Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. – Matthew 11:28-29
“Christian community is the place where we keep the flame of hope alive among us and take it seriously so that it can grow and become stronger in us.” – Henri Nouwen
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
We live in a world, a nation, and a state that can feel increasingly fractured. Here in Texas, with the mid-term elections cranking up, the noise of political and cultural division is getting incredibly loud. As a Christ-focused community, intent on being true sanctuary, we often feel the sharp tension of trying to live out an inclusive, justice-minded faith within a broader landscape that pushes for rigid conformity. The temptation to build walls, retreat into echo chambers, or view our neighbors as adversaries is a daily struggle.
However, our call as Disciples of Christ is to live out a different reality. Our identity is rooted in being a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. We do not seek uniformity; we seek a unity that is wide enough to encompass our differences. Now, more than ever, we are called to actively practice those Christian virtues that transform us into a true sanctuary of welcome, justice, and peace.
If we are to navigate these divisive times, we must work diligently to anchor our community in the core virtues that have been modeled for us at the open table of Jesus Christ:
Radical Hospitality – Romans 15:7
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
Because our table is open to all, our hearts must be too. We practice a hospitality that doesn’t just tolerate differences but actively celebrates the diverse tapestry of God’s people.
Humility in Community- Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves
Living counter-culturally means resisting the urge to always be right. (Your Pastor struggles with this!) True humility asks us to listen to understand, recognizing that none of us has a monopoly on God’s truth.
A Courageous Kindness – Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Performing acts ofkindness in a hostile environment is an act of resistance. Choosing words tempered with grace and empathy de-escalates tension without compromising our commitment to truth.
Justice-Seeking Love – Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Love is not passive. It demands that we stand with the marginalized, speak out against systemic hurt, and seek the common good of our entire local community. Sanctuary Love is not a mushy, anything goes hug-fest; we must be willing to speak truth in love to anyone who’s words or actions serve to minimize, marginalize, or demean others.
We have important work to do in Christ’s name here at the corner of 12th and Guadalupe; we are called tochannel the anxiety of our political and social climate into tangible acts of service. May our presence in the wider community be known for what we are for—love, equity, and healing.
Our unity is not meant to be found in enforcing uniform opinions, but in our shared devotion to Jesus, who meets us at the table. By practicing these virtues, we show our city of Austin, our state of Texas, our country, and the world—that a love fierce enough to bridge deep divides is entirely possible.
Peace,
Pastor Layne
