Hi Church, 

I hope you are having a happy and holy start to the season of Lent! 

With its penitential theme and our emphasis upon disciplines of withdrawal (fasting, silence, etc.) we can perhaps forget that our journey in this season can also involve positive engagement. Giving to the poor, extending ourselves in service and mission, and the pursuit of justice are all aspects of the “true fast” as Isaiah 58reminds us. In short, participation with God can be a part of our Lenten life and worship. Connected to this, a friend pointed out to me that today is the commemoration of the missionary priest Paul Cuffee.

I know many of you continue to follow along with the terrible situation in the Ukraine. As this grave situation unfolds, I am resting in the knowledge of Jesus’ sovereignty over nations and rulers. Every person, including the most powerful autocrats, answer to Him who is gentle and lowly. He remains on the throne, now and forever. As His beloved friends, let us lift our cares, concerns, and fears to Him. 

Last night the COTC missions team made financial contributions to two organizations serving the Ukraine. Sean James, a member of the team, is connected to this ministry supporting Ukrainian refugees. The Anglican Relief and Development Fund has procured a $100,000 matching gift related to those in need more generally. If you are interested in participating with God beyond prayer alone, you might consider giving a gift to one these organizations as well. 

Continuing with the theme of mission and participation with God, I want to introduce you to my friend, Father Jonathan Kindberg. Jonathan has been worshiping with us at COTC for the past few months as he concludes a sabbatical and transitional season. I’m excited that Jonathan is now becoming both “resident clergy” and a mission partner at COTC. Jonathan has extensive experience in cross-cultural ministry in the United States and beyond. He has been instrumental in various ACNA initiatives related to engagement with the Latino community and church throughout North America. He is a gifted and humble follower of Jesus.

Jonathan will be serving here in Austin with a non-profit to connect churches to refugees and immigrants. Additionally, he is initiating a diaspora network to support immigrant churches in our diocese. Here at COTC, Jonathan is going to help us grow in our cross-cultural and community engagement in Northeast Austin. This seems especially important as we inhabit the new property (we closed on Monday!) more fully and explore what God has for us as a community of the Gospel. I’m grateful to God for Jonathan’s presence among us! 

This Sunday, we’ll be praying for Jonathan during worship; be sure to introduce yourself to him! Next Sunday, March 13th, Jonathan will be leading us in bilingual (Spanish and English) versions of our Sunday liturgy. We’ll have more info about this in the e-news next week. 

On the 13th, we’ll also have a Lunch and Learn from our new mission partner in Guatemala City, Potter’s House. Join us! 

Lent is a wilderness season, but let us be reminded that God is sovereign and working in the wilderness too. He invites us to journey into the wilderness in participation with Him, as He  makes what is dry and desolate a place of springs. 

In Christ, 

Peter+

Ps. COTC Essentials starts this Sunday. Sign up to learn more about our theological convictions, values, and hopes for the future! If you’re interested in formally becoming a member at COTC this course is a part of the process.