“The joy of God is your strength.” - Nehemiah 8:10

Celebration is one of COTC’s core values. Each Sunday we rejoice over the good news of all the God has done and is doing in Jesus Christ, in the world and in our lives. As the text of the core value description says, this celebration extends beyond Sundays, it spills out into the whole of our lives. 

We are in the middle of the church’s season of celebration. Easter Season is all about rejoicing in Jesus’ resurrection and living joyfully in the light of his victory over sin, hell, and death. 

For many of us our ability to rejoice and celebrate is atrophied. We need practices and rhythms that help us push out of habituated leisure and contentedness and into the joy of the Lord. Easter is a gift of a season in this regard. We are mandated to rejoice. Whatever else is going on in life, and there are many difficult things, Jesus is risen. Let us rejoice! 

There are two immediate opportunities for celebration I want to highlight. Tomorrow, we are gathering in Mueller Lake Park from 10am to 1pm for a celebratory picnic. This is a simple excuse to be together in this season and to enjoy the blessing of God’s creation in Austin (pre-summer). Come on out, bring everything you need, enjoy an egg hunt (it’s not too late), bring a friend. Details below (*Keep an eye on your inbox for any weather related updates tomorrow morning!*). 

I also want to highlight that we are continuing with Mid-day Eucharist through May 15th. In the Easter season, these times offer intentional space for corporate thanksgiving, an essential practice for strengthening our capacity of joy. 

On May 5th we will hold a special parish meeting between our two Sunday services at 10:15am. All are welcome; if you are a COTC member, please make every effort to be there. The church membership will vote on a new Parish Council member. This is to replace Brian Bigelow who moved to Colorado a few months ago. You can read about our candidate, Steve Teng, here, and about the PC’s work here. I’m very excited about Steve’s willingness to serve in this way! 

Membership will also approve some proposed changes to the COTC Constitution and Canons. This document outlines our orderly functioning as an organization. This past year our diocesan lawyer reviewed every church’s constitutional documents and made suggestions for how we might improve them. The PC has accepted several of these suggestions and the membership is required to vote on them. These changes are as follows:

• Additions of specific mentions of the diocese’s “Safe Church Policy” and statement regarding “Women in Leadership.” (Cf. Sections 1.3, 1.4, and Appendix D)

• Amendments to make clear that an external financial review is required every three years. (Cf. Sections 4.5F and 4.42F)

• An amendment requiring an approval vote from COTC members for future constitutional amendments. (Cf. Section 7.1)

You can view these proposed updates in the document here. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact the Parish Council.

We’ll also hear a presentation regarding the Thanks Be To God Campaign and the work our Property Design Team has been faithfully doing these past months. I’m excited about what the team has been working on and for the community to see it. Please plan to join us on the 5th. 

Grace and peace, 

Peter+ 

Ps. Our Gospel reading for this Sunday is John 12:1-8. As you read the text consider, what precious gift in your life might be offered in praise to Jesus? What might this practically look like? What might keep you from making such an offering?