This Sunday
Sunday, October 6
World Communion Sunday
Generosity Worship Series
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: Matthew 6:24-34
Sermon: “Wisdom and Finance”

Money holds great power in our lives—sometimes too much power. While this is a resource we need to meet our needs and accomplish our goals, it can often become a great challenge for us. This fall, we're diving into God's wisdom for how to approach money, so that we might learn to take joy and find freedom in what we already have. Join us for this series as we take on both the practical and spiritual implications of the money in our lives.
Churchwide Generosity Study
Sundays, October 6-20, 10:00 a.m.
SAN Wesley Hall
To complement the worship series, Director of Operations Dave Ballbach will facilitate a study and discussion of Adam Hamilton’s Enough during the Sunday School hour in Wesley Hall. Enough is an invitation to rediscover the Bible’s wisdom when it comes to prudent financial practices. Register at fumcaustin.org/generosity.  
Pink Shoes Protest
On October 6, World Communion Sunday, FUMC will join with other downtown churches to stand in solidarity with immigrants and protest current policies on the Mexico-US border. We will gather on the sidewalk along Lavaca St. after Sunday worship to stand or sit silently in prayerful protest for about 10 minutes. The symbol of this protest is pink shoes, drawn from a famous picture of a toddler whose family was stopped and detained after crossing the border into the U.S. In solidarity with this and so many other families, those who wish to participate may hold signs of pink shoes, pictures of pink shoes, or make another sign that demonstrates your faithful opposition.  
Baptism Class
12:15 p.m. EDU Room 108
Pastor Taylor Fuerst and Director of Children’s Ministries Lara Greene host this class to discuss our beliefs about Baptism, logistical information about scheduling and service preparation, and ways to help your child live the baptized life. Register at fumcaustin.org/baptismclass.
Conversations on Racial Justice
Sunday, October 6, 4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m., FLC Garrison Chapel
Join us as we work to be anti-racists, seeking to undo racism in ourselves and to recognize and understand our participation in systemic racism. 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. Over the next months, we will listen to and discuss podcasts and articles from The 1619 Project from The New York Times. Childcare is available with reservations made to our Childcare Coordinator, Pam Coronado at [email protected] by the Thursday prior to the class.  Register Here
At a Glance
Click on the links below to learn more.
Upcoming Events
Book Study: Dear Church , Begins Oct. 8
Blood Drive , Oct. 13
FEAST , Oct. 20
Methodism Class , Oct. 27 & Nov. 03
Service Spotlight
Manna Bag Sale , Oct. 20
Children's News

Youth News
Engage , Oct. 6
Blazer Tag , Oct. 13
Middle School Retreat , Oct. 18-20
Confirmation Classes , Begin Oct. 22
Click here to view the full FUMC calendar.
Welcome New Members
Randy & Genie Norris
Alex Parsons
Charlie Roth
New Assistant Director of Children's Ministries
We are happy to announce that Chloe Conner joined the FUMC staff as Assistant Director of Children's Ministries - you might recognize her from attending with her parents Carrie (member) and Chance Conner. Chloe comes to us with over three years of experience on childcare staff at Tarrytown United Methodist church and an additional three years' teaching and childcare experience at Alamo Heights United Methodist. Her Business Administration degree and work as a realtor and events coordinator will serve well in the office as she helps to manage the daily administrative tasks that come through Children's Ministry. Welcome, Chloe!
Sign up today to be a part of our church directory!
Tuesday-Saturday, October 8-12
Receive a complimentary 8x10 photo, a directory, and the option to purchase additional portraits or holiday greeting cards for family and friends.
Hospitality Helpers Needed
Tuesday, October 8-Saturday, October 12
Want to help provide hospitality during the Lifetouch Photo Sessions? Consider volunteering for a two-hour shift. Various volunteer opportunities exist assisting with sign-up and as greeters/hosts. Volunteers are essential in order to facilitate this process and volunteering is a great way to meet and learn the names of those you do not yet know. Sign Up Here
Mercy & Justice Book Study: Dear Church
Tuesdays, October 8, 15 & 29, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
FLC Room 104
Join Pastor Cathy Stone as we read Dear Church: A Love Letter from a Black Preacher to the Whitest Denomination in the U.S. by Lenny Duncan, the unlikeliest of pastors. Part manifesto, part confession, and all love letter, Dear Church offers a bold new vision for the church to take on forces of this world that act against God: whiteness, misogyny, nationalism, homophobia, and economic injustice.  Register Here
Blood Drive
Sunday, October 13, 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Bloodmobile in Parking Lot
Blood donations have long been considered one of the easiest volunteer actions a person could make. Where else can you lay back for a few minutes and make a huge difference for others and receive juice and cookies for your efforts? The upcoming holiday season is a critical time for blood donations and it would be great to get a big response from our church. Schedule an appointment at  fumcaustin.org/blood .
Administrative Board Meeting
Sunday, October 13, 2019, 12:15-2:00 p.m., FLC Great Hall
All are welcome to attend and participate in discussion. Board members have voting rights. Lunch will be provided for $10 per person. Board members and guests who plan to attend are asked to RSVP by 12:00 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the meeting. Childcare available by emailing [email protected]. Reservations are not guaranteed until confirmed. Register Here
Blazer Tag for Youth
Sunday, October 13, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Blazer Tag, 1701 W Ben White Blvd
All middle and high school youth are invited for an evening out with Blazer Tag! Who will reign champion? Please bring $20 for two rounds of Laser Tag and Pizza and bring your best team!
Family Fall Festival
Saturday, October 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Family Life Center
Join us for an evening of fun where Halloween costumes are encouraged and activities are especially preschool-friendly: a bounce house, cookie and pumpkin decorating, face painting/tattoos, family photo op, movie room, mummy bowling, prize walk, and ring toss. Pizza slices and drinks will be available for a small donation. In lieu of an admission fee, please bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to Caritas of Austin.
Youth Confirmation
Tuesdays, October 22-April 19, 7:00 p.m.
Is your youth interested in becoming a member of the church? All 8th, 9th, and 10th graders are invited to participate. We will meet weekly through April to learn more about Christianity, Methodism, and Faith. It is an exciting opportunity to build community, to formulate our beliefs, and to take personal ownership of one's faith. Register at fumcaustin.org/confirmation .
Churchwide Generosity Picnic
Sunday, October 20, 12:15 p.m.
West Capitol Lawn
We will celebrate our ministry and growth in generosity at a churchwide picnic. Bring your picnic blanket and come prepared to purchase lunch from food trucks. Have a favorite outdoor game to share? Feel free to bring games— washers, kickball, or even frisbees— as we gather for fellowship and fun! Registration requested by Thursday, October 17 at fumcaustin.org/picnic.
ASP Summer 2020 Informational Meeting
Sunday, October 27, 12:15 p.m., Garrison Chapel
This meeting is for all youth and their families interested in the 2020 Appalachia Service Project (ASP) trip. Join us after worship to learn more about all that the trip and preparation entails and to register for this summer’s mission trip.
United Methodism at the Crossroads
Sundays, October 27 & November 3
10:00 a.m., SAN Wesley Hall
What does it mean to be a United Methodist Christian today? This series will take a look at where we’ve been, our distinctive beliefs, emphases, and organization, and where the Methodist movement may be heading. Led by Rev. John Wright, former FUMC pastor and retired district superintendent. Register at fumcaustin.org/umccrossroads.
Cheers Painted Churches Trip
Thursday, October 24, 9:30 a.m.-6:45 p.m.
Schulenburg, Texas
The Cheers Ministry will travel 80 miles southeast of Austin to Schulenburg, Texas, a town of less than 3,000 inhabitants considered the “Home of the Painted Churches.” We will have a guide for the tour of the four painted churches in the area who will explain the churches’ architecture and history. Lunch will be in town. Travel details will be sent to those registered participants by October 21. Total cost of the trip will be $45.00 for the bus and guide. Please pay when you register for the event at fumcaustin.org/cheers.
Study and Discussion of What is the Bible?
Tuesdays, October 29-November 26, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
FLC Room 103
Author Rob Bell goes deep into the Bible to show how it is more revelatory, revolutionary, and relevant than we ever imagined and offers a compelling argument for why we need to look at it in a fresh, new way. Curt Ashmos will lead this thought-provoking class. Register Here
October Mission Emphasis
Casa Marianella and World Communion Sunday
This October, our communion rail offering will be shared between Casa Marianella and World Communion Sunday. Casa Marianella welcomes displaced immigrants and promotes self-sufficiency by providing shelter and support services here in Austin. In addition to shelter, Casa offers access to legal and medical resources, food, clothing, English classes, and other resources. The World Communion Sunday offering helps provide scholarships through the United Methodist Church for national and international graduate students whom God has called to learn and to serve. Read More
Prayer Concerns

Within our Congregation

Harrison Adams; Molly Adams; Betty Berkey; Debbie Block; Sandy Bowles; Beverly (Slusher) Burk, former FUMC pastor; Scott Davis; Kathy Morales; Mari Perez; Carol Walker; Weldon Wink; and Dan Wood.

Beyond our Congregation

Curt Ashmos’ friend, Elissa Marek; Doyle and Joann Beavers; 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; Gage Goss’ grandfather; Sydney Head’s aunt, Tara Hershman; Jeff Jackson’s aunt, Joyce Jackson; Jazmin Kent-Loera’s uncle, Richard Kent; Melanie Miller’s and Jen Stuart’s father, Doak Thomas; Delia Peters’ sister, Ruby Fraga; Mimi Raper’s friends, Mel and Celia Barrentino; Cindy Reidland’s friends, Carly and Colton; Nathaniel Saunders’ mother, Heidi Saunders, and uncle, Tim Baumann; Alan Stephens’ father, Carl Stephens; Amy Wink’s friend, Kristi Wright; and Dick Young’s nephew, Jeff Young.   

Condolences to Patti Bizzell on the death or her son, Steve Smith, and to Nerea Olvera on the death of her mother.
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First United Methodist Church
1201 Lavaca St. Austin, TX 78701
(512) 478-5684