It's teacher appreciation week and as a community of faith, we want to thank all of the teachers in our midst. Educators, you are superstars! Whether you teach preschoolers, elementary students, middle or high school students, college or graduate students, or our own young people each week at Sunday School, you make a difference in lives of those you teach. We know that this has been a(nother) especially hard year for educators. Thank you for your patience, passion, and sacrifice for the sake of your students. Our whole community is smarter and stronger because of your hard work.

This Mother's Day, give the mother figures in your life a gift with lasting impact and support youth mission. In 2022, more than 45 young people and adults will travel to Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Eastern Kentucky with our partners at Reach Beyond Mission and Appalachian Service Project. 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 Mother's Day gifts and find something any mother would be proud to receive.

Want other ways to invest in our youth? You can also purchase "stock" online or in person on Sunday mornings, beginning this Sunday, May 8. Help us raise our goal of $25,000 so that we can keep costs manageable for individuals while working for stronger community and greater justice. Bring your checkbook on Sundays or purchase stock online and see the love and encouragement you invest grow! For more information, contact Youth Director Devon Bailey. 

Loss and grief are part of our human lives together. All of us grieve in our own way, in our own time. How can we hold grief well? Whether we have lost a loved one, a job, a dream, a marriage—Nancy McCranie, Director of Volunteer and Bereavement Services with Hospice Austin, will be with us to talk about our own grief and ways to help others in their grief. Nancy is a Presbyterian pastor and has been with Hospice Austin for 21 years. Contact Pastor Cathy with questions.

Let Sparky ignite your creativity! Help us prepare the decorations that will transform our Sanctuary and classrooms for this year’s VBS. We will build a frozen castle fit for a king and assemble and make other decorations. Make a reservation at fumcaustin.org/vbs. A light lunch will be provided. If you are not able to attend this event and/or if decorating is not one of your gifts, contact Lara Greene for more opportunities to help or to find out about donations needed for this year.

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.