You may have heard of a little thing coming to town called South by Southwest (SXSW). For both of you reading this who don’t know what that is, SXSW is one of the biggest art, music, business and tech gatherings in the world, and for a couple of weeks in March every year, the eyes of the world turn towards Austin to hear about what’s next in our world.

A few years ago, some Christian faith leaders in Austin wondered how churches might be able to represent the person of Christ well and to make a difference at the event, and out of that dream, something called SVC was born (shorthand for “Service”).

SVC occupies its unique space at SXSW–a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday filled with speakers, music, food trucks, panels, art and vendor markets, service opportunities, and more to bring together Christian faith and thought leaders to dream about a better future.

You can check out its list of speakers and performers here.

Now in its third year, SVC’s impact is growing, and I wanted to introduce some opportunities to you to perhaps attend, participate, and serve as you hang out in downtown Austin with a lot of great people. Best of all, SVC is free to attend–if you register per event.

You can sign up below to register to:

– attend, hang out and browse over the weekend
(I heard there may be free BBQ Friday night and Saturday afternoon)

– serve in some way

– pray for individuals who come into the prayer tent

Also, if you’re so inclined, both Gaylen Washington, an elder here at Mosaic, and myself (Morgan) will be on panels there this year, both on Sunday afternoon (March 9).

Gaylen’s is at 2 pm, and is called “New Wine Skins: How Technology is Shaping the Church.”

Mine (Morgan’s) is at 4 pm, and I’ll be interviewing Dr. Carlos Campo, the CEO of the Museum of the Bible, in Washington, D.C. Ours is called “The Bible: Past, Present, and Future.”

Each panel is about 45 minutes to an hour long.

Regardless of whether or not you come to hear us contribute, you’re welcome to attend, serve, and make an impact in Austin in the cultural center of a cultural capital in our nation.

I hope to see you there!