This past Sunday was an awesome reminder of what it means to be a Christian community. We had fifteen first communions, eleven baptisms and a God-honoring reception to thank Craig and Anna Vickerman for their ministry among us. There was a buzz the whole day as we celebrated so many different things.
As I was reflecting on the day, I was taken by the sense of gratitude that filled my heart. From young to old(er), from staff members to volunteers, the day resonated with joy. What a loss it would be to not experience a true sense of community that we shared on Sunday. It is a sad statement that some people see Church as a duty or obligation, completely missing the true essence of who we are as a community. Jesus refers to us as His body. The Bible also refers to us as the “bride of Christ.” Perhaps those metaphors are hard to wrap your mind around but you do not have to be around for very long to know the difference being part of COTHA can and does make. Sunday was one of those days that make all of us who are part of COTHA know how special it is in this place.
I am grateful for the desire to know God that we all share in common at COTHA. I am grateful for the heart of mission that makes us so different than other places who spend all their time “naval gazing” and unable to find the time to reach out to others. I am thankful for the enthusiasm and joy that is seen in so many faces week after week.
It was a great day. I left the building on Sunday limping (still recovering from my accident) but knowing that God had been glorified by the way we celebrated!