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# Bridging Austin

A global ecumenical Christian community

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://bridgingaustin.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [A Look at "God's Wonderful Plan" Theology](https://bridgingaustin.org/a-look-at-gods-wonderful-plan-theology/) - Let me start by saying this isn't an attack on anyone's faith or church style because we are passionately multi-faith. What's also important to understand about Bridging Austin is that we believe God's plan for us and the church is rooted in spirituality first, even when that means setting aside other pursuits. Another motivation for this article is to challenge the increasingly popular idea that Christianity is about self-improvement or personal comfort. In our community, it's more about shaping how we live together in ways that create harmony and justice, and through that, we reveal the love and grace God has extended towards us.
- [Yielding to God's Ecumenical Embrace](https://bridgingaustin.org/yielding-to-gods-ecumenical-embrace/) - British cosmologist and astrophysicist Martin Rees' book, Just Six Numbers, explains how six basic values may define the universe and make life possible. Here is something I often say when meeting someone for the first time: "I'd love to hear your story." Those six words frequently reveal surprising facts about someone, and, like Rees' mathematical values, they can make connecting with someone in a meaningful way possible. For Julaine and me, our story has included embracing Roman Catholicism, the Calvary Chapel Movement, Vineyard Churches, Foursquare/Hope Chapel Churches, American Baptist Churches, Non-denominationalism, and Anglicanism, before a brief stint in Methodism.
- [The Invisible Bridge: Linking Spiritual Realms and Spiritual Dimensions](https://bridgingaustin.org/the-invisible-bridge-linking-spiritual-realms-and-spiritual-dimensions/) - Today, when pastors talk about spiritual realms, they typically draw a distinction between the natural and the spiritual worlds. By contrast, discussing spiritual dimensions is different because it is about how much one is tuned into God's presence and how much one notices it in the world around them. Just think, Psalm 139, 7-10 says, "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."
- [Racism, the unpardonable or unrepentant sin?](https://bridgingaustin.org/racism-the-unpardonable-or-unrepentant-sin/) - Recently, I came across a 2012 interview with John Tyler's grandson as he toured his family's Virginia plantation on YouTube. Tyler was the tenth U.S. president, born in 1790, yet he had a third-generation descendant alive in the 2010s. That means three generations of the Tylers' lives spanned three centuries. What amazed me even more was how casually his grandson explained how he came to own the large plantation: it was an inheritance. Sadly, if someone had pointed out that it was enslaved Africans who built the very structure he was living in, it would have been met with some form of "I don't want to hear that." None of us wants to, but I am afraid we must. Here is why.
- [Demystifying the "Social Gospel: God's Ultimate Act of Socializing"](https://bridgingaustin.org/demystifying-the-social-gospel-gods-ultimate-act-of-socializing/) - In my first book, A Story of Rhythm and Grace, I wrote that I had lived in two worlds: performing in popular music, where racial tolerance was prized, and serving as a pastor in predominantly white evangelical churches that preached love of God and neighbor. Yet I found more genuine racial harmony on stage while touring than inside church buildings or among my white ministry colleagues. My lived reality was that the secular world of rock and roll was more welcoming and affirming than the institution built on the command to love one's neighbor. The book was not an indictment of the Church; it was an observation about it.
- [Judaism: God's Pathway to Race-Free Christianity](https://bridgingaustin.org/judaism-gods-pathway-to-race-free-christianity/) - While serving at a church in Maryland, Julaine and I developed a close friendship with a couple, Nicole and Donnie Christianson. One day, Nicole made this casual but powerful statement to Julaine, saying that Christianity without Judaism just didn't make sense to her. That simple comment redirected our entire theological journey from replacement theology to the realization that Judaism and Christianity are not rivals but siblings within the same Abrahamic inheritance of Hope.
- [What does dignity mean?](https://bridgingaustin.org/what-does-dignity-mean/) - In August 2021 a film was released titled Respect. The movie chronicles the ascent of American recording superstar Aretha Franklin’s journey from a young child singing in her father’s church to international fame. The film’s title comes from a song written by Otis Redding, and later popularized by the late great ‘Queen of Soul’. The song’s lyrics ask two questions that are relevant to our topic.
- [My Country Tears for Thee: A Dream for Building Bridges Not Walls](https://bridgingaustin.org/my-country-tears-for-thee-a-dream-for-building-bridges-not-walls/) - Since Jesus “has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,” in his incarnate person, we must make every effort as God’s people to be a reconciling and bridge-building community. Given that we are already one, we must live as one. Rather than be hostile and indifferent...
- [Everyone Should Have a Stake in It](https://bridgingaustin.org/everyone-should-have-a-stake-in-it/) - What follows is a parable I use at Bridging that was recently published in The Coracle, the magazine of the Iona Community. Imagine that you are the largest cattle rancher in the state of Texas. Your daughter has been in California for the past two years, attending the University of California, Berkeley.
- [Celtic Christian Doctrines That Guide Our Triune Faith](https://bridgingaustin.org/celtic-christian-doctrines-that-guide-our-triune-faith/) - In 563 AD St. Columba arrived on the island of Iona located just off the Isle of Mull on the West Coast of Scotland. There he built his first Celtic church and established a monastic community. Once the Iona Abbey was erected, the Irish monk set about converting most of pagan Scotland and northern England to the Christian faith.
- [Faith: Be the bridge of love toward the stranger](https://bridgingaustin.org/faith-be-the-bridge-of-love-toward-the-stranger/) - My first commercial recording contained lyrics that read, “Love is a thing that you need now; Love if you want to succeed now.” Nice rhyme right? But how would you define love? How would you define success?
- [Politics, faith and mission: A conversation with Jimi Calhoun](https://bridgingaustin.org/politics-faith-and-mission-a-conversation-with-jimi-calhoun/) - Jimi Calhoun is full of stories about musicians with whom he’s performed, churches he’s served, and the human possibilities for which he hopes. As a bass player, he’s played across the globe with Dr. John, Parliament Funkadelic, Buddy Miles and Rare Earth, as well as playing his own music.

## Pages

- [Welcome](https://bridgingaustin.org/) - A reconciling community of friends living out faith in a multi-cultural context. ​Our spirituality is grounded in the Christian sacred writings. Learn more about us!
- [Join Us](https://bridgingaustin.org/join-us/) - Our goal is to create a more welcoming and relational church by exploring ways to openly and creatively address the fractures caused by social conflict and racial division. Our call to action is simply this: If we want to be something different we must do something different. Social harmony does not magically happen, we must
- [Who We Are](https://bridgingaustin.org/who-we-are/) - A reconciling community of friends living out faith in a multi-cultural context. ​Our spirituality is grounded in the Christian sacred writings, and we celebrate the diversity within all Christian tradition throughout the world. ​We see the world as a spiritual place, and incorporate artistic elements such as painting, music, sacred silence, poetry, film, as well
- [Donations](https://bridgingaustin.org/give-serve/) - Whether making music with groups of adults with various physical and intellectual disabilities or teaching children life lessons with open tuned guitars, we do all things with great love and with no strings attached. We are a creative Christian community, and part of what we do is finding and filling spiritual and physical needs in
- [Liturgies](https://bridgingaustin.org/liturgies/) - Liturgies Continue reading... Continue reading... Continue reading... Continue reading... Continue reading... Continue reading...
- [Contact Us](https://bridgingaustin.org/contact/) - We'd Love To Hear From You!How can we help? Your Name * Your Email * Phone I'm interested in * Message *
- [Team Members & Partners](https://bridgingaustin.org/team-members-partners/) - Team Members Robert Watson-Hemphill Pastor of Spiritual Formation Julaine Calhoun Lead Pastor Jimi Calhoun Lead Pastor Partners
- [Articles](https://bridgingaustin.org/articles/) - A Look at “God’s Wonderful Plan” Theology January 12, 2026 Jimi Bridging Austin 0 Let me start by saying this isn’t an attack on anyone’s faith or church style because we are passionately multi-faith. What’s also important to understand about Bridging Austin is that we believe God’s plan for us and the church is rooted
- [Donor Dashboard](https://bridgingaustin.org/donor-dashboard/)
- [About Us](https://bridgingaustin.org/about-us/) - We Connect People to Jesus and Each OtherAenean auctor wisi et urna. Aliquam erat volutpat. Duis ac turpis. Donec sit amet eros. Lorem ipsum dolor. Mauris fermentum dictum magna. Sed laoreet aliquam leo. Ut tellus dolor, dapibus eget, elementum vel, cursus eleifend, elit.Duis ac turpis. Integer rutrum ante eu lacus. Vestibulum libero nisl, porta vel,
- [Testimonials Page](https://bridgingaustin.org/testimonials-page/) - Testimonials v1 Mauris accumsan nulla vel diam. Sed in lacus ut enim adipiscing aliquet. Nulla venenatis. In pede mi, aliquet sit amet, euismod in. Ivana Wong Teacher Mauris accumsan nulla vel diam. Sed in lacus ut enim adipiscing aliquet. Nulla venenatis. In pede mi, aliquet sit amet, euismod in. John McCoist Musician Mauris accumsan nulla
- [Donation Confirmation](https://bridgingaustin.org/donation-confirmation/)
- [Donation Failed](https://bridgingaustin.org/donation-failed/) - We're sorry, your donation failed to process. Please try again or contact site support.
- [Donation History](https://bridgingaustin.org/donation-history/)
- [My Account](https://bridgingaustin.org/my-account/) - [woocommerce_my_account]

## Sermons

- [Evening Prayer](https://bridgingaustin.org/liturgies/evening-prayer/) - This evening prayer is an outreach of Bridging Austin. We are a group of people from all backgrounds and religious traditions who are working together to promote justice, peace, and preserve the integrity of creation. The goal of Bridging Austin is to overcome the "unbridgeable" gaps separating all forms of societal difference.
- [Liturgy of Contemplation](https://bridgingaustin.org/liturgies/liturgy-of-contemplation/) - This Liturgy of Contemplation is an outreach of Bridging Austin. We are a group of people from all backgrounds and religious traditions who are working together to promote justice, peace, and preserve the integrity of creation. The goal of Bridging Austin is to overcome the "unbridgeable" gaps separating all forms of societal difference.
- [Liturgy of Love and Understanding](https://bridgingaustin.org/liturgies/liturgy-of-love-and-understanding/) - This Liturgy of Love and Understanding is an outreach of Bridging Austin. We are a group of people from all backgrounds and religious traditions who are working together to promote justice, peace, and preserve the integrity of creation. The goal of Bridging Austin is to overcome the "unbridgeable" gaps separating all forms of societal difference. 
- [Liturgy for Justice](https://bridgingaustin.org/liturgies/liturgy-for-justice/) - This Liturgy for Justice is an outreach of Bridging Austin. We are a group of people from all backgrounds and religious traditions who are working together to promote justice, peace, and preserve the integrity of creation. The goal of Bridging Austin is to overcome the "unbridgeable" gaps separating all forms of societal difference.
- [Liturgy of Lament](https://bridgingaustin.org/liturgies/liturgy-of-lament/) - This Liturgy of Lament is an outreach of Bridging Austin. We are a group of people from all backgrounds and religious traditions who are working together to promote justice, peace, and preserve the integrity of creation. The goal of Bridging Austin is to overcome the "unbridgeable" gaps separating all forms of societal difference
- [Liturgy of Reciprocal Inclusion](https://bridgingaustin.org/liturgies/liturgy-of-reciprocal-inclusion/) - This Liturgy of Reciprocal Inclusion is an outreach of Bridging Austin. We are a group of people from all backgrounds and religious traditions who are working together to promote justice, peace, and preserve the integrity of creation. The goal of Bridging Austin is to overcome the "unbridgeable" gaps separating all forms of societal difference.

## Portfolios

- [Celebrate Recovery](https://bridgingaustin.org/portfolio/celebrate-recovery/) - Aliquam congue fermentum nisl. Mauris accumsan nulla vel diam. Sed in lacus ut enim adipiscing aliquet. Nulla venenatis. In pede mi, aliquet sit amet, euismod in, auctor ut, ligula. Aliquam dapibus tincidunt metus. Praesent justo dolor, lobortis quis, lobortis dignissim, pulvinar ac, lorem.
- [Right Hand of Fellowship](https://bridgingaustin.org/portfolio/right-hand-of-fellowship/) - Aliquam congue fermentum nisl. Mauris accumsan nulla vel diam. Sed in lacus ut enim adipiscing aliquet. Nulla venenatis. In pede mi, aliquet sit amet, euismod in, auctor ut, ligula. Aliquam dapibus tincidunt metus. Praesent justo dolor, lobortis quis, lobortis dignissim, pulvinar ac, lorem.
- [The Gathering 2019](https://bridgingaustin.org/portfolio/1170-2/) - Aliquam congue fermentum nisl. Mauris accumsan nulla vel diam. Sed in lacus ut enim adipiscing aliquet. Nulla venenatis. In pede mi, aliquet sit amet, euismod in, auctor ut, ligula. Aliquam dapibus tincidunt metus. Praesent justo dolor, lobortis quis, lobortis dignissim, pulvinar ac, lorem.
- [Child Education](https://bridgingaustin.org/portfolio/the-gathering-2019/) - Aliquam congue fermentum nisl. Mauris accumsan nulla vel diam. Sed in lacus ut enim adipiscing aliquet. Nulla venenatis. In pede mi, aliquet sit amet, euismod in, auctor ut, ligula. Aliquam dapibus tincidunt metus. Praesent justo dolor, lobortis quis, lobortis dignissim, pulvinar ac, lorem.
- [Christmas 2019](https://bridgingaustin.org/portfolio/christmas-2019/) - Aliquam congue fermentum nisl. Mauris accumsan nulla vel diam. Sed in lacus ut enim adipiscing aliquet. Nulla venenatis. In pede mi, aliquet sit amet, euismod in, auctor ut, ligula. Aliquam dapibus tincidunt metus. Praesent justo dolor, lobortis quis, lobortis dignissim, pulvinar ac, lorem.
- [Child Education](https://bridgingaustin.org/portfolio/child-education/) - Aliquam congue fermentum nisl. Mauris accumsan nulla vel diam. Sed in lacus ut enim adipiscing aliquet. Nulla venenatis. In pede mi, aliquet sit amet, euismod in, auctor ut, ligula. Aliquam dapibus tincidunt metus. Praesent justo dolor, lobortis quis, lobortis dignissim, pulvinar ac, lorem.
- [Witness Movement](https://bridgingaustin.org/portfolio/witness-movement/) - Aliquam congue fermentum nisl. Mauris accumsan nulla vel diam. Sed in lacus ut enim adipiscing aliquet. Nulla venenatis. In pede mi, aliquet sit amet, euismod in, auctor ut, ligula. Aliquam dapibus tincidunt metus. Praesent justo dolor, lobortis quis, lobortis dignissim, pulvinar ac, lorem.
- [Our Work With Refugees](https://bridgingaustin.org/portfolio/our-work-with-refugees/) - Aliquam congue fermentum nisl. Mauris accumsan nulla vel diam. Sed in lacus ut enim adipiscing aliquet. Nulla venenatis. In pede mi, aliquet sit amet, euismod in, auctor ut, ligula. Aliquam dapibus tincidunt metus. Praesent justo dolor, lobortis quis, lobortis dignissim, pulvinar ac, lorem.
- [Friday Outdoor Service](https://bridgingaustin.org/portfolio/friday-outdoor-service/) - Aliquam congue fermentum nisl. Mauris accumsan nulla vel diam. Sed in lacus ut enim adipiscing aliquet. Nulla venenatis. In pede mi, aliquet sit amet, euismod in, auctor ut, ligula. Aliquam dapibus tincidunt metus. Praesent justo dolor, lobortis quis, lobortis dignissim, pulvinar ac, lorem.
- [Easter 2018](https://bridgingaustin.org/portfolio/easter-2018/) - Aliquam congue fermentum nisl. Mauris accumsan nulla vel diam. Sed in lacus ut enim adipiscing aliquet. Nulla venenatis. In pede mi, aliquet sit amet, euismod in, auctor ut, ligula. Aliquam dapibus tincidunt metus. Praesent justo dolor, lobortis quis, lobortis dignissim, pulvinar ac, lorem.

## Ministries

- [Students](https://bridgingaustin.org/ministries/students/) - Aliquam erat volutpat. Duis ac turpis. Donec sit amet eros. Lorem ipsum dolor. Mauris fermentum dictum magna.
- [Worship](https://bridgingaustin.org/ministries/worship/) - Aliquam erat volutpat. Duis ac turpis. Donec sit amet eros. Lorem ipsum dolor. Mauris fermentum dictum magna.
- [LifeGroups](https://bridgingaustin.org/ministries/lifegroups/) - Aliquam erat volutpat. Duis ac turpis. Donec sit amet eros. Lorem ipsum dolor. Mauris fermentum dictum magna.
- [Missions](https://bridgingaustin.org/ministries/missions/) - Aliquam erat volutpat. Duis ac turpis. Donec sit amet eros. Lorem ipsum dolor. Mauris fermentum dictum magna.
- [Women](https://bridgingaustin.org/ministries/women/) - Aliquam erat volutpat. Duis ac turpis. Donec sit amet eros. Lorem ipsum dolor. Mauris fermentum dictum magna.
- [Kids](https://bridgingaustin.org/ministries/kids/) - Aliquam erat volutpat. Duis ac turpis. Donec sit amet eros. Lorem ipsum dolor. Mauris fermentum dictum magna.

## Video Galleries

- [Gallery 1](https://bridgingaustin.org/video_gallery/gallery-1-2/)
- [Gallery 2](https://bridgingaustin.org/video_gallery/gallery-2/)
- [Gallery 3](https://bridgingaustin.org/video_gallery/gallery-3/)
- [Gallery 4](https://bridgingaustin.org/video_gallery/gallery-4/)
- [Gallery 5](https://bridgingaustin.org/video_gallery/gallery-5/)
- [Gallery 6](https://bridgingaustin.org/video_gallery/gallery-6/)
- [Gallery 7](https://bridgingaustin.org/video_gallery/gallery-7/)
- [Gallery 8](https://bridgingaustin.org/video_gallery/gallery-1/)

## Testimonials

- [Ivana Wong](https://bridgingaustin.org/testimonials/ivana-wong/)
- [John McCoist](https://bridgingaustin.org/testimonials/john-mccoist/)
- [Marta Healy](https://bridgingaustin.org/testimonials/marta-healy/)

## Team Members

- [Jimi Calhoun](https://bridgingaustin.org/team-members/jimi-calhoun/) - Jimi is a former world class bassist who performed with several popular acts in the 1970s such as, Creation, Dr. John, Rare Earth, Parliament-Funkedelic, Brian Auger, Clifford Coulter, Mel Brown, and Buddy Miles and many others. Jimi’s spiritual odyssey began with baptism in an American Baptist Church. Following the music years he took ordination with
- [Robert Watson-Hemphill](https://bridgingaustin.org/team-members/robert-watson-hemphill/) - Robert grew up within an hour of a Southern California beach, and is always trying to find his way back to one if given half a chance. He came to Austin, Texas to go to school, and after graduation from UT, decided to stay. He has been volunteering and working for various non-profits and ministries
- [Julaine Calhoun](https://bridgingaustin.org/team-members/julaine-calhoun/) - Julaine was raised in the Roman Catholic tradition where she received the sacraments of infant baptism, penance, first holy communion and confirmation. In high school, she left the Catholic tradition and became part of evangelicalism in the Calvary Chapel movement. She was deeply involved in two main thrusts of their movement; evangelism and church planting.

## Categories

- [Stories](https://bridgingaustin.org/category/stories/)
- [Bridging Austin](https://bridgingaustin.org/category/bridging-austin/)
- [Books](https://bridgingaustin.org/category/books/)
- [Border Dance](https://bridgingaustin.org/category/books/border-dance/)

## Tags

- [books](https://bridgingaustin.org/tag/books/)

## Pastors

- [Jimi Calhoun](https://bridgingaustin.org/liturgies/pastor/jimi-calhoun/)
- [Julaine Calhoun](https://bridgingaustin.org/liturgies/pastor/julaine-calhoun/)
- [Robert Watson-Hemphill](https://bridgingaustin.org/liturgies/pastor/robert-watson-hemphill/)

## Series

- [Online Liturgy](https://bridgingaustin.org/liturgies/series/online-liturgy/)

## Topics

- [Contemplation](https://bridgingaustin.org/liturgies/topics/contemplation/)
- [Justice](https://bridgingaustin.org/liturgies/topics/justice/)
- [Love](https://bridgingaustin.org/liturgies/topics/love/)
- [Understanding](https://bridgingaustin.org/liturgies/topics/understanding/)
- [Reciprocal Inclusion](https://bridgingaustin.org/liturgies/topics/reciprocal-inclusion/)
- [Prayer](https://bridgingaustin.org/liturgies/topics/prayer/)
- [Lament](https://bridgingaustin.org/liturgies/topics/lament/)

## Service Types

- [Liturgy](https://bridgingaustin.org/liturgies/service-type/liturgy/)

## Portfolios Categories

- [Events](https://bridgingaustin.org/portfolio_categories/events/)
- [Missions](https://bridgingaustin.org/portfolio_categories/missions/)
- [Church](https://bridgingaustin.org/portfolio_categories/church/)