THIS SUNDAY
Sunday, January 30
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: Luke 4:21-30
9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Please register for worship services to allow for contact tracing in the event of a Covid-19 exposure. Capacity is not limited at this time. Register online. Virtual worship is 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.
Charge Conference 
Sunday, January 30, 1:00 p.m.
Zoom
Administrative Board members are asked to attend a brief zoom Charge Conference on Sunday, January 30 at 1:00 p.m. Agenda items include passage of the 2022 budget and voting on the approval and continuation of candidates for ordained ministry. Administrative Board members have voting rights, but anyone who wishes to join is welcome. 
Join Via Zoom
Zoom opens at 12:50 p.m.
Meeting ID: 953 1057 3125
Password: welcome 
Phone: 1-312-626-6799  
Mercy & Justice Fifth Sunday Presentation: Critical Race Theory
Sunday, January 30, 10:00-10:45 a.m.
Sanctuary/Zoom
We are committed to joining God in the work of justice as we learn, name, and work to eradicate injustice in our church, our community, and around the world. The Mercy & Justice Team invites you to come learn about and discuss Critical Race Theory. 

“Critical Race Theory can provide resources to think about the ways the sin of racism permeates the fabric of our society in all its dimensions. Where there is suffering and inequality, Christians are called to mourn, repent of the ways we contribute to the problem, and join together to challenge the broader structures that produce injustice.” 
—The Rev. Dr. Hyemin Na, Assistant Professor of Religion, Media and Culture at Drew Theological School, Madison, NJ

You may attend in person or virtually. Zoom link provided after registration. Contact Pastor Cathy for more information.
NEWS & EVENTS
Stay up-to-date on events at fumcaustin.org/events.
Caregiver Support Group
Wednesday, February 2, 5:30-6:30pm
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. 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 recently in this role, whether in-home or miles apart. Email Judy Breckbill with questions or for the Zoom link.
Sign Up Today: High School Retreat Deadline Approaches
February 18-20
Mo-Ranch in Hunt, TX
All High School aged youth are invited to a weekend away in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. We'll play games, swim, kayak, eat s'mores, and have some quality fellowship. 

Cost is $150/person and includes food when we arrive, lodging, transportation, activities and an exclusive shirt for the weekend. Registration is open now and spaces are limited. Sign up now before registration closes February 1. Question? Contact Director of Youth Ministries Devon Bailey.
Celebrating the Ministry of 
Shirley Derryberry
Sunday, February 13, 12:15-2:00 p.m.
FLC Great Hall
The First Church community invites you to celebrate the 34-year music ministry of Shirley Derryberry. Shirley’s life-long love of music and her musical education background created the perfect combination for her service with youth and adult hand bell choirs and children’s music. We will honor Shirley’s dedication and commitment during the 11:00 a.m. worship service, followed by a reception afterward. A collection basket for notes and love offerings will be available at the reception. Offerings can also be made through online giving by designating "Love Offering for Shirley Derryberry."
Baptism Preparation Class
Sunday, February 20, 12:15-2:00 p.m.
EDU Room 108
Thinking about having your child baptized? Pastor Taylor Fuerst and Director of Children's Ministries Lara Greene host this class for parents to discuss our beliefs about Baptism, logistical information about scheduling and service preparation, and ways to help your child live the baptized life. This class is required for those preparing for baptism and is only offered twice each year. Lunch provided. Childcare available upon request. 
SAVE THE DATE
Austin CROP Hunger Walk
Sunday, March 6 - SAVE THE DATE!
Camp Mabry + Virtual
In 2022, we will continue to fight against disease, disaster, displacement, and other challenges that leave people hungry. Join with us as we raise funds to help neighbors near and far get the meals they need for today and sustainable food security for tomorrow! Watch for registration and details soon. For more information, contact Pastor Cathy.
VBS 2022: Knights of North Castle
Monday-Thursday, July 25-28, 2022, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

FUMC is excited for Vacation Bible School this summer - Knights of North Castle: Quest for the King’s Armor, which invites children to take up the gauntlet and learn to be a knight who is strong with God's power! VBS is for preschool and elementary-aged children (ages 4 years through completed 5th grade). Youth and adult volunteers also get to join the fun! Registration link available soon. Email [email protected] for more information or to find out how to volunteer.
ONGOING WAYS TO SERVE
Assemble Manna Bags at Home
We continue to collect assembled bags for our hungry neighbors experiencing homelessness. Manna bags include: bottle of water, Nutri Grain fruit bar, peanut butter or cheese cracker sandwiches, juice box, raisins, tuna or chicken lunch kit, socks, and an encouraging message such as “God loves you.” Completed bags may be dropped off at the Family Life Center. Email Pastor Cathy with questions and to coordinate drop-off.
Cold Weather Shelter
During the winter months, we provide shelter for women on Tuesday nights when the predicted overnight low is expected to be 35 degrees and wet or 32 degrees and dry. We have shifts to welcome and greet guests, provide/serve dinner, and act as overnight hosts. Sign up online or contact Pastor Cathy with questions.
JOB OPENINGS
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.
JANUARY MISSION EMPHASIS
Our January mission emphasis is the Immigration Care Team (ICT), a ministry offering active support and provision to asylum seekers and other immigrants. Formed in April 2020, ITC is currently providing ongoing financial resources for a young woman from a Central African country seeking asylum. Contributions to the Immigration Care Team will help cover living expenses and any legal costs that arise for her while she goes through the asylum process. Prayers for the work of this team and the asylum seeker are appreciated! 

Gifts can be made online or a check marked “Immigration Care Team” can be mailed to the church during January.
PRAYER CONCERNS
Submit a prayer request online.
Within Our Congregation
Mack Adams, Dave Ballbach, Laurie Barr, Shirley Derryberry, Veronica Fillion, Sandra Green, Brenda Hostler, Sam Miller, Sallie Novinger, Kisa Kostura Polk, Andrew Pyle, Susannah Willms, and Dan Wood.

Congratulations to Bob and Debbie Block on the birth of their first great-grandchild, Jackson Cole Ruthven.

Condolences to the family and friends of Sandy Bowles on her death. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 5, at 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary.

Beyond Our Congregation
Curt Ashmos’ friend, Elissa Marek; Grady Basler’s sister, Tonya Basler Stout; Cheryl Bias’ niece, Lauren Stafford; Craig Blome’s and Tamra Golden’s niece, Morgan Young; Fay Brown’s sister, Jo Rene Altenburg; Jim Champlin’s friend, John Kerastas; George Gaston’s friend, Dr. Robert Wootton; Marijo Hartman’s brother, Buddy Rector; Marijo Hartman’s friend, Gloria Frizell; John Hathaway’s son, Jack; Marcia Houston’s mother, Johnnie; Julie Nelson’s friend, Donna Fowler; Paul Parsons’s sister, Pam Parsons; Delia Peters’s mother, Ruby Ybarra; Cindy Reidland’s friends, Carly and Colton Wimberly; Merry Rightmer’s friend, Warren Hayes; Debbie Shaw’s son and daughter-in-law, Stacy and Curtis Shaw; Margaret and Terry; Steve.  

Condolences to the families and friends of Ron Franklin and the Reverend Jim Turley on their deaths.
Contact Us
First United Methodist Church
1201 Lavaca St. Austin, TX 78701
(512) 478-5684