Coffee Talk: Storytelling

Sunday, November 13

10:00-10:45AM

EDU Murchison Chapel

Once upon a time... all people were welcomed to join Coffee Talk for three weeks of conversations about storytelling. Actually that time is now. We will think about how storytelling shapes the Bible, where we find compelling stories being told today, and hear straight from some storytellers. Each week stands alone. Join us when you can for casual conversation and connection.

Handbell Rehearsals 

Sundays, November 13 & 20 and December 4 & 11

12:30-1:30PM | Family Life Center

Have you have thought about ringing handbells? The First Church Ringers are regrouping and invite adults and youth to this short-term Advent opportunity. No experience with handbells is necessary, but there will be just four rehearsals, so it is essential that you can read music and that you can commit to all four rehearsals. We will ring in worship on December 18. For more information, contact Lewis Worthington. 

Connect for Tweens

Friday, November 18 

6:00-9:00AM

FLC Garrison Chapel/Great Hall

All 5th-7th graders are invited to Connect, a time just for tweens! Together, we will cook dinner, play games, talk pre-teen life, connect with God, and give kids and parents a Friday night break. Register at fumcaustin.org/youth.

Food Drive for Caritas

Sundays in November

Fight hunger and homelessness through our annual food drive for Caritas of Austin. The Caritas Pantry provides take-home groceries to families as people are transitioning out of homelessness. Together with Caritas’ other services, this food assistance builds a strong foundation as people work toward their life goals. Through November, you may bring some of Caritas’ most needed items to church and leave them in collection bins located in the foyers of the Chapel, Sanctuary, and Family Life Center.

Caritas needs:

• Cans of Chili
• Cans of Meat (Chicken, Sardines, Spam, Tuna, Vienna Sausage)
• Cans of Soup
• Instant Coffee
• Mayonnaise (small bottles)
• Mustard (small bottles)
• Peanut Butter and Jelly 
• Regular Coffee
• To-go Tuna Kits
• Tomato Sauce

Manna Bag Make & Take

Sunday, November 20

8:30-11:00PM 

Murchison Chapel

Stop by to assemble a few manna bags for our unhoused neighbors. These bags will be distributed by the Homeless Outreach Street Team and our church office. Manna bags are also available to purchase for $5, so make one and take one! During the Sunday School hour we will assemble manna bags while engaging in Coffee Talk. Assemble a few bags while listening to storytelling from At the Well, our ministry with unhoused women, and share in a conversation about the challenges of telling stories about other people. Contact Pastor Cathy at cathy@fumcaustin.org for more information.

iACT's Interfaith Day of Thanks Service and Celebration

Sunday, November 20 | 3:00PM

St. Matthew's Episcopal Church

8134 Mesa Drive

Please join Interfaith Action of Central Texas as we celebrate our 38th Annual Interfaith Day of Thanks Service and Celebration. People of all faith traditions will gather to celebrate what it is they are thankful for in a beautiful display of interfaith unity. Bring your favorite dish, ready to serve and labeled for those with dietary restrictions, to share at the reception to follow. (No pork or shellfish, please!) 

Youth Skate Night

Sunday, November 20

3:00-5:00PM | Playland Skate Center

All youth are invited to bring a friend to Skate Night! We will provide a pizza snack, but bring money for skates and available arcade games. Prices range from $11-15 plus tax, based on what type of skates you rent. Get those details at fumcaustin.org/youth.

For Their Flourishing:

A Conversation on Youth Health and Development

Sunday, November 27

4:30-6:00PM 

Last August, we gathered as family to both support and discuss our youth as they develop. We talked about mental health and steps we can take to ensure their well-being. All parents and guardians are invited to participate in a continued conversation. We will have an activity for any youth that accompany you that evening. Snacks and refreshments provided evening, but there will be no structured Engage program.. For more information about youth events, contact Devon Bailey.

Advent Kickoff

Sunday, November 27

10:00-10:45AM 

Explore the meaning of Advent by creating an Advent wreath with your church family. We will make wreaths, play Advent Bingo, and share food and fellowship. Live greens and wreath supplies (one per household) are available on a first-come, first-served basis for a donation of $20. No purchase or registration required to attend and enjoy the fun. Volunteers are needed for check-in, clean-up, and to bring gardening shears and food. Reserve your wreath supplies and sign up to volunteer at fumcaustin.org/advent-kickoff. Children and youth will not have regular Sunday School that day, so bring the whole family to the party! Contact Emily Buchanan with questions..

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.

Volunteers with children: 

For elementary-aged children (Kinder - 5th grades) who are not staying with their grown-ups, supervised activities and crafts will be provided from 4:00-6:00PM in SAN 110 . You may request childcare for children infant-preschool by filling out a childcare request form here>

Some families choose to also participate in the 6:00PM carols and 7:00PM tree-lighting festivities at the Capitol.  You can even BYO-cardboard for "sledding" on the grass hill!

New Date: 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.

Christmas Poinsettia Sale

Deadline: Sunday, December 4

5:00PM

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.

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.

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.