By Darrel Proffitt, Lead Pastor
It was the first day of the week, a Sunday, that the disciples gathered together behind locked doors. The Gospel tells us that they were there for fear of the Jews. Yet, they had to be concerned about the stories that were leaking out. The tomb was empty. First they heard this from some of the women who had gone to the tomb early that morning. Then they heard the same from Peter and John. What could it mean? Had someone stolen His body?
When we look back on this scene, we feel incredulous that the disciples did not understand that He was resurrected. After all, hadn’t He told them that this was going to happen? If He was no longer dead why would they feel such fear that they might be arrested?
We need to remember that the disciples had no expectation of a resurrection. When Jesus mentioned to them on a few occasions that He would be killed and in three days rise again, they had to be confused. Was He talking literally? Was it another parable?
As they gathered, Jesus suddenly appeared to them. Not as a ghost, nor as an angel. It wasn’t a parable or a metaphor. Jesus was alive! The implications of His resurrection were not immediately understood but they had to know that everything had changed. Then He spoke. “Peace be with you.” What an amazing thing to say to those who had failed miserably. Yet what words of grace! Despite it all, despite their failures and mistakes, Jesus spoke grace right into their hearts. By His example, we as the church are called to follow. Despite the disappointments and failures all around us, our task is not to criticize or judge. Our job is to speak peace through our words and actions.
Easter Sunday has come and gone. But the work of peace continues. Let us follow where our Lord has led and offer forgiveness, love and peace.

By Paula Wilbrant, Ministry Pastor of Care
A couple of days ago I opened my electric bill and to my surprise and total enjoyment saw that I owe only $25.94 this month!!!!! WOW, what a great surprise and wow how that gives me some breathing room this month.  I was thrilled!!!
Well, unfortunately, that excitement of being a few bucks ahead this month didn’t last too long. The squeaky noise in my suspension (that I’ve done such a fantastic job IGNORING) got so bad yesterday that I worried the whole bottom would fall out of my car!!!!!
This morning I took the car into a mechanic and lo and behold, my bushings and some other part underneath needs replaced because they are as old as my car…. Actually probably come from the dinosaur ages.  The quote was only $1,800.00!!!! GULP!!!!
So, I’m now in the market for a new (used car). Sorry, not going to put that kind of money into an n 11 yr. old car!!! What would go wrong next?  I can’t afford to find out.
I sure did enjoy that electric bill savings even if it was for just a few hours!!!! The truth is though, the Lord does give and the Lord is good. We just have to keep trusting and keep loving and keep doing what is right…. that’s serving. For that I am so thankful. Thank you God.
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By Anna Vickerman, Ministry Pastor of COTHA Lil' Kids


The COTHA LiL’ Kids are so much fun! We have had a fantastic Season of Lent, and we are super excited it is Easter! This next month we are learning how we can grow as a child of God! 
We grow by learning His word. Just like eating good food to keep us growing healthy and strong, we need to learn his Word to grow as His child. Psalm 119:103 “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”
We grow by doing His word. When we do what His word says we become strong in faith, just like our bodies need exercise to keep us healthy and strong. James 1:22 “Do not just listen to the word...Do what it says.”
God wants us to grow in our love for Him! Just like we show love to our family and friends by talking to them, listen to them, and spending time with them; God wants His children to show love for Him in these same ways. When we talk to God we are praying. Praying can be talking out loud or with your thoughts! We can be thankful, say we are sorry or wrong, and we can ask for help when we are sad, angry, scared, or worried! When we spend time with God our love for Him grows. “You are my God, and I will give you thanks.” 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins.” Psalm 109:26 “Help me, O Lord my God.” 
God wants us to grow in our love for others. It is so wonderful to be in God’s family. God’s word tells us: John 15:12 “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” As we learn His word, practice doing His word, and grow in our love for Him we share God’s love with everyone around us. Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 
The LiL’ Kids, one day (all too soon), will be grown up. But as a child of God we keep growing forever! There are always new things to learn, new ways to show love to God and to others. Each week we pray a blessing for the children as they leave the Worship Center: “May the Lord bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you and give you peace and may you continue to grow to love and know Jesus with all of your heart!”
As adults may we never assume we are grown up so we are full grown. If we are a child of God we have the awesome journey of growing up...forever! Always there is more to learn and to be amazed by, more faith to grow in our hearts and into action, and a deeper love to be fathomed and the joy of sharing the Heavenly Father’s love with others!

By Sean Nelson, Pastor of Discipleship 
                  I was in Bible College and I remember the OT professor speaking about “Ebenezer." It was a familiar term but not in the way he used it. I grew up in Detroit, MI and there are several churches with the name Ebenezer tied to them and that’s where it ended. Thank God for a moment of clarity and a guy who loved the Old Testament.
                  The professor’s insight brought life to the meaning of Ebenezer! He gave me reason to say the word with meaning and not just see it on a billboard.  Below is a brief summary of what was discussed in this class:
The Hebrew word for "Ebenezer" is actually two words pronounced together: Even Haazer. Written in Hebrew it looks like this:


It is usually transliterated as a proper name by dropping the definite article (Ha) from the Hebrew word for "place" (Ezer) and putting it together with the Hebrew word for "stone" (Even) to create: "Ebenezer." The etymological roots of the word, thus defined, should demonstrate that an "Ebenezer" is, literally, a "Stone of Help."
In 1 Samuel 4:1-11 and 5:1, the Ebenezer is strangely identified with a particular site, about four miles south of Gilgal, where the Israelites were twice defeated by the Philistines and the Ark of the Covenant was stolen. These battles took place, however, before the site was actually named Ebenezer. It was like someone saying that Dinosaurs once lived in Dallas County -- they did, but not when this area was called "Dallas." Likewise, the two battles mentioned in 1 Samuel 4 and 5 took place at Ebenezer, but some time before it was so-named.
The site wasn’t named Ebenezer until after the Israelites finally defeated the Philistines, and took back the Ark of the Covenant. To commemorate the victorious battle, Samuel set up a marker-stone, named it "Stone of Help," and thereby the site became identified with the stone and with the place where God’s miraculous help aided them in their victory over the Philistines. The stone, standing up-right, was called "Ebenezer," and the site naturally took on that name as well.
Literally speaking, an Ebenezer is a "stone of help," or a reminder of God’s Real, Holy Presence and Divine aid. Spiritually and theologically speaking, an Ebenezer can be nearly anything that reminds us of God’s presence and help: the Bible, the Sacramental Elements, a cross, a picture, a fellow believer, a hymn – those things which serve as reminders of God’s love, God’s Real Presence, and God’s assistance are "Ebenezer’s."
I am encouraged again to memorialize the things God has done for me and through me. The Ebenezer lifestyle will perpetuate deep gratitude and tradition that will remain and show the world our God is alive and intends to do good for those who love him.
Take some time to write down the things God has done for you just this year and you will be amazed at how he’s been protecting you, calling you, and conforming you. I know I am!

By Antoinette Chew, Ministry Pastor of COTHA Kids


I have been thinking a lot about fear and how fear can ruin your life. It can be fear of anything and everything. Sometimes in my life I have been so fearful that I haven’t tried new things or haven’t trusted in the Lord that He knows what He is doing in my life.
Why would I be afraid when I know God is on my side? He is bigger than any problem, any sickness, any worry that I might have. Don’t go through life intimidated when you have the most powerful force behind you and in you. If you knew the power that you had you would never be afraid again. Don’t give into fear. Instead let your light shine so brightly that you blind the darkness. 

By Darrel Proffitt, Lead Pastor
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
Teddy Roosevelt penned these words to describe his philosophy of life.  It is an eloquent reminder to how we, as disciples, should live our lives.  Sometimes the battles we fight end in defeat.  I think we forget that.  We live in a world where it is easy to criticize those who try to live into God-sized dreams.  Many of us start life with great hope that we will make a difference but sometimes, life intervenes.  We are left with disappointment and disillusionment.  We may even hear others criticize those dreams.  We feel defeated and we let our hopes and dreams die.
They do not have to stay dead.  God is a God of resurrections.  The power that God used to raise Jesus back to life is available to all of us who would put our trust in him. Trust.  That is an easy word to say and a more difficult one to live.  There is a step before this that we must remember.  This is a step of surrender.  We are called to surrender our lives to God.  Surrender our worries and concerns, surrender our fear of failure.  Surrender it all.   When we surrender we find ourselves in the very place where God can resurrect past dreams.  When we surrender we can put our trust in the One who overcame death and the grave and who can overcome the little deaths we have experienced in our lives.
If you have found yourself too timid to be in the arena, let this Easter change all of that.  The Holy Spirit was so tangibly experienced here this past weekend.  That same Spirit beckons us to surrender.  Then to trust.  Let us trust Jesus to resurrect our hopes and dreams.  And let us never let go of those God-sized hopes.  Jesus has made all things new! 

John 1 English Standard Version (ESV)
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
The Gospel of John begins with these amazing words about the life and ministry of Jesus. As we emerge from an amazing Holy Week and Easter celebration, it is important to remember that Jesus came into this world, suffered, died and was resurrected in order that we might be given “the right to become children of God.” It is a remarkable gift that changes everything. It is not just a promise that we get to go to heaven, but a promise that even now has made our lives different. As children of God we are given an extraordinary life, full of peace and joy. Living into this life is our command and privilege.
Sometimes I feel overwhelmed on the week after Easter. I felt the presence of God in such a powerful way this past Sunday (and throughout Holy Week) that I am left with questions: what now? How do I take the powerful experience of God into a new week? How do I build upon the spiritually charged experience of last week? How can I live more fully into my faith in Jesus?
I can imagine that the disciples had similar questions. What they experienced was unexpected but in such a good way, they must have wondered what was next for them. The Bible tells us that Jesus appeared to them over the next forty days. I am sure there was many questions asked of Jesus but I am sure the disciples tried to internalize all of those experiences. As He taught them, they must have had hearts ready to explode in their chests. Jesus was alive. He was the messiah, the Christ, God’s anointed one.
Those days would draw to a close. At His ascension, Jesus commanded his disciples to go, wait and pray. When the day of Pentecost happened, they experienced power from high as the Holy Spirit descended upon them. The Church was born and their ministry was given to them. Go therefore, Jesus said, and make disciples baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey all I have commanded.
We are descendants of those first witnesses of the resurrection. God has empowered us with His Holy Spirit to live into the Great Commission. We do not have to ask: what now? Our task is simple. We are to go and tell what we have seen. The great love that we have experienced is to be shared to all. Easter is not over. It has only begun. Let us recommit ourselves to live fully into Jesus’ commands. Let COTHA be a place where people “Come, Connect, Grow and Go.” Jesus is alive!

By Craig Vickerman, Ministry Pastor of Students
I had the privilege of spending the weekend on a West Texas ranch with a group of men desiring nothing more than spending time with Jesus. And what an incredible weekend it was. One of the most moving experiences from the weekend was watching the sun come up. There is something so beautiful and sacred about a sunrise.
 The anticipation of what’s about to happen, as the sky fills with light and the clouds turn bright orange right before the sun actually breaks the horizon. Even nature is excited; the birds are singing, the insects are chirping, even the flowers seem to perk up as they wake from their evening slumber. And then finally it happens. The sun breaks forth with a fiery furry that takes your breath away, a moment that is mesmerizing and magnificent.  In that instant I was filled with awe; four men siting side by side in silence, none daring to speak for fear of ruining the moment, with hearts full of eager expectation, waiting for the arrival of a new day, new mercies, new hope, as if God Himself was filling the whole earth with His glory as the radiant beams of sunlight washed over the landscape.
Within moments the sun is rapidly ascending, its light becoming more and more brilliant to the point that I had to turn my eyes, the men start talking, and I realized my heart is filled with peace and an excitement that God is in control, and I get to spend another day with Him.
Soli Deo Gloria   
Craig

By Paula Wilbrant, Ministry Pastor of Care


Today the staff at COTHA enjoyed a DELICIOUS lunch that was prepared and served by the Daughters of The King.  The Order of the Daughters of the King is organized as a religious order. Each Daughter takes a lifetime vow to live by the Rule of the Order. The Rule of Life requires a spiritual discipline of daily prayer, service and evangelism. Because of the vow, they refer to themselves as an order, not an organization.
Through her Rule of Service, a Daughter daily seeks to do the will of God where she is, remembering Jesus; words, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these….you did it for me.”  Matthew 25:40.
What a blessing this group of ladies is to our church and to humankind! They are like angels that always seem to appear when needed. Every Christmas they see that our church Christmas tree is beautifully decorated and standing in the foyer. At Easter they always organize the Prayer Vigil which lasts all night and well into the next day.
We are told that by God’s grace we are his chosen ones and will live in heaven with God for eternity. I believe that. But, when I see the Daughters of The King in action, I can’t help but think that these ladies are living and serving on the Fast Track To Heaven!!!! For them, I am forever grateful!
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By Darrel Proffitt, Pastor of Leadership, Lead Pastor
COTHA is a friendly Church.  People say that to me all the time.  We focus on making people feel welcomed and are constantly seeking ways to be more accessible to all who come and worship here.  Our Welcome Team is a dedicated group of people who do not hesitate to do all they can to make our guests feel like not only did we expect them, but we wanted them to show up.  It always makes me smile to see one of our Welcome Team members walking outside when it is raining, holding an umbrella to either help someone enter, or help them get to their car following the service. 
While we are not perfect in our welcoming, we continue to seek ways to improve.  Our Hospitality Team makes sure everything is in place and the staff talks about being “Game Day Ready.”  Our VIP area is very visible and many guests have received information about our church from both staff and volunteers who staff the red carpet.
 On Easter Sunday, we have an opportunity to build on the good work of hospitality to all who enter our building.  I want to encourage you to smile at anyone you may not know, and lend a hand if anyone looks lost or confused.  If you see a piece of trash on the ground, pick it up and throw it away.  If the restroom counter top has water on it, grab a paper towel and wipe it off.  Let’s make sure we present ourselves in such a way that people feel welcomed.  We may only get one chance with a guest.  Let us give that guest our best!
There is one last thing you can do.  Invite someone to come with you.  This is the only Sunday during the year that most people will say “yes” if they are invited to Church.  Ask your neighbors, your family, an acquaintance, to meet you at Church.  While it may feel uncomfortable, the difference it may make in someone’s life could be eternal.   Pray for the opportunity and as the Nike ad says, “Just do it!”
I am looking forward to a glorious Easter this year.  I am thrilled to get to celebrate it with you.  Let us grow our family by inviting people into it.  That is how we all got here, someone invited us.  May your Easter be glorious and may you feel God’s pleasure because you risked inviting someone to celebrate the resurrection at COTHA.