Come out and support our team! We play in the Thursday Super Social lineup.
This week we are on the adult softball field #2. Fields are just off the
parking lot near the clubhouse. This link to the League schedule gives you
up-to-date information on assigned playing fields and times, as well as
weather-related information: http://www.austinssc.com/softball-scores-and-schedules.
See you there!!

For more information about playing on the FELC team, contact Vicar Peder:
vicar@felcaustin.org.

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SYNOD ASSEMBLY THIS WEEKEND

Pastor Coffey and Vicar Hinderlie will be at the Southwestern Texas Synod
Assembly this weekend, in Corpus Christi. Our guest lay preacher will be Ele
Clay, and Pastor Franke will preside.

Pastor Coffey will be posting updates about the bishop election process, which
begins Saturday at 11:00 a.m., and could go up to 5 rounds of voting, through
Sunday afternoon. Updates will be posted on the First English Lutheran Church
Facebook page, which will also appear on our Twitter feed (FELCAustin). These
will also appear on our web page on the right sidebar: www.felcaustin.org

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PROPOSED COLUMBARIUM PROJECT DISCUSSION
Sunday, May 20, 9:45 a.m. in the Parlor

Larry Collmann will be making a presentation about the proposed Columbarium
project during the Sunday School hour. Your input is needed. Thank you for
providing our Chapel Renovation Committee with your comments and suggestions.

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NEW ART EXHIBIT OPENS JUNE 3

We will be exhibiting more of the art of Tatiana Nikolova-Houston. Tatiana was
one of the artists included in our “Journey of Faith” exhibition and she
received the First Place Award from our juror from the University of Texas. You
can read Professor Tim High’s comments on Tatiana’s Web site:
http://sacredilluminations.webs.com/critique.htm

The exhibit will open on Sunday, June 3 with a reception and “Artist’s Talk”
following the 9:45 a.m. service. Please plan to remain after the service for
coffee, fellowship, and inspirational art. Tatiana’s work will remain on
exhibit in the Transept Chapel through the summer.

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FELC WOMEN’S RETREAT
Cedarbrake Renewal Center, Belton
June 22 through 24

The “second annual” FELC Women’s Retreat promises to be a huge treat! We will
have a guest presenter – Janet Davis – spiritual director, speaker, and writer.
Her special gift is illuminating the concept of the Feminine Soul through
contemporary stories and a fresh and inspired look at scripture narratives.

This year’s retreat is scheduled for June 22nd – 24th, again at the beautiful
Cedarbrake Renewal Center in Belton, just 1 hour north of Austin. We will begin
at about 7:30 on Friday evening and conclude about noon on Sunday. Click
here to read more.

Register now! Look for the insert in Sunday’s bulletin, or print out the
registration form accessible from the church’s Web site. Click here for
access to the registration form.

The cost will again be $150 for a double room (What a bargain!) and $175 for a
single room, with partial scholarships available if needed (contact Barbara).
Registration form and fee may be handed to Barbara Schutz, or given to the
church office in an envelope with Barbara’s name on the front.
Deadline for registration and payment is June 1, 2012.

The softball league continues with a game tomorrow night, Thursday, May 10. The
game will be played at Southeast Metro Park, 4511 Hwy 71 E, Del Valle. Come out
and support our team! We play on the adult softball field #3, just off the
parking lot near the clubhouse. See you there!!

For more information about playing on the FELC team, contact Vicar Peder:
vicar@felcaustin.org.

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GIFT: GENERATIONS IN FAITH TOGETHER
An Inter-Generational Four Week Event
Sundays at 9:45 a.m. • April 22–May 20
Learning • Sharing • Building Community • Celebrating

Join your First English family. All generations in one four-week learning
event. There will be music, teaching, small group conversation, fun, and a
chance to get to know your church family better, from young ones to youth to
families to elders. This is for EVERYONE! It won’t be the same without YOU!

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SPIRITUALITY IN MOVIES
The Empire Strikes Back
Monday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m.

Join Pastor Coffey for this month’s film, The Empire Strikes Back, the second
in the Star Wars saga, which explores the themes of the hero’s journey,
archetypes of male/female spirituality, the importance of the mentor, and “the
Force.” Bring your own dinner if you like, invite a friend, and stay for the
conversation afterwards.

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FELC WOMEN’S RETREAT
Cedarbrake Renewal Center, Belton
June 22 through 24

The “second annual” FELC Women’s Retreat promises to be a huge treat! We will
have a guest presenter – Janet Davis – spiritual director, speaker, and writer.
Her special gift is illuminating the concept of the Feminine Soul through
contemporary stories and a fresh and inspired look at scripture narratives.

This year’s retreat is scheduled for June 22nd – 24th, again at the beautiful
Cedarbrake Renewal Center in Belton, just 1 hour north of Austin. We will begin
at about 7:30 on Friday evening and conclude about noon on Sunday. Click
here to read more.

Register now! Look for the insert in Sunday’s bulletin, or print out the
registration form accessible from the church’s Web site. Click here for
access to the registration form.

The cost will again be $150 for a double room (What a bargain!) and $175 for a
single room, with partial scholarships available if needed (contact Barbara).
Registration form and fee may be handed to Barbara Schutz, Or given to the church office in an
envelope with Barbara’s name on the front. Deadline for registration and
payment is June 1, 2012.

The softball league continues with a game tomorrow night, Thursday, May 3. The
game will be played at Southeast Metro Park, 4511 Hwy 71 E, Del Valle. Come out
and support our team! We play on the adult softball field #3, just off the
parking lot near the clubhouse. See you there!!

For more information about playing on the FELC team, contact Vicar Peder:
vicar@felcaustin.org.

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THRIVENT/HABITAT BUILD
With Diana Diaz in Sendero Hills
Saturday, May 5 is First English Workday

Saturday, May 5 is First English Day, when we provide at least 20 adult workers
from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. The building site for the home that we will build is
located in the Sendero Hills neighborhood, between Loyola Lane and East Martin
Luther King Jr. Boulevard. No previous construction experience is necessary.
For more information contact Fred Woody: fwoody@grandecom.net or 453-8566.

Diana Diaz read this “thank you” to the volunteers from St. Martin Lutheran on
March 31, just before they raised the walls on the first construction workday:

“God gives and he takes away. Whether we understand his reasoning or not, he
provides peace and comfort through it all. He knows what we need, before we
even ask for it. I will be forever grateful that He placed Habitat in my path.
So here I am, standing on the foundation of what I can finally call “Home” for
me and my family. This foundation appears to be built of physical materials,
but it’s surely built out of much more than that. It’s built out of love and
kindness from all of you, a love and kindness that comes only from God. A home
can be built on nothing less. Thank you to my sponsors, Thrivent Financial for
Lutherans, for their generosity. Thank you for helping me achieve my dream of
homeownership. And thank you to all my friends and family who took time out of
their lives and helped me to complete my sweat equity hours or who helped in
any way through this journey of mine.”

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CONCERT TO BENEFIT MICAH 6
Saturday, May 5

The Gracious Plenty Concert supporting Micah6 is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on
Saturday, May 5, at the home of Les and Winnie Gage, 705 Windsong Trail, 78746.
This has been a significant fundraiser for Micah 6, so come one and all. Drinks
will be provided, but be sure to bring a light snack and your checkbook.

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GIFT: GENERATIONS IN FAITH TOGETHER
An Inter-Generational Four Week Event
Sundays at 9:45 a.m. • April 22–May 20
Learning • Sharing • Building Community • Celebrating

Join your First English family. All generations in one four-week learning
event. There will be music, teaching, small group conversation, fun, and a
chance to get to know your church family better, from young ones to youth to
families to elders. This is for EVERYONE! It won’t be the same without YOU!

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FIRST ENGLISH BOOK CLUB DATE CHANGE FOR MAY
Sunday, May 6 at 6:00 p.m.

We meet on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. at Bonnie Northcutt’s house, (512) 928-9634. We will discuss Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo. Please let me know if you have questions: Nikki at nikncutt@yahoo.com

The softball league begins Thursday, April 26. Games will be played at
Southeast Metro Park, 4511 Hwy 71 E, Del Valle. Come out and support
our team! We play on Field 3, just off the parking lot. See you there!!

For more information about playing on the FELC team, contact Vicar Peder:
vicar@felcaustin.org.

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Lutheran BREWtherhood
Thursday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m.
The Flying Saucer at the Triangle

All men of the church—and other men you want to invite—join your brothers for a
fun night: Lutheran BREWtherhood. Enjoy your favorite brewed beverage (beer,
coffee, tea… whatever!) as we gather for some good social time. Pastor Coffey
has no agenda, there isn’t any hidden theological lesson, no biblical knowledge
required. The only plan: To discuss future men’s gatherings.

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GIFT: GENERATIONS IN FAITH TOGETHER
An Inter-Generational Four Week Event
Sundays at 9:45 a.m. • April 22–May 20
Learning • Sharing • Building Community • Celebrating

Join your First English family. All generations in one four-week learning
event. There will be music, teaching, small group conversation, fun, and a
chance to get to know your church family better, from young ones to youth to
families to elders. This is for EVERYONE! It won’t be the same without YOU!

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ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE: DROP-OFF FOR STYROFOAM® MATERIALS
We will not be collecting Styrofoam® materials for a while since the company
that has been receiving material is not accepting drop-offs at this time. Look
for future notices about collections.

Join your First English family. All generations in one four-week learning
event. There will be music, teaching, small group conversation, fun, and a
chance to get to know your church family better, from young ones to youth to
families to elders. This is for EVERYONE! It won’t be the same without YOU!

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FELC SOFTBALL TEAM PRACTICE
Thursday, April 19, 6:30 p.m. at Brentwood Park

The softball league begins Thursday, April 26. The games will be played at
Southeast Metro Park, 4511 Hwy 71 E, Del Valle. That gives us another week to
practice, and field our whole team! We’ll practice this Thursday at 6:30 at
Brentwood Park, and grill afterwards.

For more information, contact Vicar Peder: vicar@felcaustin.org.

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CHICKEN BBQ
Saturday, April 21

Prepping begins at 1 p.m.; Games and Social Hour at 4 p.m. Eat at 6 p.m.
If you would like to help call Randy Baden, 447-9211 or e-mail at
towbarcity@yahoo.com.

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ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
DROP-OFF FOR STYROFOAM® MATERIALS
We will not be collecting Styrofoam® materials for the moment since the company
that has been receiving material is not accepting drop-offs at this time. Look
for future notices about collections.

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HEART TO DRUM
Drumming with Oliver Rajamani
Tuesday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Transept Chapel

For this month’s special movie night, we will be joining with the other ELCA
churches in Austin to watch the Academy Award nominated film, The Tree of Life.
We will meet at the Alamo Drafthouse Theater on South Lamar. The Alamo
Drafthouse is a great place to gather. You can purchase your own dinner and
enjoy it during the film.

This event is made possible by the new films scheduling service, tugg.com. They
take care of the arrangements with the theater and the film company and create
an event on their Web site. Those who want to attend go to the site and buy
their ticket in advance: http://tugg.com/events/show/343. Once a minimum
number of tickets is sold, the event is guaranteed to happen. Tickets are $9
per person.

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FELC 75th Annniversary
DAY OF SERVICE
Our Hands, God’s Love
SUNDAY, APRIL 15

This Sunday, April 15, will be our special Day of Service, in celebration of 75
years of service to God’s world. We will have a single 9:30 AM worship service,
and during the service we will DO service! (Who are we serving? Watch for the
red type below!)

CHOOSE YOUR SERVICE OPPORTUNITY!

You will be able to choose your own service adventure! During worship, after the prayers, we will ask those who wish to help with landscaping at Lutheran Campus Ministry to remain in the sanctuary. Those who prefer indoor service opportunities will adjourn to the Fellowship Hall. We will spend two hours in service, either at an off-campus service opportunity or in the Fellowship Hall doing several service projects. At the end of our service projects, we will reconvene at 12:30 p.m. for Communion, close of worship, and lunch.

The free-will offering during the lunch will help pay for the service project materials.
DONATIONS URGENTLY NEEDED!

FOR EVERYBODY
HOME FURNISHINGS DONATIONS

Jan and Joe Schwindt of “Zero to Furnished” will pickup our donations Sunday afternoon, to make available to those who lost their homes last fall in the wildfires in Bastrop. They’re asking for:

- all household furniture, dressers/chests of drawers, tables & chairs, end tables/night stands, coffee/sofa tables, entertainment centers and book cases
- sofas, loveseats & chairs – no sleeper sofas because they are overstocked on those
- all kitchen items – dishware, flatware, glassware, pots and pans, utensils, cutlery, etc.
- all large & small appliances – refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, coffeemakers, washers, dryers, etc.
- towels, sheets, curtains and shower curtains, etc.

FINANCIAL DONATIONS
Urgently needed for service project materials – plants, mulch, school kit items, baking supplies, etc.

ON-SITE SERVICE: FELLOWSHIP HALL
Baking/decorating – for Salvation Army homeless – 10 Texas Sheet Cakes
Mixing – cookie dough for Austin State School and/or funerals
Quilt-tying – we’re making an “ugly quilt” to be a sleeping bag for a homeless person!
Sewing – for Lutheran World Relief, we are sewing drawstring bags for School Kits
Stuffing – Lutheran World Relief school kits
Assembling – for Micah 6 clients, 50 bagfuls of crayons and coloring books for their kids
Drawing – placemats to brighten Meals on Wheels meals for homebound elderly

I-CAN’T-BE-THERE PROJECTS
If you say – this all sounds so great but I can’t make it Sunday – there is SERVICE that you can do too!

1. Financial contribution to support these service projects – mark your contribution “Day of Service”
2. Donation of household furnishings, see above list, to help Bastrop fire victims – Friday evening/Saturday afternoon/evening, on the stage in the Fellowship Hall
3. Pray for us! Prayer is everyone’s everyday service opportunity
4. Sew a LWR school bag – check the LWR website or contact Anne Wiebe for further details
5. We’re looking for someone to put together an online scrapbook after our Day of Service – can you help??

OFF-SITE SERVICE: LUTHERAN CAMPUS MINISTRY
We will be freshening up the Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM) landscape in
preparation for their 75th Anniversary celebration the following weekend. It
will be a wonderfully rewarding time! The LCM Student Center is a short
5-minute drive from FELC. The tasks we’d like to complete include:

1. Weeding a large bedding area and replanting where needed. This is a long 3-tiered area that can accommodate a LOT of workers at one time! And there are a LOT of weeds.
2. Removing large dying and dead shrubs from a smaller bed, amending the soil there, and planting new shrubs.
3. Pruning existing shrubs in another bed and perhaps adding some color there.
4. Mowing and edging the relatively small area.

THINGS TO BRING IF YOU HAVE THEM
1. Work/gardening gloves
2. Trowels/weed removal tools
3. Shovels/pitch forks
4. Pruning shears
5. Tools for large shrub removal – digging bar!

If you have a lawn mower and/or edger or weed whacker or DIGGING BAR you can
bring, please let Barbara Schutz know at bschutz@sbcglobal.net or 328-0587.

On Sunday, come with JOY and LOVE at 9:30.
Bring a potluck dish
Dress for a workday (bonus points for FELC shirt!)
Bring household items/furniture to donate
Bring tools for outdoor work as listed above
Be excited to be OUR HANDS doing God’s work!

SUNDAY! SUNDAY! SUNDAY!

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DROP-OFF TIMES FOR STYROFOAM® MATERIALS
The next times for Styrofoam® drop-off are the weeks of April 15 and April 22.
Look for the two large containers in the hallway off the North Transept.
UPDATE: Styrofoam® peanuts are no longer accepted for recycling.

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FELC BOOK CLUB
Sunday, April 15
Our Book Club meeting at 6:30 p.m. will be at the home of Nancy and Randy Baden, 447-9211. Note that this is a CHANGED DATE since our usual schedule is the second Sunday of the month. As usual, we’ll have a potluck dinner followed by discussion of the book: Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. Everyone is welcome, whether you’ve participated before or not!

Maundy Thursday – April 5
12:15 p.m. Table Communion Service with lunch in the Parlor
7:30 p.m. Service of Absolution, Foot Washing, and Holy Communion

Good Friday – April 6
Noon to 6:00 p.m. Silent Meditation on the Cross
7:30 p.m. Adoration of the Cross Liturgy

Easter Vigil – April 7
9:00 p.m. Candlelight Liturgy with Baptism and Eucharist

Easter Sunday – April 8
8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Worship
9:00 a.m. Easter Breakfast
10:00 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt

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FELC DAY OF SERVICE
SUNDAY, APRIL 15

The Sunday after Easter, April 15, will be our special Day of Service. On that
Sunday, we will have a single 9:30 a.m. Worship Service, and during the service
we will go forth to do service! We will spend two hours in service, either at
an off-campus service opportunity or in the Fellowship Hall doing several
service projects. At the end of the two-hour service period, we will reconvene
for lunch and close of worship, by about 1:30 p.m. Service includes financial
support, and we are requesting DONATIONS for all of the projects planned. We
estimate a need for about $500 for the materials for all these projects. And on
April 15, come with joy at 9:30 a.m., dressed for a workday and ready to serve
God! For details contact Anne Wiebe: wiebeanne@hotmail.com

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DROP-OFF TIMES FOR STYROFOAM® MATERIALS

The next times for Styrofoam® drop-off are the weeks of April 15 and April 22.
Look for the two large containers in the hallway off the North Transept.
UPDATE: Styrofoam® peanuts are no longer accepted for recycling.

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SPIRITUALITY IN MOVIES: An Austin City Lutherans Event
The Tree of Life
Tuesday, April 17 at 6:45 p.m.
Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar

Join Pastor Coffey for this month’s special movie night. We’ll be joining with
the other ELCA churches in Austin to watch the Academy Award nominated film,
The Tree of Life. We will meet at the Alamo Drafthouse Theater on South Lamar.
The Alamo Drafthouse is a great place to gather. You can purchase your own
dinner and enjoy it during the film.

The Tree of Life is an amazing, poetic, beautiful film exploring the deepest
themes of life: God, suffering, prayer, grace, and nature. Through the story of
a central Texas family, and through incredible imagery that sets life within
the grand scheme of God’s creation, the director Terrence Malick has created a
one-of-a-kind experience that is one of the more spiritual and theological
films ever made. Some of the film was shot in Austin, including scenes at
Barton Springs pool, St. Martin Lutheran Church, and Hamilton pool.

This event is made possible by the new films scheduling service, tugg.com. They
take care of the arrangements with the theater and the film company and create
an event on their Web site. Those who want to attend go to the site and buy
their ticket in advance: http://tugg.com/events/show/343. Once a minimum
number of tickets is sold, the event is guaranteed to happen. I’m sure we will
have no trouble getting enough folks to attend, but make sure you do buy your
tickets in advance and early so we know. Tickets are $9 per person.

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CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED MONDAY, APRIL 9, FOR EASTER HOLIDAY.

Today we conclude the experience of church in the home where a more intimate
connection among friends and strangers can take place, and where hospitality
can be graciously offered and thankfully received. Our theme is Breaking Bread
Together. Through Scripture, prayer, a potluck meal, singing, ritual, and
conversation, we will explore what it means to be a community that breaks bread
together. We will confess how we have failed to share bread with others. We
will give thanks for the community of faith that breaks bread with Jesus. We
will look to how breaking bread with friend and stranger alike is God’s way of
creating community.

The house worship takes place at three homes in the city, so you may attend the
one most convenient for you. The intention is that each person or family
attends the same house meeting for the entire season of Lent.
North Austin: Teresa Tice-Boggs (512) 339-4372
Central Austin: Fred and LaRu Woody (512) 453-8566
South Austin: Lois Holck (512) 327-8501.

Please bring something to share for the dinner.

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SUNDAY MORNING ADULT FORUM
Living the Questions: An Introduction to Progressive Christianity

This Sunday’s topic in the Living the Questions discussion series will be Creative Transformation. Join us at 9:45 a.m. in the Parlor for the video presentation and guided conversation.

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EASTER LILY ORDER FORMS AVAILABLE

If you would like to donate an Easter lily to be placed in the Sanctuary on
Easter morning, please complete an order form (See link below) and place it in
the offering plate or mail it to the church office. Easter lilies cost $12.00
each this year. We will need your order no later than Sunday April 1. All
proceeds benefit Down Home Ranch in Elgin for people with intellectual
disabilities (www.downhomeranch.org).

Click here to download an online form.

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DROP-OFF TIMES FOR STYROFOAM® MATERIALS

The next times for Styrofoam® drop-off are the weeks of April 15 and April 22.
Look for the two large containers in the hallway off the North Transept.
UPDATE: Styrofoam® peanuts are no longer accepted for recycling.

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HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SERVICES

Palm/Passion Sunday – April 1
8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Procession with palms.
Reading of the passion story with hymns and artwork

Maundy Thursday – April 5
12:15 p.m. Table Communion Service with lunch in the Parlor
7:30 p.m. Service of Absolution, Foot Washing, and Holy Communion

Good Friday – April 6
Noon to 6:00 p.m. Silent Meditation on the Cross
7:30 p.m. Adoration of the Cross Liturgy

Easter Vigil – April 7
9:00 p.m. Candlelight Liturgy with Baptism and Eucharist

Easter Sunday – April 8
8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Worship
9:00 a.m. Easter Breakfast
10:00 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt

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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
AUSTIN BUILD

Austin Habitat for Humanity is currently building 12 new homes during a 20-week
period. Six of those homes are nearing completion and the second group will
begin in late March. Austin Area Lutheran Churches and the Thrivent North
Travis County Chapter are engaged in fund-raising, recruiting volunteer
workers, and preparing/serving meals for the workers.

Volunteer construction will occur on Saturdays, from 8 o’clock in the morning
until 4 o’clock in the afternoon, beginning on March 31, and ending around May
19. Saturday, May 5 is First English Day, when we provide at least 20 adult
workers. No previous construction experience is necessary. There is a sign-up
sheet in the FELC Narthex or you may contact Fred Woody: fwoody@grandecom.net
or 453-8566.

Throughout March we will continue our First English appeal for designated
contributions for Austin Habitat for Humanity (make checks payable to First
English Lutheran Church). The FELC Congregational Council has set a
fund-raising goal of $1,300 for this project (one percent of the construction
cost). Thrivent Financial and Habitat for Humanity are covering 90% of the cost
for this 1,087 sq. ft. home.

We continue the beautiful experience of church in the home begun last year,
where a more intimate connection among friends and strangers can take place,
and where hospitality can be graciously offered and thankfully received. Our
theme is Breaking Bread Together. Through Scripture, prayer, a potluck meal,
singing, ritual, and conversation, we will explore what it means to be a
community that breaks bread together. We will confess how we have failed to
share bread with others. We will give thanks for the community of faith that
breaks bread with Jesus. We will look to how breaking bread with friend and
stranger alike is God’s way of creating community.

The house worship takes place at three homes in the city, so you may attend the
one most convenient for you. The intention is that each person or family
attends the same house meeting for the entire season of Lent.
North Austin: Teresa Tice-Boggs (512) 339-4372
Central Austin: Fred and LaRu Woody (512) 453-8566
South Austin: Lois Holck (512) 327-8501.

Plan on making this Lent a time to rediscover the gift of breaking bread
together, with strangers, and with Jesus.

Please bring something to share for the dinner.

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SUNDAY MORNING ADULT FORUM
Living the Questions: An Introduction to Progressive Christianity

This Sunday’s topic in the Living the Questions discussion series will be
Prayer: Intimacy with God. Join us at 9:45 a.m. in the Parlor for the video
presentation and guided conversation.

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CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to our recent visitors, Rebecca and Gabriel on the birth of their son, Micah William Neubauer Gervey, born on Saturday, March 3, 2012 weighing 5 pounds 12 ounces and 19 & 3/4 inches.

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4TH SATURDAY KICKBALL
Head on over to the Brentwood Park Softball Field (Santa Clara & Yates) for a
rousing game of kickball this Saturday night, March 24 at 5:30 p.m., followed
by a potluck at 6:30. Bring a dish to pass, or just bring yourselves.

If you’re planning to come, please call or e-mail Gretchen Olson at (512)
496-8549 or gretchenrolson@yahoo.com, so we’re sure we can cover the bases.
Hope to see you there!

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VOLUNTEER CHEFS NEEDED FOR STREET YOUTH DROP-IN CENTER

Please join First English in serving hot meals to the street youth of the West
Campus area at the Micah 6 Street Youth Drop-In Center, located at University
Baptist Church, 2130 Guadalupe Street. Volunteers are needed to COOK the food
and/or SERVE it on April 1 and June 3. There are TWO ways to help—if you can’t
stay at the center to serve the meal, you can drop off food you have prepared
and let others serve! We’re using VolunteerSpot (an online sign up and reminder
tool) to schedule volunteers for Micah 6 Street Youth meals. Please sign up.
Here’s how it works in 3 easy steps:

1. Click this link to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot:
http://www.volunteerspot.com/login/entry/1262345658281786032
2. Enter your e-mail address. (No registration required!) Please note:
VolunteerSpot does not share your e-mail address with anyone or send spam e-mails.
3. Sign up!

Note: If you have trouble accessing the site or prefer not to enter your
e-mail address, please e-mail jackiechuter@yahoo.com and she can sign you up manually.

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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: AUSTIN BUILD

Austin Habitat for Humanity is currently building 12 new homes during a 20-week
period. Six of those homes are nearing completion and the second group will
begin in late March. Austin Area Lutheran Churches and the Thrivent North
Travis County Chapter are engaged in fund-raising, recruiting volunteer
workers, and preparing/serving meals for the workers.

Volunteer construction will occur on Saturdays, from 8 o’clock in the morning
until 4 o’clock in the afternoon, beginning on March 31, and ending around May
19. Saturday, May 5 is First English Day, when we provide at least 20 adult
workers. No previous construction experience is necessary. There is a sign-up
sheet in the FELC Narthex or you may contact Fred Woody: fwoody@grandecom.net
or 453-8566.

Throughout March we will continue our First English appeal for designated
contributions for Austin Habitat for Humanity (make checks payable to First
English Lutheran Church). The FELC Congregational Council has set a
fund-raising goal of $1,300 for this project (one percent of the construction
cost). Thrivent Financial and Habitat for Humanity are covering 90% of the cost
for this 1,087 sq. ft. home.

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EASTER LILY ORDER FORMS AVAILABLE

If you would like to donate an Easter lily to be placed in the Sanctuary on
Easter morning, please complete an order form (See link below) and place it in
the offering plate or mail it to the church office. Easter lilies cost $12.00
each this year. We will need your order no later than Sunday April 1. All
proceeds benefit Down Home Ranch in Elgin for people with intellectual
disabilities ([2]www.downhomeranch.org).

Download an online form at: http://www.felcaustin.org/wp-content/uploads/2012-Lilies-OrderForm.jpg

We continue the beautiful experience of church in the home begun last year,
where a more intimate connection among friends and strangers can take place,
and where hospitality can be graciously offered and thankfully received. Our
theme is Breaking Bread Together. Through Scripture, prayer, a potluck meal,
singing, ritual, and conversation, we will explore what it means to be a
community that breaks bread together. We will confess how we have failed to
share bread with others. We will give thanks for the community of faith that
breaks bread with Jesus. We will look to how breaking bread with friend and
stranger alike is God’s way of creating community.

The house worship takes place at three homes in the city, so you may attend the
one most convenient for you. The intention is that each person or family
attends the same house meeting for the entire season of Lent.
North Austin: Teresa Tice-Boggs (512) 339-4372
Central Austin: Fred and LaRu Woody (512) 453-8566
South Austin: Lois Holck (512) 327-8501.

Plan on making this Lent a time to rediscover the gift of breaking bread
together, with strangers, and with Jesus. Please bring something to share for the dinner.

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SUNDAY MORNING ADULT FORUM
Living the Questions: An Introduction to Progressive Christianity

This Sunday’s topic in the Living the Questions discussion series will be
Incarnation: Divinely Human. Join us at 9:45 a.m. in the Parlor for the video
presentation and guided conversation.

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VOLUNTEER CHEFS NEEDED FOR STREET YOUTH DROP-IN CENTER

Do you like to cook? Are you interested in serving youth in a time of need? If
so, please join First English in serving hot meals to the street youth of the
West Campus area at the Micah 6 Street Youth Drop-In Center, located at
University Baptist Church, 2130 Guadalupe Street. Volunteers purchase ingredients
for 25 portions, prepare it in their home kitchens, warm it up at the center,
serve it to the youth, and clean up afterward. For example, two First English
members provided meatball subs with green beans, coleslaw, and cupcakes. First
English will be serving on the first Sunday of every other month from 3:30 to
5:30 p.m. starting in April. We’re using VolunteerSpot (an online sign up and
reminder tool) to schedule volunteers for Micah 6 Street Youth meals. Please
sign up. Here’s how it works in 3 easy steps:

1. Click this link to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot: http://tinyurl.com/felc-micah6
2. Enter your e-mail address. (No registration required!)
Please note: VolunteerSpot does not share your e-mail address with anyone or send spam e-mails.
3. Sign up!

Note: If you have trouble accessing the site or prefer not to enter your e-mail address,
please e-mail jackiechuter@yahoo.com and she can sign you up manually.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: AUSTIN BUILD

Austin Habitat for Humanity is currently building 12 new homes during a 20-week
period. Six of those homes are nearing completion and the second group will
begin in late March. Austin Area Lutheran Churches and the Thrivent North
Travis County Chapter are engaged in fund-raising, recruiting volunteer
workers, and preparing/serving meals for the workers.

Volunteer construction will occur on Saturdays, from 8 o’clock in the morning
until 4 o’clock in the afternoon, beginning on March 31, and ending around May
19. Saturday, May 5 is First English Day, when we provide at least 20 adult
workers. No previous construction experience is necessary. There is a sign-up
sheet in the FELC Narthex or you may contact Fred Woody: fwoody@grandecom.net
or 453-8566.

Throughout March we will continue our First English appeal for designated
contributions for Austin Habitat for Humanity (make checks payable to First
English Lutheran Church). The FELC Congregational Council has set a
fund-raising goal of $1,300 for this project (one percent of the construction
cost). Thrivent Financial and Habitat for Humanity are covering 90% of the cost
for this 1,087 sq. ft. home.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
EASTER LILY ORDER FORMS AVAILABLE

If you would like to donate an Easter lily to be placed in the Sanctuary on
Easter morning, please complete an order form (See below) and place it in the
offering plate or mail it to the church office. Easter lilies cost $12.00 each
this year. We will need your order no later than Sunday April 1. All proceeds
benefit Down Home Ranch in Elgin for people with intellectual disabilities (www.downhomeranch.org).

Click here to download an online form