Sunday, September 6
14th Sunday After Pentecost
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: Matthew 10:24-39
Sermon: "Violence: How Should We Handle a Breakdown of Justice?"
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: Neighbors? 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.
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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 9/6). 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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Holy Communion
Sunday, September 6, FUMC Parking Lot
Our Pastors will provide an opportunity to share Communion together. Sign up to attend one of two brief Communion Services in the FUMC parking lot, where we have devised the safest possible way to share in this Sacrament together. Bread and juice will be individually bagged for each car and distributed when you arrive, and participants will be invited to park in every other spot, joining the service from your tailgate or camping chair behind your car. Join us! One car per registration is required and 20 slots per time slot.
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Sprouts Fall 2020
Sunday, September 6, 10:15 a.m.
FUMC's Children's Ministry will host bi-monthly parent and kids Zoom meetings for infants and toddlers at 10:15 a.m. every first and third Sunday this fall. We have fun curriculum that is babyfriendly, and it will be lead by nursery staff and teachers, including everyone's favorite, Ms. Pam. Please email us at [email protected] if you have any questions. This is open to anyone who would like to join with a child aged 0-2 years so we invite you to share this link with friends, family, neighbors, etc.
Meeting ID: 931 1533 6937, Passcode: sprouts
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Conversation on Police Funding
As part of the fall sermon series, we are hoping to host a conversation on local police funding. We are still confirming participation, but hope to have representatives from city government and from the local law enforcement community on Sunday morning, September 13 at 9:45 a.m. Because it is a contentious issue, we'd like to provide speakers with our questions ahead of time. If you have questions about this topic, please submit them to [email protected]. Remember, the idea will be to have respectful and thoughtful dialog on both sides, so please avoid leading or antagonistic questions. Registration will be made available once final details are confirmed.
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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.
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Children's Online Sunday School
Children can find fellowship and faith formation on Sunday mornings in our online Sunday School at 9:00 a.m. This time is designed for our elementary-aged friends (Kindergarten through Fifth Grades), but all children are welcome. This fall we will be exploring Bible stories, learning spiritual practices, singing, worshiping, and serving others - all from the comfort of home and our pajamas! We are excited to be using a new curriculum, Celebrate Wonder, which reaches beyond the spiritual development of a child as it seeks to develop the whole child. Zoom link is available in the Sunday morning email. Contact Director of Children's Ministries, Lara Greene at [email protected] for more information.
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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.
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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.
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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
Wednesdays, Beginning September 16, 5:00-6:30 p.m.
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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.
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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."
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SEPTEMBER MISSION EMPHASIS |
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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."
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Submit a prayer request online.
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Within our Congregation
Sandy Bowles, Victoria Grogan, Glenna Marks, Sallie Novinger, Mari Perez, Dick Raycraft, John Steves, Pam Tackett, Jessica Wisko, and Dan Wood.
Condolences to the family and friends of Glenna Marks on her death.
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; Kaycee Crisp’s aunt, Martha Cunningham; Cheryl Etie’s friends, Bryan and Sherry Fannin; George Gaston’s friend, Dr. Robert Wootton; Marcia Houston’s mother, Johnnie; Bob & Nancy Leeper’s granddaughter, Kezia Leeper; Cherice Mumford’s friend, Noelle Jackson; Cindy Reidland’s friends, Carly and Colton Wimberly; Debbie Rippetoe’s sister, Cindy Haggard; and Dick Young’s nephew, Jeff Young.
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Contact Us
First United Methodist Church
1201 Lavaca St. Austin, TX 78701
(512) 478-5684
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