Thank you to Leigh Northcutt-Benson and Nikki Northcutt, who are lending their professional expertise at lesson planning to Children’s Faith Formation. They met with the Learning Ministry Team on August 11, offering resources and support for the Children’s Faith Formation Leadership. If you are interested in leading Faith Formation, check out the FAQ document, the 2024-2025 sign-up list, and contact Betsy Appleton, betsy.appleton@gmail.com. 

Sunday, August 18, will be the last Faith Formation session for the 2023-2024 program year. All are welcome to an Intergenerational Faith Formation session, 9am – 9:45am in the FELC Parlor, led by Betsy Appleton. We hope to see you there! 

Faith Formation for the 2024 – 2025 program year will begin in September.

Nevertheless She Preached (NSP) annual conference will be held September 22-24 at Austin New Church, 2701 S. Lamar, Austin. Nevertheless She Preached is an annual conference that is curated by a collective of spiritual innovators that elevates and centers female, queer, and BIPOC voices. To learn more about the organization and conference, visit https://www.neverthelessshepreached.com/.

On August 3,  volunteers from the FELC community provided and served a meal to youth experiencing homelessness in the UT area.  Diners at the drop-in center were treated to a picnic-inspired lunch:  chicken nuggets with a variety of dipping sauces, side dishes, buttered rolls, cut fruit, and lemon cake with whipped topping for dessert!

The crowd was on the smaller side, so the leftovers were packed up to be served the next day at  a University Baptist Church potluck event, which is open to all.   Arnold, who helps run things at the Drop-in Center, reports that many Micah 6 youth also attend this gathering, so he was  happy to have the additional food. Thanks to Anne, Marilynn, Cindy, Heidi, Kristin and Merrily for providing food, and to Merrily, Kristin and Ian for staying to serve.

A special shout out to Betsy Appleton and the faith formation kiddos for putting together a healthy rice and veggie side dish. You can be a part of this ministry by preparing food, serving the meal, and adding your prayers.  Our last meal for 2024 is August 24. Any level of participation is welcome! To learn more, contact Heidi Goebel, heidigoebel@sbcglobal.net.

Thanks to Andy Maclaren who  got the on-site clothes closet organized.  Having things sorted and labeled makes it easier for ’shoppers’ to see what’s available. If you would like to donate clothing to the Youth Drop-In Center, look for clothing donation tubs in the Narthex and near the north Sanctuary doors and check with Andy Maclaren for the current needs. 

And a heartfelt THANK YOU to several generous FELC donors who facilitated the purchase of a new washing machine for the drop-in center.  

The FELC community provides and serves a meal to youth experiencing homelessness in the UT area.  You can be a part of this ministry, by preparing food, serving the meal, and adding your prayers.  Our next time to serve is Saturday, August 3, 2-4 pm. Click here to sign up! Any level of participation is welcome! To learn more, contact Heidi Goebel, heidigoebel@sbcglobal.net.

Join Texas Early Music Project at FELC for the Summer edition of our TEMP-Oh Community Madrigal Sing on Tuesday, July 30th at 7 pm! No experience is required for this “TEMP-orary choir,” just a love of singing madrigals! Suggested donation of $10. PDFs of the sheet music will be provided in advance to those who request it, but studying is NOT required–you can show up and sing. For more info: www.early-music.org/tempoh.

While the world celebrates Pride in June, for scheduling issues, Austin moves its Pride celebration to mid-August. Join Austin area Reconciling in Christ Lutheran congregations to celebrate and advocate for the full welcome, inclusion, and equity of LGBTQIA+ people by marching in the Austin PRIDE Parade or volunteering at our Festival booth throughout the day on Saturday, August 10. 

The Austin Pride Parade begins in downtown Austin on Saturday, August 10 at 8 pm. Click here for details and registration information. Please register for either or both events so that we can plan and give more specific information.  To learn more, contact Leigh Northcutt-Benson, leigh.northcutt@gmail.com.

Since July 19, 1936 we have shared the love and mercy of Jesus Christ through the witness of First English Evangelical Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas. We give thanks to God for all the saints who have and continue to shape the character, worship, proclamation, learning, engagement, benevolence, action, and joy of FELC for 88 years strong.

Join together on Sunday, July 21 in worship & hospitality as we give thanks to God for the congregation and community of FELC!

For information about our history and witness, including photos and stories, click here.

The First English Council met on Monday, July 15.

An employee review of Dawn Wetzel, our Church Office Administrator, was conducted by Cantor Bryan Rust and Nancy Baden as a condition of her employment. Dawn expressed much satisfaction with the available resources and is finding the duties similar to her previous position.  She is enjoying the company of the Child Development Center staff. Her skill set matches our needs, and we are happy to have Dawn here!

The Council looks forward to continuing its training with Claudia Barlow on The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team.  At her first training during the Spring Council Retreat, she helped council members discover traits about themselves. We look forward to learning more from her soon!

 Council members received an updated schedule and expanded instructions for opening and closing the church building on Sundays.

 Ministry Reports were received.

The next council meeting will be held on Monday, August 19.

Submitted by Nancy Baden, Council Secretary

Micah 6 needs someone with organizational skills to spend some time at the Micah 6 Food Pantry and the Micah 6 Youth Drop in Center to finish organizing all of the clothing donations for easier use by the clients.  Contact Andy MacLaren, 512-947-4186. Andymaclaren@cs.com. Andy can accompany to either location if preferred.