We rejoice that Nicholas Gerard Kosater, son of Austin and Cassidy Kosater, was baptized into Christian discipleship on Sunday, February 11.

Austin CROP Hunger Walk

Sunday, February 25 | 2:00PM Gathering; 2:30PM Step-Off

Camp Mabry, 2200 West 35th

This family-friendly interfaith community event raises funds for hungry people in Austin and around the world. This year’s walk route is around the fully accessible 1.1 mile track. IDs are required for drivers and adult passengers as you pass through the Camp Mabry Security gate. Dogs are welcome, and are allowed to be walked on the track if they are cleaned up after and leashed. For those who want to stay local after church and before Step-Off, join us for lunch at either Central Market or Rudy’s on North Lamar. To join our team or to make a donation, visit fumcaustin.org/austin-crop-hunger-walk.

FEAST: Lost in Translation

Sunday, February 25

6:30-8:30PM

FLC Garrison Chapel

Pastor Brad King will help the FEAST community of young adults take a look at one of the most important steps in making scripture accessible: translation. How and why we translate a given text significantly impacts how that text is understood. In the case of sacred texts like the New Testament, which shape the spiritual and moral lives of practitioners across the globe, translation is an especially important task. From attempting to rewrite morality to making sense out of nonsense, we will take a look at some of the best and worst English translations and learn about some of the ways that bad translations have been used to support bad purposes. Dinner is provided for those who register by Saturday, February 24. Doors open at 6:30PM and the conversation starts at 7:00PM.

Curtis Higgs' Prodigals Study Group: A Cry of Absence

Mondays Beginning February 26

6:30-8:30PM | Zoom

Men of all ages, who enjoy book studies and discussion based on Scripture and Christian faith, meet for study, prayer, and fellowship. Beginning February 26, we will be discussing Martin Marty’s new book, A Cry of Absence: Reflections for the Winter of the Heart, which describes a “wintry sort of spirituality”—a movement toward faith that grapples with pain, uncertainty, evil, loss, and the mystery of death to discover “hope on the winter-fallow landscape.” For the Zoom link or more information, contact Randy Teich.

Little Red Library Back for Black History Month

Sundays in February Sanctuary Foyer

Looking for resources to support learning and conversations during Black History Month? Books are a great place to begin for people of every age! This red cart houses books for adults and children, all available for check out. No matter your age, children’s books are an effective and practical tool for initiating critical conversations. Check out a book that is new to you.

General Conference Lunch & Learn

Sunday, March 3

12:15PM | FLC Great Hall

The General Conference is the legislative body of the United Methodist Church and is the only body that can set official policy and speak for the denomination. This worldwide gathering is scheduled to meet in North Carolina in April after long pandemic delays. In the midst of denominational division, this body will consider proposals that would make progress in removing the language that harms the LGBTQ+ community. Join Pastor Taylor Fuerst and Rachel Wright, who will be delegates to General Conference, to learn about the process, proposed legislation, priorities, and hopes for this year’s gathering. Bring your questions and your appetite to this Lunch & Learn. Email Rachel Wright with questions.

Feed My People Fourth Tuesday Breakfast

Tuesday, February 27

5:15-7:15AM | Family Life Center

Start your day with service to our unhoused neighbors! Once a month, we not only provide this program with a facility home, but we also sponsor the cost of the meal and provide the volunteers who make and serve it. You can prepare and cook this breakfast beginning at 5:15AM. Clean-up is finished by 7:15AM.

Poor People's Campaign Rally

Saturday, March 2

11:00AM | Texas Capitol

The Mercy & Justice Team invites you join this nationwide day of gatheringd to raise awareness of the plight of income inequality in America. This assembly will bring Texas residents together in solidarity on voter rights, healthcare, immigration, livable wages, and education. If you would like to meet and go together, email Pastor Cathy Stone. Learn more about the Poor People’s Campaign’s goals at poorpeoplescampaign.org.

Deep Dive: Scripture's Difficult Questions

Wednesdays, March 6-27

6:00-7:15PM | Zoom

As we move through the season of Lent, we will examine some of scripture’s most difficult questions through the lens of the Gospel of Mark. Deep Dive is more than just a bible study! It is a chance to dig into the text with Pastor Brad King, exploring some of the deepest history of our faith and wrestling with the unanswerable questions that scripture invites us not to solve, but to consider. Zoom link sent with registration.

Caregiver Support Group

Wednesday, March 6

8:00-9:00PM | Zoom

Henri Nouwen writes, “Caregiving feels solitary. We look out from our own lives and see so many people who seem not to experience what we feel. But we are not alone. Christ and caring friends are our companions.” Caring for a loved one in their season of need is a sacred trust and holy work. Maybe you are caring for a spouse, a child, or a friend; it might be temporary or long-term. Often, caregivers need a brief time away to renew their spirits, to just be themselves, and to connect with others in similar circumstances to receive support and encouragement. Pastor Cathy Stone and member Judy Breckbill will host this time that is open to those currently caring for a loved one or who have recently been in this role, whether in home or miles apart. For the Zoom link or questions, email Judy at [email protected].

Easter Festival Chorus

Wednesdays, March 13, 20, and 27

7:00-8:30PM | Choir Room

Join the glorious voices lifted in song as they are accompanied by brass and organ and sing the celebratory music of Easter on March 31. Music includes works by Elaine Hagenberg, George Handel, and John Rutter. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays, March 13, 20, and 27, from 7:00-8:30PM in the Choir Room. Rehearsal parking is available in the church lot. If you plan to sing in our festival chorus, contact Director Scott Davis at [email protected].

CORRECTION: DAY OF WEEK

Cheers: The Wittliff Collections Tour

Thursday, March 14 | 1:00PM Texas State Library | San Marcos, TX

Join Cheers, our community of newly and nearly retired people, as we visit the Wittliff Collections at the Texas State Library in San Marcos. The Collections features stories of Texas, Mexico, and the Southwest. We will see exhibits of Texas music, literature, and the permanent exhibit of the Lonesome Dove television series. Unfortunately, because of Texas State’s spring break, we will be self-guided. Ample parking is available, but carpooling is encouraged! Email Dick Young with questions.

Youth Spring Break Event: Kayaking at Ladybird Lake Sunday, March 17

1:00-3:30PM | 74 Trinity Street

Middle and high school students are invited to wrap up Spring break with an afternoon of kayaking on Ladybird Lake. We will be on the water from 1:00-3:30PM, bring/grab lunch, wear sunscreen, and meet us downtown. The cost is $30/person and friends are welcome with registration. For youth who plan to park downtown and join us, park in the garage and meet in front of the Family Life Center at 12:15PM to walk down to the waterfront. Adults who are dropping youth off can meet the group at the Four Seasons Hotel at 98 San Jacinto Blvd at 12:45PM so that we can make our 1:00PM reservation at the Austin Rowing Club located behind the Four Seasons Hotel. Pick up for those who did not drive themselves will be at 3:30PM in the Four Seasons Parking Lot. Release forms will be sent with registration. Contact Devon Bailey with questions.

Easter Egg Festival

Saturday, March 23

9:30-11:00AM | Capitol Grounds

First Church welcomes you to our annual Easter Egg Festival in our “backyard” at the Capitol Grounds at Colorado and 12th Street for egg hunts (infants-preschoolers) and egg races (elementary ages). This event is free and open to the public. A visit from the Easter Bunny is a special tradition along with fun activities like face painting and games by our youth. Participants are invited to bring one or more of the following donations to help us love our neighbors as we celebrate and share the gift of Easter: non-perishable food donations for the Capital Area Food Bank or unopened baby wipes and unopened diaper cream for the Austin Diaper Bank. For more information, contact Lara Greene, at [email protected] or 512-478-5684 (ext. 211).

Pssst...The Easter Bunny Needs Your Help

Help us ensure there are treats for children at our Easter Egg Festival

on Saturday, March 23.

• Conveniently shop from our Amazon wish list to donate individually wrapped candy and egg-sized plastic toys or stickers.
• If you prefer to shop in person, we recommend candy like Lifesavers, Starbursts, or small wrapped bubble gum. All candy should be nut free and fit inside an egg. Place donations in the bunny boxes found near the entrances of the children’s Sunday School wing and the Sanctuary.
• Volunteer to stuff eggs at home or during a class or meeting by contacting [email protected].
• Volunteer at the Egg Festival on Saturday, March 23.

Sign Up for Altar Flowers

Honor someone you love and appreciate, remember a departed loved one, or celebrate special days or events in your life or the life of the church. The cost is $65. The available dates for the next several months are: March 17, April 7; May 5 and 12; and June 23 and 30. To sign up, contact Tami Kellberg at [email protected] or 512-478-5684 (ext. 226).

NEW DETAILS ABOUT EXTENDED CARE FOR VBS!

Early Bird Registration for Vacation Bible School (VBS) Now Open

Now-March 17: $35 Per Child

VBS: June 10-13, 2024

Surrounded by water, trees, and hills, Camp Firelight is the perfect location for every Camper’s favorite summer activities! With the help of Lu the Lightning Bug and the Camp Counselor Guidebook, Counselor Sam and our Campers explore Bible stories and learn to trust that God will go with us, lead the way, share wisdom, to give us peace, and spark joy as we celebrate the good news of Jesus in our own lives and in the lives of others. The cost is $35/per child.

Extend the day with Austin Youth Fitness’ Fit n’ Fun aftercare camp, where kids develop running skills and fitness through games and play. The cost is $240/participant. Sign up for VBS and Fit n’ Fun camp at fumcaustin.org/vbs.

Vacation Bible School Listening Session

Sunday, February 25

5:00PM | Zoom

Parents, grandparents, volunteers, Sunday School teachers, and people who want First Church to remain a place where children flourish spiritually in community are invited to dream about VBS in 2025. This is a chance to step back and talk about purpose, consider what works (and what does not) for young families today, share ideas, consider possibilities, and dream! Zoom link will be sent with your RSVP.

Black children in Texas make up just 11 percent of births in the state, but nearly 30 percent of all women in Texas who die from pregnancy related complications are Black, meaning that Black mothers experience maternal death rates two to four times higher than white women.

This month’s mission emphasis is Black Mamas ATX, an extraordinary local organization of everyday women dedicated to transforming those dire stats by saving the lives of Black mothers. Through increased awareness, training, outreach, and research, Black Mamas ATX is leading the charge in Central Texas to help Black mothers get the education and access to resources needed to have healthy pregnancies and birthing experiences.

Their goal is to reduce—and ultimately eliminate—the alarming healthcare disparity for Black women that leads to these high maternal mortality and morbidity rates. For this reason, Black Mamas ATX is also deeply committed to policy development and advocacy. In the 2023 legislative session, Black Mamas ATX helped raise awareness and pass House Bill 12, which extends Medicaid health coverage for Texas mothers from just 60 days after giving birth to a full year. Medicaid covers half of all births in Texas. This is a significant step that will save lives.

Your gifts marked “Black Mamas ATX” may be placed in the offering basket during worship, mailed to or brought by the church office, or made online at fumcaustin.org/giving. Follow the step-by-step instructions there or use the button below and select “Monthly Mission Emphasis” from the drop-down menu and indicate “Black Mamas ATX “ in the memo section.