New Adult Forum Beginning Thursday, December 2 at 7 PM on Zoom
As the church year completes another rotation, our lectionary turns its focus from the Gospel of Mark to the Gospel of Luke. Though Luke shares a fair amount of Mark’s gospel, roughly half of Luke is not found in the other gospels. And with diverse material comes a distinct account of Jesus and his ministry.
Vicar Wes will lead a three-week forum digging into some of the main themes, images, and questions of Luke’s gospel. This will serve as a look at its socio-historical background, a preview of coming lectionary themes, and a reflection on what the gospel’s focus on marginalized groups, such as women and the poor, have to teach us in our modern context. The forum will meet for three weeks on Zoom using our FELC Community Zoom link.
Thanksgiving can be a beautiful holiday to enjoy with loved ones. For some, family is scattered or estranged, so Friendsgiving brings the warmth of shared company and meal. It’s a complicated holiday because of the origin story, which doesn’t accurately reflect the truth. And the subsequent history of Native American marginalization makes us rightly hesitant to add any insult to the injury of the past.
Yet, the day is much simpler and better than that. Many cultures over the millenia have had autumn harvest celebrations to enjoy the bounty the earth provides and give thanks for it. Our holiday is not much different. The wonderful Thanksgiving feast made up of food, family, and friends, remind us that we have abundant gifts from God. We are filled with gratitude that wells up as we gather to share a joyful meal.
I hope your Thanksgiving holiday this year is a joyful one and you are filled with some kind of holy gratitude — yes, even in these trying times, even when not everyone at the table shares the same beliefs.
I am sharing this psalm of gratitude for you to ponder this week. If you struggle to find the words to express your thanksgiving, perhaps this psalm can be a guide.
— Pastor Michael Coffey
Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall laud your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. The might of your awesome deeds shall be proclaimed, and I will declare your greatness. They shall celebrate the fame of your abundant goodness, and shall sing aloud of your righteousness. The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The LORD is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made. All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your faithful shall bless you. They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom, and tell of your power, to make known to all people your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. The LORD is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds. The LORD upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand, satisfying the desire of every living thing. The LORD is just in all his ways, and kind in all his doings. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of all who fear him; he also hears their cry, and saves them.
We will reschedule this event soon. Look for a new date in Janaury.
We’re inviting all young adults to join us for a dinner gathering. We’ll connect, enjoy a cheese and charcuterie dinner, and brainstorm ideas for the young adult group at FELC. Who counts as a young adult? Anyone from early to late 20’s/early 30’s is welcome.
Worship Participation Data in the Age of Livestream
Ever since the pandemic began there has been no clear way to track worship attendance like we used to. And what does “attendance” mean when livestream participation is an intergral part of how we gather?
Once we returned to in-person worship with livestream on August 1 we began looking at numbers differently. We started to think about “worship participation” rather than “attendance.” We looked at the count of people in the sanctuary and the data we get from livestreaming. While it is not clear how to relate these numbers to traditional ways of tracking attendance, I think there are some helpful ways to think about the data we have.
First, in-person attendance is still low compared to in-person attendance prior to the pandemic. This is understandable since some people are hesitant to gather, and because we have given people the option of livestream. But only looking at that number doesn’t give a full picture of our worship participation.
We have two other numbers we are tracking. We can see what our “peak live viewers” number is. This is the highest number of people participating at any one time in the livestream as it happens.
The second number we are tracking is the number of people who watch at least in part the livestream video over the next 3 days. This gives us a good sense of the total number of people who participated online in some way. After 3 days the total number of viewers tends to increase very little, so it is a good point in time to track.
You can see the data below on worship participation since August 1, and the averages for each column. Below that you can see two numbers I think are the most meaningful to watch. Average Live Participation (In Person and Livestream) is the closest to our attendance numbers prior to the pandemic. It is the total number of people who participated in some way during the live worship service. The average at this point is 59. The other number is Average Total Participation (In Person and 3 Day Views) is the total number of people who participated in some way whether live or soon after. The average for this number is 88.
In the 2019 our average worship attendance was 67. This is just about in the middle of 59 and 88. So in this new world of post-pandemic, in-person and livestream worship, we have a few less participating live than before, and more people particiating in some way than before.
If you’re like me you may find these numbers interesting and worth paying attention to. But, like me, you may also sense that numbers aren’t the only thing to pay attention to. The overall picture of our congregation is one of committed participation, generous stewardship, a heart for serving those in need, an openness to renewal and change while valuing tradition, a love for children, youth, and young adults, exceptional hospitality and welcome, and a passion for including all persons, especially those who may have experienced exclusion elsewhere. How are we doing with all of that? I’d say we have an overall healthy, active, mission-focused, and faithful gathering of the body of Christ.
Thanks for all you do to make FELC a lively and faithful congregation — whether you’re a member, a regular participant, or you just found us. Since I’m the pastor, I’ll close by saying that your regular participation in our worship life and community is important, and not only for your own ongoing spiritual formation in Christ. Your participation is important to everyone else who loves and cares about you and sees your unique gifts and longs to welcome you if you are new.
— Michael Coffey
DATE
DESCRIPTION
IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE
PEAK LIVE VIEWERS
3 DAY VIEWS
8/1/2021
Regathering Sunday
41
22
55
8/8/2021
Vicar Installation Sunday
43
26
52
8/15/2021
Feast of Mary. Back to School Blessing
34
25
59
8/22/2021
Lectionary 21
34
31
67
8/29/2021
Lectionary 22
29
20
62
9/5/2021
Lectionary 23 / Labor Day Weekend
25
29
49
9/12/2021
Lectionary 24
34
28
69
9/19/2021
Lectionary 25
23
25
52
9/26/2021
Lectionary 26
22
30
62
10/3/2021
Saint Francis Sunday / 3 baptisms
62
20
46
10/10/2021
Lectionary 28: no livestream
28
10/17/2021
Lectionary 29 / Bryan’s last Sunday
41
22
48
10/24/2021
Lectionary 30
36
20
37
10/31/2021
Reformation Sunday
39
20
37
11/7/2021
All Saints Sunday / baptism
40
21
36
11/14/2021
Extended Advent A / no livestream tech
41
10
42
Averages
36
23
52
Average Live Participation (In Person and Livestream)
59
Average Total Participation (In Person and 3 Day Views)
Here is a snapshot of the church’s finances as of October 31, 2021
Financial Update
In the Month of October
Actual Year-to-date
Budgeted Year-to-date
Total Operating Income
$24,372.56
$257,955.02
$281,250.00
Total Non-Contingent Operating Expenses
$27,854.35
$260,735.25
$272,902.00
Total Contingent Operating Expenses (Synod, Benevolence, Savings)
$0.00
$701.56
$6,551.00
Net Income (Loss)
$-(3,481.79)
$-(3,481.79)
$1,797.00
Monthly Giving Income*
Jan
Feb
Mar (Q1)
Apr
May
Jun (Q2)
Unified, Current, & Benevolent Income (Giving income)*
$16,547.41
$26,668.38
$28,220.38
$22,508.38
$27,110.38
23,913.38
July
August
Sept (Q3)
Oct
Nov
Dec (Q4)
$24,989.69
$37,042.38
$21,855.38
$21,248.38
*Our monthly budget for giving income is $26,250.
Income fell short of expenses for the month of October, and as a result, the church now has a year-to-date deficit of $-(3,481.79).
The church did maintain, however, a small year-to-date surplus at the end of Quarter 3 (Sept 30) of $701.56. Those Q3 surplus funds have been allocated in the following ways:
Southwestern Texas Synod received $350.78 (50% of Q3 surplus)
FELC’s Emergency Borrowing Fund (savings) received $175.39 (25% of Q3 surplus)
The Benevolence Pool recipients were sent a total of $175.39 (25% of Q3 surplus), broken down in the following way:
Micah 6 received $87.70
Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center received $87.70
We will next assess our ability to make benevolence payments and a transfer to savings at the end of 4th quarter (December 31st).
Advent is a season for hope and expectation as we await Christ’s coming, whether at the Nativity, today, or the promised future. Advent Lessons and Carols is a service of songs, readings, quiet contemplation, and prayer. We hear the words of the prophets. We sing of God’s promises. We place our hope in God. The carols in this service draw from a variety of countries, cultures, and traditions.
We are pleased to have as our guest musician for this service Austin guitarist Anthony Caulkins, who will accompany our singing. Anthony plays an eclectic range of styles from classical to rock. You can learn more about him here: https://www.gigsalad.com/anthony_caulkins_long_beach
Throughout our extended Advent season, the Tree of Hope will be on display at the front of the nave. You’re invited to write on one of the blue stars and hang it on the tree. What gives you hope? What do you hope for?
Add to the tree anytime before or after worship, and during hymns and communion.
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.
Our FELC mugs are available for purchase. $5 get you 2 mugs — one to take home, and one to donate to our hospitality ministry. They will be available from sale from Pastor Coffey during hospitality after worship on Sundays. Please have cash and exact change.
We will once again be offering refreshments during hospitality on Sunday mornings. This has long been a favorite part of Sunday mornings when we can stay a while and visit with one another. It is the extension of our worship into fellowship.
Returning to offering some treats makes it even more enjoyable. We have many wonderful hospitality hosts who provide for our hospitality ministry.
When we gather outside it is safer to take off our masks as we visit and enjoy some food and drink, especially if vaccinated. Please be mindful of children and others who may not be vaccinated.
We hope you’ll stay after worship, enjoy the hospitality offered, and continue to meet and greet others in the name of Christ.
The renewed Cloud of Witnesses mobile is now hanging in the Chapel of the Saints. It contains the names of all who have died at FELC from 1936 – 2021. Each year on All Saints Sunday new names will be added.
The Cloud of Witnesses mobile reminds us that when we gather together in the name of Christ we are gathered with all who have gone before us in faith — one great communion of saints.
