ESUMC Newsletter
September 2026
Dear friends and members of the English-speaking United Methodist Church in Vienna!
Summer and the vacation season are coming to an end. As your superintendent, I’d like to use this newsletter to update you on upcoming events and changes in the congregation.
Thank you, Rev Tom!
First, a heartfelt thank you to Rev. Tom Garrison, who preached at all worship services this summer and served as a pastoral resource for the congregation. Thank you, Tom!
Welcome, Rev. Mark Jason!
I am delighted to inform you of the appointment of a new pastor for the congregation: Rev. Dr. Mark Jason will begin his ministry as the new pastor of ESUMC on December 1. Mark Jason is currently serving as a pastor in the United Kingdom and will take up his post in Vienna on behalf of the General Board on Global Ministries. Mark will be moving to Vienna with his wife, Sarah. Here, your new pastor introduces himself!
In the months leading up to early December, congregational life will be led by members of the congregation and pastors from the UMC Austria. Rev. Tom Garrison will also continue to celebrate Holy Communion services with the congregation on a monthly basis.
Pastor, Superintendent
Highlights in September
Barbecue and hike
On Saturday 12 September, ESUMC members and friends will gather in Grünbach for our annual barbecue and hike. Read more.
Ecumenical TV Service
On Sunday September 20, a special ecumenical service will take place in our church: the Ecumenical Council of Churches in Austria will celebrate the “Service for Creation Time.” The service will be broadcast live on ORF III. Among those leading the service are Lutheran Bishop Cornelia Richter, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Vienna Josef Grünwiedl, Armenian Apostolic Bishop Tiran Petrosyan, and other representatives of the ecumenical movement.
We invite you to join us in celebrating this very unique service! The liturgy will be conducted primarily in German and begins at 10:00 a.m. (as we are live on TV, it starts on time!). We ask that you arrive at the church by 9:45 a.m. Due to cleanup work, there will be no service at 11:15 a.m.
October Outlook
On Sunday, October 18, we will celebrate the harvest in the time-honored tradition! Please mark your calendars now. More information will follow in the next newsletter and in the upcoming Sunday Services.
News from the church
Vienna English-Speaking
Revd. Jason will start his service at ESUMC in December
read morePastor, Superintendent
Revd. Dr. Mark Jason is going to start his ministry in ESUMC in December. He will be accompanied by his wife Sarah.
read moreRevd. Dr. Mark Jason is going to start his ministry in ESUMC in December. He will be accompanied by his wife Sarah.
read more
On Saturday 12 September, ESUMC members and friends will gather in Grünbach for our annual barbecue and hike. Please join us for a festive day in nature with Christian friends.
read moreRevd. Jason will start his service at ESUMC in December
read morePastor, Superintendent
In this season of the harvest, as we refelct upon the bounty of God's blessings, it is right to give our thanks and praise!
read moreServices
Vienna English-Speaking
Bible texts
- Exodus 12:1-14
- Romans 13:8-14
- Matthew 18:15-20
ESUMC member Andrew Stones will lead today's service and deliver the message.
Bible texts
- Exodus 14:19-31
- Romans 14:1-12
- Matthew 18:21-35
ESUMC and the German-speaking Fünfhaus Gemeinde will host an ecumenical service of worship, to be led by the Austrian Council of Churches. Please note that this service will begin at 10:00.
Bible texts
- Exodus 16:2-15
- Philippians 1:21-30
- Matthew 20:1-16
Bible texts
- Exodus 17:1-7
- Philippians 2:1-13
- Matthew 21:23-32
Events
Vienna English-Speaking
Join us as we shall enjoy a day of inspired hiking, great food, and warm fellowship. We shall gather in Grünbach at 10:00. A private bus will be available to provide round-trip transport from the church to Grünbach, departing the church at 9:00. Please register with George Ackwonu or Franz Haslinger and pay in advance (suggested donation of €10 per adult) to reserve your seat on the bus. Sign up in church to indicate what food and drinks you shall bring to the event.