Our Leadership

Our congregation is led by seven Boards, responsible for carrying out a variety of programs and areas of ministry. Each Board consists of a Director (or co-Directors) who sit on the Church Council, plus other members who serve three-year terms. Volunteers for each board are elected on a rotating basis. The Boards of First English are:

BOARD OF CHURCH PROPERTY

The board of church properties makes sure that the building and grounds where we worship, study the Scriptures, share meals, bring our children to play and grow in faith is properly maintained.  The members of this board make sure that all repairs are properly made, preventive maintenance is completed, and the grounds are safe for everyone. They will at times do this work themselves, organize members to accomplish these goals or hire and oversee the work done by tradespeople and contractors. When we are warm in the winter, cool in the summer and dry during storms, we can give thanks to the members of the Board of Church Properties.

BOARD OF EVANGELISM

Have you heard the good news of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, the Son of God? If you have, that might be because of the ministry of the Board of Evangelism. The members of this board look for ways to make the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ known to the community as well as continue to support the growth in faith of members of First English. The Board of Evangelism provides opportunities for members of the congregation to reach out to people in the community by organizing activities that are open for anyone to attend, prepare material that can be shared with those who have not heard the gospel, and sponsor activities for members to grow in faith to better use the gifts God has given them. The gospel is to be proclaimed to everyone and to every place in the world and that is the ministry of the Board of Evangelism.

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 PARISH EDUCATION & YOUTH MINISTRY

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.  

Spark Church for our youngest members (learn more here)
Confirmation and Youth Group for teens (learn more here)
9:30 AM Thursday morning bible study for adults and more!

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 STEWARDSHIP & FINANCE

Yes, the Board of Stewardship and Finance has to do with money, however, it is more than just about Sunday offerings. The Board of Stewardship and Finance not only helps to develop programs that help members in being good managers of their financial gifts but with all that God has given them. This board serves to provide guidance to members of First English in knowing, using and strengthening the gifts that God has given to them.  The Board of Stewardship and Finance arranges for the budget that guides the financial management of the offerings of the congregation and oversees the investment of money entrusted to the congregation. But this ministry is not just about dollars and cents. Stewardship is about using the gifts God gives us to teach and proclaim, to write and make music, to serve and build and all the many gifts God provides for the building up of the kingdom. The Board of Stewardship and Finance helps to build us up and put our gifts into action.

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 three 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) 824-7629)
  • Peace Circle- 1st Tues. 7:00 p.m. (Pam Southard (313) 549-2831)

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.