Category: News

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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.

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. 

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.

 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?

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. 

 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 10:  Jesus says, “It is your God’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” or “Don’t be afraid of missing out.” It is God’s promise from the beginning—to Abraham, to the early church, and to the “little flock” of which we are a part today. You won’t miss out on God’s love. It’s everlasting. God invites us to relax into God’s very promises. Faith, God’s gift, trusts the promises of God. Have no fear. God’s peace reigns, even when we can’t understand it.

Joe Cain was approved as the next Congregation Treasurer. He will replace Allen Jensen who will retire from this position after serving us faithfully the last several years. The council expressed its sincere gratitude for his service.

Many of the planned renovations have been completed in the Pastor’s office, the Church office and the Vicar’s office (currently used by the Child Development Center’s Director since she vacated her own office to allow space for more infants)! New paint has been applied in one office, new windows and HVAC units have been installed in two of the offices, and new flooring has been installed in all three. All are welcome to make time to stop by and admire the improvements.

The council voted to approve Olivia Herron and Colleen Adkins to the Child Development Center Board. Both are parents of enrolled children. Two positions remain open for congregation members. Recent improvements to the playground include a customized play area for infants.

The Council heard an update on efforts to upgrade our technology. Charlie Boas reported on two meetings with an outside consultant, who will soon come to do a diagnostic of systems currently in place. Recommendations for specific improvements are expected to follow.

Pastor Katie asked Council to welcome Michael and Paige Marty into membership. Council approved unanimously.

Members of the Racial Justice Task Force will be participating in a course in the fall.

An invitation to the whole congregation will be extended with details about the course. Council approved funds for the course with the hope that participants reimburse the church as they are able.

Respectfully submitted, Nancy Baden, Congregation Council Secretary