Hi COTC Family,

It has been wonderful to worship together these past weeks! The opportunity to sing and pray together, see one another and receive from the Lord in His Word and at His table is one that we will likely not take for granted again. Just the other week, a guest commented that “the joy of the Lord is in this place!” 

As I’m sure most of you are aware of, covid cases and hospitalizations are increasing in the Austin area. Austin Public Health has communicated that a move to Stage 4 for their guidelines is imminent. By the time you read this we me already be in that stage. Stage 4 includes the recommendation that all people, vaccinated or not, wear masks in public places indoor. 

A couple of thoughts on this: First, this is a disheartening reality. We can rejoice that vaccines are readily available and effective in limiting serious infections. Hospitalizations and deaths are less likely because of the prevalence of vaccinations. But we also remember in prayer those experiencing real suffering in the pandemic and those working hard for its end. Second, we want to do our best to participate in those practices that protect our neighbors, especially the most vulnerable. We have a lot of children who are under the age at which they can be vaccinated, we can be grateful that the risk of serious illness for them is very low. We also must consider the part we can play in limiting their exposure and limiting the potential spread from them to others. Third, gathering in worship together and singing songs is an activity that appears to make the spread of the disease more likely. Wearing masks during this time seems reasonable while in Stage Four. 

All that to say, we’re asking that anyone who can wear a mask this Sunday in worship does so. This is certainly not a fun change for our worship (masks stink, often literally!), and we’re all so weary of these realities, but masking is a simple step to protect and love others. We’re specifically asking that you mask during the singing portions of the service, there will be less need to mask during the sermon. We’re going to do this in charity and with grace, and our hope is that we can return to worship without masks shortly. 

You can see here for CDC guidelines regarding masks and children. With the Garden activities outside this week again, there is no need for kids to mask there. Nursery workers are vaccinated and will be masked. 

Beyond this change, everything about our worship will remain as it has these past joyful weeks. The leadership of the church will plan to monitor this situation weekly and keep you updated. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Thanks for your patience, flexibility, and grace as we seek to worship God and persevere in what is good.

In Christ, 

Peter+ 

Ps. This past Thursday was the Feast of Mary Magdalene, a model of faithful witness and a lived testimony to Jesus’ power to deliver and heal us. Here is the prayer appointed for July 22nd, "Almighty God, whose blessed Son restored Mary Magdalene to health of body and of mind, and called her to be a witness of his resurrection: Mercifully grant that by your grace we may be healed from all our infirmities and know you in the power of his unending life; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.