First English Lutheran Church | Austin, Texas
God Loves. We Love. Everyone!
The FELC Book Club gathers Sunday, May 18, 1:00 to 3:00pm, for potluck lunch and discussion of The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, by James McBride. Join in the conversation; all are welcome, even if you haven’t read the book. For information and meeting location contact Anne Wiebe at wiebeanne@hotmail.com.
This Sunday, as we approach halfway through the great 50 days of Easter joy, we are reminded that the gift of new life, of eternal life, is the gift of the risen Christ. It is the promise of Jesus. It was true for Dorcas in Joppa. It was true for those “who have come out of the great ordeal” in the Revelation vision of John. It is true for us and for all: surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. The Good Shepherd loves and cares for all.
Guest Music Leader | Marti Ahern
It always our joy to 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.
Friends, I had the privilege of attending last weekend’s Synod Assembly as a voting member from First English, along with Holden Fuerst. Thank you for that opportunity!
The Assembly celebrated Camp Chrysalis’ 75th anniversary with a wonderful slide show of the many years in operation. The Assembly Offering was dedicated toward helping
purchase equipment for the new dining hall that is planned.
My purpose here is to share with you just what I consider the highlights of the event. This was the first attempt to squeeze all of the business into a one-day meeting, and it was quite successful. That wouldn’t be possible when the agenda is heavier with issues and elections. There was no formal worship service, but things such as a reminder of our baptism and communion were tucked in. The Assembly theme was “More Than Enough”, taken from Mark 4:30-44, the parable of the loaves and fishes. “With God, what we have will be sufficient.” Bishop Sue Briner’s “State of the Synod” presentation highlighted the many fresh initiatives being embarked upon to support and resource congregations and their leaders. Titles such as “Latina Collective”, “Camp Hope”, “Ministry 360”, “Fresh Expressions”, “Justice Work” and “Growing More Fully into Being the Beloved Community” caught my attention.
The synod budget report was very encouraging. It was described as a “narrative budget”, or one that will support all of their major priorities. Generous support for campus ministry as well as grants for innovative projects is included.
Daniel Kirschbaum, director of Young Adult Ministry was our representative from the ELCA for the event. He offered a report on the added emphasis being placed on young adult ministry in the ELCA, with even their own national gathering this year, and provided a sermon for the Assembly.
Bishop Briner spoke of our partnership with the Episcopal diocese of West Texas and the fruit that it is bearing – such things as a “Small Churches Big Impact Collective” – small churches that say “yes” to meeting community needs. There was also a report from our sister synod – the church of Costa Rica.
What impacted me the most was the growing awareness that the First English model of a lay led/pastor supported congregation is actually a model that is becoming more talked about throughout the ELCA and beyond. Who knew that we are on “the cutting edge”?
Submitted by Barbara Schutz
On Saturday, May 3 at 7:30 PM at FELC, join Cantastoria Chamber Choir in a benefit concert for Liberty Ukraine. Cantastoria Chamber Choir uses choral music, ancient and modern, to tell stories in the form of projects that they write and produce for video and live performance. Passionate about collaborating with artists in other disciplines, Cantastoria tells stories in varied and compelling ways. View the stories they’ve told here
Liberty Ukraine Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Austin, TX fundraising for Ukrainian residents, servicemen and women, first-aid workers, medical facilities, and victims of the war in Ukraine. They provide critical support to those in Ukraine, aid to those suffering in Ukraine, and bringing hope to those displaced by war. Fundraising efforts cover a wide range of causes, from purchasing life-saving protective gear and evacuation equipment for rescue workers, to providing crucial physical and mental therapy for wounded civilians, servicemen, and children. The passion of Liberty Ukraine Foundation lies in the extensive experience and network of volunteers in the U.S., Europe, and Ukraine. They do not have any salaried personnel, ensuring that every amount of contribution goes directly to helping those in need.
Join us for an exciting evening of community, music, stories, food, and art as we support our friends in Ukraine!
For TICKETS & INFO to this event, CLICK HERE.
.
The Southwestern Texas Synod Assembly meets on Saturday, this year for one day, at Abiding Presence Lutheran Church in San Antonio. Pastors, deacons, and lay voting members gather from ELCA congregations and ministry settings throughout central and south Texas. The Synod Assembly meets for worship, connection, sharing resources, and conducts the organizational business of this area of the church. Individual voting members come together, and with the whole assembly, discern the will of the Spirit. Since the creation of the ELCA, voting members are not representatives or delegates. Each voting member brings their own discipleship and the values of where they come from, and also listens for the movement of God’s Spirit with those gathered. At the FELC annual congregation meeting in January we elected Holden Fuerst and Barbara Schutz. We ask God’s blessing on the assembly.
We continue the great fifty days of resurrection rejoicing! In the gospel story this week (John 21:1-19), Jesus’ first disciples make a big splash and eat breakfast with the risen Lord. Wading in the water (remembering baptism) and eating with Jesus (celebrating holy communion) is our weekly, community encounter with the risen Christ. Jesus asks us again and again: Do you love me? And Jesus invites us and all, again and again, to follow him, bringing the Easter joy to life in each day.
Support National Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Awareness by wearing RED on Sunday, May 4.
Monday, May 5 is a national day of support for the families of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). Show your support by wearing something red this Sunday, May 4, and include the Murdered and Missing Women, Girls, and their Relatives in your prayers.
In 2021 the ELCA Church council adopted the Declaration to American Indian and Alaska Native People by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, committing to advocacy and being in solidarity with Tribal Nations, MMIWGR organizations, families, and friends who have gone missing or who have been murdered.
As indigenous women and girls go missing at a much higher rate than any other group in the United States, the ELCA advocates that tribes, states, and the US government coordinate efforts to pass legislation and take steps to alleviate the problem. Synod leaders and congregations can also work to establish relationships with Tribal Nations to express solidarity and support prevention and recovery. The ELCA encourages congregations and individuals to educate themselves on the issue of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).
On Good Friday we remember our Lord’s passion and death, and his triumph on the cross for the world that God so dearly loves. This year, in addition to the adoration of the cross in the evening, we offered a Tre-Ore (3-hour) service beginning at noon. Mixed with prayers, scripture readings, hymns, and silence, Pastor Robert Karli offered seven meditations. Because many have asked, Pastor Karli has published them. The readings and prayers are here. The seven meditations are here. I invite your further reflection and prayer.
Cantor Bryan Rust
President LaRu Woody reminded all that the specially called Congregation Meeting on Sunday May 4 will include three potential votes to decide whether or not to: 1) extend a call to our Primary Candidate, the Reverend Katie Rode, 2) approve a compensation package recommended by our Finance Committee and approved by the Council, 3) amend the budget to accommodate the compensation package.
The council heard from property team members recommending needed improvements to the admin and pastor’s offices including two new HVAC units, window treatments, wiring and door replacements. The Council approved a bid to proceed with the recommended improvements.
Terry Porter, Team Lead of Support Ministry, reported on the status of our church insurance policy and his extensive efforts to secure adequate and affordable coverage in light of the changes in the industry.
The Council was updated on the necessity of bidding a fond farewell to a red oak tree in our courtyard. The tree was not healthy and removal was necessary. Plans are already underway for a beautiful replacement. Thanks to Terry Porter for that and for having a large tree limb removed that had fallen on the Scout Hut during a previous wind event. Our trees need continuous attention!
Charlie Boas, our TUF SPOC (Technology Upgrade for First English, Single Point of Contact) provided Council with examples of feedback he has received. Council agreed on the need to prioritize our needs and address them in an orderly fashion, with some concerns possibly better addressed by others.
Council voted to accept the recommendations of the Benevolence Committee to support Global Refuge, LUMIN, Casa Marianella, and Micah 6. Thanks to Ben Rode, Pam Williams, Teresa Ringness, and Claudia Barlow for their work on this.
The Council agreed to provide a meal for the teachers of the Child Development Center during Teacher Appreciation Week.
Efforts are underway to identify persons for an anniversary committee to ensure that recognition of FELC’s many years of faithful service are celebrated.
Ministry Team Reports were reviewed.
The next Council meeting will be Tuesday, May 27 at 7pm, so as not to conflict with Memorial Day.
It is often hard to believe, to actually trust. Because it’s hard to believe, we will invest ourselves in the Easter mystery for fifty days (a week of weeks). Faith is an investment. Because it is hard to believe, the stories of John the evangelist will provide sign after sign celebrating Jesus’ victory over death, inviting us to touch and taste Christ’s presence, and offering to all the world Christ’s peace.