Author: FELC Office

Faith Formation is on a summer break and will resume learning ministry on Sunday, August 24. If anyone is interested in leading a special session during the summer, contact Leigh Northcutt-Benson, leigh.northcutt@gmail.com with information about your session and the date you would like to teach so that we can promote it. On June 1 we gave thanks to God for leaders who facilitated the FELC learning ministry with children and adults for 2024-2025, including Betsy Appleton, Nancy Baden, Bailey Barlow, Charlie Boas, Kathleen Boas, Joe Cain, Pastor Brad Fuerst, Charlotte Gilman, Heidi Goebel, Pastor Bob Karli, Andy MacLaren, Erin McCracken, Dr. Kristin Mondy, Leigh Northcutt-Benson, Nikki Northcutt, Merrily Porter, Oliver Rajamani, Cantor Bryan Rust, Mari Ward, Anne Wiebe, Fred “Fritz” Woody, and LaRu Woody.

The Easter season concludes on Sunday, June 8 with the Feast of the Pentecost. The name comes from the Greek pentekoste, “fiftieth” day of the celebration of the resurrection of Christ. It refers to the festival on the fiftieth day after the Passover, also known as the “Feast of Weeks” and the “Feast of 50 days” in rabbinic tradition. We celebrate the Holy Spirit in the church and in the world. The primary color of red on this day symbolizes the fire and power of that Spirit. Wear some red on Sunday, June 8! And, while the wind of the Spirit blows where She will, we give thanks at the conclusion of our transition ministry as we move into transformation ministry in this new era at FELC. Come give thanks in the joy of the Spirit!

Come, Holy Spirit, and kindle in us the fire of your love. Alleluia!

Leigh Northcutt-Benson announced that there will be a break in the Learning Ministry faith formation for the summer. Special sessions during the summer will be publicized as they are planned.

Paul Barlow and Nancy Baden will see that final improvements (new flooring) are scheduled for the pastor’s office, as well as to the church office and the vicar’s office (currently used by Dr. Paulette Clemons, CDC Director).

Council was briefed on the list of priorities for the Technology Upgrade for FELC (TUF) assembled by Charlie Boas (SPOC—Single Point of Contact).  All agreed that a consultant would be well positioned to review those priorities and advise on actions to take.

In addition to his printed report, Cantor Bryan Rust highlighted upcoming important dates including June 8 for a Service of Thanksgiving for our time of Transition; June 15 to welcome Pastor Katie Rode’s first Sunday with us; June 22 to celebrate Pride Sunday and collect a special offering for Reconciling Works; July 20 to recognize the 89th Anniversary of FELC; September 14 at 3 pm for the Celebration of Ministry and Installation of Pastor Katie Rode. The Call Committee will be decommissioned from their duties on September 14. 

Additional Ministry Team reports were submitted from the Witness and Support Teams.  Plans for FELC’s 90th Anniversary have already begun, thanks to Leigh Northcutt-Benson.

The next Congregation Council Meeting will be June 23, 7 pm.

Submitted by Nancy Baden, Congregation Council Secretary

Pastor Katie Rode accepted the call of the congregation and will be the sixth pastor of FELC! The first day of her ministry with FELC is June 9. Pr. Katie will preside and preach in worship on Sunday, June 15, with a festive hospitality following the worship celebration. The service includes a rite of welcome and reception for the new pastor. We welcome Pastor Katie and her family in God’s mission we share in proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ.

To read a letter from congregation president LaRu Woody, please click here.

Following the biblical accounts in Mark, Luke, and Acts, the whole church celebrates the feast of the ascension of Jesus to heaven. This happens on the 40th day after the feast of Christ’s resurrection from the dead. To explore a Devotional Worship Service with bible readings, a homily, a hymn, and prayers, please click here.

“Lord, beyond our mortal sight, raise our hearts to reach thy height. Alleluia!” 

Submitted by Cantor Bryan Rust

June is worldwide Pride Month and FELC will celebrate Pride on Sunday, June 22! As God’s beloved, we extend God’s welcome to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. FELC values diversity, including sexuality, gender, and expression, and we welcome it as a spiritual gift. We aspire to create an inclusive and affirming community, and work for LGBTQIA+ justice and equity as a core part of this congregation community. We’ve been doing this work of reconciliation through FELC since 1989. On Sunday, June 22, we will receive a special offering that will be designated to Reconciling Works (formerly Lutherans Concerned), an independent non-profit organization funded by the generosity of individuals, faith communities, grants, and from curated resources and trainings among Lutherans and others. Each person is sacred. We are proud. We have more to learn and we have more justice to seek. God loves. We Love. Everyone! HAPPY PRIDE!

Visions abound in the bible stories for this Sunday as we near the conclusion of the great fifty days of Eastertide. Paul has a vision about what to do. John has a vision of what will be. Jesus provides visions of peace that surpasses human understanding and power beyond human imagination. God makes a home, not in some far-off place, but right here, even with us. On May 25, 2020 George Floyd (born October 4, 1973) was murdered in Minneapolis. Mr. Floyd’s death propelled nationwide attention to race and police action. It motivated many at FELC to begin conversations on education and action which lead the formation of FELC Racial Justice Task Force. On this 5^th anniversary we remember the life and witness of George, and our baptismal promise to “strive for justice and peace in all the earth.”  For more info. on the FELC Racial Justice Task Force, please contact Fritz Woody.

Caregiver’s Circle meets monthly on the 4^th Monday from 7-8:30 pm. via Zoom.  If you have accepted the responsibility to assist another adult with the activities of daily living, you are a “caregiver.”  You may live together or apart, but another person depends on you in an important way. 

Caregiving can be very isolating at times.  Motivated by love, it can nevertheless lead to moments of resentment and dismay.  But it is also rewarding, knowing that God is enabling you to love, sometimes sacrificially.  You deserve an opportunity to share in a circle of encouragement.

At every Caregiver Circle meeting, there is time for each person to share as much or as little as desired, hear about available resources, share ideas, and make time for prayer and meditation.  Participants pledge strict confidentiality to one another.  The facilitator, Barbara Wiederaenders, has 19 years of experience facilitating caregiver support groups. 

The next meeting is Monday, May 26, 7-8:30 pm.  Contact Barbara Wiederaenders,

bwiederaenders@att.net to receive the link to the meeting. Join us!

Easter initiates a new day. It anticipates a new heaven and a new earth. The risen Christ is making all things new. God has made new people of us; it takes a whole season; it takes a whole lifetime. Jesus invites us to see everyone in a new light—through the lens of love.  

Guest Music Leader | Marti Ahern

On Sunday, May 18, we welcome Marti Ahern. Marti studied at Westminster Choir College, Princeton, New Jersey, is a prolific pianist in the Austin area, a private music teacher, and she serves as artistic director of the Austin Chamber Ensemble. Cantor Bryan Rust is away and will return to worship on Sunday, May 25.

Meet in the Fellowship Hall of First English Lutheran Church, 3001 Whitis Ave.  Enter though the door marked Fellowship Hall, or the door marked Kitchen.

Bring food you like to share, bring board games if you want, or just try one of the many games that will be available.

Anyone who enjoys potluck dinners and/or tabletop games is welcome….FELC members, friends from the community, friends from other faiths, and friends who do not participate in a church. All ages and abilities welcome!