Weekly News – First United Methodist Church New Braunfels

The Fall 2026 Newsletter is available now!

Here’s your online schedule of events happening at FUMC this week.

NEWS

PUMPKIN PATCH: SIGNUPS ARE LIVE!

Our Pumpkin Patch runs from October 4 through October 31.

We’d love your help unloading stocking the patch on delivery day: October 3rd. The church will send out details as we receive them.
Pumpkin patch shifts will run daily. This volunteer position is where we make connections with our community! Signups are live! CLICK HERE.

MEMORY CAFE

Memory Cafe will begin October 16th which is a Friday from 2:00 to 3:30 in the afternoon and Caregivers are invited along with their loved ones to join us for refreshments, games, and getting to know each other.

We will meet the third Friday of every month at fumc at the same time 2:00 to 3:30 in the welcome Cafe. Caregivers will remain with their loved ones throughout the hour and a half.

We are hoping this opportunity will bring much support and joy to both caregivers and their loved ones.

Please register if you are interested in participating.

2027 Kenya Mission Team meeting

When: Sunday, Oct. 25th, 5:30 PM
Where: Room 217

Join us for an informational gathering to learn about travel dates, community service projects, estimated costs, and how you can be part of this impactful journey.

All are welcome, whether you are interested in traveling or supporting the team from home. Attending is completely informational with no obligation.

For more details or to RSVP, please contact Vicki Freeman

Discover God’s Work in Kenya: 2026 Friends of Mission Health Gathering

Dates:
Friday, October 23: 9AM – 7PM CDST
Saturday, October 24, 2026: Saturday 9AM – 1PM CDST

Location: First United Methodist Church, New Braunfels, TX

Are you passionate about global missions and making a lasting difference in the lives of others? Join us right here in New Braunfels for the 2026 Friends of Mission Health Gathering!

We will be welcoming friends, partners, and mission advocates from all across the United States to connect, worship, and hear firsthand updates on the vital community, educational, and sustainable outreach projects supported in Kenya. Whether you have traveled to Kenya before, are interested in future mission opportunities, or simply want to learn how lives and communities are being transformed, this gathering offers a wonderful time of nationwide fellowship and inspiration.

Learn more at friendsofmissionhealth.org

BOOK DRIVE

Little Free Library Coming Soon to First UMC. We are looking for new or gently used books for all ages and of all genres. Collection Dates: September 21-October 8. Book drop-off boxes located outside Wesley Nurse Office.

THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE First United Methodist Church New Braunfels is planning to assist some families this year at Thanksgiving. We know that the Thanksgiving meal can be more than some families can afford around the holidays. We are very excited for Sunday School classes and ministry groups to help collect items to make the meals possible. If your class or group would like to help, please reach out to Sara Randolph at sarablewis@gmail.com. The deadline for collecting items will be November 1st and our youth group will assemble the meal bags November 8th. We are so excited for this new mission.

NEW WEDNESDAY NIGHT STUDY: Windshield or Rear View Mirror

Led by Don and Sherry Snyder, 6:00 to 6:55 starting on October 7 and running for 4 weeks

It will be a class on looking at life. It is good to have a rear view mirror to remember the past but we should live our lives looking forward through the windshield and not focus on the past.

VETERANS DAY SLIDESHOW We will be playing a Veterans Day slideshow between Sunday services on November 8, made by Jennifer Evans. If you would like your photo to be included, please send us your photos. Digital photos can easily be submitted online here. Physical photos can be left in the Archives box in the church office. PLEASE DO NOT leave your sole copy of any photo. First UMC will not be responsible for lost photos. Along with your photo, leave your full name, contact information, and information about your service including military branch and years of service. Photos must be submitted by November 1. Photos submitted after that date will not be included in this year’s slideshow.

HELP EVE CIRCLE PACK FOR OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Eve Circle from United Women in Faith at First UMC is packing Christmas packs for Operation Christmas Child, and everyone is invited to help with this ministry. If you want to pack a box, get in touch with Kathy deBerjeois.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE Fellowship meals have returned! Wednesday Night Live is an evening for fellowship and study for the whole church. The cost is $5. Join us for some delicious homemade meals while having fun and engaging conversations with friends. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Please use link to register if you plan to enjoy a meal so our amazing cooks will know how many to plan on serving-click link.

SEPTEMBER IMPACT FOCUS: GAP PACKS September is Hunger Awareness Month and it is also our semi-annual Food Drive. GAP Packs provides weekend food for school children who are struggling with food insecurity. Take a “donation bag” available in the hallway, Welcome Cafe, and Narthex. They were beautifully decorated by our Vacation Bible School kids this year. Or, you can make a monetary donation, and we will do the shopping! Please note on your donation that it is to go to GAP Packs.

Drop off at the GAP Packs donation stations located outside of the Sanctuary. Shopping list:

Mixed fruit – individual plastic cups
Apple Sauce – individual plastic cups.
Cereal – individual boxes
Chicken- canned
Tuna – canned 5 oz only
Peanut butter – plastic jars
Jelly – plastic squeeze bottles, no glass please
Ramen noodles – single serving packs, no styrofoam, please
Macaroni and cheese – boxed, no styrofoam, please
Microwave Popcorn
Pudding – snack pack plastic cups (3.5 oz)
Granola Bars
Peanut butter-filled crackers
Oatmeal – single serving packs
Cheez Its or Goldfish crackers – single serving packs

We’re hosting another fun and family-friendly Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 30th from 6-8 PM! We’re looking for volunteers to decorate their cars and hand out treats—get creative and join the fun! All are welcome—invite friends and neighbors to be part of the evening. Register here to take a parking spot!

Whether you’re new, have been here for years, or are somewhere in between, this is for you! Join us for pizza and a relaxed conversation with our pastors as we get to know you and share more about the heart of our church. Everyone is WELCOME at our table! We can’t wait to connect with you! SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4TH AFTER THE 11AM SERVICE IN WESLEY HALL Let’s get to know each other!

WORSHIP

NEXTGEN IS COMING!
OCTOBER 11 Our kids and youth are taking on worship-leading roles.
Want your child or teen to join the crew? There are tons of ways for kids of all ages to help out across the morning. Head to the registrations page, and pick the perfect spot for your student to help run the show!

GROW

ADULT AND FAMILY MINISTRIES

Come visit the First UMC Pumpkin Patch. It’s a yearly tradition!

Wednesday Night Live meals have returned for the Fall.
At our regular WNL we have dinner every week along with opportunities for prayer and worship, studies, fellowship and games. Be sure to register for the meals, and come enjoy Wednesday evenings with your church family.

Oct 13 Lunch Willie’s Grill, and movie TBD
Oct 16 Steel Magnolias pay $25 tickets to Kathy Bassett by Oct 6
Nov 10 Pot Luck Lunch at church (bring side or dessert) followed by program by Nurse Hanna: Service opportunities and tour of Habermann Haus

Evening Game Group meets Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to about 7:00 in the Welcome Cafe.

Monday Games Join us for some game time – easy and easy-to-learn games like Bunco or Chicken Foot or Tensie’s. 10:30 to 1:00 in the Welcome Cafe. Bring your lunch if you’d like. Karen will have water and iced tea.

Coffee Connection FUMC men gather on Tuesday mornings at 7:30 at Casa Garcia for breakfast and conversation. Hosted by Pastor Don. Click here for more information.

Pickleball
Regular meetings are Tuesdays at 6 p.m. in Wesley Hall. Watch the church calendar for schedule changes. Some weeks we meet off campus to make room for FUMC ministries that need the gym. Contact Lori Oden for details.

Walk to Emmaus is an inspiring experience held over a three day retreat where Jesus’ love is revealed to you through other Christians. After the retreat, pilgrims meet regularly with others who have been on a walk.

2026 Walks:

Women’s Walk to Emmaus November 5-8

Emmaus Gatherings for 2026

November 12th…at GUMC at 6:30 p.m.

Monday Women’s Emmaus Group meets every Monday in Room 217 at the church at 1:00. Request to join this group.

Thursday Women’s Emmaus Group meets on Thursday nights at 6 PM in room 215. Please contact Lori Oden for details

MEN’S Emmaus Reunion Group meets weekly on Wednesdays at 4:00pm in Room 224

Other Emmaus Reunion groups also meet on campus. Join the Emmaus Group for information.

LUNCH BUNCH usually meets monthly on the last Tuesday from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Contact Libby Meyer to RSVP. Lunch Bunch group will meet at Casa Garcia’s on October 27, at 11:30 am.

Mahjong Group meets every Thursday at 1:30-4:30pm in room the Welcome Cafe at church. We are a friendly group who love the game but also love each other. Come and join us for great fun and fellowship!

STUDENT MINISTRIES

Weekly MYF Sunday’s from 5:00-7:00 PM, we share a meal, enjoy games, worship together, study God’s Word, and connect in small groups.

Youth Sunday school at the 11:00 hour in the youth room.

Service Projects – Opportunities to serve our church and community while putting our faith into action.

Special Events – Keep an eye out for additional fellowship opportunities, retreats, and outreach events throughout the quarter.

NextGen Service — October 11

NextGen Service is coming Sunday, October 11!

This is a special Sunday when our youth and children help lead the church in worship and service. If your student has not registered to serve yet, we still have opportunities available!

Please visit the Church App to register your student and select a place to serve.

https://fumcnb.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3743146

MYF Fright Fest Trip — October 11

After NextGen that morning, we’re heading to Six Flags Fright Fest for MYF that evening!

Sunday, October 11, 2026
Cost: $45 per student
Adult Chaperones: FREE

Schedule:
• Depart the church — 4:30 PM
• Depart Six Flags — 9:30 PM
• Return to the church — approximately 10:15 PM for student pickup

Students must be registered through the Church App to attend. The decline to register is October 4th!!

We also need adult help with transportation to and from Six Flags. If you’re available to drive and/or chaperone, we would greatly appreciate the help. Adult chaperones attend for free!

https://fumcnb.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3895253

Help Provide an MYF Dinner

One more way you can support our youth ministry is by helping provide dinner for one of our weekly MYF gatherings.

Sharing a meal together is an important part of our Sunday evenings, and we are looking for families and volunteers who would be willing to provide dinner on an upcoming Sunday.

A new SignUpGenius has been created with available dates. Please use the SignUpGenius link provided in this email to choose a Sunday that works for you.
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/5080A4CAAAB2AA31-65568252-fumc?useFullSite=false

A Prayer for This Week

As our students serve tonight, I invite our families to join us in prayer throughout this week — both for our own students and for young people in our community who may be facing homelessness, uncertainty, or difficult transitions.

Scripture for the Week:

“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
— 1 John 3:18

Let Us Pray:

Gracious God,

Thank You for the young people You have placed in our lives and in our church. Help them grow into people who recognize the needs of others and have the courage and compassion to respond.

We especially pray for young people in our community who are experiencing homelessness, uncertainty, loneliness, or major transitions. Remind them that they are seen, loved, and valued. Place people around them who will offer encouragement, safety, hope, and support.

Teach all of us to follow Jesus not only through the words we speak, but through the way we serve. May our students learn that even a small act of kindness can reflect Your great love to someone who needs it.

Amen.

Thank you for continuing to support our students and our youth ministry. We have a lot happening, and I’m excited about the opportunities our students have to grow in their faith, serve others, build community, and have a whole lot of fun together!

FIRST KIDS MINISTRIES

We have a new check-in system for children’s Sunday School! Check out Mallorie’s tutorial on Facebook. Or, contact Mallorie for details.

Children’s Sunday School is held during the 9:45 AM service for ages 3 years through 5th grade. After the first worship set, you can send your kiddos down to the front of the sanctuary, where we will walk them upstairs to their classrooms in the children’s wing.

At 11:00 we have a second hour of Sunday School, which we call “Sunday Cool.” During this time, kids will play games and do crafts that build on the 9:45 AM lesson. Kids are welcome to attend one or both hours.

Please remember to check your child in using the iPads located in the Narthex or at the side entrance to the sanctuary.

IMPACT MINISTRIES

FIRST FEEDS FUMC has a Food Ministry consisting of a team of ladies that LOVE to cook and who provide meals for our congregation! If you and your family would appreciate a meal due to a new baby, a family illness or other situation, please let us know. Jot your info in the registration pad, notify Kathy Gibson or any staff member and we will be in contact. And, if you too like to cook and would like to join our ministry, let us know.

MOBILE COMMUNION STEWARDS Members of this group take Communion to homebound church members on the first Sunday of the month. Contact Lori or Ron Oden to get more information, join the group, or ask to be visited.

HEART FOR HOMEBOUND is looking for a few new volunteers to help us on Wednesday afternoons as we visit our members who are no longer able to make it to church. We meet at 1:30 in Room 118 and are usually finished with our visits by 3:30. Contact Martha Harrison for more information.

Details for Pumpkin Patch Volunteers. Note, the patch isn’t fully open to the public unless we have volunteers to run it. We are so excited about this year’s Pumpkin Patch and can’t wait to see it filled with joyful volunteers and families from our community!

August: Kirkwood Flowers & Cards – Eve Circle
No General Meeting
2-8 Rummage Sale Week
12&18 Circle Meetings
27 Leadership Team

September:
Kirkwood Flowers & Cards – Joy Circle
1 Gen. Mtg., Mill St youth Center, Daniel O’Quinn (Joy Circle Hosts)
9&15 Circle Meetings
24 Leadership Team

October:
Kirkwood Flowers & cards – Mary Circle
8 Gen Mtg, Demetria Cummins – Soul Care & Prayer Walk (Mary Circle hosts)
14&20 Circle meetings
22 Leadership Team Mtg

Have you downloaded our church app, yet?
You’ll have access to your the calendar and your ministry and fellowship teams right on your phone. If you’ve already downloaded the app and created an account, don’t forget to add your user picture! Find the apps here.

FALL Newsletter Deadline has passed. The next newsletter deadline will be October 15. If you need to share ministry information before then, we can put it in the weekly news.

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