Austin Mustard Seed launches Sunday, October 13!

September 27th, 2013 | John Chandler

On Sunday, October 13, Austin Mustard Seed will begin hosting a weekly liturgy.

Who is Austin Mustard Seed?

Austin Mustard Seed is a growing group of friends, learning about following Jesus in the neighborhoods of North/Central Austin. Our dream is that we will look like Rosedale, Crestview, Hyde Park and the other neighborhoods we inhabit, full of families, senior citizens, students and refugees.

Sunday Liturgy begins October 13 and the Northwest Recreation Center in Allandale. RSVP today.

Sunday Liturgy takes place at 10:30am at 7500 Woodrow Ave. (the home of Liveoak Bible Church.)

Our church began as the dream of John and Sherri Chandler. They had a hope for a church community that is known for loving each other, empowering individuals to serve their neighbors and be creative. The Chandler family of five moved to Austin in 2008, and have spent their time learning the city and making new relationships. Family activities include lots of reading, making websites, dance recitals (public and private), and exploring new methods of coffee brewing.

In 2013, Chris Morton joined the team. Since 2009 Chris has been serving church planters around Austin. Chris has a passion for helping connect people to meaningful community. In his spare time, you’ll see him riding his bicycle, nerding out over comic books or taste testing the new drink on tap.

Who will Austin Mustard Seed become? Well, that depends on who joins us for this journey. Contact us, or visit our Sunday Liturgy on October 13.

Why another church?

Does Austin really need “another church?” After all, this is Texas, it seems that there are church buildings all over. When we talked to leaders around Austin, we found that many churches were made up of individuals who drove in on Sundays, but don’t always have much else in common.

Here’s our theory: Austin needs more communities radically focused on serving Jesus together in their neighborhoods. Our hope is to be the kind of church that could only happen in neighborhoods like Crestview, Rosedale and Hyde Park.

What’s a Liturgy?

We call our time together on Sundays “Liturgy” which means “the work of the people.” We gather on Sundays to come around the Lord’s table, reminded that at the center of who we are, and primary to the Christian story, is Jesus’ work on the cross and the resurrection that is still happening. We sing, pray, and reflect together as a means to remember and re-enter the story together. We come both to give what we can offer to others and receive what others have to offer us.

Why are there birds on everything?

Here’s the story Jesus told about the Mustard Seed:

The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.
(Matthew 13:31-32)

Austin is full of people who come from all over. We hope that our church will be a place they can call home. A good home is a place where you feel safe. In time you begin to serve and create new things.

What can I expect when I visit?

You can expect to see a group of friends that are still learning how to be a church together. You’ll see families with kids, singles and students. We’ll do a lot of the same things that other churches do: study scripture, sing songs and share a meal called the Eucharist. You might want to listen to our podcast to find out more. You can expect that people will try to learn your name and invite you to lunch. We’re new at this so it won’t be perfect.

What about the rest of the week?

Our dream is to be a church all week long. We find opportunities to meet up throughout the week. Perhaps we’ll meet for a meal, a service project or to pray together.

How can I help?

If you are ready to start serving, fill this form out and we’ll be in touch.