Dear Ones,
Krista Tippet said it best: we stand at the edge of “the redemptive landscape on which the work of the rest of our lifetimes is emerging.” Contemplate that. Paradoxically, it is a hard statement of sorrow, but at the same time a calling full of promise and hope.
As we have for years, First Austin will continue to commit to being part of this redemptive work; in fact, we believe this is the church going forward. As one of you said to me, this is the “better normal” we are creating. We are either the church participating in this work or we must close our doors.
Our affirmation that Black Lives Matter goes hand-in-hand with our value of being a place for all people. This stretches far beyond any political platform or partisan agenda--this is about being a Jesus-oriented church.
I am most encouraged by the work you have shared with me this week: the readings you are doing, the letters you are writing, the funds you are donating, the protests you are attending. I want to let you know what the church will be offering in the coming weeks and months, because we know this is a marathon, not a sprint.
Additionally, we have listed resources from voices that are incredibly important to us right now.
