Author: FELC Office

As We Pass Through, presented by Chorus Austin Chamber Ensemble

October 11 & 12, 4:00 pm, First English Lutheran Church, 3001 Whitis Ave, Austin

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Jesus’ mission includes making people whole. Unexpectedly, a Samaritan healed of leprosy becomes a model of new life as we give thanks for God’s mercy. It’s a miracle! Multiple miracles! The waters of holy baptism heal. The body, blood, and blessing of Jesus in holy communion renew. We have died with Christ and been raised with him. We are healed to be healers. For all this we have returned to offer thanks weekly. And then we are sent on our way rejoicing to share the good news.

Adult Faith Formation will resume in the parlor at 9 am. Leigh Northcutt-Benson will facilitate a lectionary-based discussion on the gospel of Luke.

Children’s Faith Formation will meet in the library at 9 am. Kate Wanstrom will lead a fun and active lesson on our health and Jesus Healing of the Ten.

Join UT’s Repertory Chorus in their first concert of the 2025-2026 season on Monday, October 13 at 8 pm at FELC. Music by Durufle, Brahms, Hogan, Mozart, and others. Free admission. FELC partners with UT’s Butler School of Music to provide a laboratory, rehearsal, and venue experience for these professional, educational vocal leaders.  

The FELC Chapel of the Saints & Columbarium includes icons of saints by artist Kelly Latimore. Using FELC memorial funds, we purchased and installed icons of diverse saints, ancient and contemporary, in the chapel, with additional icons installed in the hallway outside the north transept entrance. Recently, a placard with information on each saint was affixed near the icon, in gallery style. A brochure is also available in the chapel on the west wall. We are grateful to Heidi Goebel for her labor of love in enhancing the witness of these saints. May these icons and sacred spaces bring those who engage them into prayer and thanksgiving.

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.

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.

Gather with young adults on the first Thursday of each month for food, fellowship, and faith formation.

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“Katie, the office of pastor is now committed to you, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen!”

On Sunday, September 14, we welcomed and formally installed the sixth pastor of FELC, the Rev. Katie Rode. We give thanks to God for our life and witness, as together we proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.

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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.

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.