- October 18 | 21st Sunday after Pentecost
In the Hebrew Scripture reading this Sunday, God uses the Gentile ruler Cyrus to accomplish divine purposes. In the gospel story, when the Pharisees try to trap Jesus, he tells them to give the emperor what belongs to the emperor and to God what belongs to God. We are reminded … - October 11 | 20th Sunday after Pentecost
In the book of Isaiah we are given a vision of the great feast to come, when God will wipe away death forever. In Jesus’ parable about a great banquet in the gospel of Matthew, those invited do not come, so the invitation is extended to others. God spreads a … - October 4 | The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
Commemoration of Francis of Assisi: May 25, 1181—October 3, 1226 On Sunday, October 4, we give thanks for the life and ministry of Francis of Assisi. Born into the family of a wealthy merchant, Francis gave up his inheritance to serve poor people. He formed the Order of Friars Minor …Continue reading “October 4 | The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi”
- September 27 | 18th Sunday after Pentecost
Jesus’ parable about two sons who don’t do what they say reveals surprises about the ways of God. In the bible story from Ezekiel the people claim the ways of the Lord are unfair, while God offers repentance and new life. Saint Paul urges us to look to Christ as …Continue reading “September 27 | 18th Sunday after Pentecost”
- Sunday, September 20 | Celebration of Abundance
In this Sunday’s bible story, Matthew narrates one of Jesus’ more controversial parables. Jesus says that the reign of God is like that of a landowner who pays workers the same wage no matter what time of day they began to work. This seems unfair. When God changes God’s mind …Continue reading “Sunday, September 20 | Celebration of Abundance”
- AUSTIN VOCAL COLLECTIVE | SINGING TOGETHER | SEPTEMBER 26
On Saturday, September 26 from 5 until 8 pm, FELC joins with music partners from Austin Vocal Collective and hosts a one-day choir! We welcome a mix of confident and less experienced singers to provide a choral experience that is both satisfying, epic, and beautiful. This one-day choir is accessible …Continue reading “AUSTIN VOCAL COLLECTIVE | SINGING TOGETHER | SEPTEMBER 26”
- Sunday, September 13 | 16th Sunday after Pentecost
In this Sunday’s bible stories, we are entreated not to judge one another. Scripture proclaims that we all will be before the judgment of God. That judgement of God is always one of love. Saint Paul reminds us that the Christian community has significant struggles with diversity. We do sin …Continue reading “Sunday, September 13 | 16th Sunday after Pentecost”
- Sunday, September 6 | 15th Sunday after Pentecost
Conflict is a part of relationships and it’s part of life in community. Jesus’ words in the gospel story this Sunday from Matthew 18:15-20 are often used in matters of church discipline. The prophet Ezekiel (33:7-10) tells of the wicked turning from their ways. Sin and brokenness are realities of …Continue reading “Sunday, September 6 | 15th Sunday after Pentecost”
- Sunday, August 30 | 14th Sunday after Pentecost
n the bible readings for Sunday, the prophet Jeremiah speaks of his suffering. He finds God’s words the delight of his heart. When Peter doesn’t grasp Jesus’ words about suffering, Jesus tells his disciples they will find their lives in losing them. These stories tell that sacrificial love is costly, challenging, …Continue reading “Sunday, August 30 | 14th Sunday after Pentecost”
- Sunday, August 23 | Celebrating Pride
While June is worldwide Pride Month, this year FELC celebrates Pride on Sunday, August 23 during worship and hospitality! The Austin community holds its celebrations and parade on Saturday, August 22. As followers of Jesus, we extend God’s welcome to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We value diversity, … - Sunday, August 16 | The Feast of Mary, Mother of God
Mary is perhaps the most fascinating person in the Bible for us to listen to and think about. Mary’s role is not only about giving birth to Jesus and the importance of mothering him in his childhood. In John’s gospel, she is among the women standing near the cross; in …Continue reading “Sunday, August 16 | The Feast of Mary, Mother of God”
- Sunday, August 9 | 11th Sunday after Pentecost
Following the FELC Ministry Pause worship and sermon series, we return to the Bible readings proclaimed each week in most Catholic, Lutheran, Episcopal, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches (and others). This Sunday, the Hebrew bible story tells of Elijah finding the presence of God not in earthquake, wind, or fire, but …Continue reading “Sunday, August 9 | 11th Sunday after Pentecost”
- Sunday, August 2 | FELC 90th Anniversary Celebration
Since July 19, 1936, we have offered vibrant, life-giving ministry in Austin as First English Evangelical Lutheran Church. We give thanks to God for all the saints who have and continue to shape the welcome, character, ministry, worship, learning, engagement, and outreach of FELC for 90 plus years strong and …Continue reading “Sunday, August 2 | FELC 90th Anniversary Celebration”
- Sunday, July 26 | Sabbath Ministry Pause Transition | Week 9
May 31 – July 26 | Worship & Sermon Series: Tending What Has Been Entrusted Week 9 Theme: Returning to Community - Sunday, July 19 | Sabbath Ministry Pause | Week 8
May 31 – July 26 | Worship & Sermon Series: Tending What Has Been Entrusted Week 8 Theme: What we treasure shapes our direction - Sunday, July 12 | Sabbath Ministry Pause | Week 7
May 31 – July 26 | Worship & Sermon Series: Tending What Has Been Entrusted Week 7 Theme: Christ is revealed as we begin to see clearly - Sunday, July 5 | Sabbath Ministry Pause | Week 6
May 31 – July 26 | Worship & Sermon Series: Tending What Has Been Entrusted Week 6 Theme: Faith requires movement in the presence of uncertainty - Sunday, June 28 | Sabbath Ministry Pause Week 5
Worship in Community | 10 am | Onsite & Online May 31 – July 26 | Worship & Sermon Series: Tending What Has Been Entrusted Week 5 Theme: The shape of our life reflects God’s mercy - June 21 | Sabbath Ministry Pause Week 4
Worship in Community | 10 am | Onsite & Online May 31 – July 26 | Worship & Sermon Series: Tending What Has Been Entrusted Week 4 Theme: Not all soil produces life-and that matters - June 14 | Sabbath Ministry Pause Week 3
Worship in Community | 10 am | Onsite & Online May 31 – July 26 | Worship & Sermon Series: Tending What Has Been Entrusted Week Three Theme: Naming reality is part of God’s restorative work - June 7 | Sabbath Ministry Pause Week Two
May 31-July 26 | Worship Sermon Series: Tending What Has Been Entrusted Week Two Theme: God sustains us in the midst of strain - May 31 | Sabbath Ministry Pause Week 1
Tending What Has Been Entrusted May 31-July 26 | A Worship & Sermon Series Week One Theme: Something must die for something new to live - Sabbath & Ministry Pause
Welcome to this community of faith and service. May 31 – July 25 First English Lutheran Church is in a time of Sabbath Ministry Pause. During the eight weeks, the congregation will pause its ministry activities of learning, witness, service, and support. We continue in weekly worship and turn our … - Welcome to FELC
FELC Welcome Statement Welcome to First English Lutheran Church (FELC). We are a congregation of the Southwestern Texas Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). You’re invited to fully participate in a community of faith and friendship that gathers for worship, relationship building, personal growth, and service in … - May 24 | Day of Pentecost
The Easter season concludes on the fiftieth day of the celebration of the resurrection of Christ. Pentecost comes from the Greek, pentekoste, “fiftieth” and it refers to the festival celebrated on the fiftieth day after Passover, also known as the “Feast of Weeks” and the “Feast of 50 days” in … - May 17 | The Sunday after the Ascension of Our Lord
As we enter the final week of the fifty days of Easter, we engage a potentially unsettling Bible story: Jesus ascends into heaven forty days after his resurrection from the dead. Yet, his followers are assured that the Spirit will empower them to be witnesses throughout the earth. The disciples …Continue reading “May 17 | The Sunday after the Ascension of Our Lord”
- Austin Cantorum | May 30 | 7:30 pm
Join Austin Cantorum at FELC exploring choral music that celebrates regional cuisine, reflects on the nature of hunger, and examines what it means to have a purposeful relationship with the food we eat. Two universal languages: music and food (!) with a non-perishable canned food drive to benefit the Central … - May 10 | Sixth Sunday of Easter
As we enter the final weeks of the Easter season, Jesus does not abandon his followers. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus comes to abide with his disciples of every generation. As Pentecost draws near, we are reminded that the risen Christ dwells in us as the Spirit. We receive this … - May 3 | Fifth Sunday of Easter
As we continue to celebrate the fifty days of Easter, the gospel story this week includes Jesus’ promise that he goes to prepare a place in his Father’s house. We are called to share Jesus’ mission in the world. We are called to proclaim the one who called us out … - April 26 | Fourth Sunday of Easter
This Sunday is called “Good Shepherd Sunday.” Jesus is called the “gate” of the sheep in the gospel story. The risen Christ is abundant life now. Christ anoints our heads with oil and guides us beside the waters of our baptism. Each Sunday Christ spreads a feast before us amid … - April 19 | Third Sunday of Easter
The gospel story on the third Sunday of Easter begins with two disciples walking to the town of Emmaus, overcome with sadness, loss, and disappointment. They had hoped Jesus, who was crucified, would be the one to redeem them! Yet the risen Christ walks with them and then opens their … - Texas Early Music Project in Concert | April 18
Henry Purcell is deservedly known as England’s greatest composer before Edward Elgar and Ralph Vaughan Williams. His music is used often in movie soundtracks and his operas are revived frequently on international stages. Join our music partner, Texas Early Music Project, as they end their 2025-2026 season with music from …Continue reading “Texas Early Music Project in Concert | April 18”
- April 12 | Second Sunday of Easter
Christ is risen! It is often hard to believe, to actually trust. Because believing is challenging, we will invest ourselves in the Easter mystery for fifty days (a week of weeks). Faith is an investment. The stories of John the Evangelist provide sign after sign celebrating Jesus’ victory over death. We … - Giving Thanks
We are grateful to God for all in this community, including those that enlivened worship, learning, witness, and service in Lent, Holy Week, and on Easter Day: – for those who welcomed everyone who visited this community, including for the first time; – for Terry Porter, who fashioned the Easter Cross from … - Easter Day | Sunday, April 5
The Easter season is the church’s fifty day celebration of the resurrection of Christ. It is the time of greatest joy as we gather in the good news of Christ’s victory over death and the power of God to renew our lives. In the tradition of the whole church, it … - Palm Sunday | March 29
“Hosanna” or “Hoshana” (הושענא) is a Hebrew word meaning save us now. Saint Augustine, fourth century bishop of the church, called Holy Week, the “Great Week” because of the great things that were accomplished during these days. Augustine said, “Unless the church can learn to identify itself with Christ in …
First English Lutheran Church | Austin, Texas
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