Parish Engagement
Our church building sits on the downtown side of one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the country. The world class restaurant scene, the abundance of startup ventures, and the absolute embarrassment of riches of incredible coffee shops and breweries aren’t even the half of it. The rich cultural history of our neighborhood has not only profoundly shaped the whole city of Austin but has been a seedbed of beauty and life radiating out into the rest of our state and nation. We’re constantly looking for ways to participate in this vibrant goodness.
ORGANIZATIONS WE WORK WITH
Rebecca Baines Johnson Housing for Seniors (RBJ)
RBJ is an independent living center for seniors over 62 years of age located less than a mile from Christ Church. Currently the facility has 250 apartments of which 130 are designated for low-income residents and a portion is reserved for those with disabilities. An additional 250 apartments will be available in 2025. Many of the residents are dealing with fairly severe social isolation.
More Than Welcome (MTW)
Austin is home to about 12,000 refugees and asylum seekers, who are fleeing persecution, torture and death in their home countries. MTW is a non-profit Christian organization that supports refugees and asylum seekers in the Austin area who are especially vulnerable. This ministry helps immigrants transition to life in Austin by providing transportation, ESL classes, childcare, community, and housing opportunities.
Baptist Community Center Mission (BCCM)
A community of individuals and churches that help meet the physical and spiritual needs of those in poverty in the Austin area. This ministry provides clothing, food, and life skill education.
PARISH ENGAGEMENT GROUPS
Parish Engagement Groups will gather weekly, incorporating formation and mission as a community. The Anglican word, “parish” denotes both the local congregation and the city/neighborhood in which the congregation is located. As such, Parish Groups will prioritize a rhythm of study and action, engaging both content for growth as a parish and service opportunities in the parish. Groups may engage formation material together twice a month and serve together twice a month on an every-other-week basis (or some other combination). These groups will meet 12 times this spring, beginning the week of February 1, with no meetings the weeks of Ash Wednesday, spring break, and Holy Week.
If you are interested in learning more about or discovering how to get involved in our Parish Engagement Groups, please contact us!
BEYOND EAST CESAR CHAVEZ
Christ Church parishioners are involved with many other organizations who are doing great work all over Central Texas, including those listed below. We encourage you to explore the work these organizations are doing as well!
ADRN is a trained network of churches offering physical, emotional, and spiritual support to disaster survivors to meet short and long-term needs.
To find out more about the ACNA's mission of engaging with the hurting, visit the Matthew25 Initiative at www.anglicanjusticeandmercy.org.