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. 

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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.

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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

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Theresa Beaton

Beaton's Fine Catering

Washington, D.C.

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Sarah Jones, LMSW

Lena Pope

Fort Worth, Texas

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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

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Joshua Mata

Water Resources Design Engineer

Freese and Nichols, Inc. Austin

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​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

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Rev. Alfred Walker

Community Regional Minister for Reconciliation & Anti-Racism

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Southwest

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​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!

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As costs rise, your contributions keep participant fees steady by supporting mission weeks or summer staff expenses.

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Thank you so much for your donation! 

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