The congregation council has set the annual meeting of First English Lutheran Church for Sunday, January 30, 2022 at 12:30 PM. Due to increased Covid-19 precautions the annual meeting will be on Zoom only using the FELC Community Zoom meeting. We will worship together at 10:00 AM. The meeting will begin at 12:30 PM to allow time for those attending Sunday worship in person to return home and join on Zoom.
The recent adult forum survey results are in. Out of 13 responses, 3 favored Sunday morning and the rest favored weekday evenings. Out of the weekday evening choices, Wednesday was the most popular. Results showed a broad interest in types of topics. Thank you to everyone who responded.
Given the preference for Wednesday evenings, and the current surge in Covid-19 infections, we will continue to have adult forums on Wednesday evenings at 7 PM on Zoom only for the time being. Join Pastor Coffey for his next adult forum topic, Carl Jung and Christian Spirituality, beginning Wednesday, January 19 at 7 PM.
Pastor Michael Coffey wrote a blog article on the significance of January 6 in the church’s calendar and how the meaning of it has been affected by the insurrection of 2021. You can read the article here: http://www.ocotillopub.org/2022/01/reclaiming-january-6.html
Sunday, January 9 we welcome home to FELC Bryan Rust, our director of music. Bryan has been on sabbatical since October 18, 2021. Gather for worship at 10:00 am this Sunday, share in Bryan’s musical leadership as we sing together, and, following a special postlude, greet Bryan during hospitality time after worship. Bryan also resumes his role as FELC office administrator this week. Hope to see you in person or online this Sunday morning. A note: Bryan has returned to nearly 2,000 emails. If you communicated with Bryan by email during his sabbatical, and you want him to know about it, please email him again. Thanks for your understanding.
God of all time, help us enter the New Year quietly, thoughtful of who we are to ourselves and to others, mindful that our steps make an impact and our words carry power. May we walk gently. May we speak only after we have listened well. Creator of all life, help us enter the New Year reverently, aware that you have endowed every creature and plant, every person and habitat with beauty and purpose. May we regard the world with tenderness. May we honor rather than destroy. Lower of all souls, help us enter the New Year joyfully, willing to laugh and dance and dream, remembering our many gifts with thanks and looking forward to blessings yet to come. May we welcome your lavish love. In this new year, may the grace and peace of Christ bless us now and in the days ahead.
Here’s an update on the church’s finances as of November 30, 2021:
Operating income fell short of operating expenses for the month of November by $643.49. The church’s year-to-date deficit is now $-(4,125.28).
We hope that December’s income will exceed expenses enough to overcome this deficit and also build a surplus for the end of the year. Any operating income received in December over and above operating expenses will be surplus and will be allocated in the following way:50% to the Southwestern Texas Synod; 25% to the Benevolence Pool (Micah 6 and Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center); and 25% to savings (the emergency borrowing fund).
Operating Income/Expenses Snapshot:
In the Month of November
Actual Year-to-date
Budgeted Year-to-date
Total Operating Income
$26,332.12
$282,839.64
$337,500.00
Total Non-Contingent Operating Expenses
$26,975.61
$286,263.36
$329,645.00
Total Contingent Operating Expenses (Synod, Benevolence, Savings)
$0.00
$701.56
$7,857.00
Net Income (Loss)
$-(643.49)
$-(4,125.28)
$-(2.00)
Monthly Giving Income* Snapshot:
Jan
Feb
Mar (Q1)
Apr
May
Jun (Q2)
Unified, Current, & Benevolent Income (Giving income)*
We are grateful for your year-end contributions and your support of the church all year. December is usually our biggest month for income because of your generosity. Any year-end financial contributions received in the Sunday offering on December 26th and postmarked or received online by Friday, December 31st will be processed for this calendar year. Thank you for helping us end the year on a strong financial note.
The new Word in Season devotional bookelts are available at the church. They include a daily brief Scripture reading and reflection. You can find them in the narthex, north transept, and church office foyer.
Epiphany is a traditional time for blessing of the home with readings, prayer, and chalking above the entrance to the home with a blessing for the year. As the magi visited the home of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus and brought gifts and blessings, we bless homes in the name of Christ.
On January 5 Pastor Coffey will visit homes south of FELC, and on January 6 he will visit homes north of FELC. If you would like Pastor Coffey to come to your home and bring an Epiphany house blessing, you may email him (pastor@felcaustin.org) to request being added to the list. Approximate times will be sent out once the schedule is complete. Blessings are performed outside at the front door. You need not be present to have your home blessed.
Plans are being made for adult forum topics and schedules for 2022. This fall we began offering adult forums on weekday evenings rather than Sunday mornings. Participation has been good. This survey is a chance for you to let Pastor Coffey know what schedule, format, and topics are of interest to you.
Submissions will be accepted through January 6, 2022.
Sorry, but this form is no longer accepting submissions.
