Dear Church of the Cross Family,
We hope you are having a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. As we give thanks for God’s blessings, our church has one more gift to celebrate.
Over the past several months, the Search Committee conducted an exhaustive and Spirit-led discernment process—investing more than 700 combined hours in training, preparation, interviews, and prayerful reflection. It was hard work, but the Holy Spirit’s presence was felt throughout. We are overjoyed to share that the Search Committee unanimously recommended, and the Bishop’s Committee unanimously accepted, the call of The Rev. Christine Brunson to be our next Vicar. Rev. Christine has enthusiastically accepted this call.
Rev. Christine currently serves as an Associate Priest at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Austin, where she oversees ministries with veterans and children, and where she has revitalized the children and youth program following the pandemic. She has a shepherd’s heart and is deeply committed to meeting people wherever they are on their journey with Christ.
In addition to her parish ministry, Christine serves as an ongoing chaplain with Tania Glenn & Associates, providing pastoral care to first responders, veterans, aviation professionals, and their families. She is also the co-author of Dialed In: Trauma-Informed Care for First Responders and the Military. Her connection to those on the front lines of service runs deep. Rev Christine also established the Port of Houston chaplaincy for the Seamen’s Church Institute, partnering with the U.S. Coast Guard to provide pastoral care to mariners, shore-side personnel, and their families. She served as a Crisis and Disaster Response Chaplain when deployed to an incident.
Her earlier ministry experience includes serving as a Curate at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church and as a Seminarian at Trinity Episcopal Church in Marble Falls.
Her education and training include:
Master of Divinity, Seminary of the Southwest
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Clinical Pastoral Counseling
M.S. in Communication Sciences & Disorders, Baylor University
Rev. Christine brings to Church of the Cross a deep love for God’s people, a warm pastoral presence, and a passion for cultivating healthy, vibrant church communities. Throughout the interview process, she continually asked how the Search Committee was doing—recognizing the emotional and spiritual work that discernment requires. It was a small but telling reflection of her compassionate spirit. We are confident that her gifts align beautifully with the mission and hopes of our congregation.
Before responding to God's call to the priesthood, Christine was a speech pathologist, reflecting her deep listening skills.
Rev. Christine is the mother of a 1-year-old son, Lucas, who is the joy of her life, and her 10-year-old dog, Annie, who accompanies her on hikes.
Rev. Christine will begin her ministry with us on January 6, 2026. That evening, we will gather for a special welcome dinner and reception in her honor. She will serve her first Sunday with us on January 11.
Please join me in welcoming The Rev. Christine Brunson to Church of the Cross, Lake Travis. We are confident that, with God’s grace, this new chapter in our life together will be filled with growth, joy, and renewed purpose.
Please keep reading below for a special message from Rev. Christine.
Faithfully in Christ,
Troy Mechura
Senior Warden
Jerry Ramos
Search Committee Chair
Dear Church of the Cross,
My heart is full as I write to you. For the past several months, I have had the honor of walking with your Search Committee as we discussed, listened, discerned, and imagined what God might be preparing for this next season and our life together. Their generosity, honesty, and love for this parish have been a gift, and I am deeply grateful for the trust they, and your Bishop’s Committee, have extended to me to be your Vicar.
I am delighted to begin my time with you in January on Epiphany (1/6/26), a Feast that celebrates God’s light breaking into the world in surprising and tender ways. It feels like the perfect day for us to begin our life together!
In the months ahead, my first and most joyful work will be to listen…to your stories, your hopes, your history, and the ways the Holy Spirit is already moving among you. I cannot wait to get to know each of you, to learn this community’s rhythms, and to discover how we can follow Jesus together in this beautiful place.
Please know that I am praying for you, and I ask for your prayers for my family and me as well in this time of transition. I will be in touch soon with opportunities for conversation, coffee, and connection.
In Christ’s peace and with GREAT anticipation for the journey ahead,
