Welcome
We believe every person is a beloved child of God.
We believe every person is on a journey to God, with God.
We freely admit that we do not have all the answers, but we believe that Jesus points the way.
When we practice genuine hospitality, engage in heartfelt acts of service, advocate on behalf of the powerless and excluded, and embrace the gifts of people from different backgrounds and experiences, the church becomes the authentic expression of God’s unconditional love for us all.
Our Mission
First United Methodist Church exists to build a community where all people are invited to know God’s love and sent to join God in transforming the world.
Our Values
Justice. Working to eradicate injustice for the excluded and marginalized. Bridge-Building. Nurturing multigenerational friendships and community partnerships. Storytelling. Sharing our stories of faith and of growth. Active Learning. Pursuing knowledge and understanding of God. Service. Seeking mutually empowering service opportunities. Constructive Disruption. Disrupting systems of power to create positive change.
Justice
Working to eradicate injustice for the excluded and marginalized.
Bridge Building
Nurturing multigenerational friendships and community partnerships.
Storytelling
Sharing our stories of faith and of growth.
Active Learning
Pursuing knowledge and understanding of God.
Service
Seeking mutually empowering service opportunities.
Constructive Disruption
Disrupting systems of power to create positive change.
FUMC IN TWO MINUTES
Sunday Worship
9 AM Worship
This intimate, 50-minute service blends a traditional order of worship with an informal approach.
Rev. Taylor Fuerst is the principal preacher and worship is centered on Scripture, drawing together contemporary issues and the best of United Methodist tradition.
Both traditional hymns and newer songs are sung by a variety of vocal ensembles, accompanied by piano and violin. The Sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated each week.
11 AM Worship
This larger, traditional service lasts about 60 minutes.
Music is led by our talented FUMC choir and organist featuring traditional church hymns and a variety of musical offerings.
Rev. Taylor Fuerst is the principal preacher for this service and leads a time for young disciples, when children can join her at the altar to learn about our Christian faith.
The Sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month.
Worship Online
We are live with a video worship service in the Sanctuary on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. accessible through our YouTube Channel and on our Facebook Page. An abbreviated service of scripture and sermon audio podcast is also available on our website and iTunes podcast.
6:30 AM Thursdays
FLC Garrison Chapel
Each Thursday at 6:30 AM, following the Breakfast for the Homeless, the Rev. Cathy Stone leads on informal worship service in Garrison Chapel of the Family Life Center. This worship experience is specifically designed to be relevant to our neighbors on the street and to those involved in issues of urban poverty and homelessness.
Sanctuary & Education Buildings
1201 Lavaca St. Austin, TX 78701
First United Methodist Church is located on the northeast corner of Lavaca Street & 12th Street, on the west side of the Capitol in downtown Austin.
Family Life Center
1300 Lavaca St. Austin, TX 78701
The FUMC Family Life Center is located across the street diagonally from the church, on the northwest corner of Lavaca Street and 13th Street.
Our Pastors
Reverend Taylor Fuerst leads our worship for the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sanctuary service. Our chapel services are led by lay leaders.
Rev. Cathy Stone
Associate Pastor
Dr. Brad King
Associate Pastor
Parking
Sunday Parking
- The church parking lot is reserved for FUMC newcomers, guests, and those needing access to the accessible elevator and entrance on the north side of the Education Building (North Entrance).
- All able-bodied members are asked to use the free parking available on Sundays.
- Metered spaces are free.
- Trial Lawyers’ Garage (southwest corner of 13th and Lavaca) is available on Sundays from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Enter on 13th).
- Roof top of the TSTA garage on 12th Street and Lavaca is open on Sunday mornings.
During the Week
- Parking for church business is available at all times in spaces marked “Church Business” in the church parking lot at 13th and Lavaca.
- Preschool spots may be used after 2:00 p.m. Please do not park in spaces reserved for Texas Trial Lawyers Association at any time.
- Monday through Saturday, on street parking is metered from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. – 25 cents for each 15 minutes – 3 hour maximum.
Accessible Parking
Sanctuary Building
Handicap entrance is located at 12th and Lavaca (southwest corner entrance) marked South Entrance. Elevator access is available just inside the South Entrance at the southwest corner of the building with handicap accessible bathrooms on the first and third floors. Portable hearing devices are available for services. Please ask an usher for assistance.
Education Building
Handicap entrance located off the parking lot on the north side of the building, marked North Entrance. Elevator access at northwest corner of the building just inside the North Entrance.
Family Life Center
Handicap accessible bathrooms are on the first and second floors. Handicap ramp is at the front door of the building. Elevator access is at southwest corner of the building. If you have an accessibility request, please make it in advance to Mark Steves at mark@fumcaustin.org or 512-478-5684 (ext. 218).
Children
Children of any age are welcome to participate in all our worship services. For families with infants and toddlers, we know that parents sometimes prefer to worship with their children safe and happily engaged in our childcare rooms. Childcare is available during worship services for infants and children up to age 5. All childcare rooms are located in the Children’s Wing on the 1st Floor of the Education Building.
For those who wish to remain close to their infants and toddlers, a Family Room, furnished with rocking chairs, toddler toys, and a changing table, is available behind the sanctuary balcony. Large windows and speakers provide access to the service. When children reach about four or five and they are ready, we encourage parents to begin bringing them to worship on a regular basis.
Infant and Toddler Childcare
8:30AM to Noon
Infants to PreK – EDU 104
Sunday School For Children
Sunday School is available for children as young as three years old as well as for elementary, middle, and high school students. For children, age 3 through 5th grade, Sunday school begins at 10:00AM.
Learn more about Children’s Sunday School.
Sunday School for youth begins at 10:00AM in the Family Life Center.
Worship
Children of kindergarten age and older are encouraged to attend worship with parents.
Worship Bulletins
Worship bulletins are available with crayons and scriptural puzzle pages that provide quiet ways to focus energy for preschool and elementary age children, ages 3-11 years. The bulletins can be found on clipboards in baskets by the front doors of the Sanctuary. Children may use them during worship services and then return the crayons and clipboards to the baskets following the service.
TIME WITH YOUNG DISCIPLES
Children are encouraged to engage in our Time with Young Disciples during the 11:00 a.m. Sanctuary service. This is a great chance for children to get up, move around, and be close to the minister, altar, and others in our congregation.
Family Room
For parents that wish to remain close to their infants and toddlers while still attending worship, a Family Room, furnished with rocking chairs, toddler toys, and a changing table, is available behind the sanctuary balcony. Large windows and speakers provide access to the service.
FAQs
Does FUMC follow a dress code?
FUMC has traditional worship in our Sanctuary and a Chapel service on 3rd Sundays in our Chapel. All services are casual in nature. Members will range from a collared shirt and jeans to business casual. Our church body is diverse and our attire is varied. Come as you are.
How do I join the church?
Prior to joining the church, we ask all to participate in a First Steps class to learn about Methodist beliefs and the ministry of FUMC, meet the pastors and other members, and ask questions. Here’s how to get started:
- Indicate your interest by filling out the Connections card in the pews or online during worship, or email Rachel Wright at rachel@fumcaustin.org.
- Attend a First Steps session with our pastors offered periodically after the 11:00AM. service. The joining process is discussed during this class.
To learn more, visit How to Join.
How do I contact the church?
Our offices are open Monday through Thursday, 9:00AM to 3:00PM, and are closed on Fridays.
Telephone: 512-478-5684
Fax: 512-478-6169
Mail: First United Methodist Church
1201 Lavaca
Austin, Texas 78701
Email: contact@fumcaustin.org