Category: News

We are re-forming our ministry teams. Everyone is welcome; you do not need to be a member of First English to participate. Consider what area you want to return to, or what ministry is something new for you to try.

The main areas at this time include:

Altar Care, Usher, Worship Ministers, Communion Ministers, Lectors, Hospitality Ministry, Learning Ministry, Property and Building Care Ministry

This is not a comprehensive list of FELC ministry areas.

Please fill out the form even if you have served in an area before.

Here is the link:

https://www.felcaustin.org/re-gathering-and-re-forming-ministry-teams

Due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, and for an abundance of caution, we have canceled the FELC Oktoberfest for 2021.  We look forward to gathering in 2022!

The FELC community serves a meal to youth experiencing homelessness in the UT area.  You can be a part of this ministry, too, by preparing food, volunteering to serve the meal, and adding your prayers.  Our next time to serve is Sunday afternoon, October 24 at 4:30 pm.  Any level of participation is appreciated.  To find out more and to serve, contact Pastor Coffey pastor@felcaustin.org

We have an online form for you to use for conversation with the preacher about the sermon each week.  There are questions about how you responded to the sermon, and you can ask questions about the sermon for the preacher to respond to.  Find the form here: Sermon Conversation Form | First English Lutheran Church | Austin, Texas (felcaustin.org)

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.

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

FELC Director of Music & Office Administrator Bryan Rust will be on a sabbatical this fall.  Bryan’s last Sunday in worship is October 17, and he’ll return to worship on Sunday, January 9, 2022.  Please join us on October 17 online or in person for a sending blessing.  To read details, please visit this link for a letter from Pastor Coffey: September 20 2021 (felcaustin.org)

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)