Hi COTC Family,

1 Peter 5:10 reads, “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 

That verse has been on my mind in anticipation of the confirmations taking place this Sunday at COTC. Confirmation is a marker of a public confession of faith in Jesus Christ, following on baptism, or a marker of  reception into the Anglican church. It is a commitment to following Jesus in the Anglican way. 

1 Peter 5:10 is a reminder, however, that while each confirmand is making a decision of their own God is also acting to strengthen and make steadfast. On Sunday there will be a moment where our Bishop, Todd Hunter, will lead us in prayer for the Holy Spirit to come upon each confirmand to empower and sustain them. Whatever is felt or not felt, we trusts that the Spirit of Jesus acts in these moments to confirm His people in their walk with Him. One note, there will be a moment in worship we're we will have the opportunity to write a note of encouragement or blessing for those being confirmed. Please be thinking and praying of what you might right to Rachel M., Joel H., Rachel H., Reid L., Mycah L., Casey J., Sean J., Josh L., Josh B., Amy B., Steve H., Leah H, Troy D., and Sami D.

Beyond the significance for each specific confirmand, this Sunday, being the fifth of the month, we’ll also pray for the Holy Spirit to draw near and strengthen each of us. Over the past weeks many of us have had a deeper sense of God’s presence in our gathered worship. I encourage you to come with expectation of how the Holy Spirit might move in our lives to strengthen, restore, and confirm us all.

In Christ, 

Peter + 

Ps. It’s not too late to sign up for our Parish Work Day tomorrow. Also, this Sunday Father Jonathan Kindberg will be hosting an informational lunch for the St. John’s Bilingual Missional Community. Lastly, the deadline to register for our upcoming Men’s Retreat is approaching.