First English Lutheran Church

3001 Whitis Avenue, Austin, TX, 78705

Chicken BBQ and Live Music

Written on April 19, 2010 at 10:02 am | Comments Off
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Sunday, April 25 4-8 PM

Live Music begins at 5 PM

Meal Served at 6 PM

Childcare from 4 to 6 PM

Join us for the best BBQ chicken around, plus potato salad, baked beans, and more.

Ready-to-go whole BBQ chickens also available.

Holy Week and Easter

Written on March 29, 2010 at 1:08 pm | Comments Off
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Maundy Thursday

Worship at 7:30 PM

Confession and Absolution, Footwashing, Holy Communion

Good Friday

Tre Ore “Seven Last Words” Noon to 3 PM

Adoration of the Cross at 7:30 PM

Easter Vigil

Worship at 9:00 PM

Services of Light, Readings, Baptism, Holy Communion

Resurrection of Our Lord – Easter Sunday

Worship at 8:30 and 11:00 AM

Breakfast from 9:00 to 10:30 AM

Easter Egg Hunt at 10:30 AM

Palm/Passion Sunday

Written on March 27, 2010 at 10:22 am | Comments Off
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March 28, 8:30 and 11:00 AM

Palm Procession

The Passion Story in Text, Art, and Song

Holy Communion

Men, Grief, and Pain: The Paschal Mystery

Written on March 22, 2010 at 4:43 pm | Comments Off
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Chagall White Crucifixion

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.

Spirituality in Movies: The Gospel According to Matthew (Pasolini)

Written on March 18, 2010 at 9:24 am | Comments Off
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matthewMonday, March 22 at 6:30 PM

This 1964 film by Italian director Pier Paolo Pasolini is a profound and challenging representation of Matthew’s Gospel.  It uses powerful imagery to tell much of the story, and most of the dialogue is faithful to the Gospel text.  Just a week before Holy Week, this film will help us discuss the story of Jesus and the varied interpretations of Jesus’ suffering and death.  Bring dinner if you want, invite a friend, and enjoy the free popcorn.

Upcoming movies:

April 26  The Life of Brian

May 24  Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

ASH WEDNESDAY

Written on February 17, 2010 at 10:06 am | Comments Off
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Icon3ProjeAshWeABC_2February 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 | Comments Off
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Monday, January 25 @ 6:30 pm

Food Inc

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 | Comments Off
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Adam's Return artwork

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.

Spirituality in Movies: The Mission

Written on November 30, 2009 at 3:42 pm | Comments Off
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The Mission

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 | Comments Off
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Lars and the Real Girl

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!