Sunday School at First Church
Welcome to First Church's Sunday School -- a time-honored tradition that is new every Sunday! Sunday School classes are at the heart of our church life. There is a class for everyone, from the youngest child to the oldest adult. Our First Church family is a large one, and Sunday School offers everyone a special place to be. Sunday School is the place where people learn about the Christian faith in a loving, supportive environment. All groups meet at 9:45 a.m., except for the College Class, which meet at 12:15 p.m. Information about the classes is listed below, but if you would like a more personal introduction, please contact Mimi Raper, Pastor of Ministry Development, at mimi@fumcaustin.org or (512) 478-5684, ext. 212.
First Church provides a class for all children, from toddlers through the fifth grade. Each class uses a Bible-based curriculum appropriate to the age level, taught by a team of dedicated volunteer teachers. Our primary goal is to give children a sense of what it means to live in a Christian community, along with a basic knowledge of the foundational stories of our faith. Children’s classes meet on the first floor of the Education Building. For more information about children’s classes, please contact Director of Children & Family Ministries Paula Stiernberg at paula@fumcaustin.org or (512) 478-5684, ext. 211.
For more information on programs for children, see the "Children's Ministry" page.
Youth ministry is a top priority at First Church, providing youth with opportunities for fellowship, leadership, spiritual growth and mission. Four classes meet on Sunday mornings: 6th-7th grade, 8th grade Confirmation preparation, 9th-10th, and 11th-12th. All classes meet upstairs in the Family Life Center. For more information about youth classes, please contact Director of Youth Ministry Cathy Stone at cathy@fumcaustin.org or (512) 478-5684, ext. 215.
For more information, see the "Youth Ministry" page.
Our Sunday School classes offer adults a wide selection of age groups, study topics, and learning styles. Some groups are for couples and some for singles; most combine single and married people. Study topics range from the Bible and Christian beliefs to personal growth issues, family relationships, and current social concerns. A strong emphasis on fellowship and support makes these groups a vital part of the church community.
A Reconciling group of couples and singles in their 30s and 40s. A common interest in building Christian fellowship, healthy relationships, and Christ-centered families has been the focus of this lively group since its beginning in 1986. For more information, please contact Brian and Nancy Sulc at bsulc@austin.rr.com, nancysulc@austin.rr.com, or (512) 402-1086.
Family Life Center, Room 108, 9:45 a.m.
Website: http://www.geocities.com/adelphifumc/
Reconciling Ministries Network is a national grassroots organization that exists to enable full participation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the life of the United Methodist Church, both in policy and practice.
This class is specifically for those who have completed the 10-week Alpha course. Members of the First Church Alpha team lead discussion following video segments by Nicky Gumbel of the Alpha series. The group will study other faith-based topics in the future. All former Alpha participants are invited to join. For more information, please contact MaryAnn Little at m.little@freescale.com or (512) 445-5431.
Family Life Center, Room 103, 9:45 a.m.
This class combines men and women, single and married, all ages. Each Sunday they study and discuss the lectionary Scripture passages on which pastors base their sermons. For more information, please contact Henry Etta Madison at them50@austin.rr.com or (512) 447-3185.
Family Life Center, Room 109, 9:45 a.m.
Couples and singles in their 40s and 50s, united by common social beliefs and a continuing need to grow as Christians. The class plans a variety of lesson topics (always with discussion), social activities, and service projects. For more information, please contact Mac and Ruth McBurney at mcburn5305@sbcglobal.net, mcburnre@sbcglobal.net, or (512) 502-0422.
Family Life Center, Room 102, 9:45 a.m.
Single and married, in all ages and stages, Downtowners enjoy a wide variety of lesson topics, led by class members and guest speakers, with emphasis on social issues as well as spiritual growth. Lively discussion prevails. The Downtowners Class is a member of the Reconciling Ministries Network. For more information, please contact Nancy Lewis at nlewis1427@aol.com or (512) 444-5968.
Sanctuary Building, Room 213, 9:45 a.m.
Reconciling Ministries Network is a national grassroots organization that exists to enable full participation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the life of the United Methodist Church, both in policy and practice.
Couples and singles in their 30s and up, studying varied topics such as Bible studies, Christian art and history, current events, personal development, and mission programs. Open and exploratory classes examine and challenge topics to deepen understanding and faith. All are welcome and encouraged to join the faith journey. For more information, please contact Jim Bowen at jbowen2@austin.rr.com or (512) 918-1072.
Family Life Center, Room 111, 9:45 a.m.
Couples and singles in their 40s and up. Spirituality and scholarship combined in lively discussion on a variety of topics, with an emphasis on community service. Epiphany is a member of Reconciling Ministries, which encourages the full participation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. For more information, please contact Chip Morris at mmavideo@swbell.net or (512) 343-8599.
Family Life Center, Room 104, 9:45 a.m.
Reconciling Ministries Network is a national grassroots organization that exists to enable full participation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the life of the United Methodist Church, both in policy and practice.
For more information, please contact Dawn Sydney at sydney6family@yahoo.com
Sanctuary Building , Room 212, 9:45 a.m.
Men and women of all ages are invited to this group with a fifty-year tradition of study, service, and warm fellowship. For more information, please contact Lon Brooks at 327-0252.
Sanctuary Building, Room 112, 9:45 a.m.
Married and singles, from 70s and up, with a long tradition of good teaching, responsive membership, service, and fellowship. For more information, please contact Louise Gardner at (512) 453-7263.
Sanctuary Building, Room 215, 9:45 a.m.
A Reconciling group of couples and singles in their 30s and 40s who enjoy spirited discussions. They seek to grow together as they discuss topics of spiritual and social importance. Community service and fun, regular fellowhip are integral parts of this class. For more information, please contact Brooks and Heather Schuelke at h_schuelke@yahoo.com or 302-4970.
Reconciling Ministries Network is a national grassroots organization that
exists to enable full participation of people of all sexual orientations and
gender identities in the life of the United Methodist Church, both in policy
and practice.
Sanctuary Building, Room 217, 9:45 a.m.
Website: http://www.fumcgenesis.wordpress.com
Although no longer honeymooners in the true sense of the word, these couples in their 20s and 30s live out its essence through love and devotion. Class members rotate teaching topics that range from the historical Jesus and Bible stories to current events and couples issues, with occasional guest speakers. Beyond Sunday mornings the couples enjoy regular social and mission activities as a class and throughout the church. For more information, please contact Mark Hamre at hamre@psdllp.com or (512) 795-8005.
Sanctuary Building, Family Room, 9:45 a.m.
Website: http://www.fumchoneymooners.org
A lively and diverse group of people exploring spiritual, social, and theological issues of faith through extended book studies. Service and fellowship events are also part of group life. Koinonia (Greek for “community”) is a part of the Reconciling Ministries Network. Married and single, gay and straight, all ages welcome. For more information, please contact Caroline Jones at byrdstarr@hotmail.com or (512) 233-4834.
Sanctuary Building, Room 210, 9:45 a.m.
Reconciling Ministries Network is a national grassroots organization that exists to enable full participation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the life of the United Methodist Church, both in policy and practice.
A community of women of all ages, married and single. Programs include Bible study, personal and spiritual growth, and other topics, with an agenda for discussion and sharing. We are a Reconciling Ministries class. For more information, please contact Hellen Sullivan at hellensullivan@att.net or (512) 996-9322.
Family Life Center, Room 110, 9:45 a.m.
Reconciling Ministries Network is a national grassroots organization that exists to enable full participation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the life of the United Methodist Church, both in policy and practice.
Singles in their 20s, 30s, and 40's sharing goals and struggles and celebrations as they explore their faith together. Social activities and service projects are a part of this group's life. For more information, please contact Melanie McCool mmccool@fulbright.com or Craig Bennion at c_bennion@earthlink.net.
Family Life Center, Room 101, 9:45 a.m.
Begun as a class for young mothers more than 60 years ago, members are now grandmothers and great-grandmothers, with several young members. They enjoy not only wonderful lessons from their team of teachers, but also a network of support and love. For more information, please contact Winnie Beck at (512) 442-4562.
Sanctuary Building, Room 112, 9:45 a.m.
Couples and a few singles, about 60s and up. This lively group enjoys lessons from wonderful teachers. Fellowship includes unusual parties and an annual overnight retreat. Members also participate in service and support missions. For more information, please contact Curtis Higgs at chiggs12279@peoplepc.com or 445-4100.
Family Life Center, Garrison Chapel (Room 100), 9:45 a.m.
