Welcome Renee Kesselring: Sabbatical Music Director

During Bryan Rust’s sabbatical we are glad to welcome Renee Kesselring.

Renee Kesselring earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Music Education degrees at the University of Missouri.  She taught elementary and secondary music in Missouri and Texas public schools for thirteen years and now teaches piano in her home.  Renee and husband, Tom, have lived in Pflugerville for twenty-four years.  They have two grown sons, Andrew and Mark.  Andrew earned a vocal performance degree at the University of North Texas.  Mark earned a Music Education degree at the University of Texas, Austin, and performed his senior recital at First English Lutheran Church.

An Invitation from the Vicar

from Vicar Wes Isberner

As I reflect on my first two months in ministry with FELC, I give thanks for the connections I have made so far through worship, hospitality time, and ministry team meetings. As fall settles in, I would love to start meeting one-on-one with folks.

Relationality is one of the foundational pieces for my understanding of faith and community. We are built up, in faith and in spirit, through moments of connection. And after the isolation the pandemic has wrought on us, it is more important now than ever to connect, check-in, and build each other up through life together.

So, this is an invitation to come together. This could be over tea or coffee at a local shop, on your front porch, or at the church office. Wherever you feel comfortable. These meetings are time to get to know one another and check-in – little ways to do life together.

If that sounds life-giving, let me know. You can reach me via text at my cell (ask if you don’t have it), or at my email: vicar@felcaustin.org. I’ve also created a booking page; follow this link and you can book a time to meet with me.

The Link: https://vicarwesfelc.youcanbook.me

Adult Forum: Returning from Pandemic Exile

What We Lost, What We Learned, What We Long For

In Person in the Parlor & on Community Zoom:

Sunday, October 17 at 9:00 am

The Covid-19 pandemic has been an experience of exile from community, church, and normal daily life. Many have experienced loss, trauma, and anxiety. Returning from this kind of exile (even as we are still going through the pandemic) needs time, prayer, and thoughtfulness to process what we have lost, what we have learned, and what we long for now.  Pastor Coffey leads participants through a process of exploring what this pandemic has meant for us.  

For more information about the adult forum, including powerpoint presentations, click here: 

Returning from Pandemic Exile: Adult Forum | First English Lutheran Church | Austin, Texas (felcaustin.org)