WORSHIP WITH FIRST CHURCH
Easter Sunday
APRIL 9
9:00AM | SANCTUARY
11:00AM | SANCTUARY & LIVESTREAM
Celebrate God’s victory over sin, oppression, and death. Find new life and shout “Alleluia!” On Easter morning, we will have two worship services full of music, scripture, and good news. Proclaim that good news by participating in the live butterfly release on the Capitol grounds at 10:00AM. Even the cross, the instrument of Jesus’ death, will be transformed when you help us create this beautiful symbol for all who drive down Lavaca Street to see on Easter morning. Simply bring flowers—as many as you like—to place on the cross. Volunteers will help you attach them.
PALM SUNDAY
APRIL 2
9:00AM | SANCTUARY
11:00AM | SANCTUARY & LIVESTREAM
Like those who greeted him at the city gates 2000 years ago, we welcome Jesus in triumph, waving palms to welcome him into Jerusalem—the Holy City—and then we will continue with him on his journey toward the cross.
MAUNDY THURSDAY
APRIL 6
7:30PM | SANCTUARY & LIVESTREAM
The word “maundy” comes from Latin, meaning mandate or command. On this night, we celebrate Communion, the Holy meal and last supper, which Jesus shared with his disciples on the night before he died, the meal he “commanded” them to share in remembrance of him.
GOOD FRIDAY
APRIL 7
10:30AM | EDU Murchison Chapel
7:30PM | SANCTUARY & LIVESTREAM
Our morning time of worship is crafted with families with children in mind. In the evening, experience Christ’s crucifixion through Tenebrae, a service of shadow and darkness, with Scripture readings that share Jesus’ final acts on the Cross and music from the FUMC Austin choir.
Lent 2023
Sabbath: Freedom for Flourishing
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This Lenten season, we will turn to the ancient practice of sabbath keeping, the rhythm of rest and renewal that is part of God's design for creation. Week by week, we’ll walk through the woods together toward Easter morning, keeping sabbath as we go — with the poetry of Wendell Berry as our guide.
Butterfly Helpers Needed During Holy Week
April 2-7 | Anytime | SAN Parlor
During Holy Week, the church needs helpers to assist with our beautiful butterfly display, which, once again, will transform our Lenten prayers into a colorful sign of resurrection on Easter morning. Help glue the butterfly displays by signing up during open times. This can be a meditative individual project or a great group project with the opportunity for conversation as you glue our paper prayer butterflies! Instructions and supplies will be available in the Library. Please note that you can come and go as needed during those times. Every little bit helps, so even stopping by for 30 minutes will make a difference! If you’d like to come during a time that is not listed, just let us know! We also need a team of people to help us Friday night to install the butterflies after worship. Sign up online. For more information, contact Pastor Cathy Stone.
(Re)Considering Sabbath
Palm Sunday, April 2 | 10:00-10:45AM | Wesley Hall
Throughout Lent, we will have been thinking about what sabbath means, both in general and also in the context of our busy, modern lives. This Palm Sunday, join Pastor Brad and the FUMC community for an intergenerational conversational event about the history of sabbath and the ways that our sabbath practices (from fasting to soundbaths) are related to the long history of Christians who have known the importance of stopping to appreciate our lives together and with God. Join us for cookies, cocoa, and conversation! Contact Pastor Brad with questions.