The Changes and Chances

Hi COTC Family,

Many of you, I suspect, will have heard the news that our Bishop, Todd Hunter, announced his plan to retire in April 2026. While this is an expected thing, and a part of a long prayed over, thought through, and healthy process, it is also a significant change. For clergy in our diocese and also the churches more generally, Todd’s leadership and person have been formative. He will be deeply missed. I am personally grateful for the ways he’s led me and the ways his leadership have blessed COTC.

Bishop Todd’s announcement is yet another change in the midst of this season of transition. It can all be a lot to take in. During times such as these my mind is called back to one of my favorite prayers from the Book of Common Prayer and the service of compline. “Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the hours of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this life may rest in your eternal changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” In times like these we can rest and find consolation in the stability of God’s nature and character. We can be reminded that in Him creation, the church, and our lives are fixed. Though we are wearied, He is not. Our times are held in the palm of His hand. For this reason we can rest secure and rejoice in the Lord even through times of transition and uncertainty. 

Yesterday was July 4th! Let us pray for the United States, in its own season of transition, with gratitude and dependence upon God. “Lord God, by your providence our founders won their liberties of old: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to exercise these liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

See you this Sunday. We often have many guests and newcomers during these summer Sundays, be sure to welcome them! This Sunday our Gospel text is John 15:18-16:4a, Reid will be preaching!  As you read this text beforehand consider what good news the Lord might have for you in it. In what ways do Jesus' words here encourage and challenge you? 

In Christ,

Peter+

PS. The registration of our goodbye party on August 3rd is now live! Whether you are attending the "Share The Table" gatherings or not, we'd love to see you there. Our first "Share The Table" was this past Sunday, it such such a blessing and reminder of the goodness of God in this community.