On World Communion Sunday, First Church welcomed 14 people into membership: Todd and Kim Garza and their children, Sylvan and Lucien; J. D. and Jessica Harper and their children, Grace and Lawson (not

pictured); Jan Patterson; Becky and Mark Konen; Marcia Solomon; and Nancy and Russ Cook. We also welcome Bishop Dan Solomon (not pictured), Marcia’s husband and a retired bishop in the United Methodist Church, who joins this community of faith in worship and fellowship, though his official church membership remains with the United Methodist Council of Bishops.

Acolyte Training

Sunday, October 8 | 10:00AM

EDU 109 and Sanctuary

Children in second or third grade (or older friends who missed the last training) are invited to learn and practice what it means to serve in our worship services as an acolyte. After children check into their Sunday School classroom in EDU 109, we will move to the Sanctuary. Parents are asked to pick your child up from the Sanctuary on this day. If your child is interested in becoming an acolyte but cannot make this date, email children@fumcaustin.org to arrange another time.

2024 Appalachia Service Project (ASP) Registration and Meeting

Sunday, October 8 | 12:15PM

FLC Garrison Chapel

For over 40 years, First Church has sent youth and adults to Appalachia to build relationships and help make homes warmer, safer, and drier. All high school youth and their families are invited to this first team meeting. We will eat lunch, hand out forms, discuss preparation, and answer questions regarding this service opportunity. A non-refundable $50 deposit secures your youth’s place on the trip. For more information, email Devon Bailey, Director of Youth Ministries.

TOAST Happy Hour

Sunday, October 8 | 4:30PM

1607 San Jacinto Blvd

Young adults and young professionals (mid-20s to mid-40s) are welcome. At most of our events, we dig into the complex and/or difficult aspects of our lives and faith, but sometimes we just need to relax, enjoy one another’s company, and TOAST all we have to celebrate!

UPDATED START DATE!

Women's Spirituality Book Study: Wild Mercy

Mondays, Beginning October 9

6:30-8:00PM | Zoom

If you are interested in reading and discussing works by women authors and theologians, join the Women’s Spirituality Book Study on Monday nights beginning October 16 with the first conversation about a new book, Wild Mercy: Living the Fierce and Tender Wisdom of the Women Mystics by Mirabai Starr. With Wild Mercy, Starr shares the subversive wisdom and fierce compassion of the feminine mystic across cultural boundaries and throughout history. For more information about this small group opportunity which began meeting in February or to request the Zoom link, email Kristin Robertson.

Lunch & Learn: Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT)

Sunday, October 22

12:15-2:00PM | SAN Wesley Hall

During the 2023 legislative session, lawmakers passed several bills targeting trans-Texans. As a community of faith committed to justice and equity for all of God’s LGBTQ+ children, we invite you bring your family to join our Mercy & Justice Team to learn from Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT). TENT is the largest trans-led, trans-focused organization in Texas. They are dedicated to furthering gender diverse equality through a racial justice lens, with an intersectional approach. Our presenter will be Gin Pham, Community Engagement Manager. Adults and youth are welcome for this time of learning and conversation. If your family includes children in kindergarten through fifth grade, our Children’s Ministry staff will host a shared meal for kids, supervised play, and a reading of Red: A Crayon’s Story in EDU Room 108. Red emphasizes the importance of being true to your inner self and following your own unique path despite obstacles along the way. Childcare for children pre-K and younger is also available upon request. Lunch will be provided by the Mercy & Justice Team. Invite friends to come learn with you as TENT brings vital information about how to honor the dignity of Trans Texans.

FEAST: Witchy Women

Sunday, October 22

6:30-8:30PM | FLC Garrison Chapel

Like the earliest followers of Jesus, we meet to share a meal together as we grapple with what it means to be a Christian in today’s world. It’s October, and that means it’s time for another spooky October FEAST! This month, we are returning to a favorite FEAST topic: witches and witchcraft. Though Jesus sure seems to have emphasized the importance of social and spiritual equality among his followers, the history of the Church has shown—again and again—that women and others who challenge social and cultural norms are often vilified, accused of crimes, or even labeled as “witches.”

With that in mind, we will be taking a look at some of these “troublesome” women, some of whom were villains to one group and heroes to another. Dinner is provided for those who register by Saturday, October 21.

Cheers: Twilight Tuesday

Tuesday, October 24 | 5:00-8:00PM

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin, TX

Join Cheers, a group for those who are recently retired or nearing retirement, as we finally enjoy a cool evening with cool jazz at the Lady Bird John Wildflower Center! We return to a crowd favorite with a taste of Austin’s food trucks, music, and friendship. The cost is $10/person and can be paid at the Wildflower Center gate. Please contact Dick Young with questions.

Deep Dive: Gospel of John

4 Tuesdays, Beginning October 25

6:00-7:15PM | Zoom

It’s time to take another plunge! Deep Dive into scripture returns on October 25 as we turn our eyes and questions to the most unique gospel in our bibles: the Gospel of John. We’ll meet once a week for four weeks to examine this gospel and delve into the critical and faith-focused issues that it invites us to consider. Deep Dive is more than just a bible study, It’s a chance to dig into the text, to explore some of the deepest history of our faith, and to wrestle with the problems that scripture provokes and the unanswerable questions that scripture invites us not to solve, but to consider. Zoom link will be sent with registration. 

Mercy & Justice 5th Sunday Presentation: Homelessness in Austin

Sunday, October 29

10:00AM | SAN Wesley Hall

Our Mercy & Justice Team invites you to come learn more about homelessness in Austin. Our presenter will be Laura Torres, a clinical case manager serving with HOST (Homeless Outreach Street Team) and the Downtown Austin Community Court. Come to both learn and be inspired by her experience and compassion for our unhoused neighbors. For more information, contact Pastor Cathy Stone at cathy@fumcaustin.org.

Chili Cook-Off Competition and Lunch

Sunday, October 29

12:15-2:00PM | FUMC Parking Lot

Unleash your inner chef or just bring your appetite and get ready for a sizzling showdown of flavors at our second annual Chili Cook-Off! After the smashing success of last year’s cook-off, we are excited to make this an annual tradition that is spicier than ever. Join us for this event packed with flavorful fun, friendly competition, and a whole lot of community spirit. Get competition guidelines and enter your chili by Sunday, October 22 or just enjoy eating all you want for $5 per person.

Trunk-or-Treat

Sunday, October 29

12:15-2:00PM | FUMC Parking Lot

Need something sweet to go with all the Chili Cook-Off spice? How about candy? Children of all ages are encouraged to join us for this year’s Trunk-or-Treat! This event will be held in conjunction with the Chili Cook Off. Infants, todders, and children are invited are encouraged to wear their costumes to church and stop by decorated cars to get a treat! There is no cost to attend, but families are encouraged to bring new packaged white crew socks and men's boxer briefs as a way of treating our unhoused neighbors in this season. If you love to get creative and are interested in decorating a car and handing out candy, sign up here.

Youth Night at Blazer Tag

Sunday, October 15 | 4:00-6:00PM

1701 West Ben White Blvd.

Ready for a little friendly competition? All middle and high school youth and their friends are invited to an evening of fun at Blazer Tag! Please bring $20 for two rounds of laser tag and pizza. Recruit your best team and we will find out who will reign as champions! Questions? Email Devon Bailey.

3rd Grade Bible Presentation

Sunday, October 15 | 11:00AM

Sanctuary

Studying scripture is one of the most important ways we learn about God and, at First Church, the congregation gives each third grade student a personal Bible as a recognition that they are old enough to study and read the story of God for themselves. This presentation will happen in both worship services on Sunday, October 15. Contact Lara Greene and Jen Seibel at children@fumcaustin.org if you have questions about how to ensure that your third grader is included.

3rd Grade Bible Basics

Friday, October 20 | 6:00-9:00PM

EDU Rooms 108 and 109

Join us for an adventure through the pages of the Bible. This event is specially designed for 3rd grade students, who will explore the Bible in a fun and interactive way while building a strong foundation in faith and understanding of the Bible itself. Bring your curiosity and enthusiasm and join Lara Greene and Jen Seibel for 3rd Grade Bible Basics!

Kids' Night Out

Friday, October 20 | 6:00-9:00PM

SAN Wesley Hall

Kids' Night Out is a great night for grown-ups and kids since everybody gets a break when infants-2nd graders and 4th-5th graders join our trained childcare staff for pizza, play time, and a movie. (This time, 3rd graders get to enjoy a special event just for them—Bible Basics!) The cost is $45 for the first child and $15 for siblings. Contact Jen Seibel with questions or to request a scholarship.

Middle School Retreat at Mo Ranch

October 20-22, 2023 | 2229 FM 1340, Hunt, TX | $200/person

All middle school youth are invited to a weekend in the Texas hill country! We will hike, kayak, eat s’mores, run wild, and share some meaningful time together. The cost is $200 per person. Sign up now and don’t be afraid to rope your friends into the fun, too! In fact, want to make things interesting? The student who recruits the most new friends (other middle schoolers who don’t currently attend youth) will have their trip fees refunded and can enjoy the fun for free!

Engage for Youth: Pumpkinfest!

Sunday, October 29 | 4:30-7:00PM

What better way to celebrate the changing seasons and to get out any frustrations than to toss pumpkins off the top of a parking garage! Pumpkinfest is a BYOP event—bring your own pumpkins to toss. We hope to have some extras, too. Costumes welcome. Dinner provided, but all youth are invited to bring a side-dish or dessert for this special occasion.

In October, we are highlighting two partners working for mercyv& justice for refugees and immigrants in Texas.

La Posada Providencia, located in San Benito, Texas, is an emergency shelter for individuals and families who flee to the United States due to political oppression, natural disaster, and other life-threatening actions in their native countries. La Posada is the only shelter in the lower Rio Grande Valley that offers individual case management to optimize client resettlement outcomes and that can accommodate extended stays for clients when needed.

Austin Region Justice for Our Neighbors (ARJFON) is a nonprofit law office founded by United Methodists in the Capital District, and welcomes refugees and immigrants into our communities by providing free, high-quality immigration legal services, education, and advocacy. ARJFON focuses on providing key services to the most vulnerable immigrants, like asylum seekers and children or teenagers who are working through the immigration system alone and who may qualify for Special

Immigrant Juvenile Status.

We invite you to support ARJFON and La Posada with your prayers and financial giving. Your gifts, marked “October Mission Emphasis,” may be brought to worship, mailed to or brought by the church office, or by using the button below and writing "October" in the memo line.