Who We Are
Rev. Mary Lu Johnston
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Mary Lu loves working with youth and youth leaders! She has worked with youth as an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) for over 35 years. Mary Lu has directed and/or written curriculum for youth retreats, camps, and mission trips. She has led weekly multi-congregation youth ministries that included Disciples of Christ, United Church of Christ, Presbyterian USA, United Methodist, and Alliance Baptist youth.
Unable to find fully-planned, justice-focused, welcoming youth mission trip opportunities centered in progressive theology, Mary Lu and her colleague, Rev. Tim Tutt, founded Reach Beyond Mission in 2012.
Mary Lu is married to Ted, an attorney with the State of Texas. Mary Lu and Ted love spending time with their two adult children: Virginia, a PhD student at the University of Chicago Divinity School; and Madeline, a Social Worker and law student at the University of Texas.
A graduate of Texas Christian University and Brite Divinity School, Mary Lu served congregations in Texas, most recently at University Christian Church Austin for over 16 years.
Mary Lu is an accomplished pianist, takes a weekly tap class, and enjoys popcorn and a good movie.
Board of Directors
Rev. Dr. Timothy Tutt, Co-Founder
Pastor, Westmoreland Congregational Church
Bethesda, Maryland
Cathleen Parsley, JD, Board President
Former Chief Administrative Law Judge
State of Texas
Theresa Beaton
Beaton's Fine Catering
Washington, D.C.
Sarah Jones, LMSW
Lena Pope
Fort Worth, Texas
Kimberly Kofron
Director of Early Childhood Education
Children at Risk, Texas
Rev. Dr. Andy Mangum
Regional Minister
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Southwest
Joshua Mata
Water Resources Design Engineer
Freese and Nichols, Inc. Austin
Ann McGinley
Former Director of Enforcement
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Nash
Heart of Texas Association Minister
South Central Conference United Church of Christ
Rev. Alfred Walker
Community Regional Minister for Reconciliation & Anti-Racism
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Southwest
Angela Woodland
Managing Director, HR Operations
Filtration Group Austin
Reach Beyond Mission is a 501 (c)(3) organization affiliated with
The National Benevolent Association, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Southwest
The United Church of Christ
Reach Beyond Mission welcomes everyone
regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation
Reach Beyond Mission leads mission trips in the United States
for middle and high school church youth groups.
We are related to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and The United Church of Christ.
Your tax deductible financial contribution is an investment in life-changing experiences!
As costs rise, your contributions keep participant fees steady by supporting mission weeks or summer staff expenses.
Thank you so much for your donation!
15907 Braesgate Drive
Austin, Texas 78717
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