First Sunday of Advent
Sunday, November 28
Preacher: Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: Luke 1:26-38
Sermon: Mary of Nazareth
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This Advent Season, we join God's journey into our world. Step by step, drawing on the work of historians, archeologists, and theologians, we will retrace the steps of those involved in the birth of Jesus. We'll travel through the stories of Mary, Joseph, and Elizabeth on our way to the manger so we can discover greater insights about this story and what it means for our lives.
Daily Advent devotional materials will be available in the Sanctuary Foyer beginning the first Sunday of Advent, November 28, including a family Advent calendar. Please feel free to take one.
For a complete listing of opportunities during Advent, visit our website.
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Worship
9:00 and 11:00 a.m.
Virtual worship will still be available at 11:00 a.m. each Sunday through our Zoom worship time, YouTube Channel, and Facebook page. Our Interactive Worship on Zoom includes opportunities to connect with one another, share prayer concerns, and view our video worship service together.
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Food Drive for Caritas of Austin
LAST WEEK
Help fight hunger by bringing canned goods to church! All contributions will be donated to Caritas of Austin, a local nonprofit working toward preventing and ending homelessness in Austin. With your help, the Caritas Pantry provides take-home groceries to families as people are transitioning out of homelessness. Together with their other services, food assistance builds a strong foundation as people work toward their life goals. When you are struggling to make ends meet and must choose between putting food on the table and paying the electric bill, weekly groceries bring great relief.
We are collecting some of their most needed items throughout November. Thank you for taking action in the fight against hunger. Together we can ensure people have healthy food as they rebuild their lives. Donations may be left in the collection bins located in the foyers of the Chapel, Sanctuary, and Family Life Center.
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Advent Kickoff
10:00-10:45 a.m.
FLC Great Hall
Come explore the meaning of Advent by creating an Advent wreath with your church family. We will make wreaths, play Advent Bingo, and share fellowship. Live greens and wreath supplies (one per household) are available on a first-come, first-served basis for a donation of $20. No purchase or registration required to attend and enjoy the fun.
Volunteers are needed for check-in and clean-up. Reserve your wreath supplies and sign up to volunteer at fumcaustin.org/advent-kickoff. Children and youth will not have regular Sunday School that day, so bring the whole family to the party! Contact Emily Buchanan at emily@fumcaustin.org with questions.
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Children's Christmas Choir
November 28-December 5
12:00-12:45 p.m.
EDU Murchison Chapel
Children in Kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to rehearse special music with the Children's Choir to be shared on December 12 and Christmas Eve. No snack served. Masks required. If your child is interested in these rehearsals, please contact Roxie Garza. Regular Children's Choir rehearsals will resume in January.
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FEAST: Aliens and Jesus
7:30-9:00 p.m.
FLC Great Hall
This month, we will consider a
number of questions related to
the existence of extraterrestrial
life! Whether or not it exists, the
possibility raises some interesting
questions for Christianity (and other faiths!) that understand humans to have a special, central place within Creation. In addition to Genesis, we will address our traditions and beliefs to think through how we might, as Christians, respond to finding life beyond earth!
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Caregiver Support Group
Wednesday, December 1, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Caring for a loved one in their season of need is a sacred trust and holy work.
At the same time, it can be isolating and exhausting—no matter how much we love the recipient! 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 are the hosts for this time that is open to those currently caring for a loved one or those recently in this role, whether in-home or miles apart. This will be an informal gathering where each person will have an opportunity to share what is on their hearts: what brings them joy, what challenges they are facing, how the group can pray for them, etc. Email Judy Breckbill at judybreckbill25@gmail.com with questions or for Zoom link.
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Decorating and Holiday Stroll
Saturday, December 4, 4:00-8:30 p.m.
SAN Wesley Hall
Kick off your holiday by decorating spaces around the church and offering hospitality to Austinites of all ages heading to and coming from the Holiday Stroll. We will begin with decorating the Sanctuary, Family Life Center, and outdoor spaces. A come-and-go potluck meal will be shared from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Wesley Hall. Beginning at 6:00 p.m., volunteers will greet event attendees with hot chocolate and cookies, and bathroom access. Sign up for our decorating team, potluck, and/or hospitality team.
Childcare
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
For parents and guardians who are volunteering, childcare for infants-preschool is available in EDU Room 102 with a reservation sent to childcare@fumcaustin.org. Elementary-aged children (Kindergarten-5th grades) may enjoy activities and crafts in FLC Garrison Chapel led by Lara Greene and Jen Seibel.
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Advent Study: The Journey
Sundays, December 5-19, 10:00-10:45 a.m.
EDU Murchison Chapel
Join Dr. Brad King for an in-depth study of Adam Hamilton's The Journey, which forms the basis of our Advent sermon series. Through engagement with the historical data and archeological research at a deeper level, the most amazing moment in history will become more real and heart-felt for you this season. Attend in person or on Zoom. A limited number of books are available for purchase through registration. Register online.
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Annual Charge Conference
December 5, 4:00 p.m.
Zoom
District Superintendent Laura Merrill will preside as we join with many other churches across the district to celebrate our connection and do the business of the church. All are welcome to participate. Register online for Zoom link.
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Social Justice Conversations
5:00-6:30 p.m. Zoom
We are committed to join God in the work of justice as we learn, name, and
work to eradicate injustice in our church, community, and world. This group
meets to discuss and learn more about racial oppression, issues of whiteness
and racism, immigration, and other topics through videos, podcasts and short articles. December’s discussion topic will be Critical Race Theory. Zoom link will be sent with registration.
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Christmas Poinsettia Sale
Order deadline: Monday, December 6
Poinsettias on the communion rails are a great way to celebrate someone you love or who is now in God’s hands. Each plant is florist quality and great for replanting. The cost is $12. You may order poinsettias online or by contacting Tami Kellberg at tami@fumcaustin.org or 512-478-5684 (ext. 226). Orders must be turned in by 12:00 noon on Monday, December 6. Plants can be picked up after worship on Christmas Eve, December 24, and Sunday, December 26.
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Sock & Cookie Collection
Sundays, December 5-19
We are collecting new, white, adult-sized tube socks to give to our unhoused neighbors at our annual Christmas Eve Breakfast. As you are out and about shopping, consider picking up a bag or two of socks. You may place donations in the collection bins located in the foyers of the Chapel, Sanctuary, and Family Life Center on December 5, 12, and 19. You may also bring your donations to the church office Monday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Sundays, December 12 & 19
Cookie bakers are needed to provide guests at the Christmas Eve Breakfast with a treat. Our goal is 200 zipped bags! Make your chocolate chip cookies (NO NUTS) and package six per bag in zipped plastic baggies. We will take a dozen or six dozen! Happy baking! Bring cookies to the church on Sundays, December 12 and 19. For more information, contact Pastor Cathy Stone at cathy@fumcaustin.org.
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Children's Books Needed for Pickle Book Sale
We are trying to get back into our pre-pandemic routine of hosting a “Quarter
Book Sale” every December and May at Pickle Elementary, and we have just
scheduled one with the school for Friday, December 10. Our last book sale in
May went really well although not all of the students were attending in-person
so we are hoping that even more books are taken home for Christmas break.
If you, your family, or friends can donate any new or gently used books ---
current titles, please --- appropriate for preschool through 5th grade (bonus
points for Spanish/bilingual titles), contact Heather Schuelke at
donations to purchase new books which can be done online through the
church’s website and selecting “Pickle School Books” as the fund option.
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Children’s Interactive Christmas Pageant
Sunday, December 12, 10:15 a.m.
Sanctuary
No rehearsal, no lines to memorize, no prior acting experience required to
participate in this pageant! Families are invited to just show up. Come at
10:00 a.m. if you would like to have a part or at 10:15 a.m. to be part of the audience. Our Children’s Choir will also perform a special song.
Family Christmas Eve Rehearsal
Sunday, December 12, 12:15 p.m.
Sanctuary
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Youth Christmas Party
Sunday, December 12, 4:30-7:00 p.m.
Family Life Center
During Engage, all youth are invited to come and celebrate together for our
last Engage of the year. There will be food, games, music, and a white elephant
exchange. Bring a gift that costs $10 or less.
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Christmas Eve Breakfast for the Homeless
Friday, December 24, 7:00-8:30 a.m.
Church Parking Lot
Our guests enjoy coffee and Christmas music beginning at 6:30 a.m., breakfast will be served at 7:00 a.m. Many in our congregation have made this volunteer opportunity a significant part of their Christmas season. Spaces fill fast, so sign up now. For additional information, please contact Randy Teich at rteich@austin.rr.com or Pastor Cathy Stone at cathy@fumcaustin.org or 512-478-5684 (ext. 215).
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Reach Beyond Mission 2022
Registration is now open!
Our Middle School Service week heads to Albuquerque, NM this summer Saturday, July 16-Saturday, July 23. A Reach Beyond Mission vision-focused week includes direct service, indirect service, relational ministry, and education. You will learn from community leaders & organizers, ministers & social workers, public policy makers & legislators, and professors & advocates. You will hear personal stories shared by guest speakers, and learn through fun but challenging simulations and activities. Everyone who has just completed grades 6-8 is invited to attend. Total cost is $350, with $100 due at registration.
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Ophelia Blair Potts
Ophelia, daughter of Arthur and Chloe and sister of Adeline, was baptized into Christian discipleship on Sunday, November 2.
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Cayden Jeffrey Jones
Cayden, son of Amy Jones, was
baptized into Christian discipleship
on Sunday, November 14.
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NOVEMBER MISSION EMPHASIS |
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Christmas Breakfast for the Homeless
For over 20 years, FUMC has sponsored a Christmas Eve Breakfast in the Family Life Center. We provide a hot breakfast, served restaurant style with hosts and a smiling wait staff. After breakfast, guests receive a gift of hats, gloves, lip balm, socks, bus pass, and a few other items.
Our goal is to raise $5,000 for this Christmas celebration in the church parking lot with our unhoused neighbors. Your gifts, marked “Christmas Eve Breakfast,” may be left in the Offering basket as you leave the Sanctuary, made online, or mailed to the church office throughout the month of November. To donate online, select “Other Designated” from the drop-down menu and indicate “Christmas Eve Breakfast” in the memo section.
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Submit a prayer request online.
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Within Our Congregation
Mack Adams, Sandy Bowles, Lucius Bunton, Katie Cooley, Maureen Cooley, Shirley Derryberry, Lisa Hildebrand, Sam Miller, Sallie Novinger, Rick Ortiz, Andrew Pyle, Dick Raycraft, and Dan Wood.
Beyond Our Congregation
Curt Ashmos’ friend, Elissa Marek; Robbie Ausley’s brother, Glen Holt; Grady Basler’s sister, Tonya Basler Stout; Cheryl Bias’ niece, Lauren Stafford; Fay Brown’s niece, Lindsey Altenburg; Fay Brown’s sister, Jo Rene Altenburg; George Gaston’s friend, Dr. Robert Wootton; Sandra Green’s great-granddaughter, Halle Burdick; Melanie Greene’s friend, Felix McCusker; Marijo Hartman’s cousin, Nancy Hartman; Marcia Houston’s mother, Johnnie; Summer Hoff’s niece, Autumn, and great niece, Adi; Don Mayfield’s friend, Paul Martin; Sallie Novinger’s niece, Kathy May; Andrew Pyle’s father, James Pyle; Cindy Reidland’s friends, Carly and Colton Wimberly; Dianne Render’s sister-in-law, Valerie Burns; Alan Stephens’ father-in-law, Bob McBride, and his mother-in-law, Betty McBride; Natalie Tindall’s father, Nathaniel Tindell II; Linda Van Horne’s friend, Crissie Donato; Rebecca Yohe’s mother, Virginia Yohe.
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Contact Us
First United Methodist Church
1201 Lavaca St. Austin, TX 78701
(512) 478-5684
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