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THIS IS NOT MY FIRST ECHOES ARTICLE

Michael Coffey

I am sitting in San Antonio nearing the end of my nine-year call at Christ Lutheran Church, and anticipating my new call at First English. I’m writing my first article for Echoes, and I just realized: This is not my first Echoes article. I wrote for Echoes when I was here in 1991-92. I remember an article I wrote about bluebonnets and wildflowers in the spring time. It was my first year in Texas, and the floral displays along the highways and roads impressed me.

This is a unique beginning to a call. First English was my internship congregation. Place and people are not new to me, and I am not new to many of you. It’s a bit like coming home again. It feels good and exciting and right.

But I am new to many of you, and you to me. And things have changed at First English over the sixteen years since I was here. I have changed. So I have no sense that the beginning of my ministry with you is about going to back to anything. We are blessed that we had a prior relationship with many positive feelings and experiences. It gives us a unique starting point that I think will benefit both pastor and congregation. But my call at First English is about all of us looking forward with faith and expectation.

So forward we look. I am thinking about these kinds of issues before I even arrive:

What kind of creative and renewing worship can we do together? I love liturgy and worship and music, and I enjoy bringing all of the talents and creativity of the congregation into worship to create liturgy that is rooted in tradition and unique to the time and place that we are in. Since the worship book is a starting point for liturgy, not a finished product, where will we go with it?

How will we grow together spiritually and deepen our faith and relationships? I plan to bring the experience I have in guiding groups and individuals in spiritual formation and growth to the forefront of my ministry with adults and adolescents. We are all going from one stage of life to another, and needing continual spiritual guidance, growth, challenge, mentoring, and support. What are you needing? What are you open to?

How will First English reconnect itself to the unique and vibrant neighborhoods that surround it? First English is a city-wide congregation, but doesn’t include members from many of the central Austin neighborhoods it is so close to. FELC has many strengths that could connect it to nearby people who are not part of the church. How will we do that? What new ministries might give First English a stronger identity within its neighborhood setting?

These are my early thoughts. What are yours? We have a lot of conversations to share together about our enthusiasm for the life of this wonderful and unique congregation as we look forward together, with thanks for the past we already share.

Since my second Echoes article will not be my second Echoes article, I think I’ll just stop counting and save us all a lot of confusion.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

The tentative Summer schedule is as follows, but we can be flexible:

• June 8 & 15 – Blindness/sight limitations
• June 22 – Allergies
• June 29 & July 13 – Deafness
• July 20 – Autism
• July 27 & August 3 – Wheelchair-bound
• August 10 & 17 – Mental Retardation

Please contact Anne Wiebe, wiebeanne@hotmail.com or 407-8427, if you can help!

PARISH RECORDS

• Julie Holden, John Watters, and Johanna Watters transferred their membership to Triumphant Lutheran Church, Austin
• Tiffany Elsass Brantley transferred her membership to First Presbyterian Church, Port Lavaca
• Ava Jeanne Sylliaassen was born June 12 to Steve and Lynelle Sylliaassen
• Zoe Marie Tice was born June 12 to Chris and Rachael Tice
• Steve Jung was received by Letter of Transfer from Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Wimberley

CONGREGATION COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

At the June meeting, the Council:

• heard a report from Kathleen Boas on the Transition Team; a potluck luncheon and farewell will be held for Pastor Krejci following the service on Sunday, July 6; Pastor Coffey’s Installation Service will be held Wednesday, July 9 at 7:00 p.m. followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall
• heard a report from Randy Baden that the Vicar Committee is assessing the seminary apartment
• heard a report from Pastor Krejci and Monica Lund about the Synod Assembly
• heard a report from Pastor Krejci on his Confirmation trip to Camp Chrysalis
• were reminded that Pastor Krejci will include an evaluation form for members to fill out in the weekly bulletins during June
• heard a report from Kathleen Boas on the Children’s Summer Sunday school program
• heard a report on the ten youth and sponsors who traveled to New Orleans to Camp Restore
• received financial statements for June showing a year-to-date surplus at the end of June with income exceeding expenses by $17,516
• heard a report from the Property Committee that Terry Porter met the claims adjuster following the hail storm damage to the flat roof, the tile roof, and the AC condenser units; heard that the old sign was removed and that work on the new sign should begin shortly; Randy Baden presented the iron crosses he is donating that will adorn the sign

REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS

The following have been ill, hospitalized, or suffering in mind, body or spirit during the past month. Please remember them in your prayers, asking God to grant them and their families and friends healing and hope—Mel Sokes, Harold Berg, Sandee Michalek (godmother of Greg Meier), Megan Young (grandniece of Ginna Franke), Martha Coleman, Ben Spaeth, Joan (friend of Monica Lund), Joyce Voelter (friend of Barbara Wiederaenders and David Austin), Sara Pacheco, Jim Roberts (father of Trish Roberts-Miller), Edna Lehman, Bee English (colleague of Shannon Aguirre), Joe and Kay Head (friends of Barbara Wiederaenders), Jarett Werley (friend of Chris Billig), Bonnie Moore (friend of Monica Lund), Maria, Christopher and Alex (friends of Monica Lund), Frank Hemphill (uncle of Monica Lund), Patty Pederson, Mark Wiebe and family (brother of Anne Wiebe), Elijio Salas and family (friends of Monica Lund), Caroline Schorlemer (sister of Winona Boysen), Ki Norman and family (friends of Monica Lund), Connie Kleingartner (LSTC Director of Field Education), Jeffrey Michael, and Mirta Sanz (family member of Gratia Winship).

SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE

The Summer Worship Schedule with a single 9:45 a.m. service continues through Sunday, August 31. The two-service schedule with services at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. resumes September 7.

SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL

Children’s summer Sunday School will began Sunday, June 8. The emphasis this year will be on learning about disabilities. Anne Wiebe is seeking adult volunteers!

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS IN RECESS

The adult class will be in recess until August 31. Watch for the special summer adult class to provide First English’s reflections and input into the ELCA’s Social Statement on Human Sexuality. For an advance look at the draft Social Statement, you can go to http://www.elca.org/faithfuljourney/draft/. Planning for fall adult classes has begun. If you would like to lead a class, contact Anne Wiebe. Topics can be from one to 8 sessions in length on a subject of your choice.

SIGN UP FOR SUMMER OFFERING MUSIC

This summer you are invited to provide offering music for worship. The Choir is in recess from June through August. Sign up on the sheet in the choir room, or send an e-mail to 1stenglish@sbcglobal.net with the name(s) of the volunteer(s), the date, and the type (vocal, instrumental, solo, or ensemble). If you need accompaniment, please contact Bill Davis.

First English raised over $1,000 (10+ bunkbeds) towards our $1,000 goal of the “Building Bunks” Synod Assembly Offering going to the Manu Center in Costa Rica. Thanks to everyone who gave so generously. At last report, during the Synod Assembly almost $90,000 was raised towards the goal of $100,000 to help the Lutheran church in Costa Rica.

HELP WANTED

A minimum of 3, but not more than 5 volunteers needed to explore additional methods of obtaining contributions to the church. These individuals will need to be able to “think outside the box,” and be willing to do web and phone research. Some in-person meetings with vendors might occur. Prior experience with setting up online and credit card giving helpful, but not necessary. Please contact Monica Lund via phone 922-9299 or email kuchynata@yahoo.com. This is a short term task, likely no more than 4 weeks to completion.

MICAH 6 FOOD PANTRY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Micah 6 Food Pantry needs volunteers for the summer months on Thursdays from 5:30–7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m.–noon. Call Cliff Roberts at 656-8268 (cell) or 477-3489 (home) or just come to University Baptist Church for the on-the-job training Thursday at 5:30 p.m. or Saturday at 10:00 a.m.

MICAH 6 FOOD BANK

The Micah 6 Food Pantry needs your donations of food and time. Run by a coalition of ten area congregations including First English, the pantry is located at University Baptist Church. It is open on Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10:30-11:30 a.m. You can volunteer in many rewarding ways. To volunteer, contact Cliff Roberts (our congregational coordinator for volunteers). Learn more at micah6austin.org. Donations can be left in the Micah 6 box in the narthex.

ACOLYTES NEEDED

Additional acolytes—adults or kids—are needed during the summer 9:45 a.m. service and the fall 11:00 a.m. services. Contact the church office if you are interested.

USHERS NEEDED

Additional ushers are needed to help during the summer 9:45 a.m. service and the fall 11:00 a.m. service. Contact the church office if you are interested.

WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS

Ushers, Acolytes, Lectors, Cantors, Bread Bakers, and Altar Volunteers—to make David’s job a little easier for assigning worship volunteers each month, a sign-up sheet is now posted in the narthex on the podium just outside the entrance to the sanctuary. At the end of each month David will continue to call or e-mail all volunteers who have not already signed up to fill in any unfilled slots for the next month. Please make your August choices now!

FIX-IT TEAM

Join the Fix-It Team e-mail group to receive automatic reminders about workdays! Plus, you can notify the team about maintenance or repair issues you notice around the church. It’s easy to join the Yahoo group: send an e-mail request to chasboas@io.com (or give Charlie Boas your e-mail address). You’ll receive an invitation to join—just follow the instructions in the e-mail.

FIRST ENGLISH PRAYER CIRCLE

The Prayer Circle usually meets at noon each Tuesday in the church library. For more information, call Barbara Schutz, 328-0587, or Lois Holck, 327-8501. If someone has a special prayer request, please call Lois or Barbara.

LAST SERVICE AND FAREWELL FOR PASTOR KREJCI
SUNDAY, JULY 6, 9:45 a.m.

Pastor Krejci’s last Sunday with us will be July 6. The service will include a litany of farewell. Following the service, everyone is invited to join Pastor Krejci for a potluck luncheon and farewell program in the Fellowship Hall.

PRIME TIMERS

The Prime Timers group will meet in the fellowship hall for a potluck luncheon and program, 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9. Invite a friend to attend. Come enjoy some congenial conversation with this group of fun loving active seniors.

INSTALLATION SERVICE FOR PASTOR MICHAEL COFFEY
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 7:00 p.m.

Pastor Michael Coffey will begin duties here at First English on Monday, July 7. His Installation Service will be held Wednesday, July 9 at 7:00 p.m. with the Rev. Lynnae Sorensen, Austin Conference Dean, presiding. A reception will be held in the fellowship hall following the installation service. Pastor Coffey’s first Sunday with us will be July 13.

FIRST ENGLISH SUMMER FILM FESTIVAL
WEDNESDAYS IN JULY (AND ONE IN AUGUST)

“Sing-Along Movies”—we’ll have lyrics available so we can sing along with the songs, and we’re planning to do this with a light supper in the Fellowship Hall:

July 16 Godspell
July 23 Grease
July 30 South Pacific
Aug. 6 Jesus Christ, Superstar (2000 TV version)

THIRD FRIDAY GAMES NIGHT

Join other members and friends of First English at the next Third Friday Fellowship and Game night on Friday, July 18 from 6:30 p.m. until about 8:30 p.m. in the church parlor. Call Anne Wiebe at 407-8427 for more information. Bring board games, snacks, etc.

ENVIRONMENTAL FAIR PLANNED

Members of the Environmental Task Force began making plans for an Environmental Fair, following the 11:00 a.m. worship service on either the third or fourth Sunday in September (final date to be determined in consultation with Pastor Coffey). By that time the Task Force will have been in service for a year, and members will want to review progress made during that time. The Task Force hopes to have display booths, and perhaps guest speakers. More information will be in Echoes and worship bulletins during the summer months.