Transformation
Happens Here
Welcome to First United Methodist Church of Austin
Welcome to First United Methodist Church of Austin, inclusive faith community of Christian believers in the heart of downtown at the corner of 12th Street and Lavaca. We may be 182 years old, but God’s story is still unfolding in and through this community of faith. Join us as we blend ancient worship practices and progressive theology to build a community where all people are invited to know God’s love and sent to join God in transforming the world.
All are welcome.
What To Expect on SUNDAYS: AN UPDATE ON THE RESTORATION OF OUR HISTORIC SANCTUARY
Our historic Sanctuary Building is on the cusp of its 100th birthday, and we have begun the process of restoring the roof, windows, and exterior ornamentation of the building. A renovation of the interior that will make it more accessible and update our audio/visual capabilities is to come. While the building is currently shrouded by scaffolding, we are able to worship in the Sanctuary on Sundays. Underneath all that black mesh, exciting things are in the works. After all, transformation happens here! Join us on Sundays at 9:00AM and 11:00AM for worship.
Worship in person
Sundays at 9:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Parking for those with special mobility needs is available in the church’s surface parking lot on the southeast corner of 13th and Lavaca Streets. Addtional parking is available in the parking garage on the southwest corner of 13th Street and Lavaca Street.
First Church always welcomes children to fully participate in worship. There are books, crayons, and activity sheets located against the back wall of the Sanctuary. We also have a Family Room located in the balcony for those who need to feed or change an infant or allow a toddler to roam.
Scaffolding has gone up as we restore our historic Sanctuary Building, but our front doors are open. The scaffolded entrances to the Sanctuary are well-lit and have handrails. If you have special mobility needs, please use the North Entrance off the parking lot or the South Entrance (12th Street).
Grace for Generations
For 100 years, First United Methodist Church’s Sanctuary Building has stood as an architectural witness to God’s love in the heart of the capital city. We are still rooted in our downtown location, drawing people from across and around the city into our mission to build a community where all people are invited to know God’s love and sent to join God in transforming the world.
The century-old stonework on our Sanctuary Building began to fail last summer. Our priority must be safety first, so we are moving forward with a capital campaign, Grace for Generations, to restore the Sanctuary Building roof and stonework, and renovate the interior of the Sanctuary itself.
Featured Events
Men’s Book Study: The Whole Language
Women’s Book Study: Everything Happens for a Reason
Book Study: All Boys Aren’t Blue
Youth Fun Night: Peter Pan Mini-Golf
Caregivers Support Group
Coffee Talk Back for Summer
Featured News
June Mission Emphasis: Pride
Pride The anti-LGBTQ legislation filed this legislative session cast a long shadow on the state of Texas. But joy is powerful! Joy is a beacon against darkness! We are celebrating Pride this June as we look with joy and anticipation to the Pride Festival and Parade on...
Prayer Vigil of Remembrance and Lament for Uvalde
Add Your Prayers to the Vigil of Remembrance and Lament for Uvalde First Church hosted a Service of Remembrance and Lament on the first anniversary of the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX, which resulted in the deaths of 19 students, 2 teachers, and...
Grace For Generations Celebration Continues
Smiles. Sno cones. Cotton candy. Nothing is sweeter than carnival food, unless that carnival is celebrating the grace and joy of generations! Last Sunday, people age 9 months to 90 years, braved the slightly rainy weather to enjoy live music, good food, fellowship,...
Make a GIFT That Makes an Impact
Together, FUMC Austin supports the spiritual health of people at every age and stage of life, invite unhoused neighbors to share food and fellowship several times a week, and host ESL, VBS, and FEAST. Together, we advocate for social justice and work to constructively disrupt systems of power that marginalize people and communities. Together, we make transformation happen here.
Make a one-time gift or set up recurring giving using Church Life or text FUMCAUSTIN (all caps) to 73256 and follow the prompts.
Mobile App
The best way to stay connected!
The FUMC Austin mobile app provides updates on events, worship, news, and service—all at your fingertips! Stay up-to-date on opportunities to grow in your faith and connect with others.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
The church office is currently open from 9:00AM to 2:30PM, Monday through Thursday, and closed on Fridays.
Masking Updates and Precautions
While community COVID levels remain officially low, decreased reporting and high incidences of other respiratory illnesses like flu and RSV have led to a pediatric health crisis that is once again stretching local healthcare workers and resources. As a faith community, we are called to mindful care for the most vulnerable. At this time, adult staff and volunteers who work with children will be required to wear masks. Children are invited to mask at their level of comfort.
We urge you to consider the health of young children in our community as well as the healthcare workers who are doing their very best to provide care to all who need it. Please join us virtually for worship if you are feeling unwell. We also encourage you to mask in worship, at special events, and other large gatherings at First Church and throughout the festive holiday season. Masks will be available for those who would like one in our Sunday school and worship spaces.