Sunday, September 13
15th Sunday After Pentecost
Preacher: Bee Moorhead
Sermon: "But..."
|
|
Welcome Bee Moorhead as Guest Preacher
Bee Moorhead has been Executive Director of Texas Impact since 2000, managing every aspect of the organization’s work and answering to a 45-member board of directors. The Texas Impact Board is made up of representatives from the state’s many faith communities. Under Moorhead’s leadership, Texas Impact has moved from fewer than 1,000 members to more than 20,000 and earned recognition as a national leader in interfaith education and community leadership development.
Bee spent eight years as a senior fiscal policy analyst for former Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, John Sharp. Bee was responsible for the Comptroller’s attention to public policy issues related to health and human services, and she was the chief architect of Family Pathfinders, a unique program linking Texas congregations and civic organizations with families on public assistance.
Bee holds a B.A. in Drama from the University of Texas in Austin, and a M.A. in Public Affairs from the Lyndon Baines Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas.
|
|
Unmute Thyself: Talking Politics in Church
It's taboo to talk about politics in church, but we are called to connect our faith with the political challenges of our time. This fall, as our nation grapples with political issues during this election season, FUMC is pressing "unmute" to open the conversation about faith and politics. Through our sermon series, workshops and seminars, and invitations to participate in the political process, we invite you to join us as we consider how God calls us to respond in this highly politicized season.
Sermon Playlist
Want more resources about last week's taboo topic: Violence? Check out the "playlist" of resources that can help you further explore. We hope you will find them to be helpful in connecting your faith with the difficult discussions being had all around us. To find this week's playlist, go to fumcaustin.org/unmute.
|
|
Conversation on Reimagining Policing
Sunday, September 13, 9:45 a.m.
As part of the fall sermon series on politics, we are hosting a conversation about reimagining policing this Sunday morning. You won't want to miss this important conversation, moderated by our own Judge John Hathaway. Instead of taking live questions during the session, please submit questions ahead of time to [email protected]. Register online for the zoom webinar link. Participation is limited to the first 100 people. The conversation will be recorded for later viewing. Register Here.
|
|
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 9/20). 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.
|
|
Video Worship Service
We go live with a video worship service in the Sanctuary 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.
|
|
Interactive Worship
Sundays at 11:00 a.m. (opens at 10:50 a.m.)
Our Interactive Worship includes opportunities to connect with one another, share prayer concerns, and view our worship service. Check your Sunday morning email for Zoom link.
|
|
Youth Scavenger Hunt
September 13, 4:30 p.m., Downtown
Middle and High School Youth and their families are invited to participate in our Engage kickoff event! We'll journey across downtown Austin looking for clues near iconic Austin stops. You can register you and your party for our downtown scavenger hunt right here! Register Here.
|
|
Conversations on Racial Justice
September 13, 4:30-6:00 p.m.
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 monthly (usually first Sundays), 4:30-6:00 p.m., to discuss and learn more through videos, podcasts, and short articles - no prep needed, just show up ready to listen, discuss, and learn together. Please contact Pastor Cathy Stone at [email protected] for additional information. Zoom links provided after registration. Register Here.
|
|
TOAST Check-In
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]. Read More.
|
|
Pledge to Vote
FUMC is a co-sponsor with Texas Impact for the Texas Faith Votes. We are being challenged with other congregations to show our pledge to vote. Please pledge to vote on November 3. In light of COVID-19 safety, all eligible persons should apply to Vote by Mail. Applications for the 2020 presidential election are due by October 23 (mail to arrive before that date). Then, after your ballot is received (mailings are expected to begin September 18), return the signed ballot by mail OR submit your vote-by-mail ballot in person. Follow all instructions. For more info, or if you need any help voting, please contact Jan Ashmos ([email protected], 512-771-3422) or Terri Sohn Purdy ([email protected], 512-680-4694), FUMC Vote-by-Mail Captains. To Pledge to Vote online, go to fumcaustin.org/pledgetovote.
|
|
Small Groups Forming
Are you craving meaningful connection along with the spiritual accountability that can accompany sharing your faith with an intimate group? While online groups may leave something to be desired, they CAN offer solace for those who deeply desire connection. This fall FUMC will be forming small groups for people who wish to grow their faith and trust in God within a small community of 8-10 other people. Groups will meet for 12 weeks. Even members who already participate in other classes will benefit from these smaller gatherings. Please register online at fumcaustin.org/smallgroups.
|
|
Mercy & Justice Book Study: Holy Disunity
Two Options on Zoom
Join Pastor Cathy Stone as we read and discuss Holy Disunity: How What Separates Us Can Save Us. Author Layton E. Williams proposes that our primary calling as humans is not to create unity but rather to seek authentic relationship with God, ourselves, one another, and the world around us. And this means actively engaging those with whom we disagree. Our religious, political, social, and cultural differences can create doubt and tension, but disunity also provides surprising gifts of perspective and grace. By analyzing conflict and rifts in both modern culture and Scripture, Williams explores how our disagreements and differences—our disunity—can ultimately redeem us. Please register online and a Zoom invitation will be sent. Contact Pastor Cathy at [email protected] for additional information.
|
|
Disciple I Fast Track
This long-term study offers a twist on the classic Disciple Bible Study, which is an excellent overview of the entire Bible. This class meets in the fall and spring, and is for anyone ready to commit and delve deeper. Perhaps you have recently started coming (or coming back!) to church, and you want to know God and the Bible better. Perhaps you are looking for a group to connect with over a longer study. Perhaps you are interested in becoming a leader at FUMC. Disciple is a great place to start. Registration is free. Participants are asked to purchase their own Old and New Testament Study Manuals. Order class materials here.
Tuesdays, Beginning September 15, 7:00-8:30 p.m
|
|
Cheers Virtual Game Night
Thursday, September 17, 7:00 p.m.
Cheers Y’all! Join your Cheers friends for a game night this month. Be prepared to play some hilarious rounds of Mad Libs (and thank you, Jan Ashmos, for this great idea). Join the virtual fun by Zoom! The Cheers Ministry is a community for those young-at-heart who are recently retired, semi-retired, or thinking about setting a date to retire. Register Here.
Also, mark your calendars for a special movie night Thursday, October 15. Details soon, as we’re trying to work out something both different and safe!
|
|
The Armour of Light - Zoom Movie Night & Discussion
Sunday, September 20, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Join us for a movie night and discussion featuring the documentary "The Armour of Light;" the story of an Evangelical minister and leader of the "pro-life" movement whose faith led him to re-consider the conversation around Christians and guns and whether American Christianity had a "pro-life" gun-ethic. View the trailer and register online.
|
|
Science and Scripture
Thursdays, September 24- October 15
7:00-8:00 p.m., Zoom
This 4-week class will give a scientist's view of the Creation stories of Genesis and the plagues and miracles of Exodus, led by beloved longtime teacher, scientist, and FUMC member Jim Bowen. Register online for Zoom link. Register Here.
|
|
Creating Spirit, Practicing Presence: Faith in a Seed
September 26, 2020, 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Join us for the next Creating Spirit, Practicing Presence workshop, “Faith in a Seed.” Facilitated by Dr. Amy Wink, we will explore gardening as a spiritual practice. This time we welcome Kris Light, senior pastor at University Place Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Champaign, Illinois, who is reclaiming a former dairy farm, and creating a beautiful multipurpose garden at Sirnoma Homestead. Whether you are creating a garden, large or small, or simply enjoy playing in the dirt, come explore how gardening works as a spiritual practice.
If you missed any of the previous Creating Spirit, Practicing Presence workshops offered this summer, you can access the materials on our Discipleship Archive webpage (password "gather@grow"). Feel free to use these brief videos for self-guided learning or in a small group setting. Additional resources for further exploration are also available. New workshops are also in development. If there’s a creative spiritual practice you’d like to explore more fully, email Amy Wink at [email protected] with your suggestions.
|
|
Manna Bags Needed
We are seeking assembled Manna Bags to hand out to our hungry neighbors on the street. Officer Shelly, our officer from the Feed My People Breakfast, is helping distribute the Manna Bags where they are needed the most. 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."
|
|
SEPTEMBER MISSION EMPHASIS |
|
Global Mission Fellows
$30 buys a takeout meal — or $30 invested in the Global Mission Fellows program transforms a young adult’s life. Global Mission Fellows, ages 20-30, serve for two years in social justice ministries across the country or internationally. These young adults engage with local communities, connect the church in mission, and grow in personal and social holiness. They work alongside community organizations on hunger and poverty, global health, migration, and education issues. Fellows from the United States and other countries leave their home communities, go through an extensive orientation, and work either in the United States or internationally — however, because of the pandemic, the newly commissioned 2020 class of Fellows will work only in the U.S.
FUMC partners with the GMF program, a ministry of The United Methodist Church. Annually in September, you have the opportunity to transform a life by giving $30 — or whatever amount you choose — online or mailing your contribution to the church office. Make checks payable to FUMC and include a note stating that your contribution is for "GMF."
|
|
Submit a prayer request online.
|
|
Within our Congregation
Sandy Bowles, Victoria Grogan, Sallie Novinger, Mari Perez, Dick Raycraft, Marie Richards, John Steves, Pam Tackett, and Dan Wood.
Congratulations to Curt and Jan Ashmos on the birth of their grandchild, Shiloh Raine Sharpe.
Condolences to Aaron Day on the death of his grandfather, Melvin Sampley; and to Laura Valez on the death of her mother and Bert Greene’s grandmother, Billie Jean Townes.
Beyond our Congregation
Curt Ashmos’ friend, Elissa Marek; Roger Ballard and Jim Eldridge’s friend, Ken Warnock; 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; Cheryl Etie’s friends, Bryan and Sherry Fannin; George Gaston’s friend, Dr. Robert Wootton; Marcia Houston’s mother, Johnnie; Cherice Mumford’s friend, Noelle Jackson; Cindy Reidland’s friends, Carly and Colton Wimberly; David Strong’s sister, Ann Hoge; David Strong’s friend, Rabbi Jill Zimmerman; and Dick Young’s nephew, Jeff Young.
|
|
Contact Us
First United Methodist Church
1201 Lavaca St. Austin, TX 78701
(512) 478-5684
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
