http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/ All news and information for Soma Austin in general. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:07:13 GMT en-us Copyright 2012 Soma Austin http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/advent-god-with-us/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/advent-god-with-us/ Sun, 27 Nov 2011 03:49:52 GMT The season of Advent is upon us once again and with it the joy and anticipation of Christmas. But what exactly is Advent and why do we celebrate it at Soma Austin? What is Advent?Advent is a Latin word for "coming" or "arrival" and is the ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/gospel-classes-fall-2011/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/gospel-classes-fall-2011/ Fri, 16 Sep 2011 19:47:59 GMT We will be holding our Gospel Class on Sunday nights, Ocotber 2, 9, 16, and 23 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at Soma Austin Community Church. The Gospel Class will cover: The historical redeeming story of God in Christ, reconciling the world and ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/responding-to-central-texas-fires-and-disaster-in-general/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/responding-to-central-texas-fires-and-disaster-in-general/ Thu, 08 Sep 2011 21:32:11 GMT "This is unprecedented fire behavior. No one on the face of this Earth has ever fought fires in these extreme conditions". - Texas Forest Service on September 6th We have all seen the devastating effects of the many fires in Central ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/beware-of-christians-austin-film-tour/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/beware-of-christians-austin-film-tour/ Tue, 06 Sep 2011 19:40:56 GMT Many of you already know Michael & Kristin Allen, but what you might not know is that Michael and some of his old college friends are documentary film makers who have been making films about the intersection of life and modern American ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/financial-seminar/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/financial-seminar/ Tue, 16 Aug 2011 05:08:22 GMT As part of the Money: God or Gift series, we are also offering a Financial Seminar this Sunday night at 5:00pm. In this seminar our own Chris Milligan will be discussing money, debt, saving, spending and budgeting. Over the past few years ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/celebratemission/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/celebratemission/ Wed, 13 Jul 2011 14:13:03 GMT On Sunday evening, July 31st we are inviting the Soma Austin community to gather to celebrate+mission, what God has done at here, what He is doing and what He wants to do. As the body of Christ we have been given the call and joy of being ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/baptism-celebration-sunday/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/baptism-celebration-sunday/ Tue, 12 Jul 2011 16:04:38 GMT On Sunday, July 24th we will be holding a baptism celebration during our Sunday morning service. Baptism is simply an outward expression of the inward change that Christ has made in you. It's a declaration that though you were once dead to sin ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/school-supplies-for-joplin-students/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/school-supplies-for-joplin-students/ Tue, 05 Jul 2011 19:41:01 GMT Sign ups for the Joplin Relief Trip are closed, but we have another way for you to help out! Next week we are headed to Joplin, Missouri to come alongside others in providing relief and renewal for those who were hit by May's F5 tornado. In 42 ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/joplin-relief-trip/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/joplin-relief-trip/ Tue, 14 Jun 2011 21:04:02 GMT As you know, Joplin, MO, was devastated by an EF-5 tornado on May 22. Joplin is the fourth largest metro area in Missouri. It is located along Route 66 on I-44 and MO Highway 71, making it an ideal destination for conferences and group events. ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/celebrating-the-death-and-resurrection-of-jesus-christ/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/celebrating-the-death-and-resurrection-of-jesus-christ/ Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:17:06 GMT Good Friday On Good Friday we celebrate the death of Jesus Christ, who willingly gave His life to give us life. It is a time when we remember when the great depths and cost of our rebellion, collided with the love of God and His provision for ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/new-location-beginning-this-week/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/new-location-beginning-this-week/ Tue, 12 Apr 2011 05:30:15 GMT We are pretty pumped to formally announce that this Sunday morning we move into our new gathering space for Sunday services! For over 5 weeks we have had dozens of people offering their time and services to renew and prepare the space, and they ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/a-night-of-prayer/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/a-night-of-prayer/ Thu, 07 Apr 2011 05:43:18 GMT For the past four weeks many of you have been coming together and painting, sanding and cleaning our new space for city renewal. And we thank you!! For those who haven't been able to help out, there is still work to do, and you are ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/back-to-the-hideout/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/back-to-the-hideout/ Thu, 17 Mar 2011 03:08:53 GMT We are back to The Hideout Coffeehouse & Theatre this Sunday, March 19th. We will be meeting at The Hideout through April 10th, and then to our new space on April ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/location-change-this-sunday-march-13/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/location-change-this-sunday-march-13/ Wed, 09 Mar 2011 22:14:31 GMT Due to SXSW taking place downtown this coming Sunday, March 13, we will be temporarily moving our meeting location to The City School. The City School is located off of I-35 and Woodland Ave. at 1700 Woodland Ave, 78741. We will be gathering ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/volunteer-for-renewal-saturdays/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/volunteer-for-renewal-saturdays/ Tue, 08 Mar 2011 02:59:51 GMT Soma family & friends, serve alongside one another in renewing our new space, for the renewal of the city! We recently signed the lease on a new space to gather, worship, train, educate, serve, and seek the renewal of Austin. But... there ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/garage-sale-for-adoption/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/garage-sale-for-adoption/ Wed, 16 Feb 2011 05:10:50 GMT Our very own Sherry Birk is adopting a baby girl from Ethiopia within the next few months and the Calcote family has offered to put on a garage sale in order to help her raise funds. The garage sale will take place Saturday, February 26th from ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/location-change-sunday-february-20/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/location-change-sunday-february-20/ Mon, 14 Feb 2011 18:57:08 GMT Due to the Austin Marathon taking place downtown this coming Sunday, February 20, we will be temporarily moving our meeting location to The City School. The City School is located off of I-35 and Woodland Ave. at 1700 Woodland Ave, 78741. We ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/gospel-class-spring-2011-upated-dates/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/gospel-class-spring-2011-upated-dates/ Wed, 29 Dec 2010 22:18:56 GMT *NOTE: Date Changes* We will be holding our Gospel Class on Sunday nights, January 30, February 13, 20, and March 6 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at the Hamilton Apartments club house (click for directions). The Gospel Class will cover: The ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/christmas-renewal/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/christmas-renewal/ Thu, 09 Dec 2010 17:43:55 GMT Hark the herald angels sing "Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled" Joyful, all ye nations rise Join the triumph of the skies With the angelic host proclaim: "Christ is born in Bethlehem" Hark! The ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/restore-the-innocent/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/restore-the-innocent/ Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:32:58 GMT On Tuesday, December 7, Restore Austin, Help End Local Poverty, Music For The City, and Austin Angles are sponsoring the Restore The Innocent event to help raise awareness of child-trafficking and create opportunities to engage the fight against ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/redeeming-marriage-1-day-retreat/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/redeeming-marriage-1-day-retreat/ Mon, 01 Nov 2010 20:49:32 GMT Healthy marriages are pivotal to healthy kids, strong homes and thriving societies. However, more than half of marriages that begin with, "til death do us part" part long before death. Many do not believe in marriage anymore. But marriage is ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/gcm-collective-everyday-training/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/gcm-collective-everyday-training/ Fri, 15 Oct 2010 19:13:31 GMT The GCM Collective: EveryDay Training is a one day intensive designed to inspire and equip ordinary people, church leaders, pastors, and church planters for living every day in gospel community on mission. Join us as we discuss the many ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/support-sherrys-adoption-walk-run-donate/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/support-sherrys-adoption-walk-run-donate/ Sat, 18 Sep 2010 14:28:32 GMT The Need: Adoptions Have a Cost A member of our Soma Austin family, Sherry Birk, is in the process of adopting a baby girl from Ethiopia. Sherry is giving herself to this baby girl she doesn't even know yet because God has put it in her ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/philippians-fighting-for-joy-in-a-hostile-world/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/philippians-fighting-for-joy-in-a-hostile-world/ Fri, 17 Sep 2010 20:14:32 GMT Life can be hard. Sometimes it seems like there are things working against us. Sometimes situations around us can make life challenging. In this letter we see Paul, who had started the Philippian church writing back to his spiritual sons and ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/baptism-sunday/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/baptism-sunday/ Thu, 16 Sep 2010 17:48:36 GMT We are excited to be baptizing some Soma Austin peeps this Sunday!! Here are the details: Location Congress Avenue Baptist Church1511 S. Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704 (because of the great SoCo District location people can easily have lunch ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/porterbrook-austin-starts-september-18th/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/porterbrook-austin-starts-september-18th/ Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:48:26 GMT   We are excited to announce that Porterbrook Austin courses start on September 18, 2010! Porterbrook Austin is a rich theological training program that helps Christians learn how to serve Jesus and his people better — whether ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/jesus-changes-everything-scotts-story/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/jesus-changes-everything-scotts-story/ Tue, 29 Jun 2010 19:25:53 GMT This past Sunday we heard Scott's story of how Jesus has rescued him from depression, addictions, and homelessness. His story is further evidence of how Jesus Changes Everything.   Jesus Changes Everything: Scott's Story from Soma ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/austin-disaster-relief-network-training/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/austin-disaster-relief-network-training/ Sat, 29 May 2010 00:04:33 GMT Soma Austin Community Church is partnered with the Austin Disaster Relief Network (ADRN) to help build a network in Greater Austin to meet the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of those affected by disaster.Volunteer Drive We will have a ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/jesus-changes-everything-kristys-story/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/jesus-changes-everything-kristys-story/ Sun, 23 May 2010 19:30:10 GMT This past Sunday, Kristy shared her story of how Jesus has completely changed her life. From her past abuse to her current struggles, Kristy now finds her identity and comfort in knowing that God is her heavenly Father and that he loves her as ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/gospel-class-in-june/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/gospel-class-in-june/ Sat, 22 May 2010 22:48:19 GMT We will be holding our first Gospel Class at Soma on Sunday night, June 6 & 13, from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at the Hamilton Apartments club house (click for directions). The Gospel Class will cover: The historical redeeming story of God in ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/haiti-update-1/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/haiti-update-1/ Fri, 14 May 2010 05:48:58 GMT How Can I Love Haiti if I Dont Know HaitiFrom the moment we hit the ground in Haiti what we already knew theoretically became a very quick, chaotic, overwhelming reality: we don't know Haiti.  And if we don't know Haiti, we can't love ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/jesus-changes-everything-chriss-story/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/jesus-changes-everything-chriss-story/ Mon, 10 May 2010 20:26:15 GMT Two Sundays ago we started a new series title Jesus Changes Everything. Throughout this series we will look into specific things in our lives that Jesus changes, including our hearts, identities, relationships, work, and more. We've also asked ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/music-for-the-city-cd-release-party/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/music-for-the-city-cd-release-party/ Sun, 02 May 2010 22:36:33 GMT At Soma Austin, we desire to see all things in the city of Austin and beyond renewed with the Gospel of Jesus, and that includes music. I'm mean, Austin has been named the Live Music Capital of the World. It's clear our culture highly values ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/help-garage-sales/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/help-garage-sales/ Sun, 25 Apr 2010 23:32:09 GMT This coming Saturday, May 1, starting at 8am, two families in our community will be hosting garage sales with a purpose (other than to get rid of excess or unwanted items). These two garage sales are teaming up with HELP (Help End Local ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/imagine-a-renewed-austin-phase-2/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/imagine-a-renewed-austin-phase-2/ Thu, 22 Apr 2010 20:48:13 GMT In Jeremiah 29:7, the Lord tells Israel to "...seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare." This is an often-quoted scripture in today's ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/living-water-informational/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/living-water-informational/ Mon, 12 Apr 2010 22:47:22 GMT Greetings Soma Austin! If you've been to a few of our services chances are you have heard someone refer to Living Water International.  LWI is a group of great people who have become dear to us at Soma Austin and through whom our body has ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/good-friday-service/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/good-friday-service/ Thu, 01 Apr 2010 21:01:38 GMT This Friday we will be holding our Good Friday service as we reflect on the cross of Christ. The service will be held at Kinney Avenue Fellowship and will begin at 7pm. Childcare will be available. The room we will be meeting in is located on ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/imagine-a-renewed-austin/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/imagine-a-renewed-austin/ Fri, 26 Mar 2010 23:01:48 GMT Jeremiah 29:4-7 4 “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. 6 Take ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/are-you-rich/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/are-you-rich/ Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:11:52 GMT Would you classify yourself as rich? It is an important question to ponder, maybe you would and maybe you would not; the fact remains, however, that most of the world would say you are.  In case your not sure if you agree, check out the ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/service-location-change-this-sunday/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/service-location-change-this-sunday/ Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:01:06 GMT   This Sunday, March 14th, we get to check out a new location on 6th Street! Due to SXSW, we will not be meeting at the Hideout this Sunday morning, but that's cool because we like to experience the variety of our city anyway. Instead, ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/its-my-park-day-2010/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/its-my-park-day-2010/ Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:28:53 GMT This coming Saturday, March 6, is the Austin Parks Foundation's "It's My Park" day. As a church that loves the city of Austin, "It's My Park" day offers us an opportunity to love and serve our city by helping clean up its parks. The park we ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/lenten-season-fast-ash-wednesday/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/lenten-season-fast-ash-wednesday/ Wed, 17 Feb 2010 05:46:32 GMT Today is Ash Wednesday, which marks the first day of Lent. This is traditionally commemorated by a service where the attendees are marked on the forehead with a cross of ashes. Per custom, the ashes used are from the burning of the palm leaves ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/lenten-season-fast-how-to-pray/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/lenten-season-fast-how-to-pray/ Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:39:20 GMT Whole volumes of books have been written about prayer, so many that most Christians feel unsure of how to pray.  We hear some people pray with thee's and thou's, others with deep, theologically rich and arcane language, others that repeat ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/lenten-season-fast-what-is-lent/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/lenten-season-fast-what-is-lent/ Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:11:20 GMT This Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten Season, which is the third season in the Christian Liturgical Calendar, followed by Advent and Ephiphany. Lent is a period of about 40 days that precedes Easter, commemorating three pillars of ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/lenten-season-fast-fasting-like-a-christian/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/lenten-season-fast-fasting-like-a-christian/ Sun, 14 Feb 2010 18:31:03 GMT Fasting is a funny thing—we all know that we must eat to survive, but almost every major culture and religion has some form of fasting.  People have fasted throughout history for religious, political, health, and many other ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/lenten-season-fast-why-a-food-fast/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/lenten-season-fast-why-a-food-fast/ Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:59:09 GMT Fasting from food to draw near to God is an ancient practice with deep roots in the scriptures.  The scriptures make the overwhelming point that the fast is to be from food.  Why? Dependence As created beings we depend on God for our ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/lenten-season-fast-practical-steps-for-fasting/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/lenten-season-fast-practical-steps-for-fasting/ Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:28:48 GMT I would like to walk-through with you, a fairly accessible guide for fasting.  Like any good citizen of the Google-age, I set about trying to find as many online resources as possible about how to fast.  The first thing I learned was ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/no-service-this-sunday-february-14/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/no-service-this-sunday-february-14/ Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:44:32 GMT Due to the Austin Marathon, Soma Austin will not be having our Sunday service this Sunday, February 14. Instead, join us for fellowship and dinner at Emily Bryant's house at 7pm! Dinner will be provided, but please bring drinks, sides, desserts, ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/lenten-season-fast-reward-in-fasting/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/lenten-season-fast-reward-in-fasting/ Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:06:49 GMT There are a good number of you that have either been Christians or had knowledge of Christ for quite sometime in your lives that will be reading this; because of this, there are quite a few of us that know Christian answers, but have a ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/lenten-season-fast-humility-in-fasting/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/lenten-season-fast-humility-in-fasting/ Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:05:07 GMT Let me start by saying that there should be humility in all things we do for Christ, those of you that know me, probably know that this is something with which I admittedly struggle.  With that in mind, I am going to refer often in this ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/lenten-season-fast-what-is-fasting/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/lenten-season-fast-what-is-fasting/ Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:06:18 GMT “God can't give us happiness & peace apart from Himself because it is not there. There is no such thing.” - C.S.Lewis I encourage you all to keep this in mind daily, and specifically as you prepare for the season of Lent.  ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/lenten-season-fast-introduction/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/lenten-season-fast-introduction/ Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:05:47 GMT Soma will be participating with Operation: F.A.S.T during the season of Lent, in an effort to draw our attention away from temptations and towards both God and the poor. Recognizing, that we've asked a lot of our members lately, we are not ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/new-south-congress-soma-group-tonight/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/new-south-congress-soma-group-tonight/ Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:14:36 GMT We are excited to celebrate a new Soma Group starting tonight off South Congress!  We are excited because it brings more opportunities for deeper relationships with God and one another, more renewal, stronger families & marriages and ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/the-body-of-christ-for-haiti/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/the-body-of-christ-for-haiti/ Mon, 11 Jan 2010 01:21:13 GMT   The current tragedy in Haiti compels us all to stand up and ask how we can help.  As the Body of Christ we are compelled to suffer with those who suffer and to mourn with those who mourn.  To clothe the naked, to feed the ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/keep-austin-warm/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/keep-austin-warm/ Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:42:05 GMT The State of Texas has issued a Winter Weather Alert.  In addition to those without homes being exposed to the cold, there is a high likelihood of power outages and broken water pipes for some of Austin's most vulnerable citizens. They ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/soma-pot-luck-thanksgiving/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/soma-pot-luck-thanksgiving/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:24:22 GMT Join us for a Soma wide pot luck Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday November 22 at 6:00pm. We will be hanging out at the Wilder's apartment clubhouse, at 2121 Dickison Drive.We will be providing the turkey, but we need all of you to sign up to bring ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/pastor-appreciation/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/pastor-appreciation/ Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:11:45 GMT Did you know that "Pastor Appreciation Month" is the month of October? Neither did we, until about a week ago when we decided we decided something HAD to be done to show our pastor, Jacob Vanhorn, how much we care! We are so blessed at Soma, in ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/jesus-changes-everything-the-gospel-of-john-resumes/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/jesus-changes-everything-the-gospel-of-john-resumes/ Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:01:23 GMT     Thanks to all who contributed to the renewal project this past Sunday!! This week we pick back up in the Gospel of John with a new series titled "Jesus Changes Everything"  We will look at the cost of that change, the ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/renewal-sunday-this-sunday-no-services-at-the-hideout/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/renewal-sunday-this-sunday-no-services-at-the-hideout/ Thu, 24 Sep 2009 06:32:43 GMT RSVP for this renewal project via Facebook!! Hey friends, this Sunday (9/27) we will NOT have worship services at the Hideout, but we will be having a Renewal Service! All Soma Austin regulars and guests are invited to join us in bringing ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/stop-child-trafficking-now-walk/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/stop-child-trafficking-now-walk/ Mon, 07 Sep 2009 22:47:09 GMT Stop Child Trafficking Now! Walk On September 26th individuals, corporations, faith based organizations, communities and campuses will join together to participate in the Stop Child Trafficking Now Campaign! This global campaign is slated to ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/campaign-to-end-poverty-garage-sale/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/campaign-to-end-poverty-garage-sale/ Sun, 09 Aug 2009 19:34:42 GMT Soma Austin is having a garage sale! Why? We are partnering with the non-profit HELP (Help End Local Poverty) to raise money for their Campaign to End Local Poverty in order to build a orphanage in Zimbabwe. HELP has a goal to raise $25,000 ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/update-on-the-austin-disaster-relief-network/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/update-on-the-austin-disaster-relief-network/ Sun, 26 Jul 2009 07:11:53 GMT Hey Soma Austin, Bryan Ford here. Here is an update on our previous post about the Austin Disaster Relief Network. Soma Austin Community Church is partnering with the Austin Disaster Relief Network (ADRN) to help build a network in Greater ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/partnering-with-the-austin-disaster-relief-network/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/partnering-with-the-austin-disaster-relief-network/ Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:47:22 GMT Soma Austin, along with other area churches, is partnering with the newly formed Austin Disaster Relief Network in order to meet the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of those affected by disaster.  ADRN is developing a communication ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/cis-backpack-drive-doing-our-part/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/cis-backpack-drive-doing-our-part/ Sun, 12 Jul 2009 05:17:23 GMT Communities in Schools is one of our partners in bringing renewal to peoples and communities in Austin, and we are excited to serve with them again in providing backpacks full of school supplies to 1,000 students in the Austin area. So here's ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/fireworks-and-austin-symphony-orchestra-at-auditorium-shores/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/fireworks-and-austin-symphony-orchestra-at-auditorium-shores/ Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:38:58 GMT On July 4th, more than 100,000 people gather at Auditorium Shores (map) for the largest Independence Day celebration in Austin.  The celebration includes music by the Austin Symphony Orchestra and a sweet firework display over Lady Bird ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/first-sunday-food-drives/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/first-sunday-food-drives/ Wed, 01 Jul 2009 01:23:18 GMT If you're a regular attender you may have noticed a new rhythm of renewal going on: First Sunday Food Drives. This is just one Soma-sized step we can take together as a community, to serve our city and the surrounding areas, by adding a couple ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/haca-apartment-fire-victims-need-some-help/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/haca-apartment-fire-victims-need-some-help/ Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:41:35 GMT In addition to mentoring Communities in Schools kids who are at risk for drop out, Soma Austin also works with Smart Kids through a HACA (Housing Authority of City of Austin)/CIS program. One of the HACA clients at Meadowbrook experienced an ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/summer-conference-foundational-need-of-discipleship/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/summer-conference-foundational-need-of-discipleship/ Tue, 26 May 2009 14:22:25 GMT Our friends and partners in the gospel at The Austin Stone are hosting a Summer Conference on The Foundational Need of Discipleship.  Here is some info from their website: Discipleship often gets stripped down to a Christian form of ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/soma-austin-nominated-for-communities-in-schools-volunteer-org-of-the-year/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/soma-austin-nominated-for-communities-in-schools-volunteer-org-of-the-year/ Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:34:52 GMT In following God's example to bring renewal where it is needed, Soma Austin has been working with Communities in Schools to help them in helping kids to stay in school and be successful.  Participating with them in this helps us to build ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/new-series-communities-of-renewal/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/new-series-communities-of-renewal/ Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:06:05 GMT In the life, death and resurrection of Jesus we see a theme of renewal and restoration developing.  This idea of renewal is actually something that I believe exists deeply within us as desires for peace, joy, reconciliation, wholeness, and ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/new-downtown-location-and-time/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/new-downtown-location-and-time/ Thu, 09 Apr 2009 07:28:16 GMT Soma Austin has a new Sunday service gathering location and time!  Beginning April 12th, Easter Sunday, we will begin meeting at 10:30am at The Hideout Coffeehouse and Theatre at 617 Congress Avenue (7th & Congress).  We are ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/free-audio-download-of-spiritual-disciplines-for-the-christian-life/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/free-audio-download-of-spiritual-disciplines-for-the-christian-life/ Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:52:35 GMT Hello friends, as we grow together in Christ and in community, I will from time to time recommend some resources for your growth.  This is one that is a no brainer and its FREE. Each month ChristianAudio.com offers a free audio ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/the-lenten-journey/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/the-lenten-journey/ Wed, 25 Feb 2009 03:10:06 GMT greetings, friends. emily bee here. i'm a member here at soma, and if you will kindly allow me to infiltrate the soma blog-waves for a moment, i had a few thoughts to share with you about the season of lent that begins tom... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/new-series-the-gospel-according-to-john/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/new-series-the-gospel-according-to-john/ Sat, 03 Jan 2009 17:59:29 GMT So we all need some Jesus, right?  Christ-followers and those who don't follow Christ pretty much all agree that Jesus was a real man, an overall good guy and someone they at least respect.  But who does John, the beloved disciple with ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/wine-for-jesus-tonight/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/wine-for-jesus-tonight/ Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:49:58 GMT Wine for Jesus is meeting tonight at the Dog & Duck which is at 17th & Guadalupe.  This month we will be reflecting about where we were a year ago and where we are today. What is Wine for Jesus? Wine for Jesus is a dialogue ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/new-series-advent-conspiracy--living-water/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/new-series-advent-conspiracy--living-water/ Fri, 28 Nov 2008 02:41:42 GMT Most everyone pretty much knows that Christmas is supposed to celebrate the birth of Christ. They may be somewhat familiar with the story, but too often things can be familiar to us and still lack deep meaning. This year we want to look forward ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/what-kind-of-jesus-are-you-waiting-for/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/what-kind-of-jesus-are-you-waiting-for/ Sat, 25 Oct 2008 02:51:38 GMT Last week when we met for services we discussed Israel, their blessings, their wanderings, their desire for kings and their rebellion.  In the midst of their years of wandering they held on to the promise that God had for Abraham and David, ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/new-series-the-world-we-all-want/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/new-series-the-world-we-all-want/ Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:11:46 GMT Our first Sunday services are this weekend, and our first discussion series is The World We All Want.  Here is a taste of the series from the Soma Austin website: "We all want to live in a better world, but to understand how to get there, ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/a-theology-as-big-as-austin-part-3/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/a-theology-as-big-as-austin-part-3/ Fri, 13 Jun 2008 21:53:34 GMT This is part 3 of ‘A Theology As Big As Austin’ which are my reflections on Bakke’s reflections from A Theology As Big As The City. Remember, these are reflections, not theological papers, so consider them first ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/gods-shalom/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/gods-shalom/ Fri, 06 Jun 2008 21:38:42 GMT "God's shalom must be worked at.  The roles of peacemakers, communicators, gatherers, organizers and connectors are some of the most vital talents needed for the establishment of peace and prosperity and a prevailing sense of well-being ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/restoration-communities-in-schools--dawson-elementary/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/restoration-communities-in-schools--dawson-elementary/ Wed, 14 May 2008 01:56:03 GMT As part of our efforts at bringing restoration in the city of Austin, Sherry Birk and I met up with Alissa Magrum and Katherine Houck from Communities in Schools at Dawson Elementary today. This was our first meeting to discuss conducting an ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/give-us-hearts-of-servants/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/give-us-hearts-of-servants/ Thu, 08 May 2008 05:30:30 GMT When my wife and I were married, we took communion with one another. In doing so we wanted to commune with Christ, and set the trajectory for the rest of our lives to live as servants toward one another and toward others. When listening to ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/the-gospel-reconciles/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/the-gospel-reconciles/ Sat, 19 Apr 2008 05:50:00 GMT The gospel reconciles. Both between God and man, and between man and man. What todays market forces, politics and pride drive apart in our culture, the gospel brings together. Scripture tells us that the gospel brought together both Jew and ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/a-theology-as-big-as-austin-part-2/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/a-theology-as-big-as-austin-part-2/ Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:27:19 GMT This is part 2 of ‘A Theology As Big As Austin' which are my reflections on Bakke's reflections from A Theology As Big As The City. _____________________________________________________________________ Bakke's Reflection on ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/a-theology-as-big-as-austin-part-1/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/a-theology-as-big-as-austin-part-1/ Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:28:16 GMT I have recently been working my way through a wonderful book by Ray Bakke, entitled A Theology As Big As The City. The book seeks to show the reader how God views the city, as revealed through the scriptures, beginning with Genesis and ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/its-my-park-day/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/its-my-park-day/ Tue, 01 Apr 2008 02:45:31 GMT Soma Austin will be participating in the annual 'It's My Park! Day' with the Austin Parks Foundation, the Greenbelt Guardians and other community participants as we work to restore our community parks. It's My Park! Day is on April 12th ... http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/welcome-to-soma-austin/ http://www.somaaustin.org/soma-austin-blog/welcome-to-soma-austin/ Wed, 12 Mar 2008 05:57:37 GMT Welcome to Soma Austin Community Church's website!  We have intentionally built this website to communicate who we are, our love for God, our heart for the city and our heart for the people of the city.  We have also designed this ...