Welcome

Written on September 24, 2009 at 8:00 am | No Comments
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Welcome to First English Lutheran Church. We are a “not so big church” where you’re welcome to join a real community of faith for worship, relationship building, personal growth, and service to the community and the world.

We welcome people from all walks of life and in all places in the journey of faith and life. Whether you’re a lifelong Lutheran, a former something else, or a seeker and questioner looking for more to life and a place to explore , we’re glad to have you. Since 1989, FELC has openly welcomed persons of all sexual orientation to full participation in the church.

We have an excellent Child Development Center. Visit the website at www.firstenglishcdc.org

Men, Grief, and Pain: The Paschal Mystery

Written on March 10, 2010 at 4:43 pm | No Comments
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A Holy Week Prayer Ritual

with Gorecki’s Third Symphony

Monday, March 29 at 7 PM — Transept Prayer Chapel

Grief is an area of men’s spirituality that often goes untended. Many men find grief work difficult and push it off into the recesses of their emotional and spiritual lives. But unprocessed grief is the source of much anger and pain for men, and they need to find a way through it, often with other men, so new life can come.

Pastor Michael Coffey, a leader of male/masculine spirituality groups, will guide men through the process with a prayer ritual attuned to the message of Holy Week – the cross and the Paschal Mystery. Participants will join in a time of processing pain and grief in men’s lives and seeing God’s transforming power in the difficult journeys we all must undergo.

During the event, the group will listen to Gorecki’s Third Symphony, the Symphony of Sorrowful Songs. Composed in 1976, it is a cathartic
exploration of grief, loss, and the crucifixion.

Men of all denominations and faiths are invited to participate in this time of contemplation and healing.

ASH WEDNESDAY

Written on February 17, 2010 at 10:06 am | No Comments
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February 17, 2010

NOON: Light lunch and table service of communion, with imposition of ashes following

6:00 PM: Soup and Sandwich Supper in fellowship hall

7:-00 PM: Ash Wednesday liturgy, with imposition of ashes and holy communion

Spirituality in Movies: Food, Inc.

Written on January 7, 2010 at 3:55 pm | No Comments
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Monday, January 25 @ 6:30 pm

Pastor Coffey’s film series continues with the 2008 documentary Food, Inc., a look into the American food industry, its impact on our diets and our values. The film will help us discuss and explore the spiritual issues about food, and what choices we can make to honor the creation, God, and our neighbor.

As always, you can bring your own dinner and eat during the movie. Invite a friend or neighbor, and enjoy the free popcorn.

Future films for the first part of 2010 are scheduled on the fourth Monday of each month as follows:

February 22 – Chariots of Fire (just in time for the winter Olympics!)

March 22 – Pasolini’s The Gospel According to Matthew (just in time for Holy Week!)

April 26 – The Life of Brian

May 24 – Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Male Spirituality Meeting

Written on January 7, 2010 at 3:50 pm | No Comments
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Sunday, January 24 at 1:30 in the Library

Join Pastor Coffey as we continue our male spiritual formation and journey together. We will look at plans for the year ahead for meetings, service, fun, and retreats. All men are invited.

Christmas Worship Services

Written on December 16, 2009 at 4:22 pm | No Comments
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FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT

Expectant Hope

December 20 @ 8:30 am and 11:00 am

Join us for our contemplative and reflective Advent worship, giving us a prayerful space for peace and hope even in the hectic, busy time just before Christmas.

CHRISTMAS EVE

Hope Is Born Anew

December 24 @ 5:30 pm and 11:00 pm

5:30 pm – Worship for the whole family with children telling the Christmas story and everyone singing in the beauty of candlelight.

11:00 pm – A traditional Christmas Eve vigil with choir, singing of carols, Holy Communion, and beautiful candlelight.

SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

Singing Faith, Hope, and Love

December 27 @ 9:45 am

A service of Lessons and Carols, continuing the spirit and joy of Christmas through story, music, and song.

Spirituality in Movies: The Mission

Written on November 30, 2009 at 3:42 pm | 1 Comment
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Monday, December 14 at 6:30 PM

The Mission is a beautiful and stirring exploration of the
themes of power and domination in contrast to values of the
Gospel: servanthood, repentance, and the transformation that
comes through humility and openness to God. Starring Jeremy
Irons and Robert De Niro, this 1986 film tells the story of the
Jesuit Reductions in South America, which brought Christianity
to natives. It is a story that speaks to the history of the church
and to the present questions about the church and mission.

The movie won the Academy Award for its spectacular
cinematography, and was nominated for best picture, director,
original score, editing, and costume design. The musical score
by Ennio Morricone is particularly noteworthy for its beauty
and evocative sounds.

Join Pastor Coffey for the movie and conversation. Bring your own dinner to eat during the film if you want. Invite a friend or neighbor. The popcorn is free.

Spirituality in Movies: Lars and the Real Girl

Written on November 3, 2009 at 3:08 pm | No Comments
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Lars and the Real Girl

Spirituality in Movies
Lars and the Real Girl
Monday, November 9 at 6:30 PM

Join us for this month’s film, Lars and the Real Girl (rated PG-13), a funny, quirky, touching story of a man’s struggles, and his family’s and community’s willingness to love him for who he is. It is a wonderful depiction of one Lutheran congregation and the healing power of acceptance. Lutherans never looked so good on film!
As always, Pastor Coffey provides the popcorn and leads the discussion. You’re welcome to bring your own dinner and eat during the movie. And be sure to invite a friend!

Spirituality in Movies – Babette’s Feast

Written on October 6, 2009 at 8:29 am | No Comments
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Monday, October 12 at 6:30 PM

Pastor Coffey hosts another movie night on October 12 at 6:30 P.M. with the amazing Babette’s Feast, a touching and humorous look into religious devotion, sacrifice, and Christ‐like living. This 1987 film won the Academy Award for best foreign language film.
As always, the movie will be shown in large screen projection with great sound. Bring your own dinner if you want to eat during the movie. Free popcorn is provided. Pastor Coffey will lead a
discussion following the film. This is a great event to invite a friend or neighbor to attend.

First Annual Oktoberfest

Written on September 24, 2009 at 10:50 am | No Comments
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Sunday, October 25

4:00 PM Fun, Games, Music, and Snacks
6:00 PM Dinner

We have such a great time each year at our annual chicken BBQ in the spring, it’s time to add a fun fall social event. Octoberfest is a great way to enjoy unique food and music. Pastor Coffey will be making an Octoberfest homebrew to sample as we gather at the BBQ pit to cook up sausage.
If you plan to attend and you’re able to cook, please bring one of the recipes we’re using for the dinner. Contact the church at 512-478-1933 or email info@felcaustin.org

Blessing of Animals