Why Are You Here?

That is a question that I cannot answer. I would never attempt to do so. On the other hand I can tell you why I am here. It began 23 years ago, when Peggy and I moved to Austin.

I had just left the military to take a job with the University of Texas. We left behind family and friends and arrived, knowing no one. We visited a couple of churches but didn’t find what we were looking for. Peggy found St. Andrew’s in the phone book and on a Saturday morning sent me and our 8 year old son to find it. Sean and I scoured the access lanes of north and southbound IH-35 between Wells Branch and Round Rock. When I finally located St. Andrew’s in a metal warehouse building, I was convinced that some sort of cult was brewing – I mean real churches don’t look like warehouses; do they? Well, we did attend St. Andrew’s the next day and our search was over. Twenty-three years ago, next month, we joined into the full faith and fellowship of St. Andrew’s. We had found home. The rest is history.

I remember a bomb threat, because we dared discuss abortion and women’s rights. I remember a time, when budgets were so tight that we cut the minister’s salary and quit contributing to those needier than ourselves. I remember a church divided over inclusivity. I remember a 15-year old, who had never spoken in public, taking a stand and speaking for justice. I remember the wisdom of many, who are no longer with us.

I have attended weddings and funerals. I have laughed with you and cried with you. I have told stories, and I have listened. I have served meals, carved turkeys, and made gallons of gravy. I served on Session four times. In doing so, I have argued with you and for you. I have driven teens to the beach for clean-ups. I have played volleyball. I have auctioned carved pumpkins. I have attended and taught Sunday school. I have held your babies and given opinions on their future names. I have taken your photographs. I have delivered Christmas gifts to needy families and have been asked, “Are you Santa Claus?”

Now, change all of my “I statements” to “we statements.” Yes, we are all involved. I call that involvement, stewardship. We are learning to do it well. We are taking care of each other, and we have new outlooks on our mission. We are keeping the lights on, salaries paid, and now we discuss how many and where our donations should go. We and our church have become a beacon to many and a thorn to a few. Our continued stewardship is not just a once-a-year request for donations; rather, it is the foundation of our Vision for this church, a Renewal of our faith and our facilities, a Ministry of justice and love for all, and a continuing Service to our community and to the planet.

Why are we here?


(Stewardship Kick-Off, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Austin, Texas, October 23, 2011, by David Rackley)