When I think about the theme for our Parish Retreat this year, and the “why” behind that theme, three things come to mind. The Gospel, the person, and the time. 

First, the Gospel. At the center of the good news of Jesus Christ is the declaration that we are reconciled to God. Once we were the enemies of God, but now, through Jesus’ death on the cross, we have been reconciled, and share in the life of God. This reality is confirmed by the presence of the Holy Spirit with us. 

Reconciled to God, and empowered by His presence, the church is called to live as a reconciling people. This involves our life together and our life with the world around us. This involves attending to the realities of personal conflict and difference as well as the realities of societal division related to race, culture and socioeconomic status. 

We feel this call, and share in a desire to live like this, but how do we do this? That question relates to the second rationale for this being the theme of our Parish Retreat this year, the person. 

David Bailey, founder and executive director of Arrabon, is among the best equipped guides I’m aware of to help us live into the life of reconciliation Jesus has for us. He is rooted deeply in Scripture, loves the church, and has extensive experience in both the very personal and broader arenas in which the ministry of reconciliation plays out. I’m keen for us to learn from him, that we might grow in living out the Gospel call to reconciliation. 

That leads to the final reason why, the time. 

One of my favorite prayers is found in the wedding service in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. Praying for the newly married couple, and for us all, it reads, “Make their life together a sign of Christ's love to this sinful and broken world, that unity may overcome estrangement, forgiveness heal guilt, and joy conquer despair.”

Among other things, the prayer is a reminder that in our fallen world, estrangement is, in some ways, the norm. We are not surprised by the presence of alienation and ruptured relationship. That said, our times are uniquely alienating. Our epidemic of loneliness, continued racial injustice, political division domestically and globally, and the challenges we have to relate across generational lines all make a life of reconciliation seems especially difficult. In that difficulty there is also great opportunity. As we live as countercultural ministers of reconciliation, embodying grace and truth, the church can bear an especially powerful witness to the transformative power of Jesus. The retreat this year is an opportunity to be built up and equipped to live reconciling lives that point to the one in whom all things hold together. 

For these reasons, we’re focusing on this theme. For these reason and more I hope that you can join us on the 28th! Sign up here, the early bird pricing ends this Sunday. However, we don't want cost to be a limiting factor. If you have any questions about that please don't hesitate to email Kimberly+. Feel free to email as well if you'd like to help pay the way for someone else. 

A few other quick notes:

On the day of the Parish Retreat, we are planning to end the day with “Trunk or Treat” in the church parking lot. Our hope is that this will be a fun thing for us and we’re also planning to invite members from the community around us. More details can be found here. Also, if you’re unable to make the full day of the retreat, but would like to participate in the Trunk or Treat and grab dinner with us, you are more than welcome to do so. You can register here to join us for that portion of the day. 

Jon Guerra, artist-in-residence at COTC, released a great song with The Porter’s Gate on their Sanctuary album connected with Sanctuary Mental Health. He also released “Give Me You” with Andrew Bell, which has been on prayerful repeat at the Coelho household. 

Baptisms are coming up on November 5th. Baptism is the celebration of new life in Christ and entry point into the people of God. If you or your child are interested in being baptized please contact Sarah+. 

In Christ,

Peter+