Our Boards

The organization of our congregation is divided into eight boards responsible for carrying out a variety of programs and areas of ministry.  Each Board consists of a Director and an Assistant Director, who also sit on the Church Council, plus six other members who serve three-year terms.  Volunteers for each board are elected on a rotating basis.  In addition boards may have auxiliary members plus create sub-committees to help carry out their work.  The eight boards of First English are:

Bd. of Church Property

Bd. of Evangelism

Bd. of Social Action 

Bd. of Fellowship

Bd. of Parish Education

Bd. of Worship & Music

Bd. of Stewardship & Finance

Bd. of Youth Ministry

 
BOARD OF SOCIAL ACTION
The purpose of this board is to enlighten and involve the congregation in issues that affect our community and world.   Our projects include preparing bag lunches at least twice a year for 350 homeless for delivery to Central United Methodist in downtown Detroit, “bringing in the harvest” in the fall with donations of food items for our ongoing food pantry, and collecting blankets for Lutheran World Relief.
 
We also do various service projects for Lutheran Social Services of Michigan particularly their Heartline ministry to help women coming out of the penal system.  On Palm Sunday we hold a Red Cross Blood Drive.  The Crop Walk is a ministry of “Church World Service,” that supports hunger programs locally as well as around the world.
 
Our largest service project, the Giving Tree, is in December.  We provide food baskets and gifts for over 40 needy families.  And during the holiday season we organize an annual cookie walk.  Everyone deserves a yummy holiday!
 
 
BOARD OF FELLOWSHIP
Christian fellowship is an important part of the ministry of First English.  Whether it is just sitting down for a cup of coffee, going to a concert or going on a weekend trip.  God’s people need to share good times together.  To that end, our Board of Fellowship sponsors a wide range of enjoyable social activities for all ages, including Sunday morning coffee hours, Lenten lunches and dinners, Detroit Tiger baseball games, adult dances, Father’s Day BBQ’s, the Annual church picnic, our Halloween Trick or Trunk and a variety of other events.
 
Ideas and comments for strengthening fellowship through fun and interesting activities are always welcome.
 
In addition, First English has sponsored a number of overseas tours such as a trip to the Holy Land, In the Footsteps of Paul, as well as tours of Europe.
 
 
BOARD OF BOARD OF PARISH EDUCATION
Education and the growth in faith that comes with it are vital to the Christian.  Anyone hungry for learning finds plenty to choose from at First English.
 
Sunday School for Children
Please visit our ministry page here.
 
Thursday Mornings at First English
Weekly Adult Bible Study in the Lounge every Thursday morning at 9:30AM, led by the Pastor.
 
Confirmation Program
A three-year program (grades 6-8) incorporating education, service and fellowship.  The program includes Wednesday night catechism classes in addition to various events.
 
Women’s Circle Bible Study
Most of our Women’s Circles incorporate a Bible Study as a part of their 
program
 
Vacation Bible School
Held for one week in summer (usually the first week in August), during the day, Monday through Friday.  Our VBS program includes a variety of activities for children ages 3-11.  Middle and high schoolers are encouraged to volunteer as Junior Counselors.
 
 
BOARD OF MUSIC MINISTRY
The Good News Singers – Adult choir (High School & up) rehearses weekly and sings most Sundays, September – June.  Open to all.
The Lord’s Company Singers – Grades 5-8, rehearses weekly and sings approximately once a month.
The Good News Ringers – Adult ringers meet weekly and play approximately once a month.
The Lord’s Company Ringers – Grades 5-10, rehearse weekly and ring approximately once a month.
The Soli Deo Gloria Ringers – A quartet of experienced ringers.
 
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS – Our M.P. Moller organ was built in 1958 and expanded in 1975 to its present 41 ranks.  Our Steinway Concert Grand piano was purchased in 1986.
 
OPEN DOOR SERIES – First English sponsors approximately 7 musical events 
annually, including a Music Sunday Worship Service in December and June.
 
The L.I.F.E. (Laughter and Inspiration at First English) Players -
Annual Musical Theater presentation each Fall on our own Luther Center Stage.
 
 
BOARD OF YOUTH MINISTRY
First English is committed to providing quality ministry for our young people.  We sponsor a wide variety of spiritual growth, service, social, and summer events.  Please learn more by visiting our ministry page here. 
 
 
FIRST ENGLISH LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL 
Established 1959
 
School Hours:  8:45 am –11:15 am
Combined Class for 3 & 4 year olds
3 year olds – Monday & Wednesday
4 year olds – Monday, Wednesday & Friday
 
First English Lutheran Preschool (FELP) would like to assist you in preparing your children for their kindergarten and elementary years.  Children of FELP will have a first school experience that will help develop a positive self-image and social and intellectual abilities in a caring environment. Our program includes art, music, bible lessons, physical development, math, science and beginning reading concepts.  First English has a very large and bright classroom for your children to spend their morning interacting with their peers.  Children will enjoy active learning as they explore and create in a stimulating learning environment.
Our director/lead teacher, Christine Simone, has a bachelor degree in Elementary Education and has completed the graduate work necessary for an Early Childhood Education endorsement to her Michigan teacher certification.  She has a variety of experiences in educational settings and has been with FELP since 2005.
 
 
WOMEN OF THE CHURCH
The purpose of our Women of the Church is to develop deeper stewardship of time, talents and treasures to serve the religious, missionary and charitable work of the church through appropriate social activities, study, programs and projects.  Individual circles are formed to participate in and cooperate with the purposes of the FELC Women.
 
We contribute toward the mission support plus donate to other charities.  Money is also allocated for various needs within First English.  The money to support these needs is derived from freewill offering envelopes for the Women of the Church, fund raising activities during the year and circle contributions.
 
The Women of the Church have two general meetings each year and all women of FELC are encouraged to attend.  There is a luncheon meeting in June and an evening meeting in October.  This is a good way to get acquainted with other women of the church and enjoy good Christian fellowship.
 
We currently have four circles which meet monthly at the following times:
 
Faith Circle -  1st Tues. 10:30 a.m. (Beverly Jackson (313) 771-9046)
Grace Circle-   4th Mon.  7:00 p.m. (Susan Reck (313) 8247629 susanreck1@yahoo.com)
Hope Circle-  2nd Wed. 11:30 a.m. (Monna Nieto (586-859-7103 mmnieto@att.net)
Peace Circle-  1st Tues.  7:00 p.m. (Jacki Stein- (586) 961-6618 jjsstein@aol.com)
 
 
ALTAR GUILD
The purpose of the Altar Guild is the care and furnishing of the main and side altars. It also remembers the ill and shut-ins of the congregation with visits, cards, and phone calls.

The Guild is made up of 24 members, with two units, consisting of 12 members each: The Anna Unit cleans the chancel weekly, changes the paraments, and cares for the altar linens. Each member serves two months of the year. The Lydia Unit, with each member serving two months of the year, delivers altar flowers to the sick and shut-ins. They also care for communion vessels, baptismal font and napkins as needed.

The Guild orders poinsettias for Christmas and Easter lilies at Easter, which are used for decorating the altar area. Donated plants, which are not taken by donors after those services, are delivered to the sick and shut-ins.

The Guild is responsible for ordering, collecting payment, and reimbursing the florist for altar flowers. The flower chart is located in the church office for persons wishing to schedule a Sunday.

Church members, 75 and older, are remembered on their birthday with cards; those who are 80 and over are remembered at Christmas with a card, cookies, and a visit.

The Guild meets the first Wednesday or Saturday (alternating months) at
9:30 a.m., October through May.

 

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