Category: News

In 2019, the ELCA Churchwide Assembly adopted a resolution condemning white supremacy and apologizing to people of African descent for its historical complicity.  In June 2020, First English issued a statement of commitment to racial justice action and formed a Racial Justice Task Force to identify, recommend, and facilitate specific ways/actions that FELC could follow through.  In 2021, Bishop Elizabeth Eaton’s letter to the church reminded us of the continuing injustices and invited us to join Campaign Zero, a 10-point policy platform created by the #BlackLivesMatter movement.  On July 7, Adult Formation participants will  review these commitments and how FELC has been in action these past 3+ years.  Where do we stand and what’s ahead?

On July 14, Merrily Porter will be leading Children’s Faith Formation, starting a rotation on Sermon on the Mount, 9 am, in the Library.

Faith Formation has become a welcome and integral part of congregational life at First English. However, summer attendance and the availability of leaders has created a significant challenge in scheduling regular Faith Formation sessions.  To support the Learning Ministry’s goal to offer consistent and meaningful faith formation for children and adults, contact Betsy Appleton, betsy.appleton@gmail.com. She has information and resources to assist your leadership! In the meantime, check out our FAQ document for leading Children’s Faith Formation.

Participants from FELC gathered last Saturday to provide supper at the Micah 6 Youth drop-in center across from campus.  The crowd was on the small side, but plenty of seconds were requested and diners left with full stomachs after enjoying a meal of hamburger jumble casserole, mixed veggies, pea salad, buttered croissants and sliced, fresh fruit.

Heidi Goebel provided the entree.  Marilynn Olsen, Brian Neidig and Sarah Roberts pitched in with sides and Anne Wiebe made Texas sheet cake for dessert which was served with vanilla ice cream –  a nice cool treat on a hot day.  Heidi Goebel, Brian Neidig, and Anne Wiebe helped to serve the meal and connect with the visitors.

First English has been an enthusiastic participant in this ministry for many years, and many young people have been touched by God’s love through appetizing and nutritious food, friendly smiles, and unconditional care.  You too can be a part of this ministry, by signing up to prepare and / or serve food, or by simply adding your prayers.  

Our next scheduled date to serve is Saturday, August 3rd, 2-4 pm.   Any level of participation is welcome!   To find out more, contact Heidi Goebel, heidigoebel@sbcglobal.net.

On Independence Day, let us pray:

Almighty and gracious God, you have given us this good land as our heritage. Make us remember your generosity and do your will. Bless our land with honesty in the workplace that all might have meaningful labor, integrity in the government, truth in education, and honor in daily life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from envy and arrogance, and from every evil course of action. Defend our liberties, and give us those things that are best for us. Help us care for new immigrants and refugees among us. May we remember that to whom much is entrusted, much is expected. Give to those whom you call and we elect to be our leaders the grace of wisdom, understanding, and truth-telling, that there might be true justice and peace in our land. When times are prosperous, let our hearts be thankful; and in troubled times, do not let our trust in you fail. We pray all these things, and whatever else you know that we need, in the strong and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

–prayer from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, adapted. Offered in the liturgy on June 30.

Sunday, September 8, 11:30 am – 2:00 pm

This year is the tenth anniversary for ELCA’s churchwide event, “God’s Work. Our Hands.” FELC participated years ago, and it was wonderful! It’s great to do service for our community, and we are getting very excited!

We are considering a range of both outdoor and indoor community service projects. Do YOU have suggestions? Contact Paul Barlow, tpaulbarlow@gmail.com, or Anne Wiebe, wiebeanne@hotmail.com.

Faith Formation | 9 amWorship in the Sanctuary | 10 am (onsite & online)Hospitality in the Fellowship Hall | 11 am

FELC celebrates Pride on Sunday, June 30! As Christians, we extend God’s welcome to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We value diversity, including sexuality, gender, and expression, and we welcome it as a spiritual gift. We aspire to create an inclusive and affirming community, and work for LGBTQIA+ justice and equity as a core part of who we are. We’ve been doing this work of reconciliation since 1989. Each person is sacred and valued. We are proud. We have more to learn and we have more justice to seek. God loves. We Love. Everyone! HAPPY PRIDE!

Greetings! We are grateful for the adopted Ministry Site Profile and are in the process of awaiting candidate names from the synod office. Once we receive candidate names, the Call Committee will read through each candidate’s Rostered Minister Profile (RMP) and begin scheduling interviews. As we remain transparent about our process, it is important to note that confidentiality about the candidates and the interviews will be maintained for everyone. During this time, however, if you have other questions about the process please send us a note: felctransitionministry@felcaustin-org. We pray for open hearts as we seek to do the work God would have us do. We welcome your prayers during this time.

The AC equipment that serves the sanctuary is back in working order! It’s been a long and winding road for sure.  Terry Porter met with various technicians over the course of several weeks as they worked to understand and diagnose the issues.  At the end of the day, the repairs were fairly straightforward, but one misstep caused a 3-week delay while we waited for a replacement part to arrive. That part, a breaker switch, was installed last Friday.  Tests were run, levels were checked and our equipment is back to operating as expected.

FELC volunteers will be providing and serving the meal at the Micah 6 Drop-In Center this Saturday, June 29. The Center provides services to young adults up to 30 years of age who are street-dependent or without a permanent home environment.  It is located just off campus in a building belonging to University Baptist Church and is open Saturday afternoons throughout the year.  Visitors can relax in a safe space with comfortable furniture and enjoy the use of  TV’s, games, computers & Wi-Fi, and laundry machines.

After sharing a tasty and nutritious home-cooked meal, clients can ‘shop’ the supply closet for small toiletries and clothing items. Donations of women’s and men’s short sleeved shirts, small women’s clothing and larger men’s clothing are needed at this time.  

First English has been an enthusiastic participant with this ministry for many years, and many young people have been touched by God’s love through appetizing and nutritious food, friendly smiles, and unconditional care.  

Our next scheduled date to serve is Saturday, August 3, 2-4 pm.  Any level of participation is welcome: prepare and / or serve food or simply offer your prayers.  To find out more, contact Heidi Goebel, heidigoebel@sbcglobal.net or Andy MacLaren, 512-947-4186, Andymaclaren@cs.com.

Last Sunday, Michele Hockett Cooper offered the first of a two-part series on Faith and Food. We explored comparative food practices among major world religions and Christian denominations, along with intersections with those practices and our understanding of current  nutrition/dietary needs.

Sunday, June 30,  Anne Wiebe will be leading Children’s Faith Formation, offering a Pride-themed session for Pride Sunday, 9 am  in the Fellowship Hall. We hope to see your children there!  No Adult Faith Formation is scheduled for June 30.

More information for July Faith Formation is coming soon. We are looking for a Faith Formation Leader for Sunday, July 7. Please contact Betsy Appleton, betsy.appleton@gmail.com, if you are willing and available to serve!