First Church News
Everything Must Change
“Today, for the first time, I see what Jesus meant by the kingdom of God. I see that it’s about changing this world, not just escaping it and retreating into our churches. If Jesus’ message of the Kingdom of God is true, then everything must change. Everything must change.” ... [ Read More]
New Agers Gatherings on May 15th
We welcome everyone to come to New Agers, a group that meets on the first and third Thursdays of each month.
On Thursdays, May 1st and 15th, you are invited to join others from our church family for fellowship and games at the Senior Activity Center, 2874 Shoal Crest Avenue, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A catered lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. for $5.
For more information, please contact Ruth Nicks at 292-4541.
Parents’ Night Out on May 16th
Our childcare staff will have a “Parents’ Night Out” on Friday, May 16th, from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. While parents enjoy a night out, children will eat pizza, watch a movie, and do other fun stuff with our dedicated childcare workers.
The cost is $17 for one child, plus $7 for siblings. Limited spots are available, so make your reservations now. Contact Samantha Franklin at childcarefumc@yah.oo.com. Samantha will confirm all reservations.
Books Needed for Pickle Elementary Book Sale on May 16th
The final book sale of the year is scheduled for Friday, May 16th. Please clean off your kids’ and grandkids’ shelves and drop off books or other donations in the Genesis Classroom located behind the church library.
For more information about the Pickle Elementary School mission, contact Brooks Schuelke, at brooks@civtrial.com or 302-4970.
Favorite Songs for Favorite People on May 17th
She is receiving her Doctorate of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance with Opera Emphasis that day from the University of Texas at Austin, and is presenting this recital for the enjoyment of her friends and family, many of whom will be visiting from around the country. The program, under an hour long, will include favorite opera arias, art songs, and musical theater pieces.
This recital is free of charge and open to her church family, of course! Holly thanks everyone for their support over the years in the best way she knows how--with music!
Harpsichord Dedication Concert on May 18
Sonata II (BWV 1031); Georg Phillip Telemann, Concerto in D (TWV 51:D7); Johann Michael Haydn, Concerto in D featuring Nathaniel Mayfield, Baroque Trumpet; Jennifer Pavlovich, Soprano; Linda VanHorne, Alto; Kevin Carpenter, Tenor; Boel Gidholm and Bruce Colson, Baroque Violin; Jann Cosart, Baroque Viola; Chris Haritatos, Baroque Cello; Marcus McGuff, Traverse Flute; Scott Davis Harpsichord.
Sunday, May 18, 3:00 PM in the Chapel. FUMC Austin is located at 1201 Lavaca St. Admission is free.
An Invitation to Godly Play: A Journey of Wonder, Mystery, and Presence on May 18th
What was your childhood Christian education experience? If you are like me, you may remember Bible school songs, memorizing the Ten Commandments, and coloring pictures of Jesus with the children. These experiences were useful--they gave me a framework for a basic understanding for my forming existential questions. However, they did not give me what I needed most: a direct experience of the Living God.... [Read More]
The Tweeners assemble bags for you to buy and keep in your car so that when you pass a homeless person, you can give him/her the bag instead of money.
Manna Bags are filled with a nutritious meal (meat, fruit, health bar, and beverage), a new pair of socks, and a note from the Tweeners asking for God’s blessing on the recipient of the Manna Bag.
These bags will be sold for $5 at a table outside the Chapel and Sanctuary on Sunday, May 18th. Please buy these bags in hope that we can make the lives of homeless persons a little better.
Summer Sunday School Teacher Training
Baptism Counseling Class on May 18th
First Church offers a monthly baptism class for parents who would like to have their infant welcomed into our congregation by this sacrament.
This class will meet on Sunday, May 18th, at 10:00 a.m. in the Library and will be taught by Paula Stiernberg, Director of Children’s Ministries, and one of our ministers. Participants will discuss the important commitment represented by baptism, the faith development of your child, and specifics of our children’s programs. In addition, families will be able to connect with others in our church who have young children.
If your family has an infant baptism in the future, please contact Cindy Reidland at cindy@fumcaustin.org or 478-5684 (ext. 206) to reserve your space in this class.
Administrative Board Meeting on May 18th
The next Administrative Board meeting will be Sunday, May 18th, in the Great Hall of the Family Life Center immediately following the 11:00 a.m. services. Everyone is invited to attend.
Lunch will be provided by First Church’s Russia Mission Team headed by Shirley Derryberry and Tim Deschner. The cost will be $7. Board members and guests who plan to eat are asked to RSVP by 12:00 noon on Thursday, May 15th. Please contact Laurie Barr at laurie@fumcaustin.org or 478-5684 (ext. 200).
If childcare is needed, contact Samantha Franklin at childcarefumc@yahoo.com to make the necessary reservations. Reservations are not guaranteed until confirmed by Samantha.
United Methodist Women Meeting on May 18th
The meeting will include orientation on UMW (with questions and answers), time for getting to know one another, and formation of Circles (small groups within the larger organization). The meeting should be fun and informative. Light refreshments will be served.
Organizers are excited about getting a fresh start with United Methodist Women at First Church. If you have questions, please contact Kim Pryor at 916-0736. She will be happy to tell you about UMW.
Reconciling Service on May 18th
Please join the First Church Reconciling Ministries Team and communities for our annual worship celebration on Sunday, May 18th, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
The Reverend John McMullen will preach, and an ensemble from the Capital City Men’s Chorus will provide special music. We welcome all who share our joys in reconciling, and especially those who would like to learn more about who we are and what we do. We look forward to a spirit-filled service, and hope you will be part of it.
For more information, please contact Caroline Jones at byrdstarr@hotmail.com.
First Sunday Conversation on June 1st
All youth and adults at First Church are invited to participate in facilitated conversations on Sunday, June 1st, to discover interests, needs, and concerns of our congregation.
We will begin at 12:00 noon with a light lunch, followed by an hour-and-a-half of dialogue. We will have a trained facilitator and a scribe to record the conversation. Questions for the conversation will come from several of our ministry teams. First Church values honest, open communication about important matters and these Sunday afternoon conversations will serve to guide our ministries.
Reservations to participate in the conversation and for the meal must be made with Laurie Barr at laurie@fumcaustin.org or 478-5684 (ext. 200). Beverly Silas, Communications Team Leader, and Mimi Raper, Pastor of Ministry Development, are in charge of this conversation. If you have questions, please contact Mimi at mimi@fumcaustin.org or Beverly at bsilas@swbell.net.
Summer Basketball at First Church Begins June 3rd
We are opening our Family Life Center basketball court on the first and third Tuesday evenings of the month this summer--June 3rd and 17th, July 1st and 15th, and August 5th and 19th.
Come on out between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. to enjoy exercising in the air-conditioning as the temperature outside heads up to triple digits!
If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Jen Stuart at jen@fumcaustin.org or 478-5684 (ext. 203).
Summer Sunday School Schedule for Children Begins June 8th
During the summer months, we will combine a few age groups with a slightly different structure than during the school year.
Summer Sunday School Schedule (PDF or DOC)
If you have any questions, please contact Paula Stiernberg at paula@fumcaustin.org or 478-5684 (ext 211).
Appalachia Service Project Stock Sales
First Church’s Appalachia Service Project (ASP) Team will begin their annual stock sales to raise funds for this year’s trip to Kentucky July 11th-22nd.
For over 28 years, First Church has sent one or more teams of high school students and their sponsors to the mountains and valleys of Appalachia to make homes warmer, safer, and drier.
ASP benefits the people of Appalachia by not only repairing homes, but also building relationships. Just as important, ASP provides a unique opportunity for our youth to be in ministry, building on the lessons they have been taught growing up here at First Church.
ASP is funded entirely through the sale of ASP stock. Team members will be selling stock on Sundays following our worship services. Stop by to learn more about ASP, meet team members, and purchase stock in our ASP trip and the youth of our church.
Church Office Closed on May 26th
The church office will be closed on Monday, May 26th, in observance of Memorial Day. The office will reopen on Tuesday, May 27th, at 8:00 a.m. Have a safe holiday.
“Feed My People” Fourth Tuesday Breakfast
Volunteers Needed on May 27th
Volunteers are needed to help prepare and serve the food for our fourth Tuesday breakfast for the homeless on May 27th in our Family Life Center. We begin at 5:00 a.m. and are done by 7:30 a.m. Serving time is 6:00 a.m. You may arrive and leave when necessary to meet your morning schedule. If you have any questions about what tasks are involved, please contact David Nicastro at baer-nicastro@austin.rr.com.
Many Thanks to April Volunteers
Many thanks to those who helped with the April 22nd “Feed My People” Breakfast, the fourth Tuesday breakfast for which First Church is responsible: Penny Appleby, Curt Ashmos, Robbie Ausley, Dixie Fulp, Sandra Green, John Hathaway, Pepper Huffman, Russell Hughey, Christine Isbell, Lewis McCarroll, Julie Nelson, David Nicastro, Ken Owens, Mitsi Pair, Kay Sterling, Ann Teich, Josh Willard, and John Woodward.
“Tools” for Father’s Day - Order Deadline: June 9th
Here’s how it works--look over the variety of items on the gift list; mark your selection(s); complete the recognition section as to whether your gift is in “honor of” or in “memory of,” and write your check to First Church with “Father’s Day Tools” on the memo line. It’s that easy!
Yes, I want to offer fathers across the globe hope for a better tomorrow! Fill out the form in the bulletin insert or contact Tami Kellberg at tami@fumcaustin.org or 478-5684 (ext. 204)... [Read More]
“Knit Wits” Prayer Shawl Ministry
The “Knit Wits” are looking for people who could benefit from receiving a prayer shawl.
If you know of anyone who needs a prayer or hug, a prayer shawl might be the answer. Please contact Laurie Barr at laurie@fumcaustin.org or 478-5684 (ext. 200) and leave your request with her, including names and complete addresses.
These shawls are a gift from the knitters here at First Church, but donations to help pay for postage are always appreciated.
Canvas Shopping Bags Available from First Church’s Social Justice Team
Support the environment and the Social Justice Team by purchasing one or more bags! Proceeds will help team members provide educational programs related to protecting the environment and other social justice issues.
Bags are $5 each and can be purchased by contacting Ann Teich at annteich@austin.rr.com or 836-1054.
Volunteers Needed for Vacation Bible School Beach Party August 4th-8th
Calling all surfer dudes and dudettes!
Would you like to spend a whole week this summer at a huge Beach Party complete with surfing lessons, great beach music, beachcombing adventures, and so much more?
Sign up for a Vacation Bilble School leadership role and you will be promised an incredible week of fun in the Son as you help our children surf through the Scriptures and develop new Beach Be-Attitudes!
For more information, please contact Leslie Ivey at texasivey@sbcglobal.net.
Stephen Ministers are there for those who are dealing with low self-esteem, illness/hospitalization, family frustrations and challenges, moving, death or serious loss, financial setbacks, faith issues, terminal illness, loneliness, job loss, aging and elderly, teen and youth concerns, separation/divorce, pregnancy/adoption or the disabled and their families.
We have all been there are one time or another. If you find yourself “in one of those times” and you realize that you could benefit from having a Stephen Minister, please call the church office at 478-5684. All contact is confidential.
Something NEW and EXCITING on FUMC web site
Also, we now have Sermon Podcasting on iTunes Music Store. You can search for FUMC Austin Texas. Then, you can subscribe to it and have the sermons downloaded to your iPod. We will have instructions on our website for assistance. There will be a Podcast icon on our home page.
May Cafe Mission Benefits Social Justice Team
Breakfast is served at Café Mission every Sunday morning from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Breakfast tacos, fresh pastries, gourmet brewed coffee, specialty drinks, and orange juice are on sale in the foyer of our Family Life Center and on the sidewalk between the Chapel and the Sanctuary. The May proceeds will benefit First Church’s Social Justice Team. You may show your support by doing what you do every day--drinking coffee and eating breakfast.
Noticed Anything New Around the Church?
In December we had two new AED’s (Automated External Defibrillator) installed in our church. One is located in the foyer of Murchison Chapel, near the reception area, and the other is in the foyer of the Family Life Center, also near the reception area... [read more]
One of First Church’s pastors will be “on call” for emergencies after 6:00 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.
You may call the church office at 478-5684, press 4, and leave your message in the general mailbox.
The pastor on call will check the voice mail box several times a day and will return your call as soon as possible.
Available Altar Flower Dates for March, April, May, and June
Placing flowers on the altar for our worship services is a wonderful way to honor someone you love and appreciate or to remember a departed loved one. Think about special people, special days like birthdays and anniversaries, and special events in your life or in the life of the church. Many of these may be celebrated with flowers.
Here are the dates that are available for the next several months:
- June 1st
- July 13th
If you would like to place flowers in the Sanctuary or in the Chapel, please contact Tami Kellberg at tami@fumcaustin.org or 478-5684 (ext. 204) as soon as possible.
Guests who would like to know more about our church and its ministries are invited to stop by the Visitor Table in the foyer for a snack after the service. A friendly First Church member will help answer your questions and find a pastor to meet with you if that would be helpful. Please let us help you find your place within this wonderful congregation.
Visit the New Display in the Bruno Schmidt History Center
The History and Archives Committee of First Church invites you to join them in honoring Kathleen Jones and Bruno Schmidt for their many years of service to Methodism and particularly to First Church, Austin. We have an exhibit in the Bruno Schmidt History Center located at the north end of the church foyer. This exhibit will display a series of photographs of Kathleen and Bruno and their families, depicting a part of their lives from childhood through the current time. They both have a long history here at First Church, and were honored April 19th, 1998, in the naming of the Schmidt/Jones Family Life Center. However, there is no such thing as “over-honoring” Kathleen and Bruno, and the History and Archives Committee is pleased to have been able to put together this new display.
Our History Center, located on the north side of the foyer, is open every Sunday from 15 minutes before the 8:30 service to 15 minutes after the 11:00 services.
