Sunday, August 21
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: Philippians 3:17-21
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Thank you, First Church! Your generosity in July helped us exceed our goal for Pickle Elementary staff and student support this school year. To date, we have raised $8570.
With a portion of these funds, we have already hosted a back-to-school breakfast for teachers and staff. As a show of our gratitude for all that they do, we gave each person a goody bag assembled by our Vacation Bible School children, which included a gift card and other treats.
Those who decorated also had a chance to view the space we will transform into Pickle's new Teacher Mindfulness Lounge. Stay tuned for more details as we begin that work soon. If you are interested in helping with that project, contact Pastor Cathy Stone. |
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Volunteer at the Pride Festival
Saturday, August 20
11:00AM-6:00PM
Fiesta Gardens
2101 Jesse E. Segovia St.
Tickets: $19.19
First Church is teaming up with several other LGBTQ+ affirming area churches to host a table at Austin’s Pride Festival. Volunteer for available shifts throughout the day. You will need to purchase a ticket to volunteer at the table. If cost is a barrier to you, email Pastor Cathy Stone. Learn more about the festival, purchase your ticket, and sign up for your volunteer shift at fumcaustin.org/pride.
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Pride Parade
Saturday, August 20 | 7:00PM
Family Life Center
Walk or ride in the 2022 Pride Parade! After three years, we can’t wait to celebrate Austin’s queer community and the gifts that LGBTQ+ persons bring to our city and the church. Meet at 7:00PM in the Family Life Center to make signs and use restrooms. We will leave at 7:30PM to walk to our float starting position as a group. Spots are limited. Wrist bands will be given out at the FLC. Reserve yours at fumcaustin.org/pride.
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Coffee Talk Now in Parlor
Sunday, August 21
10:00-10:45AM | Parlor
Drop in for a casual time of connection and conversation on Sundays. Through Labor Day weekend, we are exploring "play' and the unexpected ways it still shows up in our lives, even as adults. Each week stands alone, so come once or every week as you are able and know that you are always welcome at this chance to meet new friends, chat about our lives, and connect in community. For more information, contact Rachel Wright.
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Children’s Choir Practice Begins
Sunday, August 21
9:30-10:00AM
SAN Room 111
Children's Choir returns at a new time and in a new place! This opportunity to learn music and prepare to sing in worship and musicals is open all year to children, from Kindergarten through 5th grade. For more information, email Roxie Garza, Children’s Choir Director.
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Fear and the Queer Community in Christian Tradition
Sunday, August 21
12:15-2:00PM
FLC Great Hall
The history of homophobia in Christian cultures is neither as simplistic nor as black and white as the narratives that we have inherited through American Christianity. Join Pastor Brad King for Fear and the Queer Community as we examine the cultural and historical factors that have shaped Christian perceptions of queer romantic and sexual relationships. In addition to some historical examples, we will also consider how to continue moving the needle as we engage our faith in action and advocacy. Sandwiches and salads, with a vegetarian option, will be available for $10 for participants that register by August 19. Sign up at fumcaustin.org/pride.
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Spare a Pair? Bring New Socks and Underwear on Sunday
Now through August 28, the Joy Circle of the United Women in Faith (formerly United Methodist Women) is collecting donations for Pickle and Zavala Elementary Schools. We are accepting new, unopened packages of children’s socks and underwear for ages 5-12, with underwear in sizes 2-6 particularly needed.
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Feed My People Breakfast
Tuesday, August 23
5:15-7:15AM
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 7:15AM. August 23 is a fourth Tuesday, for which First Church sponsors the meal and provides the volunteers. Sign up today>
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Administrative Board
Sunday, August 28
12:15-2:00PM
FLC Great Hall
All are welcome to attend and participate in discussion. Administrative Board members have voting rights. Lunch will be catered by the local Black-owned business, Cheryl's Catering. Reserve yours when you register below by choosing to make a $13.50 prepaid donation. Childcare provided in EDU Room 104. For questions about this event, contact Amy Wink.
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FEAST: Queer Saints and the Christian Tradition
Sunday, August 28
7:30-9:00PM
FLC Garrison Chapel
Our FEAST community (adults in their mid-20s to mid-40s) will consider the history of queer Christian saints—individuals and communities that have embraced queer, trans, and non-binary views of gender across our faith’s long history as well as other more harmful examples that prefigure contemporary conflicts over the purpose and malleability of gender and gender roles. Dinner is provided for those who register by Friday, August 26. For more information about this event or the FEAST community, contact Pastor Brad King. |
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Disciple I Fast Track:
The Old Testament
Wednesdays, beginning September 7
6:00-7:15PM
The Bible is a complicated artifact that exemplifies some of the worst and absolute best aspects of humanity. At the same time, it is without a doubt the most important single repository of information about the history of our lives with God. The first of two 13-week programs, this fall module of Disciple I examines the Hebrew Bible. In the spring, we will offer the second module, which examines the New Testament. Join Dr. Brad King and member Pete Meeker for this conversational exploration of the social, theological, and historical aspects of the Hebrew Bible, from Genesis to the prophesies that Jesus' early followers interpreted in light of their faith in the Christ.
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Caregiver Support Group
Wednesday, September 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 host 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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Agape and Advocacy
Sundays, September 11, 18, 25
10:00-10:45AM
EDU Murchison Chapel
For three weeks in September, join Pastor Brad King for this relaxed conversation about agape, the Greek word for that most precious form of Christian love, and how it has led Christians across time to embrace advocacy as an essential part of our shared lives in Christ. |
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Distaster Relief:
Early Response Team Training
Live out the skills you have built from ministries like Appalachia Service Project right here at home by joining First Church's Early Response Team (ERT). ERTs work through the United Methodist connection to help victims when natural disasters occur and we know from experience that the best time to prepare for a local disaster is before it happens. For this reason, First Church hopes to recruit at least 10 people who are interested in training for the first time or who want to be recertified so that we can schedule an ERT training on our campus. If you are interested in ERT training or want more information, contact Mark Steves.
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FOR PARENTS, CHILDREN, AND YOUTH |
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Parenting is Hard: A Gathering for Caregivers of Children
Sunday, August 28
10:00-10:45AM
EDU Murchison Chapel
Ever feel stressed? Anxious? Like you are faking this raising kids thing? Your family juggles work, home, family, friends, church, school, sports, dance, drama, friends, and so much more. How can the rhythm of your days breathe life into you instead of draining the life out of you? This gathering will help those raising infants through 5th graders to find a few ways to lead your family into a good place as you start the fall. For more information, contact Director of Children's Ministries Lara Greene.
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Engage Kick-Off and Parent Meeting
Sunday, August 28
4:30-7:00PM
Family Life Center
Join us as Engage, our Sunday evening youth fellowship for 6th-12th graders, returns on Sunday nights for a new semester. We will play games, sing, and share a meal together. Parents and guardians are also invited to take part in an important conversation about the social and emotional development of tweens and teens and how caregivers can stay aware of the challenges kids are facing and support their mental health. For more information, contact Director of Youth Ministries Devon Bailey.
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Acolyte Training
Sunday, September 11
10:00-10:45AM
SAN Wesley Hall
Children in 2nd through 5th grades are invited to learn how to serve in worship services as acolytes. We will gather on the first floor in Wesley Hall. Pick up will be in your child’s Sunday School classroom. If your child is interested in becoming an acolyte but cannot make this date, contact us to arrange another time by emailing Lara Greene.
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Connect for Tweens
Friday, September 16
6:00-9:00PM
Family Life Center
All 5th-7th graders are invited to Connect, a time just for tweens! Connect helps kids bridge the transition between child and youth by helping tweens connect with each other and God, while having tons of fun. Together, we’ll cook dinner, play games, talk pre-teen life, and give kids and parents a Friday night break. Questions? Contact Devon Bailey. |
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Youth Night:
Peter Pan Mini-Golf
Sunday, September 25
5:00-7:00PM
1207 Barton Springs Road
Instead of our regular Engage gathering, we are doing something tee-rific! All youth (6th-12th grades) are invited for a night of putt-putt golf at Peter Pan Mini-Golf. We will meet there and play a round or two depending on the time. Bring $12 and get ready to putt your heart into it! Contact Devon Bailey with questions. |
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The Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT) is the largest trans-led, trans-focused organization in the state of Texas. TENT is an organization dedicated to furthering gender diverse equality in Texas through a racial justice lens, with an intersectional approach. They work to accomplish this through education and networking in both public and private forums, and they strive to halt discrimination through social, legislative, and corporate education.
Our giving helps TENT continue this work to protect the rights of trans Texans. Recent studies estimate there are 17,000 trans kids, ages 13-17, living in Texas. Become an advocate today to help defend the rights of all trans people in Texas, especially kids, by visiting www.transtexas.org and learning from the toolkits provided there.
Your gifts, marked “TENT,” may be brought to worship, mailed to or brought by the church office, or made online by typing “TENT” in the optional memo box on the giving page of our website.
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Submit a prayer request online.
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Within Our Congregation
Griffin Ancipink; Betty Berkey; Fay Brown; Russell Deason; The Drazic Family; Ann Fields; Pat Freeman; Chris Higgs; Sallie Novinger; Rose, Myles, and Nicolas Standish; and Dan Wood.
Condolences to the family and friends of Brenda Tharp.
Beyond Our Congregation
Jo Rene Altenberg, sister of Fay Brown; Bianca, our At the Well neighbor; Carol Blanton and Martha Stuber, friends of Peggy Davis; Sue Byrd, sister-in-law of David Bonner; Fuhong Cheng, father of Coco Cheng; Dick Fuerst, father of Brad Fuerst; Johnnie Houston, mother of Marcia Houston; Wayne Kellberg, father of Tami Kellberg; Bill Kilday, father of Dan Kilday; Jon Long, friend of Rick Russell; Elissa Marek, friend of Curt Ashmos; Robert McCarroll, son of Virginia McCarroll; Mitzi Moore and Vickye Patrick, friends of Jan Ashmos; David Rodriguez, friend of Mary Faye Randolph; Jewel Ruth, mother of Barbara Ruth and grandmother of Rachel Wright; Lauren Stafford, niece of Cheryl Bias; Tonya Basler Stout, sister of Grady Basler; Marcus Wilkerson, son of Sandy Wilkerson.
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Contact Us
First United Methodist Church
1201 Lavaca St. Austin, TX 78701
(512) 478-5684
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