A new Initative focused on serving alongside our immigrant neighbors in the nearby St John's Neighborhood
Our Neighborhood:
St. John’s Neighborhood is a historically Black neighborhood minutes from our building that was originally founded by emancipated slaves in 1894. Later it became one of the few places in the Austin area that Black and Brown communities could live. Today it has shifted to a primarily Latino immigrant neighborhood, particularly for recently arrived Central American immigrants who have come to Austin in the last several years from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. It was also the first neighrbood on arrival for many in the Nigerian community, including some at COTC. There continue to be some Nigerians and other immigrant communities present as well.
The Val Dor Apartment complex where Fr. Jonathan has been living is an almost exclusively immigrant apartment complex. Most of the families are recent from Central America but there are also several Afghan refugee families and a sprinkling of immigrants from other countries.
Our Mission:
Be present and serve our neighborhood though things such as a Kids Club and ESL classes
Practice life together and hospitality as a team
Help COTC build bridges with and reflect the diversity of the neighborhood our building is in in North East Austin
Explore becoming a bilingual service of COTC, a church plant or missional order.
Our Team:
Jonathan and Lini (soon to be) Abraham Kindberg
Tatiana Martinez
Alicia Gamez
And you! We are looking for 2 groups of people to get involved:
1) MC Members: Commit to a monthly rhythm of word/prayer, service in the neighborhood and a meal together modeled after Acts 2:42-47. Can be individuals, couples or families.
2) MC Partners: Commit to serving once or twice a month and walking alongside the MC and the neighborhood.
If you are interested please reach out to Fr. Jonathan at Jonathan@cotcaustin.org and join us for an info lunch on Sunday, April 30th.