Weekly News 12.13.24

Dear Church,

We have been abundantly blessed through Jon Guerra as our Artist-in-Residence. Two years ago, a special gift made it possible for us to bring Jon onto our team for a season. As the residency comes to a close, I am filled with gratitude not just for how Jon and his family have served and shaped our worship, but for who Jon is as a brother in Christ. I have come to know him as a man of deep integrity and a sincere love of Jesus.

Three words come quickly to mind when I reflect on Jon’s presence and ministry at COTC.

Generous

Jon has a generosity of spirit that brings warmth to the band and to our team. He is unfailingly kind, and offers his kindness not just in words of affirmation or in a willingness to jump in during planning, but in the writing and sharing of his music. “Digno Eres”, now cemented in our community songbook, is written by Jon, as well as “Lead Kindly Light,” which has ministered to us this Advent season. His generosity has shaped our worship.

Tender

Jon carries with him a sensitivity to the Spirit and a genuine concern of others that has allowed him to not only lead worship, but has given us good conversations as a team when we consider all who walk through our doors. He led music at our Worship and Prayer Nights that dovetailed with the Spirit’s movements. He has created space for musicians to lead and the formation of our first ever choir, which we will enjoy this Sunday!

Fruitful

Through Jon’s leadership, we have participated in powerful moments as a community. Singular moments spring to mind, like leading us in “The Lord Will Provide” as we sent out the Coelhos. Not to mention the behind-the-scenes fruit, where new band members were brought in and grown in competence and confidence. Our worship is more rich and more skillful because of Jon’s guidance.

While Sunday is not goodbye, please do join me in thanking Jon and the Guerras for the ways they have served COTC through the residency!

Peace,

Sarah+