Author: FELC Office

The Southwestern Texas Synod Assembly meets on Saturday, this year for one day, at Abiding Presence Lutheran Church in San Antonio. Pastors, deacons, and lay voting members gather from ELCA congregations and ministry settings throughout central and south Texas. The Synod Assembly meets for worship, connection, sharing resources, and conducts the organizational business of this area of the church. Individual voting members come together, and with the whole assembly, discern the will of the Spirit. Since the creation of the ELCA, voting members are not representatives or delegates. Each voting member brings their own discipleship and the values of where they come from, and also listens for the movement of God’s Spirit with those gathered. At the FELC annual congregation meeting in January we elected Holden Fuerst and Barbara Schutz. We ask God’s blessing on the assembly.

We continue the great fifty days of resurrection rejoicing! In the gospel story this week (John 21:1-19), Jesus’ first disciples make a big splash and eat breakfast with the risen Lord. Wading in the water (remembering baptism) and eating with Jesus (celebrating holy communion) is our weekly, community encounter with the risen Christ. Jesus asks us again and again: Do you love me? And Jesus invites us and all, again and again, to follow him, bringing the Easter joy to life in each day.

Support National Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Awareness by wearing RED on Sunday, May 4.  

Monday, May 5 is a national day of support for the families of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). Show your support by wearing something red this Sunday, May 4, and include the Murdered and Missing Women, Girls, and their Relatives in your prayers.

In 2021 the ELCA Church council adopted the Declaration to American Indian and Alaska Native People by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, committing to advocacy and being in solidarity with Tribal Nations, MMIWGR organizations, families, and friends who have gone missing or who have been murdered.

As indigenous women and girls go missing at a much higher rate than any other group in the United States, the ELCA advocates that tribes, states, and the US government coordinate efforts to pass legislation and take steps to alleviate the problem. Synod leaders and congregations can also work to establish relationships with Tribal Nations to express solidarity and support prevention and recovery. The ELCA encourages congregations and individuals to educate themselves on the issue of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).

On Good Friday we remember our Lord’s passion and death, and his triumph on the cross for the world that God so dearly loves. This year, in addition to the adoration of the cross in the evening, we offered a Tre-Ore (3-hour) service beginning at noon. Mixed with prayers, scripture readings, hymns, and silence, Pastor Robert Karli offered seven meditations. Because many have asked, Pastor Karli has published them. The readings and prayers are here. The seven meditations are here. I invite your further reflection and prayer.

Cantor Bryan Rust

President LaRu Woody reminded all that the specially called Congregation Meeting on Sunday May 4 will include three potential votes to decide whether or not to:  1) extend a call to our Primary Candidate, the Reverend Katie Rode, 2) approve a compensation package recommended by our Finance Committee and approved by the Council, 3) amend the budget to accommodate the compensation package.

The council heard from property team members recommending needed improvements to the admin and pastor’s offices including two new HVAC units, window treatments, wiring and door replacements. The Council approved a bid to proceed with the recommended improvements.

Terry Porter, Team Lead of Support Ministry, reported on the status of our church insurance policy and his extensive efforts to secure adequate and affordable coverage in light of the changes in the industry.

The Council was updated on the necessity of bidding a fond farewell to a red oak tree in our courtyard.  The tree was not healthy and removal was necessary.  Plans are already underway for a beautiful replacement. Thanks to Terry Porter for that and for having a large tree limb removed that had fallen on the Scout Hut during a previous wind event.  Our trees need continuous attention!

Charlie Boas, our TUF SPOC (Technology Upgrade for First English, Single Point of Contact) provided Council with examples of feedback he has received. Council agreed on the need to prioritize our needs and address them in an orderly fashion, with some concerns possibly better addressed by others.

Council voted to accept the recommendations of the Benevolence Committee to support Global Refuge, LUMIN, Casa Marianella, and Micah 6.  Thanks to Ben Rode, Pam Williams, Teresa Ringness, and Claudia Barlow for their work on this.

The Council agreed to provide a meal for the teachers of the Child Development Center during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Efforts are underway to identify persons for an anniversary committee to ensure that recognition of FELC’s many years of faithful service are celebrated.

Ministry Team Reports were reviewed.

The next Council meeting will be Tuesday, May 27 at 7pm, so as not to conflict with Memorial Day.   

It is often hard to believe, to actually trust. Because it’s hard to believe, we will invest ourselves in the Easter mystery for fifty days (a week of weeks). Faith is an investment. Because it is hard to believe, the stories of John the evangelist will provide sign after sign celebrating Jesus’ victory over death, inviting us to touch and taste Christ’s presence, and offering to all the world Christ’s peace.

Everyone is invited to the longest-running community & social event of FELC (since 1964): the annual chicken BBQ, to be held in the parking lot (weather permitting)! Pitmasters will start smoking chickens in the outdoor smoker pit in the afternoon, & the potato salad & beans team will be getting the sides ready.

You’re welcome to come & visit beginning at 4 PM. BYOB. Dinner will be served around 6 PM, & includes BBQ chicken, beans, potato salad, drinks, & ice cream. Beans & potato salad are vegetarian. Vegans are welcome to bring their favorite dish to share. Come one, come all! 

Join UT’s Repertory Chorus in concert at FELC on Monday, April 28 at 8:00 PM. It’s a concert of mostly American, mostly folk music: “Yesterday”, “Clementine”, “I’ll Fly Away” and more. Repertory Chorus is a mixed chamber choir directed by graduate student conductors. FELC partners with UT’s Butler School of Music to provide a laboratory rehearsal and venue experience for these professional, educational vocal leaders. Join us on Monday evening, April 28!

Maundy Thursday | April 17, 2025 | Noon & 7PM

The Noon liturgy will be abbreviated.  7PM: Confession & Absolution, Holy Communion, footwashing ritual, & stripping the altar in preparation for Good Friday.

Good Friday | April 18, 2025 | Noon & 7PM

Noon to 3PM: Tre Ore (3 hours) service on the Seven Last Words of Christ. Come & go for prayer, reflections, & music. 7PM: Adoration of the Cross liturgy; passion narrative reading; choral & instrumental music, & prayer around the cross. Virtual Stations of the Cross is available online.

Holy Saturday: The Easter Vigil | April 19, 2025 | 8:01PM (sunset)

Candlelight procession, stories of salvation, baptismal renewal, Holy Communion, & special music. Champagne and chocolate reception following worship.

Easter Sunday Worship, Hospitality, & Egg Hunt | April 20, 2025 | 10AM

Flowering of the indoor cross before worship (bring cut flowers). Worship with the resurrection story, Holy Communion, and choral & instrumental music. Festive Hospitality & Egg Hunt after worship (bring a basket).

Click HERE for more information and links