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Finding the correct answer to questions you may have about First Church can be time-consuming. Here are answers to some common questions. If your question is not answered here, you can search our website or call the church office at (512) 478-5684 for more information.
How can I add my name to the mailing list or change my contact information?
A: Our mailings are sent to one unified mailing list. To submit or correct your address and telephone number or to make certain you receive everything, please contact Laurie Barr at laurie@fumcaustin.org or 478-5684 (ext. 200).
How do I communicate with the church?
A: In person: Our offices are open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sundays, 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. For other times, please call for an appointment.
- Telephone: (512) 478-5684
- Fax: (512) 478-6169
- Mail: First United Methodist Church
1201 Lavaca Street
Austin, Texas 78701Staff members have boxes in the office where you may leave information, or you may call and leave a voicemail message if they are unavailable.
Should I call the church about pastoral concerns such as a birth, a death, someone in the hospital or other personal needs?
A: YES. We want to know so we can respond as soon as possible. Call the church office at 478-5684 to speak with a pastor at any time. If you would like a visit from someone at the church, please contact Marijo Hartman at ext. 218 or marijo@fumcaustin.org. Prayer concerns may also be sent directly to Marijo via email or may be submitted online by clicking here.
One of our pastors will be “on call” for emergencies after 6:00 p.m. Thursday through 8:00 a.m. Monday. You may call the church office at 478-5684, press 4, and leave your message in the general mailbox. The pastor on call will check the voice mail box several times a day and will return your call as soon as possible
How do I publicize something within the church?
A: To submit something for publication in church media, please send it to Tami Kellberg at tami@fumcaustin.org. To avoid delays, please fill out and include the Publicity Submission Form with all submissions.
Submissions for the bulletin insert, FUMC Weekly, and website are due by 12:00 noon on Mondays. FUMC Weekly is emailed on Thursday afternoons.
How do I get information concerning my pledge?
A: Please contact Assistant Church Administrator Shannon Sullivan at 478-5684 (ext. 202) or shannon@fumcaustin.org.
If I lose something while at church, is there a “Lost and Found”?
A: Lost and found items are kept at the front desk.
How do I schedule a meeting room or an event at the church?
A: Director of Scheduling Marilyn Good handles space reservations at marilyn@fumcaustin.org or 478-5684 (ext. 204). Please make reservations in advance so that custodial support, heating and cooling, and other needs may be scheduled. Always indicate in advance if childcare will be needed. A meeting cannot be placed on the official church calendar without first scheduling with Marilyn. She will ask you to fill out the church Event/Project Sheet (PDF) as part of your planning.
What do I need to do about childcare?
A: Except for Sunday morning needs, we ask that you contact our Director of Childcare Samantha Osgood at childcarefumc@yahoo.com to make a reservation in advance so that we can plan for a healthy balance of children and caregivers. For a detailed explanation of our ministries with children, see Children and Childcare.
If I want to be married at First Church, what do I need to do?
A: Call the church and leave a message for the wedding coordinator at 478-5684 (ext. 227). She will handle all of the arrangements and give you information concerning church policies. If you want one of our pastors to officiate, you will need to contact him or her separately and decide on a time before you set a date and reserve the Sanctuary or Chapel.
Where is the church library, and when is it available?
A: Our library is located just below street level on the north side of the Sanctuary Building. It is open Sunday mornings. Except for meeting times, the library is available to you during church office hours. Come to the reception desk, and someone will let you in.
What if I want to complain, offer a suggestion, or learn more about what goes on at my church?
A: You might consider two possibilities.
1. The staff. Talk to the specific staff person who works in your area of interest. See the staff page to determine the most appropriate member.
2. Your lay leaders. Click here for a full list of Administrative Board representatives.
- Administrative Board and Coordinating Team members deal with the general planning and policy making at First Church. Contact Board Chair Mark Hamre at mark_hamre@yahoo.com or 459-9212 for more information.
- The Finance Committee manages the church finances and stewardship programs. Contact Committee Chair Linda Murdock, lrmm@sbcglobal.net for more information.
- The Staff-Parish Relations Committee sets policy and hears concerns relating to all pastors and staff. Contact Committee Chair Mark Morris mmorris340@yahoo.com or 328-3038 for more information.
- The Board of Trustees oversees the First Church facilities. Contact Trustees Chair Gordon Wesley or gwesley@astro.as.utexas.edu for more information
I am responsible for planning the programs for my group. Can someone help me with this?
A: Certainly! There are many excellent resource materials and speakers available. Contact the church office at 478-5684 or contact@fumcaustin.org. It is best to plan well in advance, since some materials may need to be ordered and many speakers have full schedules.
