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Sunday, October 30
Preacher: John Hathaway
Scripture: Isaiah 65:17-25
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9:00AM and 11:00AM | Sanctuary
Worship is livestreamed at 11:00AM each Sunday and is available online through our YouTube Channel and Facebook page.
Austin/Travis County's community COVID level is currently low. At this time, masks are optional for adults and children participating in childcare, Sunday School, and worship. For more information about this community of faith's approach to masking, visit our website.
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Why Do You Give to FUMC?
Last week, we began committing our gifts to God for 2023. If you have not already completed an estimate of giving, you can do so using the link below or by returning your card to the church on Sunday morning in the offering plate or by mail.
Learn more about God's invitation to generous living, and hear FUMC members share more about their own giving stories here.
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Experiencing Hope in a Time of Despair with author Mark Yaconelli
Sunday, November 6
5:00-7:00PM
FLC Great Hall
“Story, as it turns out, [is] crucial to our evolution—more so than opposable thumbs. Opposable thumbs let us hang on; story [tells] us what to hang on to.”
—Lisa Cron, Wired for Story
The soul speaks in story. On the evening of All Saints’ Day and on the eve of another election in an increasingly fractured society, Mark Yaconelli will lead an intergenerational chance to pause for some soul-stirring storytelling. Our time together will include reflection and interactive Christian practices that invite storytelling and the connection, hope, and healing that stories offer our souls.
Yaconelli is a seasoned retreat leader, community-builder, storycatcher, and author of six books, including his most recent book, Between the Listening and the Telling: How Stories Can Save Us. After years of collective and personal grief, while the imminent losses of climate disaster, pandemics, and racism continue to loom large, Yaconelli will show us how stories can heal our families, our world, and ourselves.
All members and friends are invited to attend. No matter your age, don’t miss this chance to do this deeply human heart work in community as we uncover the ties that bind us. Register at fumcaustin.org/hope. Because Yaconelli has long experience as a youth worker, this event will be the program for Engage, our weekly Sunday evening gathering for youth.
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Fall is here and with it a chance for fun for every age! | | |
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The Competition is Heating Up for the Chili Cook-Off!
Sunday, October 30
12:15-1:30PM
FUMC Parking Lot
The competition is heating up! Join us in the parking lot after the 11:00AM worship service ends for our first chili cook-off. We will have traditional chili, as well as vegetarian options, and cornbread. Don’t miss the chance to decide for yourself if our “celebrity” judges and your tastebuds agree on who should take home the trophy. The cost is $5 per person.
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Reverse Trunk-or-Treat
Sunday, October 30
12:15PM
FUMC Parking Lot
Calling all costumed cuties! Trunk-or-Treat with a twist Sunday after the 11:00AM worship service ends. Children will stop by decorated car stations in the parking lot to receive a treat. Here’s the twist. We are also accepting donations of new men’s boxer briefs, white crew socks, and/or travel size toiletries at the welcome table to treat the church’s outreach ministries. This event will be held in conjunction with the Chili Cook-Off, so join us for an afternoon of family fun! For more information, contact children@fumcaustin.org.
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Engage for Youth: Pumpkinfest!
Sunday, October 30
4:30-7:00PM
Family Life Center
What better way to celebrate the changing seasons and to get out any frustrations than to toss pumpkins off the top of a parking garage! Pumpkinfest is a BYOP event — bring your own pumpkins to toss. We hope to have some extras, too. Costumes welcome. Dinner provided, but all youth are invited to bring a side dish or dessert for this special occasion.
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Q&A: Becoming a Reproductive Freedom Congregation
Sunday, October 30
10:00AM
Sanctuary
First Church is in a discernment process as we consider becoming a Reproductive Freedom Congregation with Just Texas. These are faith communities committed to eradicating stigma around reproductive decisions. Please join us for more information and conversation about what this means for First Church and why we are considering it. Learn more about Just Texas and Reproductive Freedom Congregations.
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Young Families Sunday School Class
Sunday, October 30
10:00-10:45AM
FLC Room 108
Parenting young children is at once amazing and exhausting. If you are an expectant parent or are parenting children under 8, join us on Sunday mornings as we explore a vision for this emerging community and consider what it means to build a life in faith for anyone in this challenging, wonder-full life stage. Can’t make it this week? Join whenever you can. This Sunday, October 30, the class will attend the Q&A on Becoming a Reproductive Freedom Congregation in the Sanctuary. Contact Emily Buchanan with questions or to learn more.
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Make a Plan, Go Vote
Early Voting: Now-November 4
Election Day: November 8
United Methodists believe that at its best, voting is an act of love and advocacy, a way we bring God’s kindom to fruition through civic engagement. Your vote also helps to safeguard free and fair elections. (Learn more about the UMC’s Social Principles and the church’s position on voting as a basic human right here.) Texas Impact invites communities of faith to use a cutting-edge app that provides a one-stop-shop for voter information. Familiarize yourself with what’s on your ballot this fall, find a convenient polling location, and set a reminder for yourself to go and vote. You can learn more here or scan the QR code below. If you prefer paper, the “Love Our Voters” Team has placed paper copies of the League of Women Voters Guide around the church. Voting is such a tangible way of putting our faith into action. Make a plan to vote AND encourage others to do the same.
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Cheers: A Christmas Carol
RSVP by November 9
Performance: Sunday, November 27
2:30PM
Zach Scott Theater
Don’t be a Scrooge! Cheers, a gathering of recent and soon-to-be retirees, invites you to kick off the holiday season with an Austin version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Join us for the matinee performance, which begins at 2:30PM, allowing time for a quick lunch before the good cheer, laughs, and great music begin. Trust us, this is a version of A Christmas Carol that you have never seen before! Discounted tickets are $75 per person. Registration and payment are required by November 9 in order to hold our reserved tickets. Get your tickets today by using the button below. For more information, contact Dick Young.
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Middle School Mission Trip Information Session
Sunday, November 6
12:15-12:45PM
FLC Garrison Chapel
Join us after worship to learn more about Be The Neighbor (formerly Reach Beyond Mission), our vision-focused week of Middle School service. Students who will have completed 6th-8th grade are invited to our summer trip to Dallas, where we will put our faith into action through service and justice in ways that are relational, sustainable, and dignity affirming. From July 16-22, 2023, groups will work with and learn from a variety of BTN's partner organizations and hear personal stories shared by guest speakers, learn through fun and challenging activities, and find a safe space to ask questions about complex justice issues. The total cost of the trip is approximately $350 per student. A deposit of $100, preferably made by check, is due with registration.
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Mercy & Justice Book Study
Tuesdays, November 8,15, 22, and 29
6:30-8:00PM
Zoom
Join Pastor Cathy Stone as we explore the themes of There There, the first novel by Cheyenne and Arapaho author Tommy Orange. This wondrous and shattering novel follows twelve characters from Native communities, all traveling to the Big Oakland Powwow, all connected to one another in ways they may not yet realize. This chorus of voices tells of the plight of the urban Native American--grappling with a complex and painful history, with an inheritance of beauty and spirituality, with communion and sacrifice and heroism. Hailed as an instant classic, There There is at once poignant and unflinching, utterly contemporary, and truly unforgettable. Zoom link sent with registration.
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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!)
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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
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Texas United Women in Faith Legislative Event
January 29-31, 2023
Join women of faith from across Texas to advocate boldly for justice and transform communities at the 36th Annual Texas United Women in Faith Legislative Event. In partnership with Texas Impact, this event includes speakers, workshops, and inspiration as you connect with women like you who are ready to put faith into action with a visit to the Capitol and meet with lawmakers.
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Save the Date: Vacation Bible School 2023
June 12-15, 2023
9:00AM-12:30PM
What’s that sound? It’s the Hero Hotline Headquarters and its leader, Super Meer the Meerkat, calling all kids to join the Hero Team at Vacation Bible School. With VBS moving to June 12-15 in 2023, Super Meer wants kids and their adults to spring into action to save the date for this awesome time of arts and crafts, drama and storytelling, games, music, science, and snack. Together, we will learn from the amazing heroes in the ultimate Hero Handbook—the Bible—to see how everyone’s gifts are valued and every hero has a role to play as we bring peace, build each other up, and share the great story of God’s love for us where they are and with the whole world. For more information, contact children@fumcaustin.org.
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Elise Viola Christine Clarke, daughter of Kathryn Clarke, was baptized into Christian discipleship on Sunday, October 23. | | | |
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This October, gifts to our mission emphasis will be shared between La Posada Providencia and World Communion Sunday.
La Posada Providencia is an emergency shelter for individuals and families who flee to the United States due to political oppression, natural disaster, and other life-threatening circumstances in their native countries. La Posada is the only shelter in the lower Rio Grande Valley that offers individual case management to optimize client resettlement outcomes and that can accommodate extended stays for clients when needed.
The World Communion Sunday offering helps provide scholarships through the United Methodist Church for national and international graduate students whom God has called to learn and to serve.
During October, your gifts, marked "World Communion," may be placed in the Offering baskets during worship, or mailed to the church office. You can also bring your gift to the church office during regular office hours. To donate online, select “World Communion” from the drop-down menu on the giving page of our website.
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Submit a prayer request online.
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Within Our Congregation
Fay Brown, Lynn Bunton, The Drazic Family, Pat Freeman, Chris Higgs, Mimi Raper, Sara Standish, and Dan Wood.
Condolences to Tim Deschner on the death of his mother, Margaret.
Congratulations to Beth Rider and Doug Hegemeier on their recent marriage.
Beyond Our Congregation
Jo Rene Altenberg, sister of Fay Brown; Bianca, our At the Well neighbor; Betty, friend of Rev. Ann Fields; Jack Haney, friend of Larry Peters; Johnnie Houston, mother of Marcia Houston; Andy Jackson, father of Jeff Jackson; Elissa Marek, friend of Curt Ashmos; Patty McCormick, Mitzi Moore, and Vickye Patrick, friends of Jan Ashmos; Ship Opitz, friend of Julie Nelson; Robert Peterson, cousin of Ann Young; Steve Robbins and family, cousins of Lee Sloan; Clive Stafford, father-in-law of Rachel Wright; Wyatt Swanson, friend of Donna Shands; Lauren Stafford, niece of Cheryl Bias; Tonya Basler Stout, sister of Grady Basler; Susan, friend of Cindy Gunderson.
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Contact Us
First United Methodist Church
1201 Lavaca St. Austin, TX 78701
(512) 478-5684
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