observance at FUMC
Sunday, November 1
While safe practices require us to change our usual traditions, we will still offer a meaningful opportunity to observe All Saints Day on November 1. Our Sunday morning video worship services will include reading names and lighting a candle for members of our congregation who have died in the past year, as well as a special time of prayer for all those we will be remembering that day. In addition, we will offer three evening Holy Communion services in the parking lot, with registration required. Following the service, you’ll be invited to enter the Sanctuary (with monitors allowing only a few people at a time) for a time of prayer and candle lighting at the altar rail. The Sanctuary will be open from 5:30-8:30 p.m., with music provided by FUMC musicians throughout the evening. Those who wish to participate only in prayer and candle lighting may do so by utilizing street parking, rather than the parking lot. Registration is only required for Communion, not for prayer in the Sanctuary.
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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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Election Day Prayer Vigil
Tuesday, November 3, 7:00 am-7:00 pm
First UMC will hold an Election Day prayer vigil. All are encouraged to pray for our country, our siblings, and our leaders. There are four slots for each 30-minute interval throughout the day. You may choose to pray in the First UMC Sanctuary or in another location. Masks and social distancing are required in the Sanctuary and please bring your Bible or prayer book with you if you would like one during your prayer time. Please note in the comment section of the sign up if you would like to pray at the church or in another location. This has been an overwhelming season. We are grateful for this opportunity to be back in the First UMC Sanctuary, even in limited numbers. And we hope that you will be in prayer at whatever point you can on November 3rd. God is with us and hears our prayers in these days and every day. Sign Up Here.
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Book Study: So You Want to Talk About Race
Tuesdays, Nov. 10, 17, 24, Dec. 1 6:30–8:00 p.m. or
Thursdays, Nov. 12, 19, Dec. 3, 10 1:00–2:30 p.m.
In So You Want to Talk About Race, Ijeoma Oluo guides readers of all races through subjects ranging from intersectionality and affirmative action to "model minorities" in an attempt to make the seemingly impossible possible: honest conversations about race and racism, and how they infect almost every aspect of American life. Zoom invitation will be sent after registration. Contact Pastor Cathy at cathy@fumcaustin.org for additional information. To view reading assignments and to register, go to fumcaustin.org/bookstudy.
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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 at https://circleupsummit2020.eventbrite.ca.
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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 loveshistory@hotmail.com (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 am
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 trevor@fumcaustin.org. Register Here.
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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 cathy@fumcaustin.org 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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Submit a prayer request online.
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Within our Congregation
Sandy Bowles, Mari Perez, Dick Raycraft, Curt Shaw, Pam Tackett, Ann Thurman, Jackie Vanderhule, Willie Wisko, and Dan Wood.
Congratulations to Carol Walker on the birth of her second great-grandchild, Kalyn Elisabeth Brown.
Condolences to the friends and family of Charles Cremer on his death.
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; Sydney Head’s aunt, Tara Hershman; Marcia Houston’s mother, Johnnie; Cherice Mumford’s friend, Nina Johnson; Sue Norris’ grandchildren; Cindy Reidland’s friends, Carly and Colton Wimberly; Dianne and Michael Render’s friends, Aubie Camp and Sonny Dearing; Alan Stephens’ father-in-law, Bob McBride; Keely Nugent’s aunt, Sharon Hudson; and Dick Young’s nephew, Jeff Young.
Condolences to Cindy Walters on the death of her friend, Milton Lindsay.
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Contact Us
First United Methodist Church
1201 Lavaca St. Austin, TX 78701
(512) 478-5684
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