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Sunday, December 4
Sermon: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12
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9:00AM and 11:00AM | Sanctuary
Worship is livestreamed at 11:00AM each Sunday and is available online through our YouTube Channel and Facebook page.
Austin/Travis County's community COVID level is currently low. At this time, masks are optional for adults and children participating in childcare, Sunday School, and worship. For more information about this community of faith's approach to masking, visit our website.
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Masking Updates and Precautions
While community COVID levels remain officially low, decreased reporting and high incidences of other respiratory illnesses like flu and RSV have led to a pediatric health crisis that is once again stretching local healthcare workers and resources. As a faith community, we are called to mindful care for the most vulnerable. At this time, adult staff and volunteers who work with children will be required to wear masks. Children are invited to mask at their level of comfort.
We urge you to consider the health of young children in our community as well as the healthcare workers who are doing their very best to provide care to all who need it. Please join us virtually for worship if you are feeling unwell. We also encourage you to mask in worship, at special events, and other large gatherings at First Church and throughout the festive holiday season. Masks will be available for those who would like one in our Sunday school and worship spaces.
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Decorating and Holiday Stroll
Saturday, December 3
4:00-8:30PM
SAN Wesley Hall and Playground
Kick off your holiday by decorating spaces around the church and offering hospitality to Austinites of all ages heading to and 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 5:30-6:30PM in
Wesley Hall. Beginning at 6:00PM, volunteers will greet event attendees with hot chocolate, cookies, and bathroom access. Sign up for our decorating team, potluck, and/or hospitality team.
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Donations Needed for Pickle Book Sale
Sundays, December 4 and 11
Sanctuary Foyer and SAN Library
Forget Black Friday or Cyber Monday! One of our favorite sales of the year is back—the Pickle Elementary winter book sale! Before the sale begins, check your shelves, add to your own shopping list, and ask your family and friends to donate new or gently used books—PreK-5th grade appropriate current titles, please. Drop off donations in the Library or in the bin off of the Sanctuary Foyer on Sunday, December 11, or contact Heather Schuelke to arrange pick up/ drop off or to volunteer at the sale. We will host the book sale on Friday, December 16, from 8:30AM-12:00PM, at Pickle, and give students the chance to buy new and gently used books for a quarter. While we sell the book s so kids feel ownership of the ones they choose, the small fee also helps us buy popular titles and bilingual books. Help us make this special holiday sale happen!
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Sock Collection for Feed My People Christmas Breakfast
December 4-18
Murchison Chapel, Sanctuary Foyer, FLC Foyer
We are collecting new, white, adult-sized crew or tube socks to give to our unhoused neighbors at our annual Feed My People Christmas Breakfast. As you are out shopping, please consider picking up a bag or two of socks. You may place your donations in the collection bins through December 18. You may also bring your donations to the church office Monday-Thursday from 9:00AM-2:30PM.
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Administrative Board
Sunday, December 4
12:15-2:00PM
FLC Great Hall
All are welcome to attend and participate in discussion, though only Administrative Board members have voting rights. Lunch will be from Cheryl’s Catering, a local Black-owned business. Reserve yours when you register at fumcaustin.org/admin-board, and choose to make a $13.50 prepaid donation. Childcare will be provided in EDU Room 104. Contact Amy Wink with questions about this event.
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FINAL WEEK
Christmas Poinsettia Sale
Deadline: Sunday, December 4
Poinsettias on the communion rails, around the trees, in the foyers... 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, with proceeds benefitting our Christmas Offering. You may order poinsettias by turning in the form below, by emailing Tami Kellberg at tami@fumcaustin.org or 512-478-5684 (ext. 226), or online using the link below.
Orders must be turned in by 5:00PM on December 4. Plants can be picked up after worship on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
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Caregiver Support Group
Wednesday, December 7
8:00-9:00PM
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 who have recently been in this role, whether in-home or miles apart. For questions or the Zoom link, email Judy.
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Caregiver Support Group
Saturday, December 10
2:00PM
8134 Mesa Drive
The FUMC Care team invites you to support caregivers and receivers this season. The Love Notes Chorus, Austin’s first choir specifically designed for those with Alzheimer’s and other cognitive issues, their care givers, and volunteers, will present their fall performance, "Music Takes Flight," on Saturday, December 10 at 2:00PM in the Sanctuary at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. Admission is free but donations are always welcome. This performance is guaranteed to begin your holiday season with joy!
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Children's Christmas Musical
Sunday, December 11
10:00-10:45AM
SAN Wesley Hall
With traditional Christmas pageant hymns and costumes, audience members—young and old—will enjoy this interactive musical as the Children’s Choir presents the story of Christ’s birth in song. All children who attend will be invited to participate. Children may attend with their families or with their Sunday School classes. Children who would like a special part in the musical are invited to arrive at Wesley Hall at 9:45AM to prepare for the performance.
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Charge Conference
Sunday, December 11 | 5:00PM | Zoom
Interim District Superintendent Andy Smith will preside as we join with other churches across the district to celebrate our connection and do the business of the church. All are welcome to participate. For more information, contact Amy Wink. Zoom link sent with registration.
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First Steps
Sunday, December 11
12:15-2:00PM
FLC Garrison Chapel
Meet the pastors and staff in this informal gathering during which you are encouraged to ask questions about this community of faith and explore what it means to be a member of FUMC-Austin. Lunch is provided! For more information, contact Amy Wink.
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Another Look at the Christmas Story
Sunday, December 18
10:00-10:45AM
SAN Wesley Hall
We often talk about “the” Christmas story, but there are, in fact, many different versions. None of these versions match up perfectly, but all of them tell us something about the extraordinary child at the center of our faith. Join Pastor Brad King to learn about the Christmas story over cookies, hot chocolate, and some great conversation.
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Engage for Youth: Christmas Party and White Elephant Gift Exchange
Sunday, December 11
4:30-7:00PM
Family Life Center
All Middle and High School aged youth are invited to our end-of-year Engage Christmas party. Dinner will be provided and families are invited to bring a dessert or side dish (think Super Bowl foods). Youth are also invited to bring a "White Elephant" gift that could be something from home or something $10 or less that would be enjoyed or laughed about by any stranger. The more creative the better.
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Cookie Baking for the Christmas Breakfast
Sunday, December 18
3:00-6:00PM
FLC Great Hall and Kitchen
Calling all bakers! Bring your favorite holiday apron and come bake cookies! With our certified kitchen, we are no longer able to distribute cookies baked at home. So, we are starting a new tradition of baking these sweet treats right in our kitchen. Come as a family or on your own—all baking supplies and utensils are provided! Sign up below and get ready for some baking fun!
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Mobile Loaves & Fishes for First Timers
Sunday, December 18
4:00PM
SAN Wesley Hall
Help feed people experiencing homelessness daily on the streets of Austin. We are offering a monthly opportunity primarily for first-time individuals or families of FUMC to serve with Mobile Loaves and Fishes. We have 1-2 veteran volunteers for each run who will be there to lead the way! Volunteers can serve on the make-ready team at 4-5 pm, the truck team at 5-7:00 pm, or both! Families are welcome - children can easily participate.
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Blue Christmas
Wednesday, December 21
7:00PM
EDU Murchison Chapel
How come I don’t feel it? In the midst of the wonder and expectation of Advent, many of us might feel out of step with the joy and excitement of Christmas. Some of us have lost loved ones or face the “happy” holidays feeling blue with grief or depression. Join us for this special worship service on the longest night to acknowledge our grief and longing for hope.
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Feed My People Christmas Breakfast
Thursday, December 22
6:30-8:30AM
Family Life Center
At Christmas, our guests enjoy coffee and Christmas music beginning at 6:30AM, breakfast will be served at 7:00AM. Volunteers are also needed to prepare food and decorate on Wednesday, December 21. Many in our congregation have made these volunteer opportunities a significant part of their Christmas season. Spaces fill fast, so sign up now!
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Wonderfully Made: Preteen Human Sexuality Workshop
January 27-28, 2023
Family Life Center
Wonderfully Made is a weekend workshop that offers you and your young person opportunities to learn, grow, and celebrate that we are all created by God, in all our many facets—including human sexuality—and God calls us good. God also calls us to responsible living as sexual beings. The weekend’s sessions include facilitated conversation for preteens (ages 10-12) and their parents about adolescent physical and spiritual growth. Preteens may invite friends, but all participants must commit to attend all sessions throughout the weekend and at least one parent/guardian is required to attend both sessions for caregiving adults. Spaces are limited, so register soon at fumcaustin.org/wonderfully-made. The deadline for registration is January 13 and the cost is $50/participant.
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Texas United Women in Faith Legislative Event
January 29-31, 2023
Early Bird Registration Ends December 5!
Join with women of faith from across Texas to advocate boldly for justice and transform communities! The Texas United Women in Faith invite women of faith from across Texas to the 36h annual Texas Legislative Event! We welcome all who are committed to justice, freedom, and opportunity for all people, especially women and children. Presented in partnership with Texas Impact, the event includes two days of speakers, inspiration, and workshops where you can connect with women like you are ready to put their faith into action. On the third day, attendees will visit the Capitol and meet with lawmakers.
Register now to explore the issues, be inspired, and learn to advocate for public policies that promote the well-being of all Texans. Please visit Texas Impact for additional information and registration or register using the button below..
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Being a teenager is hard, even without having to navigate the ongoing "new normal" of pandemic life, but our youth group has been growing the bonds of friendship even as they grow in numbers. This fall, 24 middle schoolers (6-8 grade) headed out to Mo Ranch, trading their cell phones and life pressures for a weekend of friends and faith, a chance for kids to catch their breath and to connect with each other and with God's beautiful creation.
Meanwhile, back in Austin, 49 parents and children enjoyed our picnic for young families at Pease Park. a first gathering that has led many of those participants to form a new Sunday School class for parents to build friendships that will challenge and grow their faith while sustaining them through the challenging seasons of parenting.
All year long, FUMC ministries are impacting lives in downtown Austin and beyond, and we take pride in the work we do beyond our walls. Still, when we say, "transformation happens here," we do mean right here. We worship and sing, study and pray, serve and celebrate together, believing that through this community of faith, the true and transformative relationship we come to have with God and with each other is changing us so that we can continue to join God's work of changing the world.
As we approach the celebration of Christmas, we give thanks for all that God has done in and through us! When you make a gift to FUMC this Christmas, you support these opportunities for formation and transformation in the lives of the people of every age that God sends through our doors—both on Lavaca Street and online—each week.
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Submit a prayer request online.
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Within Our Congregation
Lynn Bunton, The Drazic Family, Pat Freeman, Julia Herman, Chris Higgs, Mary Higgs, Annemarie Potts, Mimi Raper, Ken Santos, David Strong, John Rippetoe, Ann Thurman, Dan Wood, and Cecily Wright.
Beyond Our Congregation
Jo Rene Altenberg, sister of Fay Brown; Bianca, our At the Well neighbor; Jeanie Camp, mother of Doug Camp; Sadie, Mark, and Benny Cotton, friends of Sandy Pennington; John and Barbara Fleming, friends of Linda Van Horne; Johnnie Houston, mother of Marcia Houston; Elissa Marek, friend of Curt Ashmos; Patty McCormick, Mitzi Moore, and Vickye Patrick, friends of Jan Ashmos; Terry Scarborough, friend of Tom Ausley; Joanna Schottler, friend of Linda Van Horne; Dianne Skinnell, friend of Shirley Derryberry; Lauren Stafford, niece of Cheryl Bias; Tonya Basler Stout, sister of Grady Basler; Wyatt Swann, friend of Donna Shands; Megan and Nick Tucholski, niece and nephew of Shirley Derryberry; Kathy Walter, sister of Tim Walter; and Al Wilkinson, grandfather of Cody Kyle.
Condolences to Virginia McCarroll on the death of her friend, Tom Scates.
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Contact Us
First United Methodist Church
1201 Lavaca St. Austin, TX 78701
(512) 478-5684
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