Almighty God, whose only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven: May our hearts and minds also there ascend, and with him continually dwell; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Hi COTC Family,

Thanks to everyone who participated in the church meeting this past Sunday. It was great to be together and exciting to consider together how the building and property might develop in the future. 

Parish Meeting Recap

If you missed the meeting or wanted to review, you can watch the video here or check out the slides here. To reiterate, these are preliminary and subject to change. The Design Team's next steps involve learning more about what is possible in the season ahead. 

What I am most excited about is how the proposed changes in Phase I help us to live out our vision and values more fully. With the proposed changes to the sanctuary itself, I think about how the room might help to incline our hearts to worship Jesus and shape us as a community of celebration. With the changes to space for kids and community (both indoor and outdoor) I think about how room might be made for consolation and formation, physically creating room for belonging and learning.  Lastly, I wonder how the proposed changes, especially those outdoors, but not exclusively so, might allow us to participate in God’s blessing of our neighbors. He longs to do so and to have us as co-laborers in this work of blessing others. Might people encounter the goodness and grace of God at 8140 Exchange Dr. 

It is clear that He is birthing something good in the life of the church at COTC. Like Mary in Luke’s Gospel, I think we are called to treasure up and ponder what it is that God is doing among us. Let us prayerfully reflect and dream. Let us pray too for God’s provision and leading in all of this. Our hope is not for a story that points to our ingenuity and wisdom, but for a story of God’s provision and power at work through us as a broken and limited people. Lastly, I want to invite you to participate. Even as we consider the long-term possibilities (Phase III that Gary laid out is incredible) there are myriad ways to faithfully participate today. There are continued opportunities to serve and to belong more fully in community. You can contribute financially to the church and to the property hopes related to the “Thanks Be To God Campaign" through the church’s giving portal online. 

If you have any questions or follow up regarding the presentation from Sunday, please send them here. God’s faithfulness and goodness are very clear in our shared life. 

This Sunday 
Remember that this Sunday we will shift to full common cup for receiving the Eucharist. Check out the video here if you missed it. Christ Church our sister church downtown made this shift a while ago and published this helpful FAQ page that might also be of use to you.

Summer Worship 
On Sunday, June 23rd we will be switching to one service at 10am for the summer weeks. This switch gives a break to the various volunteer teams and allows us to worship together all in one service, just like old times. We’ll return to two services on Sunday, August 25th. 

In Christ,

Peter+

Ps. Join me in welcoming Krysta Pittman and Sean James to the COTC staff team! We announced this news on Sunday as well. They are joining the team as a Financial Admin (remote) and Facilities Director, respectively. Krysta has already started and Sean will be come on aboard at the beginning of June. They too are part of God’s provision.