Epiphany Sunday
Sunday, January 9
Preacher: Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
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9:00 and 11:00 a.m.
We are asking members to resume registering 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 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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Magi-cal Mystery Tour
10:00-10:45 a.m.
Church Parking Lot
Start your new year with joy by celebrating Christ’s light in the world with your church family. Join us on a “Magi-cal” Mystery Tour as we participate in a scavenger hunt around campus in search of the Magi! Start in the church parking lot to receive your clues to finding them and maybe a camel or two on the way. Think you are up for the quest!? Families, individuals, children, and adults all are welcome! Children and youth will not have regular Sunday School class that day. This event is being planned in a Covid-safe way and can be a suitable Sunday morning option for those not comfortable coming to worship at this time. Sign up to bring muffins online.
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FEAST: TOAST Happy Hour
4:30-6:00 p.m.
Zoom
Join us to check in, share, and connect with Dr. Brad King and young adults ages 20-45! Bring a story. Bring a friend. Reach out to Dr. Brad King to get added to the FEAST mailing list at brad@fumcaustin.org or to register.
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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 Stone at cathy@fumcaustin.org with questions and to coordinate drop-off.
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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 Stone with questions at cathy@fumcaustin.org.
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Caregiver Support Group
Wednesday, January 12, 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. 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 at judybreckbill25@gmail.com with questions or for the Zoom link.
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Kids' Night Out
Friday, January 14, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
EDU 102-108 and Wesley Hall
Pizza, fun with peers, and a movie = fun for kids ages infants through 4th grade and time off for the grown ups! Supervision by our paid childcare and children’s ministry staff. Suggested donation is $10 per child to help offset food and staff costs. Contact children@fumcaustin.org to receive notifications of dates and how you can register for any of our events.
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Connect for Tweens
Friday, January 14, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Family Life Center
All 5th, 6th, and 7th graders are invited to Connect, a program just for Tweens! We cook dinner together, play games, and talk about pre-teen life. Connect bridges First UMC’s children and youth ministries through building relationships, serving, and helping youth connect with one another and with God during the transitional pre-teen years. Contact Youth Director Devon Bailey at devon@fumcaustin.org for more information.
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Deep Dive Into Scripture
Sunday, January 16, 12:15-1:00 p.m.
Sanctuary
Join us for our monthly churchwide Bible study! Every third Sunday of the month, Pastor Brad King (or a special guest) will lead a discussion of one or more passages read in church that month. If you are interested, stay in your pew after the 11:00 a.m. service or come back and join us.
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Engage Spring Kickoff & Parent Meeting
January 16, 4:30-7:00 p.m.
FLC Garrison Chapel and Great Hall
Youth and their adults are invited to our Engage Spring Kickoff! We'll play games and take a look at the spring and summer ahead for the youth program.
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The Hate U Give Movie and Discussion
Sunday, January 16, 5:00-7:45 p.m.
Zoom
Join us for a virtual screening and discussion of The Hate U Give. In this film, Starr Carter is constantly switching between two worlds -- the poor, mostly black neighborhood where she lives and the wealthy, mostly white prep school that she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is soon shattered when she witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend at the hands of a police officer. Facing pressure from all sides of the community, Starr must find her voice and decide to stand up for what's right. We will gather online to watch the film and have a brief discussion following the movie unpacking the film's themes. If you so choose, you can watch the movie on your own and then join us for the discussion following the film around 7:20 p.m. Zoom link sent with registration. For more information, please email Pastor Cathy at cathy@fumcaustin.org.
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How to Fight Racism Book or Video Study
How do we effectively confront racial injustice? We need to move beyond talking about racism and start equipping ourselves to fight against it. How to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey Toward Racial Justice provides groups and individuals with practical tools and suggestions, actionable items, and real-world examples of change, to enable them to confront racism in relationships and in everyday life. There is hope for transforming our nation and the world, and you can be part of the solution.
Book Study:
Tuesdays, January 18-February 15, 6:30-7:00 p.m.
Zoom
In this follow-up to the New York Times Bestseller The Color of Compromise, Jemar Tisby offers an array of actionable items to confront racism. How to Fight Racism introduces a simple framework that teaches readers to consistently interrogate their own actions and maintain a consistent posture of anti-racist behavior. Zoom invitation will be sent with registration. Contact Pastor Cathy at cathy@fumcaustin.org for additional information. We encourage you to purchase the book locally at Black Pearl Books or Book People. Register for book study.
Video Series:
Sundays, January 23-February 20, 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Zoom
How to Fight Racism Video Study is a how-to guide for pursuing racial justice. It is long past time to move beyond mere discussions about racism, and equip people with practical tools and suggestions to actually do something about it. Zoom invitation will be sent with registration. Contact Pastor Cathy at cathy@fumcaustin.org for additional information. No preparation or homework between sessions, just show up ready to engage in anti-racist action. Register for video series.
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Draw the Circle Wide: Texas UMW Legislative Event
Saturday-Tuesday, January 22-25
In-Person and/or Zoom
This event brings together women of faith from across the Lone Star State to learn, pray, and advocate for freedom, justice, and opportunity for all God’s children. Legislative Event 2022 focuses on providing Texas women concrete information and strategies to advocate for UMW’s national priorities: climate justice and racial justice. A major theme will be elections and voting, including innovative ways for faith communities to provide nonpartisan election leadership. There are both in-person and online participation options, along with a weekend-only registration option. For more information or to register, visit texasimpact.org/event/umw-legislative-event-2022.
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FEAST: Aliens and Jesus
Sunday, January 23, 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Zoom
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! For more information and/or to get on the FEAST mailing list, visit fumcaustin.org/FEAST or email Pastor Brad King at brad@fumcaustin.org.
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Curtis Higgs Prodigals New Study: The Sin of Certainty
Begins Monday, January 24, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Zoom Online
The Prodigals will begin discussing The Sin of Certainty: Why God Desires Our Trust More Than Our "Correct" Beliefs by Peter Enns on Monday, January 24. The author offers a model of vibrant faith that views skepticism not as a loss of belief but as an opportunity to deepen religious conviction with courage and confidence. Men of all ages are welcome to join. For more information, contact Randy Teich at randy.teich53@gmail.com or call 512-426-7769.
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Mercy & Justice Fifth Sunday Presentation
Sunday, January 30, 10:00-10:45 a.m.
Sanctuary/Zoom Online
We are committed to join 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. You may attend in person or virtually. Zoom link provided after registration. Contact Pastor Cathy at cathy@fumcaustin.org for more information. Register online.
“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
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High School Retreat
February 18-20
Mo-Ranch
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. Registration is open now and spaces are limited. Cost $150 and includes food when we arrive, lodging, transportation, activities and an exclusive shirt for the weekend. Registration closes February 1.
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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 at cathy@fumcaustin.org.
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VBS 2022: Knights of North Castle
Monday-Thursday, July 25-28, 2022, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
FUMC is excited for Vacaction 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 children@fumcaustin.org for more information or to find out how to volunteer.
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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” may be mailed to the church during January. |
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Submit a prayer request online.
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Within Our Congregation
Mack Adams, Sandy Bowles, Shirley Derryberry, Veronica Fillion, Sam Miller, Sallie Novinger, Andrew Pyle, Dick Raycraft, Susannah Willms, 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; Betty Bird’s friend, Jack Hays; Kim Bowen’s friend, John Willis; Fay Brown’s sister, Jo Rene Altenburg; George Gaston’s friend, Dr. Robert Wootton; Sandra Green’s friend, Carolyn Liner; Melanie Greene’s friend, Annie Dragoo; Nancy Haines’s sister, Betsy Henson, Marcia Houston’s mother, Johnnie; Caroline Jones’s friends, the Willis-Proulx family; Judy Kostura’s friend, Dale Felton and family; Terri Purdy’s friends, the Ledford family; Andrew Pyle’s father, James Pyle; Mary Faye Randolph’s cousin Aly Page and family; Cindy Reidland’s friends, Carly and Colton Wimberly; Donna Shand’s friend, Michael Morrisette; Alan Stephens’ mother-in-law, Betty McBride.
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Contact Us
First United Methodist Church
1201 Lavaca St. Austin, TX 78701
(512) 478-5684
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