The Welcome Table

Juneteenth—short for "June Nineteenth"—is a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates the end of slavery. It marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom, more than two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. The holiday is deeply rooted in history, symbolizing both a delayed triumph and the ongoing journey toward true equality. Click here to read a history of Juneteenth

In commemoration of National Loving Day, this article highlights the history and evolution of interracial relationships in America since the landmark 1967 Supreme Court decision Loving v. Virginia. Through a series of personal interviews, multiracial Americans share their unique, often challenging childhood experiences with identity, exclusion, and systemic racism. Ultimately, the piece reflects on how navigating these diverse backgrounds has fostered deep empathy, a stronger sense of...

Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, New Life Lutheran Church in Dripping Springs rejects traditional walls to worship entirely outdoors beneath a canopy of oak trees. Led by the Rev. Candice Combs, this "inside-out" congregation fosters a deeply authentic community by connecting directly with creation, utilizing rustic limestone elements, and welcoming everyone—including roaming children and family dogs. Embracing the freedom from physical upkeep, the church is expanding its 12-acre property...