we are
embodied stories
molded and mended by Jesus
voyaging together
bearing love to every horizon
Embodied Stories
“Where have you come from, and where are you going?” (Genesis 16:8)
Like Hagar, met by an angelic messenger in the wilderness, many of us have stories of Divine encounter in the midst of seeming exile. At Vessel, we long for everyone to have a safe space to process and discern how our stories of struggle and healing uniquely direct us to participate in the larger story of God’s renewal of all things. Your story belongs here.
Molded & Mended by Jesus
“But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. ” (2 Corinthians 4:7)
In the Japanese art of kintsugi, broken fragments of pottery are bonded back together with golden lacquer, resulting in a mended vessel of strength and stunning beauty. The healing found in relationship to Jesus perfectly evokes this image; his grace radiating from every fracture. In following Jesus to the cross, we lay down the myriad deaths of sin, shame, trauma, addiction, fear/anxiety, and move toward a new wholeness as people of resurrection.
Voyaging Together
“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
In a hectic world, we need regular rhythms of togetherness, which not only remind us to slow down, but also to actively choose connection over isolation. Sharing our lives (in all of their messiness) is not always easy, but is a challenge which we believe is vital in shaping who we are called to be as the body of Christ. As we gather in living rooms and break bread around dining tables with both friend and former stranger, we embrace all that binds us, and release that which seeks to divide.
Bearing Love to Every Horizon
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:12-13)
When we say that all are welcome, we mean it. You are seen, known, and loved by God; full stop. Both women and men are celebrated in their equal call to teach and lead. We honor the diversity of God’s creation as it is reflected in the spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community. All people are made with inherent dignity and worth, and thereby invited to full participation in the collaborative life of the church.
Recipients of God’s radically inclusive love, our faithful response is to share that love both near (southwest Houston) and far (the neglected and marginalized of the city, the imprisoned, the unreached, and those in contexts of severe crisis around the globe) as we seek to be instruments of a grace and hope that changes everything.
pastor
-Mike Yager-
Ministry was never my plan, and frankly, life in the church often felt more a place of obligation and judgment than one of grace and genuine belonging (perhaps you can relate). And yet, over winding roads and occasionally perilous terrain (I’d love to swap stories), the loving hand of Jesus has steadfastly steered the course, even when I could not recognize it at the time.
We moved to the city of Meadows Place in the summer of 2022, and God quickly made it clear that our call was to plant and tend a faithful seed here in this unique and close-knit community on the outskirts of Southwest Houston. Though that meant taking a gigantic leap of faith away from our church home of sixteen years (and a team on which I had served for a decade), we said a prayerful yes, and Vessel began meeting in the fall of 2023. Now two years in, the path that God has set before us continues to be slowly revealed, and we are filled with deep gratitude for all who have prayed, supported, and especially those who continue to walk this journey of trust alongside us. Along with Lauren (married Jan ‘09), our amazing kids Miles (12) and Mara (10), and all who call Vessel home, we extend a loving invitation to join us in continuing to tend the soil.
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre - The University of Texas (Hook ‘Em) 2006
Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies - Fuller Theological Seminary 2021
Enneagram 4w3
Passions include: film & film criticism (writing on Substack), live theatre, birding, baking, the recovery community, D&D, reading with my kids, experiencing new cities, the diverse Houston food scene, and the Denver Nuggets
Leadership
VESSEL IS COMMUNITY LED, REPRESENTED BY A ROTATING BOARD WHO SERVE AS A GROUP CONSCIENCE AND HOLD THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DIRECTION AND VISION OF THE CHURCH.
2025 Volunteer Board
Kurt Kopczynski, Chairperson
Sharon Donia, Treasurer
Stacie Kopczynski
Cameron Miller
Lauren Yager
Mike Yager
This space will be updated to reflect any future changes to Bylaws and Board Roster, as well as minutes from board meetings as they are available.