This is an important question that you might be asked about COTHA.  Fortunately we know the answer.  As we continue to grow, a focus on our mission, core values and core beliefs will both guide us and provide us with unity:
Our Core Beliefs
IN ESSENTIALS UNITY, IN NON-ESSENTIALS LIBERTY, IN ALL THINGS CHARITY.
A great commitment to the Great Commandment and Great Commission grows a Great Church!
At Church of the Holy Apostles, we have unity around these beliefs.  We believe:
The work of the Holy Spirit continues today with undiminished power.

• The Holy Spirit is with believers forever (John 14:16)
• His activity was not exhausted in the first century and is present among us

The Bible is the inspired, living Word of God.

• It is authoritative in all matters of faith.
• It is “God-breathed” for training in righteousness.

Worship is the central and unifying activity of Church of the Holy Apostles.

• Praise and thanksgiving usher us into the presence of God (Psalm

100)

• We offer seeker-friendly worship in the Anglican/Episcopal tradition

It is our calling to welcome others to see how our church meets the needs of today’s world.

• Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10)
• We reach out our families, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and other people with the Gospel of Jesus.

We welcome guests and seek people in order to invite them into a personal, saving relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

• We follow Paul’s example in reaching out to our community (I Corinthians 9:22)
• We strive to communicate God’s message in culturally relevant ways.

We are called to grow into a deeper understanding and experience of God.

• God’s will is for every believer to become like Jesus (Ephesians 4: 13).
• We provide opportunities and support for all followers of Jesus Christ, from our children to adults, to grow spiritually.

As disciples we minister to each other and equip all in our congregation to become disciples.

• Fulfillment comes through serving others.  The pastors equip the people to do the work of ministry, the work of every believer. (Ephesians 4)
• Jesus commanded all His followers to continue His ministry (Matthew 28: 18-20)

Our children and youth are extremely important to us.  We help them grow into a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ.

• High quality Christian nurturing and eduction for children and teens secures them for the future (Proverbs 22:6)
• Leading succeeding generations to Jesus is both a family and congregational responsibility.

​This Sunday is our "Ingathering Sunday."  This means that we will present our pledges for the ongoing ministry at COTHA.  This is an exciting opportunity to put our faith into action.  If we truly want to be blessed, then we must always put God first.  Putting Him first in our finances means giving Him the first fruits, the first ten percent of our income.  We call this a tithe.
 

Not everyone has grown to the point of making a tithe.  I want to encourage everyone to begin looking at your giving to the church as a percentage of your total income.  Then you can know immediately where you are and where you are headed.  I've rarely met a person who wasn't a bit nervous when it came to making a decision to tithe.  But I've never known anyone who ever regreted that decision.  Malachi 3:10 makes it clear that God will bless those who make this decision.  In fact it is the only place in the Bible where God says "test me in this."  I think we should take Him up on His promise!
 

I think there are two ways to consider a pledge to the church.  The first way is to ask yourself the question: "how much can I afford?"  The second is to pray:  "how much, O God, should I give?"  The amazing thing is this:  I want everyone at COTHA to experience the blessings and freedom that comes from tithing.  I pray that this year, many, many people will take the risk of putting God first in their finances.  And I pray that if you can't quite commit to a tithe this year, you will risk moving closer to that goal.
 

As I've said, you can't take it with you, but you can send it on ahead.  I know God is pleased when we give so don't miss out on experiencing what it means when God smiles on you when you've risked giving.  Don't stand on the sidelines at COTHA but make a pledge and let's all enjoy the fruits of God's blessings!

On Tuesday nights a hearty group of disciples meet at COTHA to "dig deeper" into scripture and find food that endures! I've promised them that I would put the topics we cover online, so this is as good a place as any. Anyway, this is what we've talked about so far:
10/14
The Gospel of John is different than the three synoptics (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). The synoptics give us a running summary (chronological) of Jesus' life, like a DVD. John gives us one portrait (snapshots that you can sit and look at and see all the fine detail in it) after another so we can look carefully at each event of His life and be fed and challenged in wonderful ways.
Truths we can trust:
1. Jesus is God
2. Jesus is life
3. Jesus became flesh
10/21 Introducing John the Baptist
John the Baptist was a great man. Jesus said he was the greatest man that had other lived up until Jesus himself. There are three simple things that help us see his greatness:
1. John knew who he was
a. He came as a man sent by God to be a witness to the light.
b. He was a voice of one crying in the desert.
2. He knew who he wasn't
3. He knew who Jesus was.
a. He knew His presence.
b. He understood Jesus greatness.
c. He undestood the power that Jesus has
We can apply this to our own lives. We all want to be great. Here's how:
1. Ask God for wisdom to know who you are.
2. Ask God for humility to know who you are not.
Join us tonight. We have a great time!!

I meant to post this last week but it took me almost a week to get over the wedding... I mean this in a good way! I suppose anytime one sees one's child getting married, it is emotional. But to be the father of the bride and the presider at the service, well, that's hugely emotional!
I could not have been prouder of Emily, my daughter. She was beautiful, authentic, thoughtful and loving. Tim, her new husband, was also impressive. They make such a beautiful couple and their hearts are in the right place. They desire to make a difference in the world and I know they already have. I would ask your prayers for them as they begin this wonderful adventure together.
I was also proud of my sons, Joseph and John. They love their sister and it was evident. They were groomsmen and stood up to support both Emily and Tim. Their witness to those gathered was one of support and love. They also looked very handsome.
Julie and I were reeling with various emotions as we left our children the next day. We are so thankful to be part of the family of COTHA though. While our emotions were on "high alert" we knew we belong here with all of you. Thank you for your prayers and support. We love our children, our new son Tim, and our Church family here at COTHA.