Dear Christ Church Family, ADVENT II 2022
At the end of this year, we are grateful for God’s unfailing goodness, and for the Advent promise that He will come again to restore shalom to all He has made. We also thank God for you, dear people of Christ Church, for your love for God and each other. You are a people who hold sorrow and joy together, bearing witness to the light of Christ in the midst of darkness. You are also a people who seek the advancement of His Kingdom by giving cheerfully and generously of your time and resources.
Together, let’s look back and celebrate a few of the ways we see the Lord working in our community in the last year:
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Staff Provision: God provided the staff we need to come alongside you, fellow ministers and servants, to lead this community and steward our resources. We welcomed Beau Pruitt as Director of Student Ministries, Julie Chewning as Communications Manager, Kester Smith as Small Groups Pastor, Kim Polk as Executive Director, Herb Bailey as Evangelist-in-Residence, transitioned Claire Ratliff to Care Pastor, and added more caregivers for growing number of children. We also saw clergy, staff, and lay leadership step into excellent servant leadership during Fr. Cliff’s sabbatical.
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Growth & Increase: From this time last year to now we’ve seen a 60% increase in our kids(!); a record number 360 people attended the Fall Parish Retreat; newcomer’s dinners have been full with wait lists, and every Sunday we greet new people seeking a place to serve, love, and grow in Christ.
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Community & Formation: many are active in small groups, focus groups, and care ministries (Healing our Wounds, Living Waters), Fuller cohorts–49 people completed or begin a cohort in 2022, MOLO, Encore, Faith & Arts, Faith & Business, the Calling Lab, and 2 youth retreats: Love Where We Live (Summer) + Camp Buckner (Fall).
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Neighborhood Engagement: Church Under the Bridge, Befriender Advocates to come alongside the unhoused, and robust participation in the EAST studio tour.
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Over 100 people on two Saturdays for haircuts and laundry in July-August
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Two men on the street have gotten IDs and are continuing to take steps off the street with Community First Village applications submitted.
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Our sanctuary, courtyard, and parish hall filled with works by artists from our own community, with hundreds of Austin residents coming through our property for the event.
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As we continue to press into this season of Advent, eagerly anticipating the coming of our King, please prayerfully consider Christ Church in your year-end giving. Typically, 15-20% of our giving comes in December and a strong finish at year-end not only provides for the general operating budget, but it also creates opportunities to further serve the Lord in Austin and around the world.
Thank you for all you do, Christ Church! You are faithful servants, and it is a joy to serve with you. We pray that you all have a blessed Advent and encounter the living God anew.
Blessings,
Cliff Warner+, John Nehme, Leslie Cameron, Kevin Lloyd, Hannah Wong, Paul Adeleke, Sara Schultz, and Nate Bruce
P.S. All charitable donations must be postmarked by December 31, 2022 to be eligible for a 2022 gift receipt for tax purposes.