Our Story

“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted

  and saves the crushed in spirit.” ~Psalm 34:18

The seeds for Peace of Christ began in Spring 2012, when Travis Bundrick, with the Williamson Baptist Association, placed a print ad in the Williamson Sun, inviting people to attend a meeting about forming a new progressive, contemplative, liturgical church. It would ordain women, be inclusive, and encourage spiritual formation.

Anna Swisher, Heather and Cam Scott signed on early, and Aurelia Pratt and Kyle Tubbs were brought on as the first staff members. Everything fell into place once they accepted their new jobs! At first, we met at Lyle Pratt’s parents’ home. Originally, the church was named Grace Baptist Church. Our first service in the chapel at the Texas Baptist Children’s Home was small in number, but already offered a sense of belonging. Some people came for a season. Some came out of broken spirits, broken hearts, a sense of “done,” even steeped in deep grief and sorrow. Others came in joy and enthusiasm, like the Pratts, the Scotts, the Tubbs, the Browns, and the Hanzelkas!

As the unholy alliance between extreme politics and certain factions of the United States church grew

more enmeshed, the need for people of good and simple faith to say, “We are not that kind of church!”

also grew. When we as a body voted to change the name to “Peace of Christ,” there was unity.

Somehow, diverse people found us, tentatively reaching out for Christ and community, many after

hurtful, spiritually abusive church experiences, some with positive spirituality, and some with no beliefs

at all. All are welcome. We have found a safe home in which to vent, hear, listen, and validate. To

question, to heal, to love, and to serve this broken world again.

Unlike many faith communities who lost members during the pandemic, Peace of Christ grew

exponentially, seamlessly moving into virtual services and meeting experiences. It was such a joy when

we finally met together for Easter services in 2022, outside at Spirit Reins Ranch!

Here at Peace of Christ, we learn meditation, contemplation, centering prayer, and the beauty of

refilling one’s spiritual cup. This renewal helps us pour out God’s love to others. What does this look like

at Peace? Social justice for the refugees at our borders and within our cities, equity, inclusion, and

respect for our non-cis neighbors, support for the marginalized and the “less than” in our corner of the

world. Learning to live sustainably, and truly steward the earth, not deplete nor exploit it.

Children are celebrated at Peace of Christ. We treasure our babies and our squirmy little ones. We value

their questions and energy. They are taken seriously, and given real serving opportunities as they grow,

not just token ones. What a blessing to have so many babies born and so many children flourish! And to

see that they are welcome to dance in the aisles! Watching them grow from babies into thoughtful, kind

teens inspires hope in these dark days.

All are welcome, to paraphrase our beloved liturgist, Fran, as “we bring the world to life.” We hope you

will be a part of Peace of Christ for decades to come.

“He will not cry out or raise His voice, nor make His voice heard in the streets. A bruised reed He will not

break and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow

weak or discouraged before He has established justice on the earth.” ~ Isaiah 42: 2-4