When: Wednesday, February 22, 2012 @ 7pm
Where: Space12
More details: Facebook event

[Photo by camera fool @ Flickr]

Prayers of Thanksgiving. For …

• God’s presence in our lives and the encounters we have each experienced that has resulted in our transformation (Weylin)
• Finishing my thesis despite some barriers and my computer crashing (Courtney)
• God giving me something that I love to do (Skylar)
• Mick and his family and extended family as they spend time with his brother (Karen)
• My friend Amy whose dad who had successful bypass surgery on his leg (Jen)
• The mystery of faith and that we don’t have to have all the answers to know that God is good (Natasha)
• The birth of Ellen 26 years ago (Natasha)

… let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Prayers of Petition. For …

• Those of us who are in a place of brokenness, darkness, and pain, that God would encounter us in those places (Weylin)
• My dad who is going through a tough time with work (Skylar)
• My aunt who had an aneurism last week (Natalie)
• Reconciliation between my aunt and her two estranged daughters (Natalie)
• Amy’s dad’s healing process from surgery (Jen)

… let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

[Photo by alyshacolangeli @ Flickr]

Holy God, mighty and immortal,
you are beyond our knowing,
yet we see your glory in the face of Jesus Christ,
whose compassion illumines the world.

Help our lives reflect the same compassion toward others
and transform us into the likeness of the love of Christ,
who renewed our humanity so that we may share in his divinity.

We pray this in the name of the Father,
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Congregational Prayer

In prayer, let us confess to God as a community.

Today, we reflect on Jesus Christ’s transfiguration,
and how his light affects us still.

He came bathed in light, dazzling, radiant…
Forgive us, God,
for accepting mediocrity in our work for your name
and calling it good enough.

He came appearing with Elijah and Moses…
Forgive us, God,
when we limit the ways we share your story to the world,
even in the face of your expansive vision.

He came while a voice was shouting, “this is my Beloved; listen!”
Forgive us, God,
for choosing to heed our own voices
and drowning out your Spirit with
only more distractions.

Hear our prayers and have mercy on us.
Help us to live this week with joy and peace
that comes only from you.

We ask and pray to our God in community, holy in One.
Amen.

Reflection

What things have the most weight in your life? Where do you place value in your life?
What does it look like for you to listen to the voice of God? And how do we follow up on what we hear?

Benediction

God, who journeyed with all the disciples,
may we also be:

transformed by encountering Christ;
committed to love and be loved;
passionate about your mercy to all;
tenacious in trials and adversity;
sowers of seeds that bring a harvest of joy.

God, who journeys with us
to wherever our paths may lead:

keep us safe in your care;
nourish us on our way;
take from us all that holds us back
from loving our neighbors;
bring us with all your saints to the
joy of your kingdom here on Earth.

We pray in the name of the Father,
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.

[Photo by zachthebruce @ Flickr]

If you have any questions, please contact the Stewardship Committee.

Feel free to check out our online giving options.

You can also view our past reports:
January 2011 | February 2011 | March 2011 | April 2011 | May 2011 | June 2011 | July 2011 | August 2011 | September 2011 | October 2011 | November 2011

[Photoby brianwferry @ Flickr]

Prayers of Thanksgiving. For …

• Anthony who’s been working in our garden and now feels human, seen and connected again (Steven)
• Chris who had a benign tumor removed (Karen)
• Myself and my roommate as we partake in a 60 day juice fast (Anslee)
• The holiday we observe this week, that we would be reminded of God’s unconditional love (Laura)
• My improved health (Becky)
• God’s amazing grace for my mom and siblings

… let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Prayers of Petition. For …

• Alan who recently lost his home and still comes to work at our gardens (Steven)
• My brother and sister-in-law facing divorce and facing years of hurt and pain and for their two young kids (Anslee)
• My friend Mike in Dubai whose grandmother has major health problems and is suffering (Heather)
• A friend who was recently diagnosed with lupus (Bagwell)
• One of my students whose parents have been in and out of prison and she’s struggling with what to do in her life (Rosalie)
• My friend’s dad who recently passed away (Teesa)
• Our friend E who is in central Asia for his strength to serve the locals (Silas)
• My father who is trying to find his way and to come back
• My husband’s mother who has stage 4 cervical cancer (Dolores)
• My husband to quit smoking (Dolores)
• My friend whose husband is back in rehab and their lives are being turned upside down (Karen)

… let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

[Photo by coffeestainsandcigarettes @ Flickr]

We are called by God to be the church of Jesus Christ,
a sign in the world today of what God intends for all time.

To bring good news to the oppressed,
to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and release to the prisoners;
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,

and to comfort all who mourn;
to give a garland instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.

The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance,
that now is the acceptable time,
now is the day of salvation.

We worship now and join together in community
to praise the name of the Father,
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Congregational Prayer

In prayer, let us confess to God as a community.

Eternal Lord, your grace and glory is evident if only we look closely around us.
We see them in your creation and in the redemption of all things.

Everything that has been or will be owes its
goodness and beauty to your hand.
Let everything that has breath praise you, Lord.

Yet all of creation is struggling and suffering under the weight and curse of sin.
Our hearts are in that struggle as well.
Lord, have mercy on us.

For the sins we commit against our friends, family and neighbors:
sins of pride, selfishness, and malice –
Lord, have mercy on us.

For the sins we commit against strangers:
sins of exclusion, of prejudice, of injustice and hatred of those not like us –
Lord, have mercy on us.

Lord we believe with the psalmist that our sin is ultimately against you and you alone. For our idolatry, our lust, our love of money, status, and possessions –
Lord, have mercy on us.

Restore us and let not your anger fall on us,
Favorably turn your face to us for your mercy is great.

Accomplish in each of us and all of your church the work of your salvation, that we may show forth your glory to the world,
and proclaim of your goodness and mercy to all,

We pray in the name of the Father,
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Reflection

How does compassion need to be lived out in our lives?
How can we be so focused on our own pain that we’re missing being a part of God’s story of healing?

Benediction

Finally, my friends,
whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure,

whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy –
think about such things.

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me,
or seen in me – put it into practice.

And the God of peace will be with you.

Let us go in the name of the Father,
of the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.

[Photo by Jocelyn Catterson and Jeremy Daigneault @ Flickr]

When: Sunday, Feb 19 (5-8pm)
Where: Main Event Austin (13301 N Highway 183)
Cost: $5 including equipment
RSVP: more details on the Facebook event

[Photo by JerOmm @ Flickr]

Doors open at 9pm, DJ One Night Stand at 10p, Deep Time (formerly Yellow Fever) at 11p, and DJ Obnoxio (of KPWR.org) until close. Suggested donation $5-10 at the door.

When: Saturday, Feb 11 (9pm-1am)
Where: Space12
Cost: $5-$10 suggested donation
More details: check out the Facebook event

[Photo by lainers @ Flickr]

We praise you:
for the rising sun that warms us and brings life
and growth to the cold earth;
for the morning dew that freshens
the grass and flowers of the fields;

for the gathering light by which
to work to earn our daily bread.

We bless you:
for the light of Christ that casts out fear and gives us hope;
for the love of Christ that gladdens our hearts
and brings us cheer;

for the strength of Christ so we may overcome
the challenges of this new week.

And we thank you:
For those we love;
for all we will receive of your bounty;
and for your presence with us every hour, this day and always.

We worship the name of the Father, of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Congregational Prayer

In prayer, let us confess to God as a community.

Almighty and most merciful Father,
we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep.
O God, shepherd to all who go astray, have mercy upon us.

We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts,
we have offended against your holy laws.
O God, sovereign ruler of justice, have mercy upon us.

We have left undone the teachings of your Son,
and we have acted on things which we ought not to have done.
O Holy Spirit, God’s advocate and guide,
speak to us and have mercy upon us.

Have mercy upon us,
spare those who confess their faults,
restore those who are humble
according to your promises declared unto mankind
in Christ Jesus, our Lord;

and grant, O Father, for his sake,
that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life,
to the glory of your holy name.
Amen.

Reflection

Who are those that are interrupting your life that need healing in their lives?
How can you purposely interrupt your own day with prayer?

Benediction

Jesus Christ,
we want always to remember
that you love us, died for us,
and rose from the dead for us.

In the next weeks, help us to remember,
and help us trust in you more and more.

May God the Father,
who does not despise the broken spirit,
give you a contrite heart.

May Christ,
who bore our sins in his body on the tree,
heal you by his wounds.

May the Holy Spirit,
who leads us into all truth,
speak to you words of pardon and peace.

In the name of the Father,
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, we pray. Amen.

Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.

[Photo by coffeestainsandcigarettes @ Flickr]

At Vox, this means becoming a Covenant Member. Let us understand what it is by first explaining what it is not. First of all, it is not a contract. We live in a contractual society which makes consumer agreements to protect the self. A covenant is the opposite of that. It is a relational agreement for the sake of the other. Secondly, becoming a member is not like joining a club, like the YMCA or Costco. Rather, it is like Voltron and Paul’s metaphor to the Corinthian church, a physical body. In a body, the head needs the members and the members need each other.

Our hope is that we, as ordinary people striving to love God, can fight Western individualism and come together to become a healthy body, with Christ as our head. Vox will then collaborate with other bodies in our city and the ECC denomination. Through ECC, we will connect to global and historic church.

This past Saturday almost 60 of us came together to talk through God, Spiritual formation, Community diversity/unity and Mission.  If you were able to attend, please turn in your application by Sunday, Feb 12th.  A Navigation team member will meet with each applicant. If you were unable to attend, we will have another retreat in May.  Please email Navigation@voxveniae.com if you have any questions.

May God’s mercy and grace be on each of us as we pray through, connect with His love and leadership, each other and God’s mission in this world.

[Artwork by Dallas Peters ]

Prayers of Thanksgiving. For …

• A family member who is back in rehab for third time and that it’s usually the only way he’ll change (Dallas)
• The incredible community I have in Austin
• Where our church is at now and the member retreat yesterday (Emily)
• Following God’s calling into my new job and being able to enjoy the work I do (Ashley)
• My audition going well and for music being a part of my life
• Being able to buy my first house this week and that I would be a good steward of it (Lauren)

… let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Prayers of Petition. For …

• The community that God has brought John Chandler to at Austin Mustard Seed and for his family (Gid)
• One of my friends, Dave, who was shot in Haiti. For miraculous healing and for his wife (Hannah)
• Family members supporting my other family member who is back in rehab (Dallas)
• A family member who is dealing with personal issues (Earl)
• My mom who recently lost her job
• Continual wisdom from God and leading our church (Emily)
• My parents who are in the process of finalizing their divorce and my brother who suffers from depression (Ashley)
• My mother-in-law Jennifer and that the doctors can determine and identify her health problems (Caroline)
• Annie who lost her husband of three years to cancer (Lauren)

… let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

[Photo by aaaamandaaaa @ Flickr]

God of all,
You call us together from north, south, east, and west;

from places of joy and sorrow;
young and old alike:
sinners who desperately need your grace.

As your Holy Spirit gathers us together,
unites us as a community, and gives us strength,
we humbly set this time apart
from anything normal, routine, or worldly.

We dedicate this time, this time right now,
to a holy and heavenly and peculiar purpose:
worshipping you through Christ Jesus.

May our every thought, word, and action
be true worship to you and sustain us throughout our week.

We give thanks
in the name of the Father,
of the Son and Holy Spirit, amen.

Congregational Prayer

In prayer, let us confess to God as a community.

Great and Mighty God,
It is good for us to be humbled by your greatness.
We are nothing when compared to who you are.

Though we are weak and overwhelmed by our sins,
your grace enables us to become more like you.
In our sin and failure,
have mercy on us, O God.

May we remember the Mighty One, Jesus Christ,
who stands between us and makes a way for us to be redeemed.
His blood is our peace,
His righteousness our strength,
His condemnation our freedom,
His Spirit our power,
His Kingdom our heritage.

Lord, let us know your grace, feeling its strength.
By your grace,
overcome our evil natures,
set us apart from sin’s entrapments,
support us in life’s trials,

May our days be framed by character that you have molded,
and not by anxiety, hurry, and the pressure of life’s circumstances.

May we live with a clean conscience and continual hunger
for your righteousness.

Father, we ask that these things would happen by the power of your Spirit and the blood of your Son,
and we pray in confidence to you,
our God in community, Holy in One.
Amen.

Reflection

What are the areas in our lives that require the wise choice?
How does God choose to use the things we don’t think are capable or relevant?

Benediction

Now go, all you who are loved by God,
hear his call to serve others
as he has served you;

hear his invitation to be part
of his plan to rescue the world;
and join in community with all
who walk in the footsteps of Jesus.

Help us to receive Christ’s life,
walk in his strength,
and follow his ways every moment of our lives.

May God’s care embrace us,
Jesus’ words embolden us,
and the Holy Spirit’s presence renew us
today and always.

We go forth in the name of the Father,
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.

[Photo by sasha void @ Flickr]

Prayers of Thanksgiving. For …

• Getting well and having stamina back (Becky)
• Myles’ first birthday and being in our family (Jenny)
• A church connecting with a homeless man living under a bridge and bringing him back to his wife (Steven)
• My midweek group and the fruitful times we have had (Skylar)
• God bringing animals in our lives for a purpose and learning from our family cat who we lost this week
• Workers along the border that have some hope and inspiration and for the families living there (Catie)

… let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Prayers of Petition. For …

• Chris and the doctors to have wisdom for his health condition (Gid)
• Myles’ birth family that they would be comforted this week (Jenny)
• My grandmother who had surgery for cancer
• My mother and step father that have a new life in California (Skylar)
• God’s timing and his gentle mercy to protect us and that we would have open hands with our resources
• Mondays and how it’s sometimes hard too see God work at the beginning of the week (Chris)
• My husband’s mom who might have ovarian cancer (Dolores)
• An upcoming vote on whether the workers along the border can have a union (Catie)
• Phoebe, a young girl in Dallas, who has cancer and for her treatment and her family (Rachel)

… let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

[Photo by Alex Gaidouk @ Flickr]

“Epiphany on the Jordan”
by Malcolm Guite

Beginning here we glimpse the Three-in-one;
The river runs, the clouds are torn apart,
The Father speaks, the Sprit and the Son
Reveal to us the single loving heart

That beats behind the being of all things
And calls and keeps and kindles us to light.
The dove descends, the spirit soars and sings
‘You are belovèd, you are my delight!’

In that quick light and life, as water spills
And streams around the Man like quickening rain,
The voice that made the universe reveal
The God in Man who makes it new again.

He calls us too, to step into that river
To die and rise and live and love forever.

Congregational Prayer

In prayer, let us confess to God as a community.

In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.
For all people in their daily life and work;
For our families, friends, and neighbors and for those who are alone.

For this community, the nation, and the world;
For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.

For the just and proper use of your creation;
For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.

For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
For those who care for the sick, the friendless and the needy.

For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.

For the special needs and concerns of this community.
Hear us, Lord; for your mercy is great.

We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.

Yet, despite our efforts, we are sinful beings,
Prone to selfishness…self-preservation.

Have mercy upon us, merciful Father;
in your compassion forgive us of our sins,
known and unknown, things done and left undone.

Uphold us by your Spirit
that we may live and serve you in newness of life,
to the honor and glory of your name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reflection

Where do you see God’s timing transforming your past?
How may God help your unbelief in what it means for daily transformation?

Benediction

We go, committed to care for one another
as you have cradled us in your love.

We leave, confident in your mercy
and courageous in our role within our city and world,
inspiring human souls,

that at the dawn of your grace,
our youthful lives
will be spent to love and serve you,

in the name of the Father,
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.

[Photo by .ultraviolett @ Flickr]

• tuperware
• plastic drinking cups
• shampoo/conditioner
• laundry detergent
• specific needs for some newborn babies and other residents (click for more details)

Donations can be brought to Space 12 (there’s a bin on the table by the coffee bar) or contact Catie Johnston to make other arrangements. For more information about the work Posada Esperanza does, contact Catie or click here.

[Photo by geneviève bjargardóttir @ Flickr]

Gather all of the intentional Christian communities in Austin together for a night of sharing, connecting, eating and celebrating. Make friends, trade stories, enjoy home-cooked food, receive a bit of teaching, soak in some live music and poetry … and go home happy.

We’re doing it! On January 20th we’ll be gathering for dinner at Space12 on 3121 E 12th Street. Dinner will be a massive POTLUCK. Come ready to sit with some people you don’t know and learn about all the different communal shapes that God has created in the body of Christ in Austin! There will be a brief teaching, a bit of guided discussion, and lots of time to hang out and enjoy each other. The evening will conclude with an open mic session — we have a few musicians and poets lined up, and hopefully you all will fill in the rest

More detail on the location: Space12

BRING:
- food or drink for the meal, a few bucks to donate to Space12 for the night, musicians or poets that you know, expectancy to learn and laugh

MUSICIANS, POETS, AND PERFORMERS:  If you’re interested in being part of the show at the end of the night, contact Amy Stabeno, Becca Pride, or Ian Schumann.

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS!  We want to gather *everyone* together in Austin who either lives in an intentional community of believers, or has a heart/interest for communal life. The doors are open! Let’s pack it in.

[Photo by Kristina.T @ Flickr]

Prayers of Thanksgiving. For …

• Safe travel I experienced with my wife recently
• My successful sinus surgery and the support of this community (John)

… let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Prayers of Petition. For …

• Chris and the health difficulties he is experiencing (Jonny)
• Those who are in need or lonely
• The guy who’s just down the street and is homeless and has been cooking for work but will be losing his job (Steve)
• Two of my roommates doing missions work in Rwanda
• Homeless in Austin and their stories and tragedies
• My sister who is flying back from Kenya today

… let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

[Photo by brianwferry @ Flickr]

Perfect Light of revelation,
as you shone in the life of Jesus,
whose epiphany we celebrate,
so shine in us and through us,
that we may become beacons of truth and compassion,
enlightening all creation with deeds of justice and mercy.

We pray in the name of the Son,
of the Father and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Congregational Prayer

In prayer, let us confess to God as a community.

Father, we see the good things in the world and in your law,
and we hear your invitation to live life as it is meant to be lived.

Yet, we often ignore you and ignore the good things you would have us do.
Instead, we chase our own desires and satisfy our selfish appetites.
Father, we have sinned. In your mercy, forgive us.

We see Jesus in his life, tirelessly loving others,
pouring out himself for them, and ultimately giving up his life.

Yet, we are selfish with our time and energy,
failing to love our friends and family because
we are too tired, too stressed, too preoccupied.
Jesus, we have sinned. In your mercy, forgive us.

You have given us your Spirit to comfort and guide us.
He speaks to our hearts and leads us to truth.

But we look for guidance everywhere else –
turning to other people and to human intellect instead of seeking your counsel, and ultimately we just do what we selfishly wish for ourselves.

Spirit of God, we have sinned. In your mercy, forgive us.

Help us, Father, to hear your voice.
May we be a people strengthened by your life and your teachings,
that all may see your grace reflected in our lives abundantly.

We pray to our God in community, holy in One. Amen.

Reflection

Have you experienced Christ yourself and how can you invite others to see?
What does following Jesus mean to you and the depth of that commitment?

Benediction

God our Father, as followers of Jesus,
we accept our commission from you to invest our lives in others.

We will live out your kingdom here with humility, wisdom and courage, asking your Son to be our model of grace in the world.

Give us eyes to see the path of service you desire and
ears to hear the cry of the world’s needs.

May you be our Lord, our light, and guardian in the work you call us to do.

We leave here to serve in the name of the Father,
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.

[Photo by Jocelyn Catterson and Jeremy Daigneault @ Flickr]

Last week, the foreigner community had a service for Epiphany, the tradition celebrating the arrival of the royal astrologers and their gifts to the feet of the toddler Messiah. We talked about the history a bit—apparently the best research finds the astrologers to have been extremely literate and wealthy Persians, specifically Kurdish (or northern Iraqi) in ethnicity, and probably Zoroastrian by religion. They also probably were not just three men, nor did they probably just bring one small box of each gift. Travelers along the frankincense road were recorded to typically have been caravans of 1,000 or more camels, and if these men were undertaking a multiple-year journey to find such an important child (and if they were really Persians, like my ultra-hospitable neighbors here), then we can assume their gifts were probably in the “dozens of camels” range at least. Enough valuables to have helped with supporting the Holy Family’s flight to and life in Egypt for however many years they needed to be there.

I love this story, because right off the bat, God welcomes “outsiders” into the Kingdom, giving them a special purpose, meaning and significance regardless of their merit or background. These Gentile, pagan star-worshippers, who’ve only read some ancient religious text from (to say the least) a very “unorthodox” source, by grace alone become some of the first ones to see and believe the Messiah. And on top of that, he uses them to protect the family from Herod as well as to financially provide for the family as they are forced into exile.

It’s a reminder to me to walk in humility—for one reason, I was an outsider to the Kingdom as well, and many times I still act like one. Any partaking in the Kingdom I have is by grace alone. And two, I also walk among “outsiders” (according to our typical box) here—and it seems like outsiders are exactly who God loves to use in big ways. So I need to be looking for those ways and those moments—and that requires the humility to want God’s best for the other person. Not easy with many of the people I interact with around town, but it’s what I’m called to do.

Couple of highlights since I’ve been back:

• Friendships with the national brothers I’ve known for years are still going strong and about to go stronger as one of them finishes up his exams and we have more time to hang out, confide, pray and study. Went to my first “khairât” —memorial lunch for a national brother’s mother who died last week. By the way—the guy who is about to finish his exams, let’s call him Tantai. Last year in August he asked me (and I asked you) to pray that he’d stay out of jail for 2 years to be able to finish university, and so far God answered one-half of that request! Please continue to pray that he will stay out of jail (he would go on charges of conversion from the big religion here) so that he can continue to become more useful for His work here.
• Had a non-likeminded guest up for tea one night this week. We talked for about 1.5 hours, all in Dari, about basically everything. Really good guy, 43 years old, married with kids. We’ll call him NB. He works for the NGO whose property my apartment is on (he’s the night guard, so he’s here almost every night). Hard to recap on a really long conversation and also all the cultural things associated with different topics, as well as the act of hospitality itself (especially open-door hospitality shown from a foreigner to a national like in this case). But I will just say that it has put a real kernel of joy into the relationship that I think will continue to grow. And I am grateful for God’s provision of this opportunity—what happened was, NB knocked on my door to ask about an issue with the generator—and all I did was ask him in, plop a cup of tea in front of him … and an hour and a half later we were both laughing, yawing and almost crying as we committed to praying for each other as well as for this country. Wonderful time.

Please pray for …

• My team leaders, P & C, who are returning at the end of this month. P donated a kidney in November, and he is now well enough to travel (so says the doc) but please ask for easy (and non-injurious) travel for them.
• My relationships, that they would grow—and that I would leverage them to share freedom and light and truth and all the things the Good News means.
• Hearing and obeying God’s voice, both in the day-to-day and in the long-term. And thanks for a firming up of my calling here recently … it is starting to feel not only “normal” in a language/cultural/lifestyle sense, but “right” in a Spirit/calling/purpose sense as well.

Happy 2012. Peace and love.

E

[Photo by evanistan @ Flickr]

If you answered Yes to any of these questions, the Swing Dancing slashie is for you! About once a month we’ll get together to share a meal then go out dancing at one of the country’s best swing dancing venues: The Fed.

Schedule (Thursday, Jan 26):

• 7:00pm – Come to Catie’s house if you want to carpool and/or share a light dinner. Feel free to bring something.
• 8:15pm — Beginners class begins at The Fed. Class is free with cover ($5)
• 9:00pm — Social dancing begins
• 12:00am — Dance is over

Locations:

• Catie’s House (1701 J J Seabrook)
• The Fed (2312 San Gabriel St)

For more information:

• Email Catie
• RSVP on the Facebook event
• Check out the Austin Swing Syndicate website.

[Photo by Marie Liss @ Flickr]

There is a time for everything
and a season for every matter under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted,
a time to break down, and a time to build up,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace,

God has made everything suitable for its time.

Whatever is has already been,
and what will be has been before;
and God will call the past to account.

Eternal Father, you have placed us in a world of space and time,
and through the events of our lives, you continue to bless us with your love and generosity.

Grant that in this new year, we may know your presence, see your hand at work through us in your city, and live in the light of the event that gives us joy forever – the arrival of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

We pray in the name of the Father,
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Congregational Prayer

Let us pray to God together as a community.

Lord, we have come to see that our lives fall far short of your glory.
Have mercy and forgive us.

Lord, you have given your life for us, and poured out your Spirit,
yet we fail to return your love with all our heart.
Have mercy and change us.

Too often we are selfish and proud,
ignoring you, Lord, and neglecting your call to serve others.
Have mercy and cleanse us.

Lord, when we do not truly trust and obey you,
we are overwhelmed by self-pity, fear and worry.
Have mercy and deliver us.

In Christ we are given a sure hope and secure love,
yet we follow the false hopes and desires of this world.
Have mercy and forgive us.

Father, through the redeeming death of your Son on the cross,
by your Spirit and through your word,
transform and renew us to follow you with joy.
All this we ask, confident in your unchanging faithfulness. Amen.

Reflection

What are the things that we submit to in our lives? How do we submit to God’s authority?
How can we love others the way God did and not base it on what others accomplish?

Benediction

May the almighty and merciful Lord direct us in this new year;
May He make it prosper and maintain us in peace,
that we share his generous love and mercy to all along our path.

May the Holy Spirit intercede and accompany us on the way,
that we live our lives to serve as Christ served all
and breathe peace, joy and health into our homes and neighborhoods.

We go forth in the name of the Father,
of the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.

[Photo by t.tum (tatumshaw.com) @ Flickr]

If you would like to be part of the team or have any other questions, please email Tim Jones.

[Photo by rachel duffy @ Flickr]

1. Tested in their faith
2. Effective communicators of God’s story
3. Strong in reputation and character (both within and outside of Vox)
4. Strong relationally (family and friendships)
5. Living intentional & disciplined lives
6. Hospitable and generous

(for more detail, please see I Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9, I Peter 5:2-3)

If you would like to nominate someone from our community, please send us an email with your nomination or any questions you might have. The deadline for nominations is Thursday, Jan 12.

[Photo by austin&&&& @ Flickr]

Prayers of Thanksgiving. For …

• New beginnings, new mercies, and new opportunities to experience God’s grace (Gid)
• My friend Sue, whose life and love she shared with friends and family (Anslee)
• An upcoming year full of personal opportunities (Anslee)
• Our neighbor Darryl who was released from the hospital after a month and is in much better health (Karen)
• Having a place and home to stay and live (Skylar)
• God hearing our cries when we call on Him
• Finally finding a job
• Getting a chance to spend time with friends and this community for the past week (Marsha)

… let us bless the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Prayers of Petition. For …

• Those of us longing for something new and are experiencing something tragic or painful, that we’ll sense the promise of Emmanuel – God with us (Gid)
• My friend Sue who had lung cancer and passed a couple days ago (Anslee)
• A new relationship that’s getting difficult (Skylar)
• Situations that may cause me to lose my home (Becky)
• Baby Rocket who has been vomiting and having diarrhea the last few days and for peace for Teddy and Anna Michelle (Wey)
• Our county and all our leaders that they would have wisdom
• My grandmother who had a hysterectomy to remove cancer but will now need to go through chemotherapy and my mom who is helping her (James)

… let us pray to the Lord.  Lord have mercy.

[Photo by Xavier Encinas @ Flickr]

The new year, like a new born child,
is placed in our hands as the old year passes away.

The days and weeks to come are gifts from God;
they carry God’s blessing.

As a blessing we welcome them.
Our hope for the year ending is that all that was good in it remain with us and all that was harmful be left behind.

Bless us, O Lord, and bless the time and seasons yet to come.
Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain wisdom of heart.

Fill this new year with your kindness,
that we may be glad and rejoice
and work for your glory
all the days of our life.

We pray in the name of the Father, of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Congregational Prayer

Let us pray to God together as a community.

A new year has arrived and God is with us.
Praise be to you, O God.

In loving, in caring, in hoping and expecting,
God is with us and never lets us go.
God, live in us, God, live with us, God, live through us.

God, keep us faithful through the days that lie ahead.
Keep us caring as we see the pain that fills your world.
God, keep us serving as we seek to do your will.
God, live in us, God, live with us, God, live through us.

God, keep us loving toward neighbors near and far.
Keep us trusting through the uncertainties of life.
God, keep us sharing your generous abundance.
God, live in us, God, live with us, God, live through us.

Work in us and through us, O God.
Renew the calling you have given us here,
that we, in health and in joy, may work for the glory of your kingdom.

We ask and pray to our God, in community, Holy in One.
Amen.

Reflection

What are the things in your life that don’t make sense right now?
How can we live in the hope of Christ this coming year?

Benediction

Go now, as the Spirit of God has called you:

to be a waiting people of grace,
to be a waiting people of truth,
to be a waiting people who pursue peace,

to be a people who forgive
and to be a waiting people who love.

May God lead and guide you this year
in the name of the Father,
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.

[Photo by laura taylor. @ Flickr]