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Join FELC music partner Austin Cantorum on Saturday, December 20, 7:30 pm at FELC for an evening of Lessons and Carols with an Austin twist! Pairing classic holiday favorites and sing-along carols with new choral works by local composers and heartfelt memories shared by Austinites. This relaxing and intimate concert will explore some of the many ways that Austin celebrates the season AND comes with free holiday cookies! Featuring special guests Flutist Adrienne Inglis and Pianist Benjamin Dia. Free admission with suggested donation of $25. RSVP at austincantorum.com to secure your spot today! 

On November 9 we began a seven-week series called “Out of the Blue” – a time before and during the Advent season in reflective waiting for Christ’s coming into the fullness of life. We hope to discover together the astonishment of God’s work and God’s purposes among us. The bible stories in this series follow the regular lectionary (set of readings) that are offered in many Christian churches. On November 23 we gather in the theme “Love at the Last” – at the end of things there’s love with grace and forgiveness. The Feast of the Reign of Christ, established by Pope Pius XI in 1925 to counter rising authoritarian rule, reminds Christians to acknowledge Christ’s sovereignty publicly and privately. We are not to give ultimate allegiance to any earthly ruler.

Last Sunday we began a seven-week series called “Out of the Blue” – a time before and during the Advent season in reflective waiting for Christ’s coming into the fullness of life. We gather for shared imagination around moments of surprise, occasions of awe, and instances of inspiration. We hope to discover together the astonishment of God’s work and God’s purposes among us. The bible stories in this series follow the regular lectionary (set of readings) that are offered in many Christian churches. On November 16 we gather in the theme “Days to Prepare, Seconds to Cook” – the sudden fulfillment of old preparations, dramatic changes long in the works. Endings are near and there is no doubt about it. The warnings are dire. The tone of these bible readings remains ominous. And yet, Christians are strengthened for the living of these days in word, sacrament, and community.

On Sunday, November 9, we begin a seven-week series called “Out of the Blue” – a time before and during the Advent season in reflective waiting for Christ’s coming into the fullness of life. This is a time for new beginnings. We gather for shared imagination around moments of surprise, occasions of awe, and instances of inspiration. We hope to discover together the astonishment of God’s work and God’s purposes among us. The bible stories in this series follow the regular lectionary (set of readings) that are offered in most Lutheran, Catholic, Episcopal, Presbyterian, and United Church of Christ congregations. On November 9 we gather in the theme “Beginning at Broken” – broken expectations, changed perspectives, and new life after smaller deaths and after bigger ones.

On November 2 we commemorate a three-fold feast in one. All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day (Oct. 31, Nov. 1, Nov. 2) serve as a call to all God’s people to remember everyone. The gift of All Saints’ Sunday is that all our sorrows become bearable as we recall the stories of those who have died and how their stories point to the greater story of God’s enduring love with all creation and humanity. On All Saints’ Sunday, we read aloud the names of loved ones who have died from this congregation in the last year. We call them saints, not because they were perfect, rather because they were loved by God and by us. We acknowledge that all people, being simultaneously sinners and saints, lead complex lives full of joy and sorrow. We are confident in the sure promise that at the end of our bodily life, God welcomes our loved ones and us to the fullness of eternity.

Sunday, November 2, 5 to 8 pm. Live music by the Austin Polka Band. Schnitzel and brats under the lights with a special appearance from Karli House Brew. Please bring any favorite German side-dish you wish to share and bring your favorite beverage to share. Water and Iced Tea will be provided.

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.  

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.

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.”