We welcomed the following new members into this community of faith on Sunday, February 25.

General Conference Lunch & Learn

Sunday, March 3

12:15PM | FLC Great Hall

The General Conference is the legislative body of the United Methodist Church and is the only body that can set official policy and speak for the denomination. This worldwide gathering is scheduled to meet in North Carolina in April after long pandemic delays. In the midst of denominational division, this body will consider proposals that would make progress in removing the language that harms the LGBTQ+ community. Join Pastor Taylor Fuerst and Rachel Wright, who will be delegates to General Conference, to learn about the process, proposed legislation, priorities, and hopes for this year’s gathering. Lunch provided for those who register by February 29. Email Rachel Wright with questions.

Deep Dive: Scripture's Difficult Questions

Wednesdays, March 6-27

6:00-7:15PM | Zoom

As we move through the season of Lent, we will examine some of scripture’s most difficult questions through the lens of the Gospel of Mark. Deep Dive is more than just a bible study! It is a chance to dig into the text with Pastor Brad King, exploring some of the deepest history of our faith and wrestling with the unanswerable questions that scripture invites us not to solve, but to consider. Zoom link sent with registration.

Caregiver Support Group

Wednesday, March 6

8:00-9:00PM | Zoom

Henri Nouwen writes, “Caregiving feels solitary. We look out from our own lives and see so many people who seem not to experience what we feel. But we are not alone. Christ and caring friends are our companions.” Caring for a loved one in their season of need is a sacred trust and holy work. Maybe you are caring for a spouse, a child, or a friend; it might be temporary or long-term. Often, caregivers need a brief time away to renew their spirits, to just be themselves, and to connect with others in similar circumstances to receive support and encouragement. Pastor Cathy Stone and member Judy Breckbill will host this time that is open to those currently caring for a loved one or who have recently been in this role, whether in home or miles apart. For the Zoom link or questions, email Judy at judybreckbill25@gmail.com.

Service Project Sunday

Sunday, March 10

10:00-10:45AM | EDU Wesley Hall

Be part of some hands-on mercy at this intergenerational time of service. We will assemble hygiene kits and manna bags for our unhoused neighbors, fill eggs for the Egg Festival, make care packs for the Pickle Elementary staff, and more! This will be the faith formation opportunity for our children’s and youth Sunday School classes and we invite families to work together. Manna bags are also available to purchase for $5, so stop by to make one and take one!

Easter Festival Chorus

Wednesdays, March 13, 20, and 27

7:00-8:30PM | Choir Room

Join the glorious voices lifted in song as they are accompanied by brass and organ and sing the celebratory music of Easter on March 31. Music includes works by Elaine Hagenberg, George Handel, and John Rutter. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays, March 13, 20, and 27, from 7:00-8:30PM in the Choir Room. Rehearsal parking is available in the church lot. If you plan to sing in our festival chorus, contact Director Scott Davis at scott@fumcaustin.org.

Cheers: The Wittliff Collections Tour

Thursday, March 14 | 1:00PM Texas State Library | San Marcos, TX

Join Cheers, our community of newly and nearly retired people, as we visit the Wittliff Collections at the Texas State Library in San Marcos. The Collections features stories of Texas, Mexico, and the Southwest. We will see exhibits of Texas music, literature, and the permanent exhibit of the Lonesome Dove television series. Unfortunately, because of Texas State’s spring break, we will be self-guided. Ample parking is available, but carpooling is encouraged! Email Dick Young with questions.

NEW DETAILS ABOUT EXTENDED CARE FOR VBS!

Early Bird Registration for Vacation Bible School (VBS) Now Open

Now-March 17: $35 Per Child

VBS: June 10-13, 2024

Surrounded by water, trees, and hills, Camp Firelight is the perfect location for every Camper’s favorite summer activities! With the help of Lu the Lightning Bug and the Camp Counselor Guidebook, Counselor Sam and our Campers explore Bible stories and learn to trust that God will go with us, lead the way, share wisdom, to give us peace, and spark joy as we celebrate the good news of Jesus in our own lives and in the lives of others. The cost is $35/per child.

Extend the day with Austin Youth Fitness’ Fit n’ Fun aftercare camp, where kids develop running skills and fitness through games and play. The cost is $240/participant. Sign up for VBS and Fit n’ Fun camp at fumcaustin.org/vbs.

Youth Spring Break Event: Kayaking at Ladybird Lake Sunday, March 17

1:00-3:30PM | 74 Trinity Street

Middle and high school students are invited to wrap up Spring Break with an afternoon of kayaking on Ladybird Lake. We will be on the water from 1:00-3:30PM. Bring/grab lunch, wear sunscreen, and meet us downtown. The cost is $30/person and friends are welcome with registration. For youth who plan to park downtown and join us, park in the TTLA garage at the corner of 13th and Lavaca streets and meet in front of the Family Life Center at 12:15PM to walk down to the waterfront. Adults who are dropping youth off can meet the group at the Four Seasons Hotel at 98 San Jacinto Blvd at 12:45PM so that we can make our 1:00PM reservation at the Austin Rowing Club located behind the Four Seasons Hotel. Pick up for those who did not drive themselves will be at 3:30PM in the Four Seasons Parking Lot. Release forms will be sent with registration. Contact Devon Bailey with questions.

Easter Egg Festival

Saturday, March 23

9:30-11:00AM | Capitol Grounds

First Church welcomes you to our annual Easter Egg Festival in our “backyard” at the Capitol Grounds at Colorado and 12th Street for egg hunts (infants-preschoolers) and egg races (elementary ages). This event is free and open to the public. A visit from the Easter Bunny is a special tradition along with fun activities like face painting and games by our youth. Participants are invited to bring one or more of the following donations to help us love our neighbors as we celebrate and share the gift of Easter: non-perishable food donations for the Capital Area Food Bank or unopened baby wipes and unopened diaper cream for the Austin Diaper Bank. For more information, contact Lara Greene, at children@fumcaustin.org or 512-478-5684 (ext. 211).

Pssst...The Easter Bunny Needs Your Help

Help us ensure there are treats for children at our Easter Egg Festival

on Saturday, March 23.

• Conveniently shop from our Amazon wish list to donate individually wrapped candy and egg-sized plastic toys or stickers.
• If you prefer to shop in person, we recommend candy like Lifesavers, Starbursts, or small wrapped bubble gum. All candy should be nut free and fit inside an egg. Place donations in the bunny boxes found near the entrances of the children’s Sunday School wing and the Sanctuary.
• Volunteer to stuff eggs at home or during a class or meeting by contacting children@fumcaustin.org.
• Volunteer at the Egg Festival on Saturday, March 23.

Sign Up for Altar Flowers

Honor someone you love and appreciate, remember a departed loved one, or celebrate special days or events in your life or the life of the church. The cost is $65. The available dates for the next several months are: March 17, April 7; May 5 and 12; and June 23 and 30. To sign up, contact Tami Kellberg at tami@fumcaustin.org or 512-478-5684 (ext. 226).

We are committed to caring for and serving with our unhoused neighbors. 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 Well welcomes women experiencing homelessness into the Great Hall of our Family Life Center each Friday morning. We provide coffee and a hot breakfast, showers, new underwear, computer access, mats for sleeping, clothing, books, and much more. At the Well provides a short time of sabbath, moments of respite from the weather and the hardness of life these women experience each day.

Celebrating five years of ministry this May, At the Well is making a difference in both the lives of women experiencing homelessness as well as those serving on Friday mornings. Your financial support ensures that we are able to provide basic necessities in a caring, safe, and accepting environment that affirms self-worth and dignity.

Gifts, marked “Easter Offering,” may be placed in the offering basket, mailed to or brought by the church office, or made online during the month of March. To donate online, use the button below or go to fumcaustin.org/give and select “Easter & Christmas” from the drop-down menu.