Trinity on the Border
Hello from Harlingen!
As some of y’all will remember, earlier in the spring we announced an opportunity to participate with Trinity on the Border, a ministry of our diocese in the Rio Grande Valley. For reasons of timing, the opportunity to come in the spring didn’t work out. However, as we seek to grow to as church of the sake of others, Paul and I had the opportunity to visit Michael and Erica Jarrett who head up this ministry for a few days this week to find out more about their work and lives here in Harlingen. Some of you have had Michael pray in your home through the online ministry, the Trinity Mission!
Just today we were able to go with them to a local health clinic for Harlingen’s indigent population and participate in a prayer service for healing. We also crossed the border to visit a school for the deaf and an orphanage. The Jarrett’s play a role in supporting these ministries while also working to establish an Anglican church and ministry in Harlingen. They’re home and days are marked by lovely rhythms of prayer and service in the name of Jesus. It has been a privilege to be with them. I’m humbled by their perseverance and risk-taking faith, and am encouraged by how the Lord is using them along the border. Please join me in praying for them and for the kingdom of God to come in this part of our state.
As we enter more fully into ordinary time and into the summer, we’re going to be slowing down a little. We are a deliberately not calendaring as much during the month July, before things gear back up in August. So much of our year and our lives is characterized by fullness; these times of rest and slowing down a little are essential. Whether traveling or in Austin I hope that you get the chance to slow down. Remember, if traveling, you can track with COTC sermons here.
Related to summer rest, The Garden, our children’s formation will take a break for six weeks during July and the beginning of August. Nursery will still be available during the service and we will have some kid’s activities for those above four-years-old who will be staying in the service. This allows our volunteers a much-deserved break (especially after our VBS at the end of June!) and provides some space for planning for the year ahead. I’m looking forward to having our kids worship with us for the duration of the service during these weeks, their participation with us is a blessing and an important part of their own formation.
Grace and peace,
Peter+