ESUMC Newsletter
November 2025
Dear friends in Christ,
Greetings and peace to you! It was such a blessing to gather in our newly renovated sanctuary on Sunday 19 October to celebrate our annual Harvest Festival. Nearly 200 members and friends representing nations around the globe joined us for a service of music and song and dance, Scripture reading and prayer, and the giving of our offerings in support of God's mission in the world. Approximately €2,600 was donated by the congregation for United Methodist ministries in Albania, Ukraine, and Gaza. Thank you for your generosity!
We offer a special thanks to Marilyn Brandl for organizing and leading the music for the day; to all our choir members and musicians for their spirited offerings; and to Lorraine Welch-Haslinger, Franz Haslinger, and Wilfried Scherer for their leadership in decorating the altar and arranging our worship and fellowship space. We thank God for all our volunteers who made the day such a blessing.
Looking ahead, November is Stewardship Month at ESUMC. On Sunday 16 November, ESUMC Finance Chairperson Delia Viljoen will give a special presentation, with participation by our children, as we reflect on how God is calling us to share our talents with others, to God's glory. I invite you to read Delia's article below, plan to be a part of the "puzzle," and prepare to make your annual Estimate of Giving in support of ESUMC in 2026.
I also remind you that, as previously mentioned we are offering a Confirmation course for youth aged 14 to 18. The course will begin in January 2026 and will culminate with the liturgy of Confirmation in worship on Pentecost Sunday, 24 May 2026. I invite the families of our youth in this age range who have not yet been confirmed to speak with me as soon as possible. The exact schedule and format of the course will depend on the number and ages of youth who enroll in the course. Thank you for your support and participation!
Lastly, save the date: ESUMC will celebrate our annual Talent Show on Saturday 28 February 2026, starting at 17:30. All talents are welcome, and all are invited to attend. Please speak with Marilyn for more details.
May God's blessing and peace be with you!
Yours in Christ, Pastor John
Pastor
News from the church
Vienna English-Speaking
In this month of stewardship, ESUMC Finance Committee Chair Delia Viljoen shares a word about how each of us is a vital piece of the "puzzle" that is ESUMC!
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We give thanks to God for our celebration of the harvest in our newly renovated sanctuary. Here are a few scenes from our worship service and festive meal on Sunday 19 October. Thank you to David Lee for sharing these photos, and thank you all for your participation in our day of thanksgiving.
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Our good friend, the Rev. Tom Garrison, leads a study of the parables of Jesus every Tuesday evening through 2 December.
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Our ministry of hot meals and warm hospitality begins on Tuesday 2 December.
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This program of spiritual growth and learning in preparation for church membership is offered to youth aged 14 to 18 years.
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ESUMC music director Marilyn Brandl invites members and friends to share their talents on Saturday 28 February, and to bring a finger food for the meal following the event.
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In this season when Christians celebrate the gift of God's creation, Simone Viljoen offers the following reflection.
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Team Klimaschutz
As our Congregational Care Team begins its second year of service, you are invited to take part in this ministry of grace, as we provide spiritual and physical support to fellow church members.
read morePastor
“Climate Justice? Theological, Spiritual, Political and Practical Dimensions” is the topic of this year’s European Methodist Lecture Program, beginning on 14 October 2025.
read morePastor
für Jugendliche ab 14 Jahren. Im Evangelischen Freizeitheim Windischgarsten.
learn moreServices
Vienna English-Speaking
Join us as we light candles in remembrance and honor of the saints of our lives.
Bible texts
- Habakkuk 1,1-4 und 2,1-4
- 2 Thessalonians 1,1-4 und 11-12
- Luke 19,1-10
Bible texts
- Haggai 2,1-9
- 2 Thessalonians 2,1-5 und 13-17
- Luke 20,27-38
During the service, Finance Committee chairperson Delia Viljoen will present our stewardship campaign, with special assistance from the children of the congregation!
Bible texts
- Isaiah 65,17-25
- 2 Thessalonians 3,6-13
- Luke 21,5-19
Bible texts
- Jeremiah 23,1-6
- Colossians 1,11-20
- Luke 23,33-43
Bible texts
- Isaiah 2,1-5
- Romans 13,11-14
- Matthew 24,36-44
Events
Vienna English-Speaking
Our Bible study series on the parables of Jesus continues, presented by our good friend, the Rev. Tom Garrison. All are welcome, and no registration is required. For the Zoom link, please contact Pastor John.
Our Bible study series on the parables of Jesus continues, presented by our good friend, the Rev. Tom Garrison. All are welcome, and no registration is required. For the Zoom link, please contact Pastor John.
Our Bible study series on the parables of Jesus continues, presented by our good friend, the Rev. Tom Garrison. All are welcome, and no registration is required. For the Zoom link, please contact Pastor John.
Our Bible study series on the parables of Jesus continues, presented by our good friend, the Rev. Tom Garrison. All are welcome, and no registration is required. For the Zoom link, please contact Pastor John.
On the last Tuesday of each month, we open our church doors to neighbors in the community for an afternoon of fellowship. During this time, visitors will be welcomed with refreshments, and will have the opportunity to play board games, engage in community activities, participate in language learning, and enjoy extended conversation and fellowship. Volunteers are welcome to staff the Begegnungsstube. For more information or to volunteer, please send a note to Jutta Dietl at waermestube@emk.at.
Please volunteer with our ministry, as we provide hot meals, medical care, and warm Christian fellowship to the needy of our community. You are welcome to participate in any part of the day. For more information or to volunteer, speak with Barbara Gibson or Pastor John, or email to waermestube@emk.at.
Our Bible study series on the parables of Jesus concludes this evening, presented by our good friend, the Rev. Tom Garrison. All are welcome, and no registration is required. For the Zoom link, please contact Pastor John.