But in the end Austin wasn't about Austin

As much as I love Austin, I wasn't there for Austin.  I was there to spend time with my Urban Young Pastor friends.  I have been a part of this group for over four years now.  We come from all over the country (Tacoma, San Francisco, DC, Raleigh, and Louisville to name a few) and all serve in urban churches - some large and some small.  Some of us are solo pastors, some are in school, some are associates, and some are working at the Presbytery level (upper governing body).  We gather over our shared concern for urban ministry and our shared need for rest and rejuvenation. 

This group has given me new life and renewed my hope in the church.  They have partied with me and cried with me.  They have listened and they have shared their own journeys.  We only meet once a year but walk with each other through the e-mails and phone calls that fly through cyberspace. 

Today, Mr Burg asked for my favorite moment of the trip.  I couldn't narrow it down. 

There was seeing the Spazmatics and feeling like a teenager as we danced to 80s music.  There were the conversations shared over coffee and beer at the Spider House Cafe.  There was getting lost in the van and finally "checking back in" in order to master the map.  There was swimming in Barton Springs and laughing as city folk tried to get used to swimming with fish.  There were loud and delicious meals shared.  There were quotes I can never repeat and comments made that made my sides ache with laughter.  There were mucho margaritas.  There was yoga and the sound of 15 people chanting "om."  There was the simply pleasure of friendship and the safety to be myself. 

At times ministry is lonely.  At times I feel disconnected and adrift but this group has served as an anchor.  They renew my joy and my hope in what the church can be and is becoming.  I am fortunate to be counted as a Young Urban Pastor.  I am fortunate to have such friends and colleagues. 

Comments

[Tiffany Flaming]

Bruce had great things to say about it, too. Glad you all had a good time!

[LadyBurg]

Rigth back atcha 'burg.

[The Village Carpenter]

Glad you were able to recharge your batteries with your UYP friends. But...how was it that you got lost in a van? I mean, how large could the van possibly be?