First English Lutheran Church | Austin, Texas
God Loves. We Love. Everyone!
Pray always. Do not lose heart. This is Christ’s encouragement in the gospel story this week. Wrestle with the word. Remember your baptism. Come to Christ’s table, everyone. Persistence in our encounters with the divine will be blessed.
This Sunday we welcome Pastor Keats Miles-Wallace, of Technicolor Ministries and Monastery, the evolving queer ministry of the Southwestern Texas Synod.
To learn more, visit www.technicolorministries.com.
Join Austin Cantorum for an evening of choral music that explores all things Nocturnal, including works by Johannes Brahms, Francesca Hauser, Edward Elgar, Meredith Monk, and more, with a brand new commission by Austin composer Graham Yates. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $25.
On Reformation Sunday we celebrate the heart of faith: the gospel of Christ that makes us free to live God’s love fully. By the end of the 17th century, many Lutheran churches celebrated a festival commemorating All Hallows Eve, October 31, 1517, when Martin Luther posted his Ninety-five Theses in Wittenberg, Germany. These were a summary of abuses in the church of his time and his call to action. The Holy Spirit continues to reform the whole church in this age and place in mission. The church color associated with the Holy Spirit is red, and we invite you to wear some red on this Sunday.
We celebrate the Feast of All Saints’ – a time to remember and give thanks for saints near and far, famous and familiar, those who died long ago, and those who have died recently. As part of the observance we will read the names of those from FELC who have died during the past year. We invite and encourage everyone to bring photos, drawings, and/or mementos to place on an Altar of Remembrance (Offrenda) in the Chapel of the Saints, and to write the names of anyone who has died in the past year in the Book of the Dead. The sacred space of remembrance will remain in the Chapel through November. (Daylight Savings Time ends at 2 am on Nov. 2.)
Sunday, November 2, 6 to 8 pm. Schnitzel and brats under the lights with a special appearance from Karli House Brew. Please bring any favorite German side you wish to share and bring your favorite beverage to share–sodas, alcoholic or sparkling water. Water and Iced Tea will be available.Â
Oliver Rajamani will perform with Austin star Suzanna Choffel, October 16, 8 pm, at the Rosette.
Oliver performs innovative and soul stirring original music. His unique sound has been woven from the cultural and musical threads of Romani (Gypsy)/folk India and Texas Americana while bringing recognition to the historical Indian origins of the Romani people.
Austin native, Suzanna Choffel is known for her distinct voice and reggae-inspired guitar technique. Her music has been described as “a unique sound equal parts Beat poetry, smoky soul grooves and indie-pop eccentricity.”
As We Pass Through, presented by Chorus Austin Chamber Ensemble
October 11 & 12, 4:00 pm, First English Lutheran Church, 3001 Whitis Ave, Austin
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.