Safe Space For Us All

Safe Space For Us All

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works
and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
– Matthew 5:16

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Have you seen our new logo? Hopefully, some of you have noticed a new logo on our banners at the corner of
12th and Guadalupe. This logo will be used on our soon-to-be-launched new website, Facebook page, and other
means of outreach and communications with the community.

The logo design began with a desire to represent something of an intersection; our location here at 12th and
Guadalupe and our place at this hub of commerce, law, governance, and neighborhood residences. We began
with an idea of a crossroads street sign with 12th St. and Guadalupe signs suggesting the image of a cross.
Our designer presented a more abstract design, without literal street signs – yet maintaining the image of an
intersection. The four different colored arrows can be seen as differing locations, different beliefs, different
opinions, different cultures, different genders, etc.; all coming together here at this space.

Notice that the cross is not present unless all the different pieces come together. In this logo the cross is the
space that exists between the differing elements. When we all show up authentically from our various
perspectives and backgrounds, we create a space that allows the Body of Christ to be formed in our midst.
We intend for that space to be safe for everyone. That space is the Urban Sanctuary that is named in the Tag
Line. We intend to provide safe space for people to be who they are and to believe what they believe and to
grow into who God is calling them to become, all guided by the example and teachings of Jesus Christ. In
keeping with our Disciples heritage, we intend to be a safe space to ask questions, to express beliefs, to raise
challenging ideas, and to share intimate feelings.

As you see above, we will most likely always use this logo in tandem with the DOC Chalice in some way. While
the Chalice says who we are as part of the larger body, our “cross of the intersection” will speak to our more
specific identity as a local congregation and ministry. We intend to be part of that “movement for wholeness in
a fragmented world” by creating and offering “an urban sanctuary” to our Austin neighbors.
It is my hope that each time we see these logos, they will remind us (and others) of who we are and who we
are trying to become. I hope and pray that as we reach out and offer ourselves to our neighbors, our
Interactions with them will always reflect the intentions and identities that both Logos seek to communicate
about us.


Peace,
Pastor Layne