Sunday, February 27
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: Luke 9:28-36
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9:00 and 11:00 a.m.
At this time, registration is no longer required to attend in-person worship on Sundays. Worship is also livestreamed at 11:00 a.m. each Sunday and is available online 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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FEAST: White Jesus
Sunday, February 27
7:30-9:00 p.m., Zoom
Most of us have seen (or perhaps grew up with) an image of Jesus as a blond-haired white man. It should go without saying that such images cannot be accurate depictions of a middle-eastern Jew from the first century Levant, but does it matter if we prefer to think of him like that? What did Jesus look like anyway? Join us for this discussion of what Jesus might have looked like and why it matters.
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FEAST is a community of young adults and young professionals (mid twenties to mid forties), that meets regularly to build community and dig into the more difficult aspects of our faith lives. For more information or to get on the FEAST mailing list, email Pastor Brad King.
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Next Wednesday, March 2, is Ash Wednesday, when Christians observe the beginning of Lent, with the ancient ritual of being marked in ash as we prepare for Easter by confronting our own mortality and brokenness. |
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Ashes to Go
Wednesday, March 2
8:00-10:00 a.m.
Church Parking Lot
If you aren't yet comfortable worshiping with others in the Sanctuary, or your schedule doesn't allow that this year, you can receive ashes outside on Wednesday morning. Pastors will be masked and ready to welcome individuals into this brief and holy moment of worship and witness as we publicly mark the beginning of Lent.
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Sanctuary Worship Services
Wednesday, March 2
12:10 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sanctuary
This time of worship will include prayer, music, a homily, and the imposition of ashes. Worship will also be livestreamed and available online through our YouTube Channel and Facebook page and a small kit with ashes and oil is available for pick up in order to participate in the marking of ashes at home.
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Ashes Available
Pick up in Sanctuary Narthex on Sunday, February 27, 8:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.,
Or In Office Monday-Wednesday, February 28-March 2, 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
For those unable to participate in our in-person options, FUMC has prepared a small kit containing ashes and oil for pick up. This can be used to follow the online worship service. It will also contain a short guide to create a brief Ash Wednesday worship encounter at home, an option that may be particularly appropriate for families with children.
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Lenten Small Groups
Beginning week of March 6
Sign Up Now!
Find community in a Lenten Small Group as you puzzle through some of the foundational questions of faith together over this six week period that is set apart for reflection. Small groups of 8-12 will be guided by group facilitators to consider questions like, "Is there only one way to God?" and "What is the role of the cross in my life?" Sunday School classes may also choose to engage with the guide and questions as a group as well. Groups will begin meeting the week of March 6. Sign up today and share life and faith with a small group during the Lenten season.
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Drop-in Lent Small Group
Sundays, March 6-April 10
10:00 a.m., FLC Room 110
Do you have limited availability during the week? You can also participate in conversations about our Lenten faith questions during the Sunday School hour. This Drop-in Lent Small Group will meet each Sunday in Lent. Join as often as you are able.
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Since You Asked...
Thursdays, March 3-April 7
7:00-8:00 p.m., Zoom
Have you always wondered what Christians "should" or "can" believe? Wished you could understand the methods behind being Methodist or why we do something the way we do it? Join retired pastors Reverend John Wright and Reverend John McMullen in an engaging conversation about your faith questions. No reading assignments. No question or topic off limits. Join as often as you are able, whether that is once or once a week. Just bring yourself and be prepared for lively discussion! Details about how to submit your discussion questions and registration can be found using the button below.
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For more information about any of FUMC's Lenten studies and small groups, contact Director of Discipleship Emily Buchanan.
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Lenten Labyrinth Experience
March 2-April 17
Murchison Chapel
During the season of Lent, our labyrinth will be available for prayer, meditation, and contemplation and can provide space for time set apart to re-center oneself. FUMC welcomes all members and guests to take part in this Lenten practice. The labyrinth will be available Sunday mornings from 8:30 a.m.-12:00 noon and Monday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m.-2:30p.m.
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Music Under the Dome:
Free Lunchtime Concerts
Wednesdays, March 9-April 6
12:00-12:30 p.m.
Sanctuary
Enjoy free admission to these 30-minute concerts, presented by First Church musicians and friends. A boxed lunch will be available by reservation for $10 and can be enjoyed in the FLC Great Hall or taken to go. Lunch reservations can be made by contacting Director of Events Ken Spivey at least two days in advance. (Deadline for requesting a boxed lunch is Monday at noon each week.) Free parking is available in the Texas Trial Lawyers' garage, which can be entered on 13th Street via Lavaca or Guadalupe.
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Austin CROP Hunger Walk
Sunday, March 6
Virtual Event
It's just around the corner and the FUMC CROP Hunger Walk team needs you. Now is the time to take the next step on this year’s CROP Hunger Walk! It is now virtual, meaning you can raise funds and walk anywhere, anytime!
This family-friendly interfaith community event raises funds for hungry people around the world and right here in Austin. Learn more about CROP Hunger Walk here.
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Social Justice Conversation with Rev. John Elford
Sunday, March 6
4:30-6:00 p.m.
Garrison Chapel and Zoom
Since retiring from University UMC, Austin, Rev. Elford has been working on a book on Methodism and race. It’s a brief history of (white American) Methodism, from John Wesley to the present day, through the lens of racism, white privilege, and white supremacy. This class time will focus on a few key examples from the draft of his book. Please use the link below or visit the website to register, whether joining in-person or via Zoom. If you participate via Zoom, the link will be sent when you register.
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Caregiver Support Group
Wednesday, March 9, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Zoom
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. Rev. Cathy Stone and Judy Breckbill are the hosts for this time that is open to those currently caring for a loved one or recently in this role, whether in-home or miles apart. Email Judy Breckbill with questions or for the Zoom link.
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Cheer Museum Trip
Thursday, March 10, 2:00 p.m.
Elizabet Ney Museum
304 E 44th St, Austin, TX 78751
The Cheers Ministry, a community for those young-at-heart who are recently retired, semi-retired, or thinking about setting a date to retire, invites you to join them at Elisabet Ney Museum in Hyde Park. If you are interested in seeing a bit of old, old Austin, plan to gather for an interesting tour of her sculpture studio. Weather allowing, we will walk across the street for snacks and cold drinks or coffee in Shipe Park. For more information, contact Dick Young.
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Mercy Makers Collective
Saturdays, March 12 and 19,
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
FLC Foyer
The Mercy Makers Collective is a new community of knitters, crocheters, and other fabric makers that are joining together to provide textiles to members in need in and around our community. If you want to learn to knit or crochet--or if you already know how and want to help train new makers--join us for one of our Saturday workshops, March 12 and 19, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Come for the whole thing or drop in as you please! All adults and children (age 8 and up) are welcome to attend. We'll have snacks, fellowship, and fun!
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Mercy & Justice Action Groups
The Mercy & Justice team is looking for people to be part of our action groups! Action groups are lay driven groups focused on a specific area - doing the work and inviting others into the work. We're multiplying ministry! Action groups are currently working in these areas: anti-racism, immigration, LGBTQ justice and support, environmental/climate, and reproductive justice. The work of these groups is guided by awareness, relationships, and commitment. If you would like to learn more or join one of these action groups, please email Pastor Cathy Stone.
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Book Study:
His Truth is Marching On
Tuesdays, March 15-April 12
6:30-8:00 p.m., Zoom
Join Pastor Cathy Stone as we spend five weeks reading and exploring the themes of Jon Meacham’s book, His Truth is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope. This intimate and revealing portrait of civil rights icon and longtime U.S. congressman John Lewis links his life to the painful quest for justice in America from the 1950s to the present. Drawing on decades of wide-ranging interviews with Lewis and deep research into the history of the civil rights movement, Meacham writes of how this great-grandson of a slave and a son of an Alabama tenant farmer was inspired by the Bible and his teachers in nonviolence, Reverend James Lawson and Martin Luther King, Jr., to put his life on the line in the service of what Abraham Lincoln called “the better angels of our nature.” Zoom link will be sent with registration.
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Now Hiring Childcare Staff
FUMC is looking for a responsible, loving Childcare Coordinator to manage our Sunday morning childcare classrooms and staff. This is a 6-hour per week position, from 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on Sundays, with 1 hour of time at your discretion. In addition, FUMC is hiring new Childcare Staff to work 4 hours per week, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Sundays. Opportunities to earn extra hours may be offered for both positions on occasion. Please email Jen Seibel with any questions and to apply.
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An Update on Sunday Morning Childcare
Because of these staffing needs, childcare is currently unavailable. We will reopen on Sunday, March 6 for the 10:00 a.m. Sunday School hour and 11:00 a.m. service.
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FEBRUARY MISSION EMPHASIS |
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Each month we highlight a ministry or program that we see transforming lives and invite you to support it with your prayers and gifts above and beyond your regular financial support. This month’s mission emphasis is Huston-Tillotson University. As Austin’s oldest institution of higher education and its only Historically Black College and University (HBCU), the university is a sacred space. HBCUs play a vital role in dismantling racial inequity, developing community, and educating future world leaders.
Join our continuing investment in the students and the work of Huston-Tillotson University through their Annual Fund. Your gifts, marked "Huston-Tillotson," may be left in the Offering basket as you leave the Sanctuary, made online, or sent to the church during the month of February. To donate online, select "Other Designated" from the drop-down menu and indicate "Huston-Tillotson" in the memo section.
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Within Our Congregation
Mack Adams, Shirley Derryberry, Sam Miller, Sallie Novinger, Andrew Pyle, and Dan Wood.
Condolences to the family and friends of Sandra Green.
Condolences to Tabatha Stephens on the death of her grandmother, Yvonne Slaughter.
Beyond Our Congregation
Curt Ashmos’ friend, Elissa Marek; Robbie Ausley’s brother, Glen Holt; Teresa Baker’s cousin, Nate Barns; Grady Basler’s sister, Tonya Basler Stout; Cheryl Bias’ niece, Lauren Stafford; Fay Brown’s sister, Jo Rene Altenburg; George Gaston’s friend, Dr. Robert Wootton; Nancy Haines’ sister, Betsy Henson; Sara and John Hathaway’s son, Jack; Marcia Houston’s mother, Johnnie; Mary Higgs’ son, Phil Higgs; Larry Peters’ brother-in-law, Mike Gossett; Ellis Pittman’s niece, Freya; Cindy Reidland’s friends, Carly Faulkner and Colton Wimberly; Kathryn Tullos’ friends, Lynne, Hayleigh, and Tony; Cindy Walter’s brother-in-law, Rob Stubbs.
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Contact Us
First United Methodist Church
1201 Lavaca St. Austin, TX 78701
(512) 478-5684
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