As much as we may love Christmas, all the lights, music, and shopping that come with the season often seem disconnected from the real world, from our real lives. This winter, author and artist Scott Erickson’s work, Honest Advent, will help guide us as we seek “something honest, something real, something with some human grit and a little less green and red in it.”

Buy Erickson’s book for yourself and/or share it with a friend or relative—maybe even someone you will see during thenThanksgiving holidays—who needs a different Advent story, and invite them to journey along with us. Reserve your copy of Honest Advent for $17. They will be available for pickup in the Sanctuary Foyer beginning November 12. 

While you are at it, reserve a free companion Advent Kit for use throughout the Advent season. Our Advent Kits include a simple, brief daily reflection that is designed to work in tandem with Erickson’s book as well as a few uncomplicated spiritual and hand-on practices that kids and adults alike can use to respond to God and add depth and honesty to this Advent season.

Together, we can reclaim our un-tinseled lives as the place where the wonder of God-with-us is present—a gift that will serve us all year long.

Continuing the Conversation: Homelessness in Austin

Sunday, November 26

10:00AM | EDU Murchison Chapel

After a deeply engaging October 5th Sunday Mercy & Justice presentation, Laura Torres with the Homeless Outreach Street Team (HOST) will be back to answer more questions and the wonderings you have had since. Laura is a licensed professional counselor with 14+ years working in mental health and has expertise in addiction, recovery, the criminal justice system, and trauma. Whether you were here when Laura was last with us or not, come to learn from her and be inspired by her as a part of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month.

Youth Parent Meeting: Drugs and Alcohol

Sunday, November 26

4:30-6:30PM | FLC Garrison Chapel

One of the most influential factors during a child’s adolescence is maintaining a strong, open relationship with a parent. This is especially important when it comes to parenting your young person in an era when stigma around drugs and alcohol has decreased. Join us for a special parent meeting with a guest speaker who will lead us through a conversation about teen substance use and the effects on developing brains. Get clear, accurate information about the environment our youth are living in and learn strategies for having safe, supportive conversations that can lead to informed choices in your own family.

FEAST: Puritans, Pietism, and American Values 

Sunday, November 26

6:30-8:30PM | Zoom

When the Pilgrims sailed for America in the early 17th century, they did so with the hope that they could found a truly pure and moral society free of the woes and corruption that they saw in the Catholic and Anglican churches of their homelands. Puritanism died out in the 18th century, but many of the values of the Puritan movement remain deeply ingrained in American society. Join us for a discussion of the ways that Puritans—and other similar movements—have shaped the life of American Christianity, even into the 21st century. Since FEAST falls on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, we will meet on Zoom to keep things extra casual. Folks who register by November 25 will receive a Doordash gift card so that we can still share a meal, even if we aren't in the same place. 

Honest Advent Study Group

Tuesdays, November 28, and December 5, 12, and 19 | 2:00-3:00PM | Zoom

Deepen your faith throughout Advent as we discuss Honest Advent, by Scott Erickson. Join member Cynthia Murray and participants from FUMC Austin and FUMC McAllen for online community and conversation about these 25 daily meditations and illustrations that address hope and light in the darkest winters, what it means to embrace the unexpected, and how God uses everyday vulnerability to help us understand ourselves, and our faith, better. Zoom link will be sent with registration. For more information, email Cynthia Murray.

Advent and Christmas Festival Choir

Wednesdays, November 29, and December 6, 13, and 20

7:00-8:30PM | Choir Room

The FUMC Austin Choir invites all interested singers to join us as we prepare musical offerings for Advent and Christmas. Sing the joyous sacred music of this season as we anticipate God’s gift of Jesus on Sunday, December 17, at 9:00 and 11:00AM and celebrate Christ’s birth on Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24, at 6:00 and 8:00PM. Email Scott Davis to let us know you are planning to sing or for more information.

Community First!

Village of Lights

December 1-2, 8-9 | 6:00–9:00PM | 9301 Hog Eye Road

Celebrate the season with Community First!’s Village of Lights, one of the biggest light displays in Central Texas! The Holiday Market offers unique, handcrafted gifts made by artists and makers who live in Community First! Village, the master planned community that provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for men and women coming out of chronic homelessness. Food will be available for purchase, classic Christmas movies will be featured in the Community Cinema and Santa will make a visit to the Village! RSVP and find a detailed schedule at mlf.org/village-of-lights.

Holiday Stroll

Saturday, December 2 | 5:00-8:45PM | Colorado St Sidewalk

Austinites of all ages will be strolling down to the Capitol grounds for this annual holiday sing-along and tree lighting. First Church has become a regular stop along the way for cookies, cocoa, and access to restrooms. Share some holiday cheer as hundreds of neighbors head to and from the festivities by signing up to donate cookies or to serve at our hospitality station. Contact Pastor Cathy Stone with any questions.

Advent Kickoff

Sunday, December 3 | 10:00AM

FLC Great Hall

The season of Advent, the four weeks of waiting that lead to Christmas, is the beginning of the Christian year. This year, Advent begins on December 3, which coincides with the 100th anniversary of the first worship service held in our beautiful Sanctuary Building. Come join the festivities at this year’s Advent Party as we celebrate 100 years of ministry and the dawn of a new Christian year— and century! We will celebrate with cake and by making heirloom Christmas ornaments from pieces of our FUMC history. There will be no Sunday School for children or youth, so we are planning fun for everyone and hope families will join. Advent devotionals and activities will be available to guide your experience of the season.

First Steps

Sunday, December 3 | 12:15-2:00PM

FLC Garrison Chapel

Meet the pastors and staff in this informal gathering during which you are encouraged to ask questions about this community of faith and explore what it means to be a member of FUMC Austin. Lunch is provided and childcare is available. For more information, email Amy Wink.

Deck the Halls! Event

Sunday, December 3 | 12:15-2:00PM | Sanctuary

Deck the halls of our campus with festive cheer this holiday season. Embrace the joy, connection, and community spirit that are a hallmark of this event as we decorate the Sanctuary and other gathering spaces across campus and prepare them for Christmas. This year, we are holding this beloved tradition on a new day, but there is plenty to do for volunteers young and old. A pizza lunch will be available for those who rsvp below. For more information, email Ken Spivey.

Caregiver Support Group

Wednesday, December 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.

A Very Magi Christmas with Dr. Brent Landau

Sunday, December 10 | 10:00-10:45AM | SAN Wesley Hall

Take another look at our familiar Christmas traditions with Dr. Brent Landau, lecturer in the Department of Religious Studies at UT Austin. Landau will join us to talk about a fascinating text, The Revelation of the Magi, which tells the story of the Magi’s journey to Bethlehem—with some interesting and unexpected stops along the way! Join us for cookies, cocoa, and a chance to learn from a respected scholar whose surprising insights into the Magi may deepen your own journey toward Christmas. For more information, email Pastor Brad King.

LGBTQ+ Community Holiday Mixer

Sunday, December 10 | 12:15-1:45PM

FLC Garrison Chapel

At First Church, the full inclusion of our LGBTQ+ siblings is central to the life of the church, and at the same time, we recognize that there is great value in the chance to come together as a distinct community, especially in the context of faith. At this festive time of year, we are hosting a holiday gathering for the queer community to meet, mingle, and ring in the season together. Invite friends to share food, stories, and fellowship. Please RSVP so we have plenty of food for the whole party!

Generosity Update

This fall, we have explored together what it means to live with financial wisdom, courage, and peace that is rooted in God's abundant generosity toward us. Thank you to all who have already shared how you are reflecting that same generosity back to God by turning in your estimate of giving fro 2024. If you haven't had a chance to do so, you can turn in a "More Than Enough" card, found in the pewbacks and in the Sanctuary Foyer, in the offering plate or by mailing it to the church office. You can also submit an online estimate of giving online by using one of the buttons below.

Socks & Underwear Drive for Unhoused Neighbors

Through Sunday, November 26

Sanctuary and FLC Foyers

This week, we are concluding our collection of men's white or black crew socks and men's boxer-briefs (all sizes) to help extend kindness and dignity to our unhoused neighbors. If you haven't yet participated, collection bins are available through Sunday, November 26, in the foyers of the Sanctuary and Family Life Center. Thank you for your donations!

Little Red Library

Sundays in November

Sanctuary Foyer

No matter your age, there are resources to spark conversations and support you as you learn during Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month. Please browse the Little Red Library before and after worship throughout November. This red cart houses books available for check out to adults and children.

Donate Books for December Pickle Book Sale

Through Sunday, December 10

Library or Sanctuary Foyer

Spread Christmas cheer by providing a high-quality selection of books at our next Pickle Elementary Book Sale on December 19. This bi-annual tradition works to get books intp the hands of students, while empowering them to purchase new and gently used books for only a quarter. Before the sale begins, add books for Pickle to your own Black Friday shopping list; check your shelves for good reads you are ready to share; and ask your family and friends for popular titles, the Dog Man series, appropriate for preschool through 5th grade. We particularly need titles like these in Spanish. Drop donations in the Library or in the bin off of the Sanctuary Foyer between now and December 10 or email Heather Schuelke to arrange pick up/drop off or to volunteer at the book sale.

For over 20 years, First Church has sponsored a Christmas Breakfast in the Family Life Center. We provide a hot breakfast, served restaurant style with hosts and a smiling wait staff. After breakfast, guests receive a gift of a manna bag, hat, gloves, socks, hand warmers, cookies, and a blanket. Our goal is to raise $5,000 for this Christmas celebration with our unhoused neighbors.

Your gifts, marked “Christmas Eve Breakfast,” may be placed in the offering basket during worship, mailed to or brought by the church office, or made online using the button below. (Please select “Christmas Breakfast” from the drop-down menu.)