A Vital Organization
Hi Church!
Every new membership class we mention two true statements about the church. First, that it is a living organism, animated by the Holy Spirit and consisting of our fellowship with God and each other. Second, we talk about how the church is a vital organization, a human institution with structure and norms, with primacy of place in God's kingdom coming to earth.
These dual identities are especially present on this upcoming Sunday. First, we’ll gather for worship as we normally do, celebrating together the goodness of God through Word and Sacrament. Following the service, we will have a special Parish Meeting. These meetings are an expression and part of our work as a Gospel-embodying institution. Even if you are not formally a member, I encourage you to be there! We usually have one meeting a year, but at this meeting we’ll be talking about a new church constitution as well as our (the Coelhos) upcoming sabbatical.
Regarding the sabbatical, Shannon, Lucy, Emmett and I are gratefully receiving this gift at the end of this April (April 19th will be our final Sunday before going) and we will be back at the beginning of August. We are really excited! At the meeting on Sunday, we’ll be communicating about some of the details of the sabbatical and also what it will mean in terms of operations and life here at COTC. I’m grateful for the strength of leadership in our community that we have this joyful opportunity.
Lastly, this Sunday at the meeting we’ll be celebrating our fourth birthday as a church! The actual date was a few weeks ago, but we’ve moved the celebration this year to this week and kept things low-key with just a cake. I’m sure we’ll blow it out next year for our fifth! I am so grateful to God for his provision and guidance of our life together.
In Christ,
Peter+