New ELCA Presiding Bishop

On Saturday, October 4, we welcomed Yehiel Curry, former Lutheran bishop of Chicago, as the fifth presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Presiding Bishop Curry is the first person of African descent called to this leadership role since the ELCA was formed in 1988. We give thanks to God, and we hold Yehiel in prayer as he begins this call. For more information and a descriptive photo scroll of the installation celebration, view this article: Answering the call – Living Lutheran

Photo: Presiding Bishop Curry with First Lady LaShonda Hicks-Curry, and their daughters, Shekinah, Ashirah, and Shemiah. LaShonda Hicks-Curry is a disciple, wife, mother, and a public-school educator, administrator, and advocate in Chicago.

Feast of St. Francis of Assisi | October 5, 2025

Commemoration of Francis of Assisi: May 25, 1181—October 4, 1226 

Born into the family of a wealthy merchant, Francis gave up his inheritance to serve poor people. He formed the Order of Friars Minor (called Franciscans), who took on poverty and the task of preaching “using words if necessary.” Francis had a spirit of gratitude for all of God’s creation. In July, 1228, Francis was pronounced a saint by Pope Gregory IX.

All are welcome to the Fellowship Hall after worship for hospitality and to greet our friends from Tiny Tails to You.

Sunday, September 21 | Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

The autumn season continues “ordinary” time in the cycle of the church year. Many of the bible readings focus on the telling of parables. We are encouraged to be faithful and steadfast. We celebrate several commemorations and feasts on Sundays in the fall: Holy Cross Day (September 14), Saint Michael and All Angels (transferred to September 28), St. Francis Day (transferred to October 5), Reformation Day (transferred to October 26), All Saints’ Day (transferred to November 2), and the Reign of Christ Day (November 23). 

This Sunday in worship we are invited to consider what it means to be managers (rather than owners) of all that we have. It is crucial to recognize that we are bought with a price. “Christ Jesus, himself human, . . . gave himself a ransom for all.” Apart from the generosity of God we have nothing. By God’s gracious love we are and have everything we need.

Installation of Pastor Katie Rode | September 14 | 3 PM

With thanksgiving to God, and in gratitude for 89 years of witness, First English Lutheran Church invites you to a Celebration of Ministry as we welcome and install The Rev. Katie Rode as Pastor, Sunday, September 14, 2025, 3 PM at First English Lutheran Church. All are welcome. The colors of the day are green and rainbow. Clergy are invited to process and vest, as you desire. A festive reception follows the liturgy. The Rev. Candice Combs, Conference Dean, will be the installing minister.

Sunday, September 14 | Feast of the Holy Cross

The autumn season continues “ordinary” time in the cycle of the church year. Many of the bible readings focus on the telling of parables. We are encouraged to be faithful and steadfast. Autumn also brings a renewal within the congregation. Faith formation sessions resume, and events return to community life. As the year turns, we have a rush of energy for many possibilities. With this hustle and bustle of the fall with all its competing activities, we are called to remain focused on the presence of Christ in God’s mission in the world. We celebrate several commemorations and feasts on Sundays in the fall: Holy Cross Day (September 14), Saint Michael and All Angels (transferred to September 28), St. Francis Day (transferred to October 5), Reformation Day (transferred to October 26), All Saints’ Day (transferred to November 2), and the Reign of Christ Day (November 23).

Sunday, September 14: Helena (248-340), mother of Emperor Constantine, made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and found what may be the actual site of Jesus’ crucifixion. Her son built two churches there, and the dedication of one of them (the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem on September 14, 335 CE) gave rise to this celebration of our Lord’s victory on the cross. While St. Helena discovered the Cross, it was the consecration of the newly built church on that site that directly led to the celebration of the feast. In the Bible, Paul reminds us that Christ crucified is the power and wisdom of God. As Moses put a serpent on a pole to be a source of healing for the ancient Israelites, we lift high the cross as the sign of our health and salvation. Each time we make the sign of the cross we remember our baptism into the death and resurrection of Christ. 

September 7 | Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

The autumn season continues “ordinary” time in the cycle of the church year. Many of the bible readings focus on the telling of parables. We are encouraged to be faithful and steadfast. Autumn also brings a renewal within the congregation. Faith formation sessions resume, and events return to community life. As the year turns, we have a rush of energy for many possibilities. With this hustle and bustle of the fall with all its competing activities, we are called to remain focused on the presence of Christ in God’s mission in the world. We celebrate several commemorations and feasts on Sundays in the fall: Holy Cross Day (September 14), Saint Michael and All Angels (transferred to September 28), St. Francis Day (transferred to October 5), Reformation Day (transferred to October 26), All Saints’ Day (transferred to November 2), and the Reign of Christ Day (November 23).

Sunday, September 7: Called to contemplate the cost of discipleship, we might be helped by translating Paul’s request to Philemon in the Bible. What is that request? Refresh my heart in Christ. Strengthened by the company and forgiveness of Christ and recalling God’s grace, we can be strengthened in worshiping God and in community to “choose life”—to choose life in God as our own, life that has purpose, life that is faithful.

Sunday, August 17 | Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

 Time after Pentecost: The church season after Easter is sometimes called “Ordinary Time” because of the numbering (ordinals) of the Sunday. It includes summer and fall, with themes of growth, celebration in community, and the renewal of faith and discipleship in the life and teachings of Jesus.

Sunday, August 17: The word of God is a refining fire. Jesus invites our undivided attention and devotion in all of human history. Each time we worship God together we are surrounded by a great “cloud of witnesses,” and we are invited to respond to the one who calls us to lasting peace with justice, Jesus, the Prince of Peace. How will we live and share our own stories of God’s justice in us?

Faith Formation Resumes | Back to School Blessing Sunday, August 24

On Sunday, August 24, join children and adults as FELC begins a new year of growth and discovery as learning ministry resumes faith formations sessions. Students of all ages, teachers, administrators, and all care and support staff are invited during worship on Sunday, August 24 (onsite and online) to receive a blessing for a year of brave and safe learning. You’re encouraged to bring a memento or token (like a backpack or laptop) as a symbol of learning.