Hi COTC, 

For many this has been the first week back at school. It’s a time marked by both excitement and apprehension as we adjust to new rhythms. Even those of us who have long been away from a schooling environment feel the effects of this shift. Traffic patterns change, people return from vacation, and new initiatives are begun. Maybe the weather will change at some point? We can hope. I hope these early days and weeks have been marked by God’s favor and presence.

These weeks also represent a shift in our shared life at COTC. The full Garden (our children’s formation offerings on Sunday) will begin on August 27th. Both youth group and youth catechesis begin in September. Neighborhood Groups start the same month. We will be communicating about other opportunities for community and formation. Before you know it our Parish Retreat will be here! Following both services on the 27th we’ll also be having a “Fall Kickoff” with some cool refreshments and opportunities to learn more and sign up for various ways to get involved. 

Of course, in addition to the regular changes for the start of a fall season, we will also be switching to two worship services, at 9 and 11am, on August 27th. Just like the start of school, I know we as a community are feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation around this change. Excitement for the opportunities for hospitality (be sure to invite friends to share in our worship and life together) and formation (this is much better for The Garden), and trepidation about how this shift will change things for our community. 

We will approach this shift with a desire for Jesus’ leading, a responsiveness to the Holy Spirit, and a desire to walk humbly and faithful in obedience to God. As we take this posture, we can move through any and every transition with confidence.  Come what may in the year ahead, I pray that we will taste and see the goodness of God in deeper ways, personally and corporately. 

Periodically, we highlight the ways our diocese has set upsafeguarding for children and others who are vulnerable. With the beginning of The Garden, it seems like another appropriate time to do so. Please check out the information here. I’m grateful for the leadership and support of our diocese in this important work. It’s a blessing to the church. 

In Christ,

Peter+

Ps. This Sunday we'll hear an update regarding our St. John's Bilingual Missional Community. Additionally, we'll be testing out having refreshments in the foyer. It's not exactly "Who Moved My Cheese?" but it is "Who Moved My Coffee?"!