Having had lunch with Gideon Tsang, a pastor at Vox Veniae, I knew that visiting their community in the East side of Austin would be a special experience. I was blown away by Gideon’s intellect and willingness to sacrifice to be a blessing to the community, and it didn’t take me long to realize the church is doing the same.
Vox meets in a small warehouse called Space12, which is used throughout the week as an art gallery, public computer lab and music venue. Indoors was a cozy “couch Church” with dim lighting, random seating, and a bar with coffee and bagels. We were immediately greeted and made to feel right at home. When the worship started, it was clear that the Austin style folk-rock band was doing more original, local music than “cover songs” you’ll hear at most churches on a Sunday.
The lesson was a beginning of the school year visioncast. They talked about how they do church in groups around the city and on Sunday’s at Space12. What stands out from every other church’s Acts 2:42-47 lesson was their commitment that every group exists to be a blessing to their community. This same theme had been a part of their liturgical prayers and their original music.
When the church began, a number of leaders moved into the working poor neighborhoods of the East side. They own a few houses, where they are committed to living in community, both with each other, and their new, culturally different neighbors.
Afterward, we stood around talking for a long time, and then were invited to lunch by new friends. From the moment we walked in the door, until we finished lunch hours later, I felt welcomed and at home at Vox.
The church stands in contrast to so many who have left the cities or commute in, and I am excited to see how it will develop.
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