Menu

Transformation

Happens Here

Welcome to First United Methodist Church of Austin

Welcome to First United Methodist Church of Austin, an inclusive faith community of Christian believers in the heart of downtown at the corner of 12th Street and Lavaca. We may be 184 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 broke ground more than a century ago, and we have begun the process of restoring the roof, windows, and exterior ornamentation of the building. While the building is currently shrouded by scaffolding, we are still able to worship. Underneath all that black mesh, exciting things are in the works. Transformation happens here! Join us on Sundays at 9:00AM and 11:00AM for worship. Get our latest update on Sanctuary Construction and the decisions we are currently making below.

Worship in person

Sundays at 9:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary

Worship online

Sundays at 11:00 a.m. via Livestream via Facebook or Youtube

  Podcast & Video Archive

Sermon Podcast available here
Worship Video Archive available here

New Worship Series: Why Do We Do That?

Begins Sunday, January 5 

Do you understand all the rituals of Christian faith and worship? Good, neither do we! Things like Communion, Baptism, Offering, and Greeting can make us feel like we need an instruction manual for church. Instead of mindlessly going through the motions of these faith rituals, join us as we start the new year by digging into the rich history and deeper meaning behind these historic practices of our faith.

Share Your Big Faith Questions

Through January 15

Do you have big questions about your faith? Maybe you aren’t sure about what you were taught as a child, or what your friends and coworkers believe. Perhaps there’s a concept you wrestle with—something that just doesn’t make sense. Or you may just want to know what our pastors think about a certain topic. Here’s your chance to ask! Our February 2025 worship series will focus on your Big Faith Questions. Submit a question by January 15 in order to have it considered for the series! 

Kids’ Camp Registration Now Open

June 9-12, 2025 | 9:00AM-12:30PM

Embark on an exciting journey with Road Trip, based on Joshua 1:9: “The LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Discover God’s presence as we explore new places, make new friends, and experience God’s goodness together. Join us in a fun-filled adventure on the open road, taking travelers (kids) on thrilling journeys to exciting destinations each day of Kids’ Camp.

Parking for worship at First Church

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. 

Childcare is available for Christmas Eve

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.

Entering the Sanctuary during its renovation

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).

Featured Events

Featured News

Church Center

Church Center

New Church Center App Means Stronger Connections and Improved Experience At First Church, we are making a switch to a new app called Church Center, which you can download here. Why change? We are committed to improving the user experience and believe that Church...

January Mission Emphasis

January Mission Emphasis

Immigration Care Team Our January mission emphasis is the Immigration Care Team (ICT), a ministry offering active support and provision to asylum seekers and other immigrants. The ICT began in 2020 when we sponsored an asylum seeker from a central African country who...

Church Office Schedule

Church Office Schedule

Church Office Schedule The church office will be closed on Monday, January 20, to observe Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday. We will reopen on Tuesday, January 21, at 9:00AM. Our pastors are on call at 512-478-5684, press 213, and leave a message for a...

Make a GIFT That Makes an Impact

Make a gift and make transformation happen through FUMC Austin

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 3:00PM, Monday through Thursday, and closed on Fridays.