“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art. . . . It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that gives value to survival.”
—C. S. Lewis, The Four Loves

Hi COTC Family,

If you’re anything like me this week is the one where my initial exuberance for the season of Lent has well and truly tapered off. As Jesus set his face to Jerusalem he no doubt felt his will and desire for obedience to God slacken. Yet by the power of the Holy Spirit he persevered, and pressed into glory. Be encouraged to press on in the practices and rhythms to which the Lord has invited you! God richly rewards those who pursue Him. 

There are a couple of announcements I wanted to highlight for you specifically this week:

First, our upcoming Men’s Retreat. Details and the link for registration are below. Spots are filling up. The theme we’ll be focussing on this year is friendship. I’ve heard it joked that Jesus’ greatest miracle was having a group of 12 friends (3 of them particularly intimate) as a male in his thirties! For many men, at any stage, friendship is a challenge. It’s also a profound necessity for the life of following Jesus and correlates with a high quality of life by all sorts of measures. We need friends, and need to grow in our ability to cultivate friendships.

Eric Bolash, our retreat speaker, has cultivated a number of such friendships over decades and has meaningfully reflected on the practices that have sustained them and on the fruit they bear. Check out this brief video he recorded for us. I hope you can join us! 

You’ll notice on the registration form there is the opportunity to pay a little extra as a way of helping to make sure that others aren’t hindered in coming. Thanks for cultivating a culture of care and friendship through that generosity! If you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to contact me. 

Second, upcoming baptisms on Sunday, April 7th. Baptism is an opportunity for the church to rejoice over and participate in the reality of new life in Christ. Corporately we are renewed in our allegiance to Jesus and his way as we welcome the newly baptized into the household of God. If you are interested in being baptized or have a child you would like to receive this sacrament please email Sarah. 

Finally, below you’ll also see announcements related to two roles at COTC, one for hire and the other a key volunteer. These needs reflect the season of growth and maturation that we are in as a community. If you have any interest or now of someone who might be a good fit please do follow up. 

In Christ, 

Peter+ 

Ps. Daylight savings begins this Sunday. Please remember to “Spring forward” and set your clocks forward one hour!

PPs. The Care Calendar with meals for the Lands has been extended two weeks, thanks so much for all the ways members of the community have already contributed.