First English Lutheran Church is a congregation of the ELCA.
Welcome to First English Lutheran Church.
You’re invited to fully participate in a community of faith and friendship that gathers for worship, relationship building, personal growth, and service in the community and the world. Following the example of Christ, this congregation welcomes you exactly as you are.
We are committed to the work of racial equity, justice, and advocating for marginalized groups. We welcome people in all places on the journey of faith and life. We celebrate differences in age, appearance, economic status, ethnic origin, nationality, race, family configuration, marital or relationship status, political leaning, religious background, and those who are differently abled physically or mentally.
Since 1989, FELC has openly welcomed persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions to full participation in the church and society. FELC was one of the first Texas congregation to join the “Reconciling in Christ” program of Reconciling Works (formerly Lutherans Concerned).
We’re Lutheran, so that means we believe in grace for everyone. The good news of Jesus Christ, who brings us the love and mercy of God as a gift, liberates us to love as we are loved, serve as we are served, and give as we have been given much. We rejoice in the diversity that has nurtured and enriched the whole church.
Whether you’re from another faith tradition, a seeker and questioner looking for more to life and a place to explore, or even a lifelong Lutheran, we’re glad to have you.
Our members, friends, and visitors are from all generations. We celebrate being a community of young, old, and in-between coming together to share life trusting in the Gospel of Jesus Christ that gathers all people to be one body.
Worship at FELC emphasizes grace, encountering God in Christ through Word and Sacrament, experiencing holiness and mystery through music, beauty, ritual, silence, and the gathered community. You are invited to participate in ways that are meaningful for you. Our worship is rooted in the historic, liturgical and musical traditions of the church while enjoying church music from all eras and other world cultures. The worship liturgy is printed in the bulletin, making it easy for everyone to participate even if unfamiliar with Lutheran liturgical worship.
First English was founded in 1936 as the first all English language Lutheran church in Austin at a time when German and other northern European languages were commonly being used for worship. This is the origin of the name “First English” and there were several hundred “First English” Lutheran churches around the country during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some historical documents from the early years are available to view here.
FELC has had five pastors in its history. In 88 years of ministry, FELC has had 50 pastoral interns or vicars — seminary students learning to become pastors who spend a year with us. We operate a child development center, an outreach community ministry which has been serving the community for over 50 years.
Child Development Center
We have an excellent Child Development Center. Visit the web site at www.firstenglishcdc.org