FUMC News
Stay up-to-date on our latest 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,...
Youth Mission Fundraising 2023
Youth Mission Trips: KEY To Spiritual Lives of TeensAt FUMC Austin, both middle and high school students are taking trips away from home this summer, serving and learning through partnerships with Appalachia Service Project (ASP) and Be The Neighbor. These...
Thank You, Sunday School Teachers!
Thank you to our amazing, dedicated Sunday School teachers! More than 40 volunteers have welcomed children and youth on Sundays for a shared time of learning, listening, laughing, raising questions and answering them together, and making this faith community’s core...
Easter Offering 2023
Easter Offering: Children and Youth in Mission At First Church, we fervently believe that God can use anyone to transform the world. That is why our youngest children practice mercy & justice through our Love in Action service retreat and Vacation Bible School. It...
Announcement of Renewal Leave
Announcement of Renewal Leave We are excited to share that Pastor Cathy Stone will be on renewal leave April 17-July 8. The Book of Discipline encourages full-time clergy to take regular renewal leave as a part of the rhythm of respite and sabbath that supports...
Recognizing Graduating Seniors
Recognizing Graduating Seniors Deadline: Thursday, April 20Graduation is an exciting milestone at any age! We want to recognize all graduating seniors—high school, college, or graduate school—in our FUMC Weekly on May 7. Please provide a picture of the graduate, name,...
Grace for Generations Capital Campaign Updates
Grace for Generation Capital Campaign Are you curious about our upcoming capital campaign? Do you want to find out ways to contribute? In May, we will be holding four gatherings for those interested in visiting with the campaign team leadership. Bring your questions...
Easter Lily Sale
A traditional symbol of Easter, the lily is a flower that seems to die away, and then returns with new life each year. FUMC members and friends are invited to place lilies in the Sanctuary on Easter Sunday to the glory of God and in honor of or in memory of loved...
FUMC is Hiring!
Finance AssistantPart-time / $26,000 First Church is hiring a part-time Finance Assistant to help with bookkeeping, payroll, and accounts payable. View the complete job description here. If you or someone you know is interested in submitting a resume for this open...
March 2023 Mission Emphasis
We are committed to caring for and serving with our neighbors experiencing homelessness. This is especially true for women, who are traditionally more vulnerable and at risk in this population, and who have few resources available. Inspired by God’s Spirit, At the...
Some Bunny Needs You!
Some Bunny Needs Your Help for Easter Egg Fest! Help us ensure there are plenty of treats for the children at our Easter Egg Festival on April 1. *Donate individually wrapped candy and egg-sized plastic toys or stickers. Recommended candy choices are Lifesavers,...
February 2023 Mission Emphasis
Our February mission emphasis is Huston-Tillotson University. As Austin’s oldest institution of higher education and its only Historically Black College and University (HBCU), the university is a sacred space. HBCUs play a vital role in dismantling racial inequity,...
January 2023 Mission Emphasis
Our January mission emphasis is the Immigration Care Team (ICT), a ministry offering active support and provision to asylum seekers and other immigrants. Formed in April 2020, ITC is currently providing ongoing financial resources for a young woman seeking asylum from...
Christmas Offering
At First Church, we lead with generosity. It’s one of the most powerful, impactful ways that God is at work here. Your giving in 2022 has enabled these life changing ministries beyond FUMC, just to name a few: Huston-Tillotson University Scholarships: $29,000+ Justice...
Vacation Bible School (VBS) 2023
Hero Hotline Headquarters:Called Together to Serve God! Vacation Bible School 2023June 12-15Calling All SuperKids! ($45/Child) who have turned four by June 1 (and are potty trained) through those who have completed fifth grade to the Hero Hotline Headquarters for fun...
November Mission Emphasis: Christmas Breakfast for Neighbors
For over 20 years, FUMC has sponsored a Christmas Breakfast for our unhoused neighbors that provides a hot breakfast served restaurant style with hosts and a smiling wait staff. After breakfast, guests receive a gift of a bus pass, gloves, hats, lip balm, socks, and...
Christmas Poinsettias On Sale
Beautiful poinsettias on the communion rails, around the trees, in the foyers...a great way to celebrate someone you love or who is now in God’s hands. Cost is $12 per plant. Plants are florist quality and great for replanting. Deadline for orders is Sunday, December...
2022 Caritas Food Drive
2022 Caritas Food Drive Sundays in NovemberFight hunger and homelessness through our annual food drive for Caritas of Austin. The Caritas Pantry provides take-home groceries to families as people are transitioning out of homelessness. Together with Caritas’ other...
La Posada Providencia – October 2022 Mission Emphasis
This October, gifts to our mission emphasis will be shared between La Posada Providencia and World Communion Sunday. La Posada Providencia is an emergency shelter for individuals and families who flee to the United States due to political oppression, natural disaster,...
Confirmation Class Forming for 2022
Confirmation Class (2022-2023 ) Begins Soon Open to 8th-10th GradersConfirmation offers young people a chance to learn about faith in the United Methodist tradition—our identity as Christians, history and heritage, practices, and beliefs. With weekly gatherings in...
Sanctuary Accessibility in August
OUR SANCTUARY A NOTE ABOUT ACCESSIBILITY THIS SUNDAY FROM PASTOR TAYLOR After 51 days with no measurable rainfall at all, Monday was Austin's rainiest day in more than three years and, in just one afternoon, we cut this year's deficit nearly in half—good news for a...
Early Response Team Training
Distaster Relief: Early Response Team Training Live out the skills you have built from ministries like Appalachia Service Project right here at home by joining First Church's Early Response Team (ERT). ERTs work through the United Methodist connection to help victims...
Teacher Mindfulness Lounge Coming Soon
Thank you, First Church! Your generosity in July helped us exceed our goal for Pickle Elementary staff and student support this school year. To date, we have raised $8570. With a portion of these funds, we have already hosted a back-to-school breakfast for teachers...
Back-to-School Blessing
Back-to-School Blessing During both the 9:00AM and 11:00AM worship services, all students, teachers, and administrators will receive a blessing and a gift as a tangible reminder of God’s and our congregation’s love and support. Students are encouraged to bring their...
TENT – August Mission Emphasis
The Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT)is the largest trans-led, trans-focused organization in the state of Texas. TENT is an organization dedicated to furthering gender diverse equality in Texas through a racial justice lens, with an intersectional...
Pickle Elementary- July Mission Emphasis
For 15 years, FUMC Austin has partnered with Pickle Elementary School, finding fun ways to empower and care for students like hosting the semi-annual book sale. It is no secret, though, that the last few years have been extra challenging for teachers and staff, so we...
Join This Dream Team!
Reset and Prep the Sanctuary Sunday, June 5 | 12:15PMSanctuary For some time, Mary Higgs has prepped and reset the Sanctuary once a month, staying after the 11:00AM worship service concludes to tidy the pews and refill the resources found there. She has faithfully...
Called Charge Conference
Called Charge Conference Sunday, June 5 | 12:00PM | Sanctuary A brief Charge Conference has been called immediately following the 11:00AM worship service on Sunday, June 5. The agenda for this meeting includes one item: the election of a delegate to Annual...