Hi Church,

Today’s enews is a bit of hodgepodge as we provide some updates for this weekend and the weeks to come.

First, worship this Sunday, especially indoor at the PEC, will look a little different. The process of restoring the water damage means that we’ll need to orient things differently, and those attending will need to enter through the back patio, as opposed to the side entrance. The weather is also looking potentially rainy so please keep an eye out for an email regarding the 9 am service. Never a dull day in the time of Covid! You can sign up for both services here. 

Second, also regarding our corporate worship. Beginning this Sunday, we’ll be offering communion with both elements, the bread and wine, at the in-person services. Communion is just as valid “in one kind” but there is something powerful about partaking of both elements together; they are a vivid reminder of Christ’s love and sacrifice for us. If you can’t join us in person please let us know and a clergy person can bring consecrated elements to you in the following week. 

Third, this Sunday we are welcoming Rondell Trevino, following worship for a discussion regarding “A Theology of Immigration.” Rondell is the executive director of The Immigration Coalition and a pastor at Hope Community Church. Rondell is a gifted teacher and so very thoughtful around this complex and timely issue. I’ve had the privilege of hearing him speak regarding this and I’m excited for us to hear him together. Perhaps you’ve been curious regarding the Biden administrations approach, which has been in the news, or simply want to know about how to show Christ’s love to our immigrant neighbors. Whatever your perspective, I encourage you to join us at 1pm on Zoom. 

Fourth, our staff, and specifically Sarah, have been working hard on how to safely resume in-person childcare. We have set up some policies and procedures to help make this as safe as possible, and will communicate more about those next week. We anticipate beginning with a combined class of Seeds and Seedlings, ages 0-4, in the next couple of weeks, and adding a Sprouts/Roots on March 28th. Registration for childcare will be available on the same form as corporate worship and spots will be limited. 

Fifth, weather permitting, we’ll be gathering tomorrow morning from 9 to 11 am to participate in a Keep Austin Beautiful effort. Email Sarah if you’re planning to come, and we’ll send out word early on Saturday if we need to cancel. I’m excited about participating in this simple way of service to our community! 

In Christ, 

Peter+

Ps. This Lent our staff team is fasting on Tuesdays together and memorizing Luke 6:12-49, Jesus’ sermon on the plain. On the Tuesdays that we fast, when we have staff meeting, we’re also praying for something specific regarding COTC. This past week we prayed that God would give us all an increased hunger for the word of God, and we’ll be praying for your renewal and joy in the weeks to come. Feel free to join us in fasting or memorization! If you’re interested in learning about the method we’re using, check out thisvideo featuring an innocent and fresh-faced Father Nick.