Hurricane Harvey...First Church Responds
First Church News & Updates - September 1, 2017
   
Day of Prayer

What a week it has been. We avoided the worst of Hurricane Harvey here in the Round Rock area, but the devastation to our east and south is unfathomable. In the midst of it all, the scenes of people helping people, neighbors helping neighbors, and first responders, public safety officers, military personnel and volunteers pouring in from all across the state and nation were heartening.

We are a people of prayer. Governor Greg Abbot has declared Sunday, September 3, as a  Day of Prayer in Texas. We invite you to join us in praying for all affected by the storm. Read on to see how you can assist in Hurricane Relief.
This week in worship...
Sunday, August 27

Sermon Title:  "Somebody Wake Up Jesus"  
Scrip
ture: Mark 4:35-41
 
Dr. Will Cotton will preach at the 8:30 and 11 am worship services and Rev. Katie Meek will preach at the 9:40 am worship service this Sunday.  The Source , our weekly devotional guide, is available on the church website
 
Please join us in worship this Sunday at  8:30 am (Sanctuary), 9:40 am (FLC), or 11 am (Sanctuary).
Words from Will...
Flood Relief
The Great Heart of First Church Responds!
On Tuesday morning, we sent an e-mail challenging the church to raise $10,000 for flood buckets and hygiene kits. That would have allowed us to fill 100 buckets and 100 hygiene kits with crucially important cleaning and care supplies. Today (Thursday), we ordered 200 of each, and it has only been a little more than 48 hours since the e-mail went out. The $10,000 was raised in about 18 hours. On Sunday, we will announce what has been raised and offer another opportunity for those who may not have gotten the opportunity to participate. Chicken buckets will be at each communion station this Sunday in all services.

You will be pleased to know that the flood buckets and hygiene kits are done in partnership with United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). The Red Cross is usually the first to move into an area to do the early work of rescue. UMCOR follows shortly thereafter in cleanup and recovery. That often takes months and in the case of large-scale storms like Harvey, years. UMCOR is known around the world as a crucial part of Disaster Recovery. We know that our folks are sharing in many ways - in neighborhoods, at work, at schools and many other places. God is moving folks in a mighty way and it is beautiful to behold.

W hat other ways can you help?  
  • Join in our Packing Party this Saturday morning at 9 am in Bldg. 3/FLC. You'll want to be on time as we believe the great people of First Church will get things done quickly. Children are certainly welcome to participate.  There will be coffee and donuts!
  • Ziplock bags with instructions for putting together hygiene kits will be in the pews and chairs on Sunday morning. You can take them home and put them together as a family. What if First UMC put together more than 500 hygiene kits?
  • Join an Emergency Response Team to be part of the recovery in Southeast Texas. Information on training will be offered as part of the Packing Party on Saturday morning.
  • Provide ministry support - housing, meals, etc for evacuees. The full magnitude of how many will be in Round Rock is still not known.
  • Most importantly, pray for these families who have been affected by this massive tragedy. 
The response of First Church to this ministry challenge has been beyond expectations. Thanks to our point people, David Scott, the Disaster Response coordinator for the South District and a member of our congregation, Katie Meek, our Associate Pastor for Outreach, and a network of 48 volunteers leading us. Thanks to each of you for being the hands, feet and heart of Christ!

Sincerely in Christ,
Will Cotton Signature
Dr. Will Cotton
Senior Pastor
Announcing a special CrossRoads Event...
CrossRoads Event

Help the CrossRoads Band Make an Album!
The long awaited Crossroads album is in our sights. Join us to make it happen! On September 28, please join us in the Family Life Center for a scrumptious catered meal, silent auction, and live music...all to support the creation of a CrossRoads album.
 
If you've been to CrossRoads worship, you already know how wildly blessed we are by both the musical talent and the spiritual leadership of the CrossRoads Band. It's our vision to expand their reach and impact by putting together a CD of their original compositions. Anything raised over and above will go toward beautifying the worship space in the Family Life Center. Further, the band is donating 100% of the profit from the sale of the CD to the beautification project.

Tickets go on sale on Sundays at church beginning August 27 (and we will accept credit cards)! If you prefer, you can email your ticket request to Terri Bowden at terri.l.bowden@gmail.com.
  • Individual seats: $35
  • Table for 8: $280
We are asking for donations of items and services to place in the silent auction. We hope to raise at least $25,000. Items and services can be anything: restaurant or entertainment gift cards, sports tickets, handcrafts or art, collectible items, themed baskets, excursions, etc. Maybe you have a service to offer, such as hair styling or automotive repair. We are also accepting direct sponsors if you wish to make a cash donation of $500 or more to underwrite the event.  We are grateful for your sponsorship and you can expect to see your name (or company name) in our printed materials on the bid tables, and through announcements during the evening.

If you would like to donate or volunteer to help with the event,
  • Contact Trisha Seguin, tseguin@austin.rr.com, to donate!
  • Contact Kathy Ford, kathyford03@yahoo.com to volunteer!
Ministry Focus...
Children's Ministry
Camp BIG Church
September 10 is Camp BIG Church 
Camp Believe in God (BIG) Church will be in the sanctuary at 9:45 am on September 10. At First Church, we encourage families to worship together. During preschool years, children have the opportunity to practice worshiping, for a short time, before children are dismissed to attend Bible Buddies. If your child is now in kindergarten, they are invited to stay for the full service. 

At Camp BIG Church, you will learn some exciting things about worship from our senior pastor, Dr. Will Cotton. You will also learn about the new format of the elementary children's Sunday School program, Walk of Faith. To allow all kindergarten children and their parents to attend Camp BIG Church, we will not have Sunday School for kindergarten children on September 10. A light breakfast, in the foyer, will follow. Please register online so we will know to expect you!
Other Children's Ministry Info...
Student Ministry
Twin Oaks Cafe
Student Ministries is running the Twin Oaks Cafe in September. Come see what's new!
Students will be working to raise money to attend Camp Eagle next summer so we want to invite you and encourage you to stop by and support them.

We will have Frappuccinos!
They will be serving Round Rock Donuts, breakfast tacos, sodas, coffee, and something totally new and exciting....Frappuccinos!  We hope you will come out  on Sunday  mornings and support the students who plan to experience Camp Eagle in 2018.  
Other Student Ministry Info...
  • No FUSION this Sunday, September 3. We will be back next Sunday, September 10 at 6 pm.
  • Ignite High School Bible Study registration is open. Study begins September 20.
  • Impact Middle School Mentor Program registration is open. Study begins September 20.
Adult Ministry
UMW Sunday
September 17 is UMW Sunday
The United Methodist Women will be celebrating UMW Sunday on September 17 with a special mission moment during all services and a salad lunch immediately following the 11 am service.

Please join us for lunch and fellowship!   
We invite all members of the congregation to join us (even the men)!  

MOM Brunch
MOM...Ministry of Motherhood Kick-off brunch is Friday, September 8
Are you the mother of a young child? Then the Ministry of Motherhood (MOM) invites you to join us for our annual kick-off brunch on  Friday, September 89:30-11:30 am, in Bldg. 5 -232/234. We will have fabulous food, fun door prizes, and information about the Ministry of Motherhood. 

MOM is a group of Christian moms with the goal of providing a positive atmosphere for sharing ideas, discussing the common delights and challenges of raising a family, learning through group studies, and serving the community. Moms interested in learning more about the Ministry of Motherhood are encouraged to attend the welcome brunch. Register on the church website. Childcare will be available by reservation. Space is limited. Register today!
Financial Peace University
Financial Peace University begins September 6
If you're tired of living paycheck-to-paycheck and would like to manage your money smarter, this 9-week course is for you.  Dave Ramsey, through fun and entertaining videos and lessons, leads us through a process of learning to decide where our money goes, rather than letting it control us. Classes begin September 6 at 6:30 pm. Cost is $93.Childcare will be available by registration if there is enough demand. Click here to register. 
Other Adult Ministry Info...
Worship Arts...Children & Youth begin ringing & singing in September
Children's Handbells

Children's Choir

Youth Choir

Mission Focus...
Kairos Prison Ministry
A note from Cheryl Glasgow and Kairos Prison Ministry
My heartfelt thanks and appreciation to everyone at First Church who gave blessings of fans and yarn to the women in Lockhart prison. You have touched lives that seldom know kindness from strangers.

Many of these women have no one to support them during incarceration and when they receive unconditional love from people they do not know, it overwhelms them.
Other Mission & Outreach Info...
  • The Villages: read more about our strategic vision for church-wide Outreach and Mission-local, regional, and global.
  • The Handbell Ministry is staffing the Twin Oaks Cafe in August.
  • Plastic Bag Recycling: Donate your plastic bags for use at the Round Rock Area Serving Center. Leave them in the white barrel in Payne Cottage. They are picked up weekly.
  • Drive-A-Senior Needs More Drivers: Visit  their website, or call 512-310-1060 to learn more about this community service to our elderly neighbors.
  • Round Rock Area Serving Center:  Volunteers are needed for a variety of jobs! New volunteer orientation is on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 4 pm at 1099 E. Main St., 2nd floor conference room.  Call 512-244-2431.
Have you reserved your photo session?
Directory 2017 Promo
Directory 2017 Promo

September Photo Sessions are filling up. It's time to sign up!
We want you to be a part of our church family album.The final photo sessions are September 13 - 17. At this point all slots are filled on Sunday, September 17, but there are openings on September 13 - 16.  You can plan your photo to reflect your family's interests. Choose your colors, bring the family dog, musical instrument...anything that you think best represents your family. You will receive one 8x10" photo free of charge. You will have an opportunity to purchase additional photos but there is no pressure to do so.

It is easy to sign up.  Click here to learn more and sign up online. We will be in the Sanctuary foyer this Sunday from 9:30 am until after the 11 am service to assist with sign-ups.

August Photos are here!
If you opted to have your family photo mailed to you, it has probably been delivered. Portraits that were not mailed are available for pick up in the church office during the week and in the Sanctuary foyer on Sundays from 9:30 am until after the 11 am service. 
This week at First Church
Sunday, September 3
  • 8:30, 9:40 and 11 am - Worship Services
Monday, September 4 - Labor Day. Church office and campus will be closed.

Tuesday, September 5
  • 8:30 am - UMM Tuesday Breakfast group, Juárez Restaurant on South Mays
  • 9:30 am - First Church Crafters, 115 Winsted
  • 11:30 - Women's Book Club, Bldg. 5-127
  • 1:30 pm - JOY Leadership planning - Bldg. 5-124
  • 6:00 pm - Board of Trustees, Bldg. 5-122
  • 6:30 pm - Stephen Ministry Supervision, Bldg. 5-123, 126, 127
Wednesday, September 6
  • 6:15 am - UMM Breakfast, fellowship, devotional - FLC/Bldg. 3
  • 9:30 am - Disciple Bible Study, Bldg. 5-136 
  • 5:00 pm - Revelation Ringers rehearsal, East Cry Room/FLC
  • 6:00 pm - Heartsong rehearsal, South Suite  
  • 6:30 pm - Disciple Bible Study, Bldg. 5-122 & 124
  • 6:30 pm - Financial Peace University, Bldg. 5-127
  • 7:00 pm - Jubilation bell rehearsal, North Suite  
  • 7:15 pm - Chancel Choir rehearsal, South Suite
Thursday, September 7
  • 9:30 am - Heart to Heart Quilters, 115 Winsted
  • 7:00 pm - Council Oak Bells rehearsal, North Suite
  • 7:00 pm - Orchestra rehearsal, South Suits
Friday,  September 8
  • 8:00 am - Round Rock Helpers, Bldg 4/Payne Cottage
  • 9:30 am - MOM Welcome Brunch, Bldg. 5-232/234
  • 8:00 pm - Narcotics Anonymous-Right Stuff, Bldg. 4
Saturday, September 2


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! 
Blessings,


Betty Robertson
Communications
First United Methodist Church Round Rock

First Church exists to share the love  of God in Jesus Christ.
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