Diverse churches? (Austin, Mission, Cedar Park: house, gated, live in)

[movingtoaustin_27]

I know churches can be the most segregated spaces in America... but it is worth a shot. We are a multiracial family and we'd love to hear about any churches that are racially diverse in the Austin area.

[clarksvillemom]

many of the episcopal churches - St. David's, St. James

[mhudson78641]

I visited Shoreline once and it seemed to have a little bit of everything.

[sheena12]

Originally Posted by movingtoaustin_27

I know churches can be the most segregated spaces in America... but it is worth a shot. We are a multiracial family and we'd love to hear about any churches that are racially diverse in the Austin area.

Do they have United Church of Christ churches there? I'm sure there is one. Also called UCC and Congregationalist.

PS -


http://congregationalchurchofaustin.org/ - found it and it looks like a good one!

[G Grasshopper]

I don't know where you are located or what type of church you prefer, but you might look into Unity Church in Cedar Park. You can go to their website, dial up one of their recorded services, and see what the place and people look like. I just took a look at the Easter Sunday service, and it looked like the makeup of the choir/people in front of the church was pretty diverse.

[hooky hornstein]

The church I attend certainly isn't diverse. It's like the least-integrated place I ever go. And boy am I getting tired of everybody there whining about how Christians are such victims nowadays! To listen to them talk, you'd wonder if God has vacated his throne.

I need a new church too.

I've visited Shoreline a few times and it seems like a healthy, happy, harmonious well-integrated church.

Too far from my house though...

[steviegatx]

Originally Posted by movingtoaustin_27

I know churches can be the most segregated spaces in America... but it is worth a shot. We are a multiracial family and we'd love to hear about any churches that are racially diverse in the Austin area.

I'm 1/2 indian (dots, not feathers), 1/2 german, but born and raised 100% american. My wifes caucasian.

Here's my 2 cents:

1) Location, location, location - start close to where you live. Austin's a little big town. Where you be? Stay as close to there as possible so you can help the little community you live in be better and help your kids build positive relationships where they live.

2) Church dates - in the spirit of #1, make a mental note of must haves. Put your kids and significant other first so talk to them. Then, go on weekly church dates and stick to the one that your family feels most comfortable with AND that you can live with. Some will be akward turtle, that's OK just take whatever postive vibes you can and move on.

3) Austin's awesome - generally speaking, people are kind and accepting regardless of who they are or their background. You might be surprised by the church you connect the most to.

4) Now super bias - Consider episcopal churches. That's where I've felt the most comfortable. Nuff said.

5) Multi-location Pastor broadcasts - in continuation of #4, something I've found fascinating about TX churches is that many have multiple locations where the Pastor only attends one location, and the others get a broadcast. This was strange to me, a distraction, and didn't help me connect with the message. Works for most, just not for me.

Good luck and god bless.

[movingtoaustin_27]

Originally Posted by clarksvillemom

many of the episcopal churches - St. David's, St. James

Thanks for the recommendation! We are more comfortable in more contemporary / "low church" settings though.

Originally Posted by mhudson78660

I visited Shoreline once and it seemed to have a little bit of everything.

We will check it out! I'm not sure how we'll feel about a MEGA-mega-church but you never know.

Originally Posted by sheena12

Do they have United Church of Christ churches there? I'm sure there is one. Also called UCC and Congregationalist.

PS -


Friendly,Liberal Church,Volunteer Oportunities,Missions,Sermons,Photos,Congregationa l Church of Austin,UCC,United Church of Christ - found it and it looks like a good one!

Thanks for the suggestion!

Originally Posted by G Grasshopper

I don't know where you are located or what type of church you prefer, but you might look into Unity Church in Cedar Park. You can go to their website, dial up one of their recorded services, and see what the place and people look like. I just took a look at the Easter Sunday service, and it looked like the makeup of the choir/people in front of the church was pretty diverse.

Thank you for the suggestion - sounds promising!

Originally Posted by hooky hornstein

The church I attend certainly isn't diverse. It's like the least-integrated place I ever go. And boy am I getting tired of everybody there whining about how Christians are such victims nowadays! To listen to them talk, you'd wonder if God has vacated his throne.

I need a new church too.

I've visited Shoreline a few times and it seems like a healthy, happy, harmonious well-integrated church.

Too far from my house though...

Hate to hear that. Hope you find what you are looking for! Good to hear about Shoreline.

Originally Posted by steviegatx

I'm 1/2 indian (dots, not feathers), 1/2 german, but born and raised 100% american. My wifes caucasian.

Here's my 2 cents:

1) Location, location, location - start close to where you live. Austin's a little big town. Where you be? Stay as close to there as possible so you can help the little community you live in be better and help your kids build positive relationships where they live.

2) Church dates - in the spirit of #1, make a mental note of must haves. Put your kids and significant other first so talk to them. Then, go on weekly church dates and stick to the one that your family feels most comfortable with AND that you can live with. Some will be akward turtle, that's OK just take whatever postive vibes you can and move on.

3) Austin's awesome - generally speaking, people are kind and accepting regardless of who they are or their background. You might be surprised by the church you connect the most to.

4) Now super bias - Consider episcopal churches. That's where I've felt the most comfortable. Nuff said.

5) Multi-location Pastor broadcasts - in continuation of #4, something I've found fascinating about TX churches is that many have multiple locations where the Pastor only attends one location, and the others get a broadcast. This was strange to me, a distraction, and didn't help me connect with the message. Works for most, just not for me.

Good luck and god bless.

Great advice. We are not really a good fit for the Episcopal crowd, but I'm hopeful we'll find something. Thanks!

[mesmer]

There's a church called mosiac which is unrelated to the other church that used to be called mosiac. We visited for awhile. Diverse, medium sized, relaxed.

[tfresca]

Don't know where you live but Cavalry church in Pflugerville was diverse, specifically white and hispanic families. Also had a coffee bar in the lobby last time I went, can't beat that. I don't go to church but when I did I liked mega-churches. They tend to have lots of activities and a good infrastructure.