iACT for Refugees, one of Interfaith Action of Central Texas’ longest-running programs, teaches English and essential life skills to newly arrived refugees primarily  from Burma, Africa, and Iraq.  All these refugees are coming from areas of the world where they were being persecuted because of their ethnic or religious  backgrounds or because they have assisted the U.S. military.  iACT currently serves over 500 adult refugees from 25 different nations. iACT for Refugees helps these individuals establish roots in their new hometown, Austin, and provides essential language and … [Read more...]

--Rob Reynolds The Mobile Loaves & Fishes website at www.mlf.org now has a community-specific page for posting stories and pictures from each community where there is a truck. If anyone participating in our Downtown Mobile Loaves & Fishes Ministry has interesting pictures from a truck run, an interesting story of an encounter with the people that we serve, or a story about a favorite place to take the truck, please send them to me at rgreynolds2@gmail.com. I will forward the story to Mobile Loaves & Fishes and get it posted on our page.   … [Read more...]

Congratulations to Jack Hadsell, long-time member, whose ministry with homeless people has resulted in an award of $10,000 to an agency of his selection, Angel House Soup Kitchen. The check comes from Recognizing Good, a local organization which chose Jack for the award after popular vote through computer. For many years Jack has been picking up baked goods and produce from supermarkets and distributing them to groups that work with those in need, as well as to individuals. Every gift Jack makes comes with a word of encouragement and witness to his Christian faith.   … [Read more...]

The eighth Saturday of work on the Guardado house was completed April 2nd. As you can see from the pictures below, the house has taken shape and much has been accomplished. First Church members Gary Diehl, Sharon and Noble Doss, Sandra Green, Anne Fields, and Hellen Sullivan, have worked on the house alongside members of Bethany UMC, Crestview UMC, Manchaca UMC, Dripping Springs UMC Northwest Hills UMC, Oak Hill UMC, St. John’s UMC, Simpson UMC, Westlake Hills UMC, and Riverbend. The roof has shingles, the sheetrock is in, caulking is proceeding, siding is going on, the lovely tree on … [Read more...]

Over 55 walkers from First Church took to the path at Walter E. Long Park for the 2011 Austin CROP Hunger Walk. These walkers, with the support of their sponsors, have already turned in $5091, with additional funds expected. Congregations from five world religious were represented in the 2011 Walk. Despite less than friendly weather on Saturday, March 5th, 420 persons participated that morning. Weather was beautiful on Sunday, March 6th, for a setting in which to enjoy the engaging comments and interviews of FUMC member, Paul Brown of YNN--Your News Now--serving as the event emcee.  More … [Read more...]

Ever wonder who sharpens the pencils in the pews or who restocks the prayer concern cards in each aisle? For many years, Ann Thurman and Janelle Hadsell have been volunteering for these tasks in the sanctuary main floor and Robert Walls has volunteered in the balcony.  Janelle and Robert have decided to move on to other tasks, so it is time to give YOU a chance to get involved. The commitment requires only a few hours a month, less if a small group takes on the task. If you are interested in helping, please contact Melanie Miller at melanie_a_miller@yahoo.com or 470-6918. … [Read more...]

--Marilyn Good Holding an event at FUMC? Please schedule by contacting me at marilyn@fumcaustin.org or 478-5684 (ext 204). We have many users of our facility so be sure to check for availability before you plan your event or you may find someone else in the space when you show up. … [Read more...]

Haven’t found a Sunday School class yet? Come check out the Young Adults Class! They meet at 10:00 a.m. in Room 103 of the Family Life Center. Class sessions consist of discussions led by class members on a variety of topics, including  Scripture, faith issues, and book studies. They are a small class with a big commitment to Christ, and they would love for you to come check them out. If you would like more information, please contact  Michelle Cato at thecatofamily@yahoo.com. … [Read more...]

Are you looking for Senior Care Resources in the Greater Austin Area? FUMC has available a resource guide for everything from daycare and transportation services to nursing homes, equipment, and supplies. You can pick one up at the Membership Table in the narthex of the Sanctuary or at the FUMC office during regular office hours Monday through Thursday. … [Read more...]

To include any information about recent or future events in the bulletin insert or FUMC Weekly or on the website, please submit to Tami Kellberg at publications@fumcaustin.org by 12:00 noon on Mondays. If you do not have email access, please contact Tami Kellberg at 478-5684 (ext. 226) to make arrangements for your submission. … [Read more...]