This Sunday, I am completing my seventh month with you as Senior Pastor. We began by getting acquainted and meeting in 24 groups in a Listening Tour (18 meetings in July and August and 6 since then). In those meetings I heard:

I will always treasure those gatherings.

We have also faced some changes and challenges.

The change of senior pastors is always a challenge, particularly after a faithful and storied tenure of 22 years. You have embraced Tina and me in a wonderful way, and David has been a great resource for information and wisdom as we have begun. Then there was the change of Director of Music Ministry. Again, the transition has been remarkable with great support of Michael Rosensteel by tenured director, Dr. Linda Bolding. Special thanks to our Staff Parish Relations Committee and the church staff for making these transitions go so smoothly.

We have also faced financial challenges. Several of our buildings are now approaching 20 years old...the magic age for breakdowns and necessary replacements. By summer's end we faced a deficit of $322,000 on our expenses. We kissed pigs, tightened our belts, and began to share the need, and you responded magnificently. While we didn't finish in the black, we did set ourselves up to do that next year, thanks to a strong stewardship campaign and great work by our finance committee.

What is God inviting us to do in 2017?

As 2017 unfolds, I'm hearing more and more prayerful ideas from our staff and congregation about what God could do next. The vision I offer today is a near one...things we can do in this coming year to better position us for God's next great chapter in ministry together. After that, we will gather together a much larger group of people to dream more long range...just as we have done in the past with Vision 2000 and Vision 2020. What I do know is that if God is inviting us to stir up the gift he has given us for a fresh new work, it will take all of us to get it done. I don't say or write it enough. It is indeed a pleasure to serve as your Senior Pastor.

Dr. Will Cotton

Senior Pastor

9th Annual Mayor's Prayer Breakfast coming up next Thursday

Love children? We're hiring! Join our nursery staff.

We are in need of additional paid staff to work in our nursery Sunday mornings, Wednesday evenings, and Friday mornings. The hours are flexible, so you can still attend a worship service.  If you are interested please email Gloria Perez, Gloria@fumc-rr.org.

What makes United Methodists unique? How are we like other Christians, and yet unlike them since we see some things differently?  

You are invited to a three-week class to explore these questions: our history, our theology, our way of living, and our place in God's work and in our world today.  Led by Dr. John Clifford, Methodism 101 begins on Sunday February 12, and will meet at 9:45 am on Sunday mornings in Adkins Education Building 5-124.  For more information or if you have questions, please contact Dr. John Clifford,  jayefsee@gmail.com . Click here to register.

J-Team is coming up on February 12

Third through fifth graders will be leaping, climbing and bouncing at Urban Air Trampoline Park on  Sunday, February 12 from  2:00-4:00 pm!   

J- Team participants will have access to all of the activities including the challenge lanes, warrior course and sea of rings!  Bring a friend and join the fun!

The cost is discounted at 50% to $10/participant.  Cash or check only payable to FUMC staff onsite. RSVP to  Tammy Parks, tammy@fumc-rr.org.

Other Children's Ministry Info...

• Crossing Point Sunday School Class for all 5th graders
• Save the dates: VBS: June 12-16 and June 19-23. Registration begins in February

Other Student Ministry Info...

• FUSION: Sundays at 6 pm. Food, fellowship and worship.
• Camp Eagle registration is open. Camp Eagle will be July 23 - 28 for High School and August 3 - 8 for Middle School

Have you considered joining our United Methodist Men?

We are more than just great cooks!  UMM is a very productive group of Christian men making a huge impact in our church, community, country and world. Your gifts and talents could increase the impact. We currently meet every Wednesday for a great fresh breakfast, meeting and devotional at 6:15 am (or before for good fellowship and coffee) in the Family Life Center, Bldg. 3/FLC. Come see us and bring a friend. 

Other Adult Ministry Info...

• Coming soon: A new Sunday School class for people 25 - 38 years old will meet at 9:40 am on Sunday mornings. Join us for lively discussion, planned social and mission events, and great fellowship. Location: Payne Cottage/Bldg. 4. Contact Faith Bradshaw, faithbradshaw0@gmail.com for  more information.
• Christianity and World Religions: On January 8, the Paths to Positive Living Sunday School class began a new study on Sundays at 9:40 am in Bldg. 5-234. It is not too late to join!
• Central Texas Conference Mediterranean Cruise, October 2017

Saturday,  January 28

Sunday, January 29

• 8:30, 9:40 and 11 am - Worship Services
• 11:40 am - Alleluia Chorus Children's Choir, Bldg. 5-234
• 6:00 pm - The Network Book Study
• 6:00 pm - FUSION Student Ministry, Bldg. 3/FLC & Bldg. 5

Monday, January 30

• 3:45 pm - Kids of the Kingdom Chimes, FLC East Cry Room
• 4:45 pm - Kids of the Kingdom Bells, FLC East Cry Room
• 6:00 pm - Venture Crew, Bldg. 4-2
• 6:30 pm - Disciple Old Testament Short term Study, Bldg. 5-126
• 7:00 pm - Boy Scout Troop #157, Bldg. 3/FLC

Tuesday, January 31

• 9:30 am - First Church Crafters, 115 Winsted
• 9:30 am - Tuesday Women's Bible Study, Bldg. 5-124
• 12:30 pm - Brown Bag Theologians, Bldg. 5-127
• 6:30 pm - Community Bible Study, Bldg. 5-220, 223, 224, 225
• 6:30 pm - Stephen Ministry Quarterly meeting, Bldg. 5-222

Wednesday, February 1

• 6:15 am - UMM Breakfast, fellowship, devotional - FLC/Bldg. 3
• 9:30 am - Wednesday Women's Bible Study, Bldg. 5-232/234
• 5:00 pm - Revelation Ringers Ensemble, North Suite
• 5:00 pm - Revelation Ringers, FLC East Cry Room
• 5:45 pm - Heartsong Choir rehearsal, South Suite
• 6:30 pm - Wednesday Women's Bible Study, Bldg. 5-232/234
• 7:00 pm - Jubilation Bells, North Suite
• 7:15 pm - Chancel Choir rehearsal, South Suite

Thursday, February 2

• 7:00 am - Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, Bldg. 3/FLC
• 9:30 am - Heart to Heart Quilters, 115 Winsted House 
• 7:00 pm - Council Oak Bell rehearsal, North Suite
• 7:00 pm -  Boy Scout TCM, Bldg. 4-2

Friday,  February 3

• 8:00 am - Round Rock Helpers Steering Committee, Bldg. 4-2
• 9:30 am - MOM Weekly meeting, Bldg. 5-232/234
• 2:30 pm - Memorial Service for Elaine Smith, Sanctuary
• 8:00 pm - Narcotics Anonymous-Right Stuff, Bldg. 4

Saturday, February 4

There is always a lot going on at First Church. Visit the website, find us on Facebook or Twitter, and check the Church Calendar so you don't miss out!