2024 Year-End Letter

Dear Resurrection family, 

Every year I have the pleasure of writing to mark the end of a ministry season, update you on a few things, and share a glimpse of what we’re planning for 2025. However, as we approach the new year, I see a unique turning point for our church. In this year’s letter, I want to try to bring it into focus so that we can remember well, celebrate, and prepare for what lies ahead. To remember well how God has long been at work at Resurrection, I thought it would be helpful to hear from one of our earliest member families at Resurrection:

When Karena and I first came to Rez, we were starting our married life and building community alongside the church. Through hosting a Table Group, the people who’ve gathered around our table over the past 9 years have become our closest friends. Before Rez, we hadn’t experienced the deep, lasting friendships and rootedness we now cherish. The vision we had at Rez when we first started is now a reality for her. Watching our daughter, Abrielle, grow up surrounded by this community and seeing God’s work in her has been one of our greatest joys.

- Drew and Karena Hayes 2015

This year, we were excited to welcome many new families, including Cara and Heather who became members on All Saints:

When I think about Rez, the first word that comes to mind is “home.” From day one, we found a place filled with people who have welcomed us with open arms. A place of worship that feels like a family reunion every Sunday.  My Wife Heather and I are so grateful to find a church where we can share our new beginning with God, each other, and all of you, our new friends who bring us smiles and joy. It’s good to be Home.

- Cara and Heather Lodovico 2023

These stories offer a glimpse of what God has made Resurrection to be over the last decade. Take a moment to reflect on 2024 and the many ways that God has transformed and cared for you. Through challenges, pandemics, and many celebrations, we have truly experienced “life together in the goodness of God.” We stand at a significant threshold with a decade of ministry behind us and a future full of fruitfulness. God has cultivated in us a special community with an important mission in South Austin. I believe there is even more to come. It is no coincidence that many of our people are being confirmed, received, and reaffirmed in faith in January with Bishop Kai Ryan, and our clergy and parish’s process of reception into the Diocese of Texas will be completed in February at the Diocesan Council. The ministry funding we have received from the Diocese through The Bishop Quin Foundation expresses a belief in the mission of our church and the gifts of our people. This gift met a significant need for us as we came out of a difficult season of transition, but is not an arrival. It is a charge to courageously build an even more fruitful future of mission and ministry. 

In 2025, we will thank God for Resurrection's first ten years of mission and ministry even as we envision the next ten years. I’ll share more at our annual meeting on January 26th, but we’re setting ambitious goals for the next few years. These goals correspond to a strong sense of God stirring up something special among us. I have seen our people inviting their friends and neighbors to Resurrection with a newfound boldness. Our front porch efforts are achieving new levels of outreach and service. Our staff and ministry leaders are operating at a level of giftedness and inspiration that blows me away. And you, our community, are growing in love and knowledge of your faith, you’re volunteering yourselves to serve, and are growing in generosity and hospitality. People’s lives are changing, even in struggles you are growing, and many of you are finding yourself in a fresh season of God’s goodness. This is what it feels like when the Holy Spirit blows at our back. Now is the time to run with this divine momentum.

In the next few years, I believe our parish will only strengthen and mature in faith, our community will double in size, and we will secure a permanent church home. This may sound bold, but not if you remember what God has already done to bring us to this place. With your continued participation and the support of our diocesan family, we are going to see the most fruitful years of Resurrection South Austin. ¡Vamanos!

Now is the time to invest in that future. As we enter our 10th year of ministry together, I invite you to do your part for this new season at Resurrection South Austin by making a year-end financial gift. May your giving express your “Amen!” to the ways God has been and will continue to be powerfully at work in this community and in your life. Let’s begin our second decade of ministry with a wave of strength, hope, and joy. Your giving can make that possible. You can do this online at rezaustin.com/give or other ways to give (for details see below). 

I am also very aware of the financial pinch many are feeling right now. If you are going through financial hardship and could use support or prayer, please contact any of our clergy or staff (care@rezaustin.com). We are here to help. 

A blessed Advent and Christmastide, 

The Rev. Dr. Shawn McCain Tirres
Rector

Other Ways to Give

Writing Checks:
Resurrection Church South Austin
7509 Menchaca Rd, suite 105
Austin, TX 78745

Text to Give:
Text any $ amount to 84321

Brokerage Gifts:
To gift a stock or other investment contact finance@rezaustin.com

Benevity: Workplace Giving
You can search and find our church in your workplace Benevity program or click here

Questions: finance@rezaustin.com

Resurrection is a registered 501(c)3, and all gifts are tax-deductible.