It is really interesting to me how important "Third spaces" seem to be, especially in smaller communities among the Bible Belt. I am a minister in Granbury, Tx a small (though growing) lake town south of FT worth. There is a church on every corner and a church small group meeting in what seems like every other house.
In the past 2 years, our church (FCC Granbury) has taken on the initiative to offer a 3rd space that exists to offer space for folks who may have church baggage or who aren't comfortable within the traditional confines of "churchy" spaces but are interested in spiritual/theological questions and seeking without expectation. We meet in homes, bars, coffee shops, at parks, by creeks, in yoga studios, around labyrinths, and most recently in cemeteries. It has been a transformative and meaningful experience to hold space in these tensions and I think it is SO important to have spaces that function in this way, especially in towns where its seems that the default is traditional Christian values and practice as the only way to engage in community.
We know where Granbury is! One of our friends from college (we've lost touch now) is from there, and we lived in the metroplex for five years. Thank you for offering this to the people of your town-- would love to hear more about what you're doing and how it's going.
Very cool! I wouldn't be surprised if there were a number of connection in our worlds! Granbury is.... interesting.... especially for a pastor on the more progressive end of the theological/sociological spectrum. But the idea for third space really came out of the conviction that there are folks, even here in the Bible Belt buckle of Granbury Texas, that need community and spirituality differently than it is being offered all around them. We are grateful to be able to offer space for some of that!
We try to host one gathering a month depending on the busyness of the season and logistical difficulties of getting together. Our main goal is to offer space physically and spiritually that is free of theological or religious expectation and we generally have anywhere from 5-15 folks that attend. We usually spend time on a particular discussion topic or activity. Anything from music to yoga to collage making. Conversation is usually of a spiritual nature but we work hard to make it accessible to any tradition and often talk about much of the overlap of religious tradition and practice.
We have had intergenerational Third Space events in which kids were invited to go on a nature scavenger hunt with a guide while their respective adults went on a nature hike to spend time in silence and reflection. Or we've sat around drinking mimosas by the creek talking about Indigenous Native Spirituality while the kids explore for minnows and frogs.
Most of our gatherings include some kind of shared meal, whether it is potluck style, prepared charcuterie, or biscuits and gravy with those mimosas...
I think one of my favorite times together so far has been our cemetery visit. We created a playlist of music that helped us to reflect on the nature of death. We shared names of loved ones who have died, and we spent time walking through a couple different cemeteries in Granbury. one in particular that is the resting place for some of the family of the founders of FCC Granbury 150 years ago....
I could ramble forever... there are so many things about it that I love and still so much we haven't ventured into and that we have to learn. It's not perfect, and sometimes it's awkward... but that is just kinda how it goes sometimes...
We are definitely still learning, ourselves! But, I do think it is a worthwhile endeavor to bring folks together just to hold space for one another wherever and however we are.
My husband and I graduated from HSU in 1991. I am reading “Better Ways…” now, was in Abilene and Brownwood just this past week at a lecture series at HPU in honor of my dad. It was great to be back for a visit. We live in Montrose, CO, 34 years now. When will you be in Denver?
I love the idea of third spaces. Book stores, coffee shops, yoga studios, backyards, lakes, mountains and homes are where I live.
Funny, as I was traveling home, I was planning a Texas road trip in my head and Restore Austin was one of my stops.
We would love to have you at Restore! Feel free to message us in advance so we can find you and say hi. Zach was at Denver Community Church a couple of weeks ago-- sorry you missed him!
I just drove back from Abilene on Saturday! It is my hometown (my parents went McMurray and stayed there to raise a family). This last weekend I went to visit my mom for her birthday and give her your signed book as her gift! I am going back next month and will visit Seven and One. Fun fact- I also attended my first No Kings there in June. It was impressive.
There were about 6 counter protestors there wearing assault rifles. But the speakers - many clergy, many veterans- were awesome and the police on horseback did a phenomenal job keeping counter protestors separated from the NK demonstrators.
Beautiful piece. It reminds me that sacred space doesn’t need stained glass or sermons. Sometimes it’s a bookstore with rain on the windows, coffee on the counter, and people brave enough to question what they were told was unquestionable. The Spirit loves to hide in small towns like that, waiting for someone to notice that community is the real theology.
Love this. When official church doors narrow, the Spirit keeps sneaking in through side doors—bookshops, kitchens, living rooms—where people finally feel seen. Seven and One sounds like a true little ecclesia, and Arlene a pastor in bookseller clothes. Thanks for reminding us to build sanctuaries wherever love can gather.
From how you describe it, my church happens to be a Third Space for me, and to a certain extent, my wife. I'm fairly certain how people voted cuts across all partisan lines, and from the conversation, it's fairly clear where people stand in that regard. The bookstore in Abilene sure seems like a welcome and welcoming spot...if I ever make my way to Texas, I'll look on a map and see if I'm within three hours of it! (I'm in the Maryland/DC area, a world apart, as you no doubt guessed.)
"Third Spaces". Hmm. Never heard of them until now, forgive my naivete, but I think that's indicative of how uneven knowledge and communication is in this country. Without over-generalizing, I think Americans are almost unique in assuming others know what they know, or have heard what they've heard. In most other parts of the world, there may be more overt hostility, more blatant lies told, etc., but also more direct knowledge of what foes stand for.
Just my thoughts, not necessarily proclaiming This Is The Truth - LOL! I could provide an example or two.
Thank you, friend! Come back anytime!
Loved being with y'all!
Can't wait to be back again :)
Abilene! I still have my “Keep Abilene Boring” shirt from Monks
Pleeeeease wear it on a Sunday, Ryan!
I haven't seen one in years!
It is really interesting to me how important "Third spaces" seem to be, especially in smaller communities among the Bible Belt. I am a minister in Granbury, Tx a small (though growing) lake town south of FT worth. There is a church on every corner and a church small group meeting in what seems like every other house.
In the past 2 years, our church (FCC Granbury) has taken on the initiative to offer a 3rd space that exists to offer space for folks who may have church baggage or who aren't comfortable within the traditional confines of "churchy" spaces but are interested in spiritual/theological questions and seeking without expectation. We meet in homes, bars, coffee shops, at parks, by creeks, in yoga studios, around labyrinths, and most recently in cemeteries. It has been a transformative and meaningful experience to hold space in these tensions and I think it is SO important to have spaces that function in this way, especially in towns where its seems that the default is traditional Christian values and practice as the only way to engage in community.
We know where Granbury is! One of our friends from college (we've lost touch now) is from there, and we lived in the metroplex for five years. Thank you for offering this to the people of your town-- would love to hear more about what you're doing and how it's going.
Very cool! I wouldn't be surprised if there were a number of connection in our worlds! Granbury is.... interesting.... especially for a pastor on the more progressive end of the theological/sociological spectrum. But the idea for third space really came out of the conviction that there are folks, even here in the Bible Belt buckle of Granbury Texas, that need community and spirituality differently than it is being offered all around them. We are grateful to be able to offer space for some of that!
We try to host one gathering a month depending on the busyness of the season and logistical difficulties of getting together. Our main goal is to offer space physically and spiritually that is free of theological or religious expectation and we generally have anywhere from 5-15 folks that attend. We usually spend time on a particular discussion topic or activity. Anything from music to yoga to collage making. Conversation is usually of a spiritual nature but we work hard to make it accessible to any tradition and often talk about much of the overlap of religious tradition and practice.
We have had intergenerational Third Space events in which kids were invited to go on a nature scavenger hunt with a guide while their respective adults went on a nature hike to spend time in silence and reflection. Or we've sat around drinking mimosas by the creek talking about Indigenous Native Spirituality while the kids explore for minnows and frogs.
Most of our gatherings include some kind of shared meal, whether it is potluck style, prepared charcuterie, or biscuits and gravy with those mimosas...
I think one of my favorite times together so far has been our cemetery visit. We created a playlist of music that helped us to reflect on the nature of death. We shared names of loved ones who have died, and we spent time walking through a couple different cemeteries in Granbury. one in particular that is the resting place for some of the family of the founders of FCC Granbury 150 years ago....
I could ramble forever... there are so many things about it that I love and still so much we haven't ventured into and that we have to learn. It's not perfect, and sometimes it's awkward... but that is just kinda how it goes sometimes...
This is seriously amazing. GREAT work, Austin!
This is SO cool, Austin! We have a lot to learn from y'all!
We are definitely still learning, ourselves! But, I do think it is a worthwhile endeavor to bring folks together just to hold space for one another wherever and however we are.
My husband and I graduated from HSU in 1991. I am reading “Better Ways…” now, was in Abilene and Brownwood just this past week at a lecture series at HPU in honor of my dad. It was great to be back for a visit. We live in Montrose, CO, 34 years now. When will you be in Denver?
I love the idea of third spaces. Book stores, coffee shops, yoga studios, backyards, lakes, mountains and homes are where I live.
Funny, as I was traveling home, I was planning a Texas road trip in my head and Restore Austin was one of my stops.
We would love to have you at Restore! Feel free to message us in advance so we can find you and say hi. Zach was at Denver Community Church a couple of weeks ago-- sorry you missed him!
Sorry I missed you in Denver, but always great to connect with other HSU grads! Cowboy Up!
I just drove back from Abilene on Saturday! It is my hometown (my parents went McMurray and stayed there to raise a family). This last weekend I went to visit my mom for her birthday and give her your signed book as her gift! I am going back next month and will visit Seven and One. Fun fact- I also attended my first No Kings there in June. It was impressive.
I had no idea, Linda! Would love to know what your mom thinks of the book :)
That's so cool you went to No Kings there!
There were about 6 counter protestors there wearing assault rifles. But the speakers - many clergy, many veterans- were awesome and the police on horseback did a phenomenal job keeping counter protestors separated from the NK demonstrators.
Good old Abilene
Yes, you were there, too! Good to hear from you, friend
Miss you bro!
So sorry to have missed the chance to hug your necks! Love your writing ❤️,
L. Pogue
Sorry to have missed you too!
Beautiful piece. It reminds me that sacred space doesn’t need stained glass or sermons. Sometimes it’s a bookstore with rain on the windows, coffee on the counter, and people brave enough to question what they were told was unquestionable. The Spirit loves to hide in small towns like that, waiting for someone to notice that community is the real theology.
Love this. When official church doors narrow, the Spirit keeps sneaking in through side doors—bookshops, kitchens, living rooms—where people finally feel seen. Seven and One sounds like a true little ecclesia, and Arlene a pastor in bookseller clothes. Thanks for reminding us to build sanctuaries wherever love can gather.
Amen!
From how you describe it, my church happens to be a Third Space for me, and to a certain extent, my wife. I'm fairly certain how people voted cuts across all partisan lines, and from the conversation, it's fairly clear where people stand in that regard. The bookstore in Abilene sure seems like a welcome and welcoming spot...if I ever make my way to Texas, I'll look on a map and see if I'm within three hours of it! (I'm in the Maryland/DC area, a world apart, as you no doubt guessed.)
"Third Spaces". Hmm. Never heard of them until now, forgive my naivete, but I think that's indicative of how uneven knowledge and communication is in this country. Without over-generalizing, I think Americans are almost unique in assuming others know what they know, or have heard what they've heard. In most other parts of the world, there may be more overt hostility, more blatant lies told, etc., but also more direct knowledge of what foes stand for.
Just my thoughts, not necessarily proclaiming This Is The Truth - LOL! I could provide an example or two.
I love that your church is your Third Space! That’s exactly what we’re trying to do at Restore.