From Pastor Brad
Interior demolition was well underway as I walked through the Activity Center. But even in the chaos and clutter, with piles of debris scattered round, the space was beautiful … airy and open, full of fresh possibilities, sunlight streaming in through the upper windows. And it occurred to me that no one had seen this “view” of this space in more than thirty years! I imagined the excitement of the people of Abiding Love the last time these massive steel girders and wood framing were visible, as the structure was first being built.
I thought of how exhilarating it must have been to be moving forward with construction, filled with anticipation of all that would happen in this new gathering place for a growing faith community. I thought of the decades of faithful worship, the baptisms and the burials, the service and support, the families – those still with us and those that have passed on … all that had filled this frame with life! I thought of the Spirit at the center of that life – steeped into the very concrete and timbers – the Spirit that wisely and faithfully guided that early community, and continues to guide us today.
The work going forward on our campus is an investment in ministry, the continuation and expansion of a rich tradition of spiritual life that will reach out and bless others throughout Austin and around the world, for decades to come. We are continuing a great legacy of creating space for grace. I feel that same excitement, that same exhilaration that gripped this community all those years ago. I marvel at all that lies ahead of us in the time to come. The words of the prophet ring in my ears as God proclaims, “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you … to give you a future filled with hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
So here’s to the next thirty years of mission and ministry and community life at Abiding Love, sharing God’s love and creating space for grace in a world that is hungry for something true and lasting.
