The United Methodist Church urges “congregations to advocate at the local and national level for laws that prevent or reduce gun violence.” You can learn more here. We marched in 2018 when students organized the first March for Our Lives after the shooting at Margery Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. But in the last month alone, mass shootings have injured at least 332 people and killed 92, including 10 in an act of racial violence in Buffalo, NY, and 21 children and teachers at Ross Elementary School in Uvalde, TX. Once again, it’s time to join communities across the nation calling for an end to gun violence. Invite your neighbors, family, and friends to join their voices with ours!

The Mercy & Justice team invites you to gather in Wesley Hall at 9:30AM for a poster making party and then move across to the Capitol together. One of the gifts that FUMC can contribute to collective advocacy is our location. We need a team to host the poster party and provide hospitality/restrooms for the public during the march. If you’re interested in serving in this way, email Pastor Cathy Stone or or sign up below. We hope to see you Saturday!

Rainbow on the Creek is a free, family-friendly celebration that connects, educates, and celebrates Austin’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQIA+) community. Expect live music, dance and drag performances from local artists and performers, and interactive exhibits from Austin’s LGBTQ+ nonprofits, small businesses, and gender affirming/sexual health service providers. Learn more>

In anticipation of the Pride parade returning on Saturday, August 13, we’ll chat about why the church participates, plan for this year, and dream about what comes with Pride and everyday allyship, especially as we learn together how to support trans kids and their families. Questions? Contact Pastor Cathy Stone.

Pray Away Screening & Discussion 

FUMC is co-hosting the Austin screening of Pray Away, the Netflix documentary that follows former former leaders and a survivor of the “conversion therapy” movement as they speak out about its lasting harm and devastating persistence.

As hosts, FUMC needs volunteers to help set-up. We are also forming a care team, who will serve as a listening and supportive presence to those who need. that at the event. To volunteer in one of these ways, email Pastoral Intern Becca Edwards.

This group is beginning a study of Saving Grace: Speak Your Truth, Stay Centered, and Learn to Coexist with People Who Drive You Nuts. Author Kirsten Powers writes with wit and insight about our country's poisonous political discourse, chronicling the efforts she has made to stay grounded and preserve her sanity in a post-truth era that has driven many of us to the edge. Saving Grace offers a template for a different kind of America, one where we can engage with people who hold opposing views without sacrificing our values or our passionate beliefs in the causes we care about. Men of all ages who enjoy book studies and discussion based on scripture are welcome to join. For more information, contact Randy Teich.

The Cheers Ministry, a community for those young-at-heart who are recently retired and semi-retired, is meeting at the Paramount Theatre for the Summer Classic Film presentation of Bonnie & Clyde. Tickets are $14/person. Doors open at 7:00PM. Contact Dick Young with questions or visit the Paramount website for more info about the film.

This Father's Day, give the father figures in your life a gift with lasting impact and support youth mission. Next week, high school students leave for Eastern Kentucky and Appalachian Service Project, kicking off our summer of mission. Your gifts not only honor those you love, they support and encourage young people and help us serve vulnerable neighbors. Visit the website for a complete list of alternative Father's Day gifts or invest in youth mission by buying stock online or on Sunday morning at the table on the sidewalk between the Sanctuary and Education Building.

Young adults and young professionals (mid-20s to mid-40s) are welcome. At most of our events, we dig into the complex and/or difficult aspects of our lives and faith, but sometimes we just need to relax, enjoy one another's company, and TOAST all we have to celebrate! To RSVP for this event or for more information about any FEAST events, visit www.fumcaustin.org/feast or email Pastor Brad King.

Come as you can to Coffee Talk, a brief, casual time of connection this summer. On Sunday mornings, we will meet in Murchison Chapel to learn together about the power of play, freedom, and joy in the church's shared commitment to advocacy. Whether you are in town one weekend or all summer, you are welcome to this chance to meet people and help us dream about how to help our community flourish. For more information, contact Pastor Cathy Stone or Pastoral Intern Becca Edwards.

Prepare to armor up for this year’s VBS at this lunch and training. Learn of our noble quest and your role to play in it. This training is for any youth or adult interested in volunteering the week of July 25-28. Save your seat at the knights’ table by making your reservation now at fumcaustin.org/vbs. Questions? Contact Lara Greene. 

Adult ministry leaders with children, youth, and vulnerable adults are required by Rio Texas Conference policy to complete a three-step background check and safety training certification process. For more information, visit fumcaustin.org/safety-training or contact Emily Buchanan.