--Marilyn Good, FUMC Stewardship Chair The circle is one of the oldest and strongest images known to humankind. We gathered in a circle to tell our stories, circled the wagons to protect ourselves going west, joined in a circle to play games as children, sat in council circles to make decisions, and circle up for prayer. Now at First Church we are trying a new thing, using the circle, not a committee, task force, or board, to describe the virtual and real group of people who define themselves, or are seeking to define themselves, as Christian stewards. Those of you who heard my Sunday … [Read more...]

The Austin District Trustees have awarded a revitalization grant to First United Methodist Church from the Urban Transitional Ministries Fund in the amount of $19,150! FUMC applied for $15,000 grant to go toward the acquisition of a first-rate audio-visual projection system to help us to reach out more effectively to our unchurched neighbors.  As each generation becomes more image-oriented and less print-oriented, the ability to use images effectively in preaching and worship becomes more crucial.  This trend is true both for traditional worship styles and even more so for contemporary … [Read more...]

--Sandy Wilder, Chair, Staff-Parish Relations Committee, for the Committee At the Administrative Board meeting on January 22nd, the primary item on the agenda was to vote on a proposal to close the 2012 budget gap of almost $205,000.  The proposed budget adjustments were approved and, because they affect the church’s staff, we will notice changes over the next several months. 1. The positions of long-time custodians Robert Edwards and Cornelius Walker are being closed effective Sunday, February 5th. On that day, please plan to stay after the 11:00 a.m. worship services for a reception … [Read more...]

Totals through   9/30/2011 Income: $1,138,974 Expenses: $1,116,405 Cash Reserves:   $22, 570    We started the year with just over $57,000. We have paid 58% of our yearly total apportionments.  Our YTD target was 75%.  Even so, this represents positive strides compared to all of last year when we paid just over 56% total. Thank you for your faithfulness in funding our ministries and programs.  As good stewards of all the financial resources we have been entrusted with, we want to end the year:  with no less than $57,000 in cash reserves   with 100% apportionments … [Read more...]

Dancing With Fire The Way, the Life, and a Burning Bush 1 Peter 4: 10-11 “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received… so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ.” Pentecost is a very special time for us United Methodists--just take a look at our logo. Lately, however, it seems to me that flame has been burning a bit low. This page you will see from time to time in the bulletin insert is here to fan the flame. We will tell family stories that celebrate, challenge, extol, question, and report, … [Read more...]

--Mark Hamre, Chair, Administrative Board As you know, the 2011 Annual Conference of the Southwest Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church took place Wednesday through Saturday, June 8th-11th. It was heartwarming to see how many connected to our congregation were involved with this year’s conference and their desire to be part of ensuring the United Methodist Church is a place where we live out the Gospel by making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. There is a lot that happens and is discussed over the three-day period. Much more than can be covered … [Read more...]

The “founding fathers” of the FUMC Endowment Fund (Stan Lambert, Woody Wilson, and Boyd Weide) had a knowledgeable and generous “Godfather,” Edmund P. Cravens. Mr. Cravens was associated with the Capital National Bank and was a long-time member of FUMC, so long that his name is on the cornerstone of both the Sanctuary Building (1923) and the Education Building (1950’s). He was a very wise investor, and all the early investment decisions of the Endowment Fund were made with his guidance. Mrs. Cravens was a member of First Baptist Church, and her husband made certain to match … [Read more...]