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THIS SUNDAY

Sunday, February 12

Preaching: Rev. Taylor Fuerst

Firing the God of Safety

WORSHIP GUIDE
REGISTER ATTENDANCE

What to Expect this Sunday

Because of repair work taking place in the Sanctuary this week, we will meet for worship in the Great Hall of the Family Life Center, located at the corner of 13th Street and Lavaca. Worship in person with FUMC at 9:00AM and 11:00AM. Worship is also livestreamed on Sunday mornings at 11:00AM and is available online through our YouTube Channel and Facebook page.


For more information about our current COVID recommendations, visit our website.

THIS WEEK

Stay up-to-date on events at fumcaustin.org/events.

Coffee with the Pastors: Becoming a Reproductive Freedom Congregation

Sunday, February 12

FLC Garrison Chapel

As we approach our March vote on becoming a Reproductive Freedom Congregation—at the invitation of Just Texas, a project of the Texas Freedom Network—you are invited to Coffee with the Pastors as we continue to discern together. Bring any questions you have about this process and what it means to be a Reproductive Freedom Congregation for this brief time of conversation and sharing with FUMC pastors. *Please note location change to FLC Garrison Chapel.

Little Red Wagon

Sundays in February

FLC Foyer

Looking for resources to support learning and conversations during Black History Month? Books are a great place to begin for people of every age! The Little Red Library will be available in the Family Life Center Foyer before and after worship today. This red cart houses books for adults and children, all available for checkout. Children’s books are one of the most effective and practical tools for initiating these critical conversations no matter your age. They can also be used to model what it means to resist and dismantle oppression. Please browse the Little Red Library throughout February on your way to and from worship. Contact Pastor Cathy Stone at with any questions.

First Steps

Sunday, February 12

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.

SIGN UP NOW

TOAST Happy Hour

Sunday, February 12

4:30PM

Scholz Garten | 1607 San Jacinto Blvd.

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! Contact Pastor Brad King for details and to learn more about other FEAST events.

OTHER NEWS & EVENTS

Austin Marathon: Cheering Our Neighbors On

Sunday, February 19

Cheering - 9:00-10:00AM

FUMC Sidewalks

Fellowship - 10:00-11:00AM

EDU Murchison Chapel

The Austin Marathon will once again bring thousands of runners past the church on their way to the finish line. Our downtown location is perfect for encouraging them as they head to the finish line at the Capitol! You are invited to join the cheering section. Wear your FUMC t-shirts and bring signs of encouragement to cheer them on as they run in front of the Family Life Center and around the church. Maybe you will even see some faces you recognize among the runners! We will be serving coffee on the sidewalk at 9:00AM for you and spectators heading to watch loved ones crossing the finish line. We will even have some sign making supplies! Then at 10:00AM, coffee and donuts will be served in Murchison Chapel for a casual time of fellowship and conversation. It will be a fun morning filled with encouragement for our community and one another inside and outside the walls of the church.

Texas Interfaith

Advocacy Days

February 19-21

Texas Interfaith Advocacy Days is your opportunity to sharpen your advocacy

skills; get updates on hot policy issues; and network with Texans of faith and conscience from around the state. Texas Impact exists to put faith into action, equipping faith leaders and congregations with the information, opportunities, and outreach tools to educate and engage with lawmakers on pressing public policy issues. Whether you are a policy newbie or an old Capitol hand, there will be information and skills you can use, with engaging speakers and interactive sessions. Visit texasimpact.org/tiad-2023 to view a complete schedule, get details about training opportunities and key speakers, and register.

REGISTER TODAY

Cheers: Tour the Texas State Cemetery

Thursday, February 23

1:30PM | Visitor Center

Join Cheers, a small group for those who are recently retired or nearing

retirement, on a walk through Texas history. We will take a guided tour of The Texas State Cemetery, whose “primary purpose is to serve as the final resting place for honored Texans.” We will meet at the Visitor Center located at Navasota Street between 7th and 11th streets, where parking is available. The tour takes approximately 45 minutes. After we enjoy the tour, join us as you are able for coffee and conversation to discuss the tour, as some of the “honored Texans” may be more controversial than others! Register at fumcaustin.org/cheers.

SIGN UP NOW

Sound Bath Meditation Workshop

Saturday, February 25

2:00-3:00PM

EDU Murchison Chapel

Cost: $20

In the busy chaos of the “new normal,” it can be hard to find moments of sabbath in everyday life. Prioritizing regular self-care is one way to help bring it to fruition. First Church is excited to host highly trained meditation leader, Tracy Sage King, who will guide individuals through self-care meditation practices that be can incorporated into our daily lives. Once participants explore a relaxed, meditative state, the workshop will conclude with 30-40 minutes of crystal singing bowls, metal Himalayan bowls, and chimes to bathe the group in soothing and therapeutic sound. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to open the season of Lent with an hour of sabbath. The cost of the workshop is $20. Register at fumcaustin.org/lent.

SIGN UP NOW

Usher Training:

Join the Ministry of Welcome at FUMC

Sunday, February 26

10:00AM

Sanctuary

Current ushers and those interested in joining our awesome welcome team are invited for a brief time of training on February 26. This is a chance to review the various tasks ushers perform during a worship service, updated safety information and procedures, and how to best welcome the people God sends through the Sanctuary doors each week. While that may sound like an imposing list of tasks, ushering is a fun and easy way to meet new people and serve the church. Questions? Contact Rachel Wright.

Baptism Preparation Class

Sunday, February 26

12:15-2:00PM

SAN Library

Are you thinking about having your child Baptized? Pastor Taylor Fuerst and Lara Greene, Director of Children’s Ministries, 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 is provided and childcare is available upon request.

SIGN UP TODAY

Feed My People Fourth Tuesday Breakfast

Tuesday, February 28

5:15-7:00AM

FLC Great Hall

We need volunteers! Preparing and cooking this meal that feeds our vulnerable neighbors begins at 5:15AM and clean-up is finished by 7:00AM.

VOLUNTEER

Texas Majority to End Gun Violence Advocacy Day

Tuesday, February 28

10:30AM-4:00PM

Location TBA

Join Moms Demand Action and coalition partners on Tuesday, February 28 for Texas Advocacy Day. Moms Demand Action is a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence. Texas Advocacy Day will kick off at 10:30AM for a program and legislative learning session. Volunteers and community partners from across the state will be gathering to learn the importance of state legislation. Then we will head as a group to a rally at 12pm at the steps of the Capitol. Then we meet with legislators and advocate for change. No experience necessary to participate – training will be provided! Unite with like-minded folks from across Texas to make us safer.

RSVP NOW

FEBRUARY MISSION EMPHASIS

Our February 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.


Gifts, marked “Huston-Tillotson” may be brought to worship, mailed to or brought by the church office, or made online during the month of February.

MAKE A GIFT

PRAYER CONCERNS

Submit a prayer request online.

Within Our Congregation

Russell Deason, Pat Freeman, Madison Gove, Joe Haggard, Sally Keeler, Scott Krell, Earle Lewis, Sue Maple, Kathy Morales, Connie Payne, Mimi Raper, Becky Ratliff.


Condolences to the family and friends of Dan Wood.


Congratulations to Jeremy and Evan Klaff on the birth of their daughter, Eleanor “Norrie.”

Congratulations to Stewart and Mary Alice Williams on the birth of their son, Tabor Jeffrey.


Beyond Our Congregation

Jo Rene Altenberg, sister of Fay Brown; Jackie Barnes, cousin of Teresa Baker; Bianca, our At the Well neighbor; the Calley family, friends of Erin Scarth; Cody, beloved pet of Rick Ortiz and Ben Patterson; Rosemarie DiSarle, mother of Danielle Thoma; Mackey Greene, father of Bert Greene; David Guillet, friend of Bob Leeper; Johnnie Houston, mother of Marcia Houston; Michael Mann, brother-in-law of Colleen Lantzy; Fred Lester, brother of Dixie Houston; Elissa Marek, friend of Curt Ashmos; Patty McCormick and Mitzi Moore, friends of Jan Ashmos; Vickye Patrick, friend of Jan Ashmos; Poppy, grandfather of Patrick Thoma; Jacob Ramirez, friend of Mary Higgs; Buddy Rector, brother of Marijo Hartman; Art Richardson, uncle of Molly Drazic; Betty Lee Rightmer, mother of Jerry Rightmer; Cjeroe Robinson and family, friends of Keith Albrightl; Mateo Bennett Ruiz, grandchild of Ann Venno; Lauren Stafford, niece of Cheryl Bias; Tonya Basler Stout, sister of Grady Basler; Margery Thoma, mother of Ben Thoma.

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Contact Us
First United Methodist Church
1201 Lavaca St. Austin, TX 78701
(512) 478-5684