Alpha
Ekklesia of Texas joined leaders from several churches to do a city wide Alpha meeting for people who live in the Downtown Austin area. There were 3 groups of 5-12 people who met for 11 weeks to watch the Alpha films and discuss Jesus. These meeting were in downtown ATX in a high-rise overlooking Lady Bird Lake. Churches represented were KingsPorch, Ekklesia of Texas, Calvary Chapel Leander, HCBC, YWAM, Christ Church, Bethel, Austin Chinese Church and others. The groups had dynamic discussion about who Jesus said He was and the significance He plays in the world. After the series concluded there was a baptism at Barton Springs for those who wanted to be baptized. Five people accepted Christ and are currently doing follow up with the leaders and helpers of ATX Alpha. Nic Miller and Kira Fontana were the Austin Alpha directors and key leaders for the series. If you would like to find out more about Austin Alpha or support their cause, go to atxalpha.org for more information. The next series will begin January 2024.
Freedom Celebrations
To celebrate our freedom on July 4th weekend, Ekklesia of Texas and Joy512 joined the Ramjaane Joshua Foundation and welcomed immigrants from Africa and other countries to the US by celebrating the Freedom God has given Americans. Many of these immigrants come to the US legally and therefore have learned our US Constitution so celebrating these “new freedoms” is a Milestone for their families. There was homemade food served from East African counties, messages and worship on Freedom along with dances from different countries. The East African dances are done in worship to our Creator and the sense of the Holy Spirit joining us “Where two or three are gathered in My Name” was overwhelming. Westover Church on Mesa Dr. Graciously hosted the event and attendance was over 700. For more information go to http://www.ramjannefoundation.org
JOY 512
Joy512 has been having explosive growth with listeners, texting clubs and social engagements over the last few months. Thousands are now experiencing JOY512 and engaging in community events in the area that glory our God.
JOY512 started out the Summer with the Encounter the Light concert at the Long Center, then Freedom Celebrations with the Ramjaane Foundation for immigrants, followed by supporting the 60th Anniversary Walk for MLK’s “I have a Dream” speech at the Capitol and Waterloo Park and promoting unity in the Austin area. For more information go to https://www.dreamtogether2030.com/. Joy512 also supported the Fearless2 Conference by the Bastrop Prayer and Healing Room. Hundreds attended to conference to find Freedom in Christ and lose the overwhelming since of Fear they experience. www.fearless2.org
Supporting local worship and worship in the Austin Metro is key to bringing true JOY to our city. Therefore, JOY512 continues to support local worship by airing “Austin Worship” every Sunday for 24 hours a day. This on-air program features worship songs that are performed, recorded, composed and written right here in the ATX area. In addition to supporting local worship JOY512 has spent the Summer supporting worship concerts in the ATX area by some of the biggest names in the industry. MercyMe, Casting Crown, Brandon Lake have been our Summer Concert focus this year. Look for upcoming shows by Phil Wickham and others this Fall/Winter. Go to joy512.com/events for information.
Austin Worship
Every Sunday, JOY 512 focuses on local worship in the Austin area with our show “Austin Worship”. Austin Worship airs for 24 hours each Sunday and every hour plays worship leaders and artists in the Central Texas Area. Many of the songs are written, produced, recorded and composed right here in Austin. The local community comes together every week for worship in every part of the Austin metro. Just think, you get to hear local artists from all denominations and styles in one place. Joy 512 believes our Father is pleased with our local worship and that it glories Him and blesses all of those who listen. Tune in this Sunday by visiting http://www.joy512.com/listen, on Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or via Bluetooth. You can also download the mobile app at http://joy512.com/app/
Generous Java
Generous Java began offering highly discounted wholesale coffee for churches and businesses in September. The Generous Java program helps organizations and those they serve learn about biblical generosity over a good cup of coffee. The invitation is open to take advantage of the great coffee we offer while learning how your personal and corporate generosity can be put to good use for local charities. Please visit www.generousjava.org or email info@generousjava.org.
Education Connection
Fearless 2
Fearless2, a two-day conference in Bastrop, Texas hosted by the Bastrop Prayer and Healing Rooms along with area churches trained people to be loving and fearless caregivers. Several teachers and trainers included Ekklesia of Texas’s founding pastor, Dr. David Carolan. He led the group in understanding how God’s love propels us into joy and allows us to fulfill the scriptural commandments to “fear not.” A key takeaway was that our joy with God allows us to love even our enemies. https://www.fearless2.org/
203 Ekklesia
MEET THE TEAM
- Mel Jones, Executive Director: Served as General Manager of Spirit 105.9. Previously VP of Sales at iHeart Radio over a cluster of 6 stations. Mel was at iHeart Radio for 21 years and in media and marketing since 1981. Developed marketing plans for national, regional and local businesses. Managed teams of 50+. Fluent in broadcast, print, outdoor and digital marketing.
- Dr. David Carolan, Founding Pastor: David helps people discover joy while catalyzing spiritual formation and discipleship. His research and teaching on joy (and rejoicing) are based upon the biblical record and its terms, Christian history, writings of theologians, and neuroscience and its proof of biblical accuracy. He leverages his years of pastoral care situations deploying the Life/Maturity and Intimacy Counseling Models and almost 30 years in executive leadership and coaching. As an advisor and life coach, he provides insights into how love and joy are two priorities of God for Christian flourishing.
- Alysa Reutov, VP of Administration: Holds a Master’s in Business Administration. Extensive experience in marketing and communications, social media, website development, and event planning.
NEW AND UPCOMING
Cityside360 – Worship and Prayer: Every 4th Sunday at Butler Park
Follow the Star – December 7-9, JOY 512 will be on site!
Phil Wickham 11/30 Austin Ridge Bible Church
For King and Country Concert get-a-way with Joy 512 – Stay Tuned!