Covering the Limelight in ATX: Citywide Good Friday Service At Erwin Center

Christians from all around Central Texas gathered at the University of Texas' Frank Erwin Center on March 30, 2018 to celebrate their faith with a citywide Good Friday Service. In addition to the presentation of the gospel message of salvation, the service also featured a concert by the internationally renowned Christian group Newsboys.

This was the ninth year that the non-profit Serve Our City brought together faith leaders from more than a dozen churches in the greater Austin area to present a citywide worship service that was open to all people of the community. Over 300 churches in the area participated in the service and there were over 16,000 people in attendance.

The congregation was lead in worship songs by a 100-voice combined chorus and band members from many local churches. Worship songs included "The Great I Am," "I Am Not Forgotten," "This I Believe," and "This Is Amazing Grace," just to name a few.

The service was lead by Pastor Randy Phillips (member of the group Phillips, Craig and Dean) of LifeAustin. Other speakers during the service included Pastor Tim Hawks of Hill Country Bible Church, Pastor Rob Koke and his wife Laura Koke of Shoreline Christian Center, and Pastor Gaylon Clark of Greater Mt Zion Baptist Church.

Pastors from greater Austin area lead by Randy Phillips

Pastor Randy Phillips

Pastor Tim Hawks

Pastor Rob Koke and Laura Koke

Pastor Gaylon Clark

During the service, the Austin Police Department and Chief Brian Manley were honored for their work during the month of March while dealing with disturbing bombing events in our city.

Police and city officials pray for Police Chief Manley and victims

Austin Police Chief Brian Manley

Austin Police Chief Brian Manley honored by Councilwoman Ellen Troxclair

The Refuge

While the service was free to the public, each year Serve Our City chooses an organization to sponsor during the Good Friday service so that our community can give back. This year the organization was The Refuge for DMST (Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking). The Refuge is building a long-term, residential, therapeutic community for girls who have been rescued out of sex trafficking. During the service Pastor Phillips asked the crowd to take out their phones and help support this cause.

Newsboys

At the conclusion of the special service, the congregation was treated to a very powerful concert by the multiple Dove Award winning and Grammy nominated group, Newsboys.

Newsboys

Michael Tait

Newsboys members include lead vocalist Michael Tait, guitarist Jody David, drummer Duncan Phillips, and keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein.

Newsboys

Michael Tait

Jeff Frankenstein

Jody Davis

Duncan Phillips

Michael Tait

Newsboys are known for their songs "We Believe," "He Reigns, "God's Not Dead," "Something Beautiful," "Your Love Never Fails," and "I Am Free," to name a few.