Hi COTC Family! 

One of my son’s baseball coaches likes to use the phrase “on time and on line” to describe the sequence of movements for pitching a baseball. The idea is that legs and arms must function in sequence “on time,” and in alignment “on line.” That connects with our current moment in the liturgical calendar, and with our spiritual formation. 

Holy Week begins this Sunday. As we’ve pointed out before, this week is unique in the church calendar. We keep in step with Jesus day by day, beginning on Palm Sunday through to the Feast of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday. From Sunday to Sunday, we are “on time” with Jesus, journeying with him toward the cross. 

This shift toward “day by day” tracking with the love of Jesus is intended to draw our focus in an intense way upon the events of this week. They are at the very core of our faith and the live we live. However, this keeping time with Jesus reflects a larger truth as well. That we seek to be “in line” with him and the pattern of His life as well. 

Those who spend time with Jesus, in His presence, invariably come to share in his quality and pattern of life. They become like Him. Jesus’ presence is that transformative. More than a merely symbolic sequence of events, we keep time with Jesus through Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Resurrection Sunday to participate with Him in life, in death, and in life again. We seek to be aligned with Jesus as the Risen Lord. 

Keeping company with Jesus and aligning our lives with His, is the motivation behind our shared life this week. In addition to our services together, (details below) there are a couple of ways to be “on time and in line” with Jesus that I want to direct you toward. 

First, this document has specific prayers for each day of Holy Week. Beginning on Sunday, consider using them and pausing for a few moments at midday, as a way of acknowledging the Lord and tracking with Him in His journey on the way of the cross. Also, check out this Holy Week playlist put together by Krista of worship music we'll be singing through the week.  

Second, tomorrow (Saturday, the 23rd) from 9am to noon, the church will be open for prayer and silence. Our Lent Parish Quiet Day is an opportunity to be still and know the presence of God. Come for all or part of that time. Morning prayer will be at 9 am and midday prayer right before noon. There will also be some exercises for guided reflection before the Lord. Contact Karen Walker with any questions. 

Third, the week following Easter, join us for a time of focus upon the person and work of the Holy Spirit. As part of the Alpha course we are hosting this spring, we’ll be spending this Saturday morning (April 6th) and early afternoon in a time of focused teaching, discussion and prayer regarding the one who pours the love of God into our hearts, makes Christ’s presence real to us, empowering us to walk in alignment with him. Contact Jenn Carmichael with questions or to RSVP. Lunch is provided. Join us! 

I so look forward to sharing this week in the company of the risen Jesus with you. 

In Christ,

Peter+

Ps. The deadline to register for the men’s retreat is next Wednesday, March 27th. You can do so here. Spots are filling up! 

PPs. Be sure to register of childcare for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services if you need it!