Freedom

by Rev. Dr. Griff Martin

In 1989, Eastern Europe was unraveling and changing. Romania’s President Ceausescu, who ruled more like a dictator, had recently been executed as part of a government overthrow. Romania was suddenly a different country. A BBC journalist was touring the country trying to make sense of everything that was going on — he finally found a woman who, in 12 words, summed up the state of things: “We have freedom, but we don’t know what to do with it.” 

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.”

Easter is our celebration of freedom, and yet I think, maybe in our hearts, we stand way closer to the Romanian woman; we have freedom, but we don’t know what to do with it.

ALL CHURCH BUSINESS MEETING

TODAY, May 8, 5:30pm on Zoom

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 854 4894 9944 | Passcode: 318135

One tap mobile +13462487799,,85448949944# US

Agenda:

• Call to Order
• Opening Prayer
• Acceptance of meeting minutes (click to read):
• December regular business meeting
• Special meeting for Still Waters (Apr. 28, 2024) — UPDATED
• Acceptance of membership report
• Committee Updates:
• Financial Resources Committee
• Future Sustainability & Stewardship
• Governing Board
• Deacons
• New Business:
• Ordination Council for Carson Hollis
• Ministry Updates
• Closing Prayer
• Meeting Adjourns

CALL FOR GRADUATES

Our graduate recognition service is on June 2 and we want to honor all the graduates in the class of 2024 in the worship service. Let us know the details of your graduating student as soon as possible by emailing their graduate information (degree, school, future plans) and picture to Sarah at szeringue@fbcaustin.org

MOBILE LOAVES & FISHES TRUCK RUNS

Addressing immediate hunger is crucial for progressing towards emotional, spiritual, and physical healing. Consider becoming one of the compassionate volunteers that provides nourishing meals and essential support to unhoused individuals, promoting dignity and respect. 

MAY

Sunday, May 12 at 1:00 PM. Contact Jim.

Monday, May 27 at 4:30 PM. Contact Jill.

JUNE

Sunday, June 9 at 1:00 PM. Contact Jim.

Monday, June 24 at 4:30 PM. Contact Jill.

First United Methodist Church

1201 Lavaca St.

ADULT SUNDAY 

SCHOOL CLASSES

Sunday School Begins at 9:45am

Here's a list of current adult Sunday School classes:

Tyrannical Texts of the Bible, led by Carrie Houston, Room 334 (May 12 - June 23).

Love Class (Women), Room 320.

Theophilus Class, led by Thomas Arthur, Room 327 and Zoom.

Symposium, Room 340A and Zoom (email fbcsymposium@gmail.com for Zoom link, for information about current and future studies, or to receive announcements via email).

*Click here to read about what Symposium is studying.

Kairos (Young adults), Room 346.

Doug's Class, led by Doug Keenan, Chapel Prayer Room,

*Click here to read about what Doug's class is studying.

SUNDAY WORSHIP

We worship in person in the sanctuary, and we also offer a live-streaming option.

Follow the link below to download the worship guide and watch the live stream.

GIVE TO FIRST AUSTIN

We understand that giving can be hard, and we firmly believe that thriving church communities run on more that just monetary donations—including gifts of time and energy, knowledge, and professional expertise. However, we also believe that generosity is both a spiritual practice and a natural outpouring of gratitude for what God has given us. If you feel so led to financially support the ministry and mission of First Austin, you may give online or you may also mail your gift to the church. Our mailing address is First Baptist Church, 901 Trinity Street, Austin, TX 78701.