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Event Coordinator Honey Habingreither Event Coordinator honey@fumcgt.org Honey was born and raised in Lufkin - situated deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas. After graduating from Lufkin High School, Honey attended The University of Texas at Austin. Following a brief 1.5 years in Dallas, Honey returned to Central Texas to marry her college sweetheart, Jason, and has remained in the greater Austin area since 2001. Honey and her family have been members of FUMC Georgetown since 2018. Prior to joining the FUMC staff in May 2023, she has enjoyed serving as Treasurer for PTAs throughout Georgetown ISD and booster clubs at Georgetown High School as well as volunteering with student ministries at FUMC Georgetown. Honey also serves as a member of the Micah Workers for Racial Justice at FUMC Georgetown. She is excited to join the staff and will primarily assist Children and Student Ministries. Next Item Previous Item

Young*ish is our newest ministry for young-ish grownups—married, single, with kids or without, dog people, cat people, and everyone in between. Wherever you are in life, you’re welcome here! This active and dynamic community is designed for young adults navigating careers, relationships, parenting, faith, and more! Whether you’re new to faith or looking for a fresh perspective, Young*ish is here to journey with you. Let’s do life together! For more information about our groups and ministry, email youngishfumcgt@gmail.com Men's Bible Study The Good, The Bad, and The Holy is a Youngish Men's Bible Study, meeting the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at Rentsch Brewery in Georgetown. Women's Bible Study Belles of The Bible is Youngish Women's Bible Study, meeting the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month, 6:15-7:30 PM in Room 301. Women's Ornament Exchange, 2024 Holy Smokes Cookout, 2024 No events at the moment YOUNG*ISH EVENTS In addition to our weekly bible studies, we’ve got exciting things planned— cookouts, social events, and evenings out around town—all with the goal of helping you grow, belong, and make an impact. See below for a list of our upcoming events!

FACILITIES First United Methodist Church is known as an historic downtown church and we have many opportunities to serve our members, guests, and community with our lovely facilities. If you have questions about our facilities, please contact the church office at 512-863-2370. FUMC Campus Facilities The FUMC Campus offers a welcoming space for worship, fellowship, and community service. While our facilities primarily support our church family and ministries, we occasionally accommodate outside non-profit groups whose missions align with our values, as outlined in our Facilities Use Manual. If your organization meets the criteria and is interested in using our space, please complete a Facility Use Request to begin the process. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you and the community! Pay Facility Usage Fee Getsemani Center & Annex FUMC Georgetown is also the proud owner of the Getsemani Ministry Center and Annex located at 412 and 414 E 19th Street in Georgetown. This site is a popular ministry and group meeting site. For more information about the Getsemani site, please email g etsemani@fumcgt.org . To inquire about using the space for a specific event, please complete the Facility Use Request. Pay Getsemani Usage Fee Facility Use Request Facility Use Manual

Audio-Visual Team Anthony Caulkins Audio-Visual Team Next Item Previous Item

Media Director Lisa Blake Media Director lisa@fumcgt.org Lisa serves as Media Director, managing FUMC’s print and digital presence. Prior to joining the FUMC staff, Lisa worked in the Architecture industry in DFW, with corporate clients such as Randall’s/Tom Thumb stores, Whole Foods, and United supermarkets. After moving to Georgetown in 2008, Lisa focused her talents on branding and graphic design for freelance clients. Then in 2011, Lisa joined the staff at FUMC as Graphic Designer, where she established the church’s visual identity, redesigned the church newsletters, created an eNews option, and developed the church’s social media presence. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve her church with her skills in design. 
In her spare time, Lisa enjoys mid-century modern art, Craftsman-style architecture, music (especially Lord Huron and Head & The Heart), hiking, kayaking, and traveling. Next Item Previous Item

Finance Director Sherry Markert Finance Director sherry@fumcgt.org Next Item Previous Item

Privacy Policy A legal disclaimer The explanations and information provided on this page are only general and high-level explanations and information on how to write your own document of a Privacy Policy. You should not rely on this article as legal advice or as recommendations regarding what you should actually do, because we cannot know in advance what are the specific privacy policies you wish to establish between your business and your customers and visitors. We recommend that you seek legal advice to help you understand and to assist you in the creation of your own Privacy Policy. Privacy Policy - the basics Having said that, a privacy policy is a statement that discloses some or all of the ways a website collects, uses, discloses, processes, and manages the data of its visitors and customers. It usually also includes a statement regarding the website’s commitment to protecting its visitors’ or customers’ privacy, and an explanation about the different mechanisms the website is implementing in order to protect privacy. Different jurisdictions have different legal obligations of what must be included in a Privacy Policy. You are responsible to make sure you are following the relevant legislation to your activities and location. What to include in the Privacy Policy Generally speaking, a Privacy Policy often addresses these types of issues: the types of information the website is collecting and the manner in which it collects the data; an explanation about why is the website collecting these types of information; what are the website’s practices on sharing the information with third parties; ways in which your visitors an customers can exercise their rights according to the relevant privacy legislation; the specific practices regarding minors’ data collection; and much much more. To learn more about this, check out our article “Creating a Privacy Policy ”.

MUSIC MINISTRY At the center of the FUMC Music Ministry is worship. Whether you’re a professional musician or a passionate music enthusiast, you’ll find a welcoming place here. Our ensembles, whether they embrace traditional or contemporary styles, act as extensions of our families, nurturing faith and sharing talents in service to God. We offer a diverse array of opportunities for individuals of all abilities and interests. Our hope is that everyone who participates will deepen their connection with Christ and experience God’s unconditional love. Please contact Marc Profant, Director of Worship Arts at Music@fumcgt.org for more information or to get involved in our Music Ministry! Chancel Choir The Chancel Choir sings at the 8:30 AM and/or 11:10 AM worship services in the Sanctuary from September through June. The Chancel Choir also presents larger works with instrumental accompaniment during the major occasions of the church season, including Advent, Christmas, Holy Week, and Easter. All musical levels are invited. Chancel Choir rehearsals are Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:00 PM during the fall, winter, and spring. If you have thought about joining the choir for the first time or are coming back to the choir after some time away, now is a great time and we would love to have you join us in choir this season! Handbell Choir FUMC Georgetown has an amazing and talented handbell ensemble. The ensemble plays during worship at 8:30 AM and 11:10 AM and during special times of the church season in the Sanctuary from September through June. Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 5:30 PM. This talented group of ringers is awesome and has some amazing music to rehearse and share with our congregation. We are always on the lookout for new ringers to join us! Orchestra The FUMC orchestra rehearses on Sundays at 12:15 PM in the choir room immediately following the 11:10 AM service. From tubas to violins to oboes, we have a wonderful group of musicians that come together to play for worship several times throughout the music season under the skillful direction of Mick Pierce. Praise Band Our contemporary praise band, The Stirring, leads the 10:45 AM Contemporary Worship Service in the McKinney Christian Ministry Center. If you enjoy singing along with contemporary music and feel at home in a contemporary service, this group is for you! The Stirring is supported by a group of volunteers who help run the Audio/Visual side of things. If you are interested in getting involved within the contemporary service, please contact mandi@fumcgt.org.

ADULT GROUPS ADULT GROUPS Join one of FUMC Georgetown's engaging adult groups and deepen your faith and sense of community. We offer various opportunities for fellowship, support, and spiritual growth, catering to diverse interests and schedules. Whether you seek connection with others or just a community with like-minded individuals, there’s a welcoming space for you here. For more information or to inquire about a specific class, please email adults@fumcgt.org United Women in Faith (UWF) Circles Hannah Circle meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 10:00 AM in the church Parlor. Lydia Circle meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Reading Circle meets on the 2nd Monday of the month at 11:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Susanna Wesley Circle meets on the 4th Monday at 6:00 PM in the church Parlor. FUMC Men's Ministry For questions about the FUMC Men's Ministry, visit fumcgt.org/men Class Meeting This group meets weekly on Sunday mornings in the Wesleyan style of a class meeting. Group members check-in with each other about the ways God is working in their lives, the faith struggles they are having, and the prayers they are praying. Group size maximum is 10 people, so when the group grows beyond that, they divide and start a new group. Location: Room 301. Covenant Groups Covenant groups, also known as accountability groups, Wesley class meetings, and reunion groups, are intended for people to draw on the strength of God and each other as they journey through life together. These groups are committed to creating a safe space for listening deeply, praying for each other, and keeping discussions confidential. The groups are ongoing. Those wishing to join them are welcomed with the expectation that group norms are followed. The Class Meeting and Sunday Morning Covenant Groups meet on Sundays from 9:40–10:40 AM. The Being and Becoming Covenant Group meets on Tuesday afternoons from 3:30–5:00 PM. Micah Workers A group that is devoted to creating God’s beloved community in our church and beyond. We are guided by the scripture from Micah 6:8 "And what does the Lord require of you, but to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God." Our mission is to provide scriptural and historical education about racial justice to inspire and encourage involvement in creating God’s beloved community. Check church communications for articles and events that will be offered throughout the year (e.g. book studies, forums, movies, classes, etc.).

Worship Arts Coordinator Ashley Koberlein Worship Arts Coordinator ashley@fumcgt.org Ashley has been a member of FUMC Georgetown since 2009. Prior to joining staff in 2023, she enjoyed volunteering with children’s ministries events and serving on the children’s ministry team. Ashley is also involved in the worship arts ministry, volunteering with the choir and handbells. Getting to know people through these endeavors has been such a blessing! Ashley enjoys playing soccer, card games, reading, gardening, doing puzzles, and spending time with her family. Next Item Previous Item

STUDENT MINISTRY Adolescence is a pivotal time in life, full of changes, uncertainties, and a quest for direction. The First United Methodist Youth group is dedicated to helping our young people navigate this stage through supportive relationships, faith-based guidance, and meaningful service. As they stand at the crossroads of life, overwhelmed by confusing choices, we can be the community that shows them the way. We would love for you to join us as we seek to live out God’s love everywhere we go! For more information, contact Kenny Bray, Director of Student Ministries, at youth@fumcgt.org . Student Ministry Goals Our goal is to provide an environment where our youth can hear and follow God’s voice in a world filled with noise. At the heart of our mission is the commitment to offer each student unconditional love and acceptance, reflecting the grace of God. We strive to foster a space free of judgment, where every young person feels valued, understood, and cared for, no matter where they are in their spiritual journey. Remind Groups for Preteen, Jr. High, and Sr. High Students For information about and location of Sunday School, MYF, or MPF, please join a Remind group. To join the Student Ministries Remind groups, use the following information: Preteens Text @5th6thers to the number 81010 Jr. High Text @7th8thers to the number 81010 Sr. High Text @9-12ers to the number 81010 Student Ministry Core Values Sunday Morning Gatherings Sunday School is from 9:45-10:40 AM in the Student Ministry area, 2nd floor of the Atkin Learning Center. Students entering 5th-12th grades meet in room 220 Crossroads Crossroads 712 Crossroads 712 is our Sunday night ministry where students in 7th through 12th grades gather for games, a devotional, and dinner. Join us on Sundays from 6:00 – 7:45 PM (unless otherwise communicated) on the 2nd floor of the Atkin Learning Center. Spring semester: Jan 12, 19, 26 Feb 2, 9, 23, March 2, 9, 23, 30 April 6, 13, 27, May 4, 18, 25. Crossroads 56 Crossroads 56 is our Wednesday night ministry where students in 5th and 6th grade gather for games, a devotional, and dinner. Join us on Wednesdays from 6:00 – 7:30 PM (unless otherwise communicated) on the 2nd floor of the Atkin Learning Center. Spring semester: Jan 15, 22, 29, Feb 5,12, 19, 26, March 5 -Ash Wednesday 6pm – 8pm, 12, 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, May, 7, 15, 22, 28. No events at the moment STUDENT EVENTS Relationship Building Building strong relationships within the youth group provides a sense of belonging and support. These friendships help teens feel understood, reducing feelings of isolation, especially during times of uncertainty. Our youth group relationships are built on the foundation of love and acceptance. We celebrate the diversity of experiences, backgrounds, and personalities within our group, ensuring that each student feels valued and loved for who they are. Safe Space for Reflection Our youth face countless questions and uncertainties. The youth group offers a safe and welcoming environment where they can express their doubts and explore their faith freely. We encourage reflection and open discussions that allow them to connect with others going through similar experiences. In our group, each student is loved and accepted as they are. We emphasize that no question is too small or unworthy, and no one will be judged for their doubts or struggles. This openness allows students to explore their faith with honesty and authenticity. Positive Mentorship Teens are often drawn to the loudest voices around them. The youth group offers positive role models who provide guidance rooted in faith and wisdom. Through mentorship, we can help them discern the path God has set before them. Our mentors are dedicated to loving and guiding the youth without judgment. Each student’s journey is unique, and our role as mentors is to offer support through compassion, understanding, and grace—no matter what choices they face or struggles they encounter. Engaging Scripture & Faith Practices By grounding their decisions in scripture, teens can find clarity in the chaos. Psalm 16:11 reminds us that God will show us the way of life. In our youth group, we engage with the Bible to help young people find purpose, direction, and peace. We approach scripture with love and openness, encouraging students to ask tough questions and express their doubts without fear of judgment. We believe that God’s love is unconditional, and so too is the love and support we offer each other in our faith journey. Service & Outreach One of the best ways to guide our youth is through service. By focusing on helping others, they can find joy, purpose, and meaning beyond the distractions of daily life. Through service, they experience the joy of living in God’s presence. In serving others, we model God’s unconditional love. Whether we’re helping those in need or serving within our own community, we teach our youth that everyone is deserving of love and respect, regardless of their circumstances. Together We Can Guide Our Youth By offering a supportive environment grounded in unconditional love, free of judgment, and focused on building strong relationships, our First United Methodist Youth group helps young people find direction and purpose during this pivotal time. Families, mentors, and the church community can work together to show them the way—just as God promises in Psalm 16:11.

Who We Are The Learning Tree Preschool is a part-time, Christian preschool located in Georgetown, Texas at First United Methodist Church. We believe all children learn best through play. Our classrooms are filled with experiences in literacy, math, science, imagination, engineering, and social and emotional development. Our Philosophy Staff and parents work together to create a loving, accepting, and nurturing space for families, where children can explore, create, and grow with confidence. At The Learning Tree, we believe that children learn best through active engagement with their environment. In cooperation with parents, we aim to foster a positive self-concept in each child, encourage curiosity, and inspire a love of learning. Since 1975, First United Methodist Church has offered this program with the vision that God is a God of love, allowing children to experience this love through positive relationships and supportive learning experiences. We closely follow the Georgetown Independent School District school year calendar: Download Calendar Frequently Asked Questions When is registration and how can I enroll my child? Enrollment is easy! You can register online through the Brightwheel app, or if you prefer, you can get paper forms from our office. Be sure to have your child’s immunization records and birth certificate handy when enrolling. Registration is held in January for current students for the following year. Priority is given to children who are presently enrolled, members of First United Methodist Church, or siblings of enrolled children. A waiting list will be maintained after classes have been filled, including a list of children currently attending classes who would like to move to a different schedule. What are you hours of operation? We’re open from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM, Monday through Thursday. You can drop off your little one between 8:45 and 9:00 AM, and pick-up happens from 2:20 to 2:30 PM. We follow a school calendar that runs from late August to mid-May. Do I need to schedule an appointment to tour your preschool? Yes, we recommend scheduling a tour! It gives us a chance to focus on you and your child, answer any questions you might have, and show you all the wonderful things our school has to offer. What is your safety and security policy? We take safety seriously! All faculty and staff are background-checked have completed Ministry Safe Training. We also have monthly fire drills, and tornado and lockout/intruder drills happen 4X a year meant to acquaint your child with emergency procedures. Do you offer part time care? Yes, we do! You can choose between 2, 3, or 4-day programs depending on your needs, but Pre-k children must attend a minimum of three days. Parents can register for individual programs at the time of registration. What holidays do you close for? We follow a traditional school calendar, so you can expect closures for major holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring break. You’ll get a full calendar at the start of the year so you can plan ahead. What is your teacher-student ratio? We maintain ratios in line with Texas childcare standards, ensuring each child receives the attention and care they need to thrive in a nurturing environment Is your staff trained in CPR/First Aid and Background Checked? Yes! Every staff member is CPR and First Aid certified, and all undergo comprehensive background checks. We want you to feel confident that your child is in capable, caring hands. Are meals included? We ask parents to pack a nutritious and balanced lunch for their child. Not only do children benefit physically, but they can also learn principles of good nutrition. If your child has a special diet or allergy to food, please note this on registration forms. What schools do you pick up from? Unfortunately, we don’t provide transportation services or school pick-ups. Our focus is on early childhood education and care within the center. Do the children play outside everyday? es, we make sure kids get plenty of outdoor playtime! Each class enjoys 45 minutes of outdoor fun daily, weather permitting. When it’s too hot or cold, we have indoor large motor activities to keep them moving. Do you offer a sibling or family discount? Yes! If you have more than one child enrolled, we offer a $25 discount for each additional child. Please contact our office if you have any questions or would like to inquire about enrollment. Do you offer a scholarship program or sliding-scale pricing? Yes, tuition assistance is available for families who need it. Inquiries should be made through the Director, and you will be given an application. Applicant names can be kept confidential and will be submitted to the school board for approval. Scholarships are awarded on a yearly basis; therefore, applicants will need to reapply at time of pre-registration every year. What is your late pick up policy? Please plan to pick up your child on time. If you know that you will be late, please call the school office as soon as possible. Children who are picked up late will be taken to the office and charged $15 for the first late pick up and $5 per minute per child for every late pick up after that. If a child is left after 3:00 pm and no parent or emergency contacts can be reached, then emergency arrangements will have to be made as our school will be closed. The Learning Tree Administrative Staff will first reach out to emergency contacts. If the emergency contacts are unable to retrieve your child from school, we will contact the local police department. If tardiness persists or any occurrence becomes extreme, your child may be disenrolled from school. How long is your waitlist? What are your waitlist policies? Once our classes are full, we maintain a waitlist. The length of our wait list typically is very long and varies by age; please call center directly. Priority is given to current students, siblings, and members of our affiliated church. If a spot opens up, families are contacted in the order they’re on the list Aged-Based Curriculum The Learning Tree’s curriculum is based on the belief that children learn through play. Developed by experienced teachers, it focuses on hands-on, play-based learning with a balance of structure, free choice, and active/quiet times. Activities promote sensory, motor, perceptual, and language skills, blending child-centered and teacher-directed approaches. Emphasizing the process over the product, it fosters accomplishment and pride, with materials and activities suited to each child’s developmental stage. Infants Our infants' curriculum is all about early growth and discovery! Each month brings new focus areas, like building strong bonds, exploring movement with fun activities, and sparking early literacy skills. It's a warm, engaging start to learning meant to foster a spirit for exploration and curiosity for years to come. Twos Split into two groups, our "Twos" curriculum is packed with fun ways for kids to explore their feelings, learn to collaborate with others, and build physical skills like jumping and cutting. We dive into early literacy and math basics, like shapes and grouping, all through exciting monthly themes and activities that keep learning fun and engaging! Threes Our "Threes" curriculum makes learning fun with monthly focuses on letters, writing, rhymes, and all kinds of literacy fun! Kids dive into math with shapes, numbers, and counting, while exploring big ideas like family, community helpers, and caring for our world. Every month is packed with engaging, joyful learning adventures! Pre-Kinder Our Pre-K curriculum brings learning to life with monthly focuses on early literacy like phonics and rhyming as well as math skills like counting, measuring, and patterns. Kids delve deeper into themes of family, community helpers, and caring for our world—all while creating a joyful, hands-on learning experience as they transition into school. Meet the Director: Sarah Pyle-Shackelford Sarah Pyle Shackelford has been an educator for 24 years and a cherished part of The Learning Tree community since 2010. Over the years, she has taught every age group, served as an administrator and board member, and experienced the school as a parent, giving her a deep and well-rounded understanding of what makes The Learning Tree so special. Born and raised in Georgetown, Sarah brings both hometown pride and a lifelong passion for early childhood education to her leadership. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Houston–Clear Lake and a Master’s degree in Education from Texas State University. A member of First United Methodist Church since 1998, Sarah is deeply connected to the faith community that has supported and shaped The Learning Tree since its beginning. She has played a vital role in preserving our play-based philosophy, ensuring that children learn through exploration, imagination, and joy. Outside of school, Sarah is married to her husband, Ronan, and together they have three children — twin boys (8) and a daughter (12). She’s a Disney lover, an avid gardener, and a collector of children’s books who finds inspiration in the magic and curiosity of childhood. With her warmth, creativity, and years of experience, Sarah leads The Learning Tree with heart and dedication, continuing to make it a place where children love to learn and families love to belong. We closely follow the Georgetown Independent School District school year calendar: Download Calendar Enrollment We are open Monday – Thursday, 9:00 AM-2:30 PM, September – May. We serve children ages 6 months (by September 1) through Pre-Kinder. Registration is held in January for current students for the following year. Priority is given to children who are presently enrolled, members of First United Methodist Church, or siblings of enrolled children. A waiting list will be maintained after classes have been filled, including a list of children currently attending classes who would like to move to a different schedule. We would love to visit with you to answer any questions about enrollment. Please contact learningtree@fumcgt.org , with any questions. Tuition Payments Have questions about tuition payment options? We'd love to hear them! Contact The Learning Tree office for tuition payment options. 512-863-6323 or email learningtree@fumcgt.org Waitlist If you'd like to sign up for our Waitlist, please contact learningtree@fumcgt.org We look forward to you joining our Learning Tree Family. Notice of Non-Discriminatory Policy The Learning Tree Preschool admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, and other school-administered programs. Our Team At The Learning Tree, our team is united by a deep passion for childcare and early development. Each staff member brings a unique blend of expertise and heartfelt commitment to nurturing young hearts and minds in a loving, faith-centered environment. We believe in fostering not just academic growth, but also spiritual and social development, guiding each child on their individual journey. Together, we create a safe and engaging atmosphere where every child can thrive, explore, and grow in their faith and learning.