It's Fall at COTHA!

Connecting people to Christ through love in action!

Hello! I'm Stephanie Thomas, Engagement Coordinator here at COTHA. We are excited to share our 2023 Fall Programming designed to illuminate God’s word for His people and help raise the next generation of believers. Below you'll find offerings for all ages, life stages, and commitment levels.
I look forward to walking along with you during this season!
Stephanie
In This Issue:
Worship
Adults
Family
Nursery (six weeks - preschool)
Connection

Worship
We are called to “worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness,” Psalm 96:9. Our worship combines a blend of the rich traditional liturgy of the Episcopal faith along with contemporary music and praise.
We have three Sunday Morning services:
8:00 a.m. • Rite 1, Reflective worship music
9:30 a.m. • Modified liturgy in a casual environment for young families to worship together.
10:30 a.m. • Rite 2, Modern worship music
Worship Teams
We'd love to help you get involved on Sunday mornings! We have a variety of ministries for all ages and time commitments.
Acolytes (Students 5G and up, Training required)
Assist the Rector during Sunday Services.
Altar Guild (Senior High Students and Adults, Training required)
Help set the communion table before and after services.
Readers and Lay Eucharistic Ministers (Senior High Students and Adults, Training required)
Read Scripture during Sunday Services and assist with distributing communion.
Prayer Team - Sunday (Adults, Training required)
Pray for parishioners in person during communion distribution on Sundays.
Ushers (Senior High Students and Adults, Training required)
Greet and assist guests as they arrive, assist with communion and the offering, and be available during the service for special needs as they arise.
Worship Team (Senior High Students and Adults, Auditions, and Training required)
Use your musical talents to lead the congregation into worship.
Worship Support and Tech Teams (Senior High Students and Adults, Training required)
Assist with the technical side of worship services, including slides, the live stream, and Thursday night rehearsal.

Being a disciple is simply being a follower.
For a Christian, this means we are a disciple when we follow Jesus Christ. He has a heart for the lost, last, least, and lonely. When we follow Jesus, our heart begins to change to have the same concern.
The process of growing into this lifestyle is called discipleship.
It is simply a matter of being willing to continue following him through worship, prayer, the reading of God’s Word, fellowship, and other spiritual practices.
Click below to learn more:
Adult Confirmation (Sunday Evening)
We invite all adults who are either interested in being confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church. This class is also for those who feel drawn to explore what it means to be integrated more deeply into the life of Christ's Church. Confirmation Class is led by Alex in Room 103 from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. beginning Aug 24 through Sep 28. Childcare is provided.
Adult Formation Groups (Sunday Mornings)
Our Adult Formation Groups allow our adults to gather on Sunday mornings from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. to read God’s Word and explore spiritual practices. Childcare is available for children six weeks old through 5th grade. Beginning Aug 13, 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Men: Book of Luke Luke was a Gentile, a doctor, and fluent in Koine Greek. Combined with Acts, he wrote more New Testament than even Apostle Paul. While Mark might be the shortest book of the gospels, Luke has proven to be the longest book of the synoptic gospels. Primarily, this book was inscribed to serve as a pillar of faith for the believers and to unmask the lies about Jesus Christ. This is still relevant in today’s society. It is a thorough narrative of the stages of Jesus' life, systematically provided in a sequential fashion. These events take place in some of the areas that the pilgrimage group (COTHA Holy Land) visited in 2022. This book was meant to serve as a map of the life of the savior while he was on his mission. Therefore, it aimed to provide a framework through which individuals can learn about Jesus Christ’s life (Luke 1:1-4). He is the author and finisher of our faith. In today’s society, we need to go back to the scriptures as opposed to looking to society in answering the question, “Who do you say that I am (Luke 9:20) ?” Our Men's Formation group is led by Derek Agomate in Room 103. Co-ed: Cafe Theology Our co-ed class begins a study of the ten theological doctrines contained in Michael Lloyd’s book, Café Theology. Each Sunday, we plan to: • Think about challenging topics • Augment our Biblical IQ • Grow in our ability to discuss God • Have fun talking over questions of faith • Engage with different thinkers There are benefits of Lloyd’s scholarship if you read his book. However, this is not obligatory, as notes and questions will be available each week. Our Co-Ed Formation group is led by Steve Hamburg in Room 102.
Women's Bible Study (Thursday Nights)
This hybrid Women's Bible Study, led by Donna Bell, meets in Room 102 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings. All ages welcome.
Home Groups (Various)
We have a variety of home groups geared toward life stages, that meet throughout the week. If you’d like to join a home group click here or contact me at stephanie@cotha.org
Daughters of the King (Sunday Mornings)
Members of The Order of the Daughters of the King® are women and girls between the ages of twenty-one and one hundred and seven who desire a closer walk with the Lord. We are Christian women, both lay and ordained, who are strengthened through the discipline of a Rule of Life, and supported through the companionship of our sisters. We are all at different stages of our Christian journey – some have just begun and some have been on this path for a long time. But no matter where we are on our sacred journeys, our primary goal is the same – to know Jesus Christ and to make Him known to others. We meet on the third Sunday of the month after the 10:30 a.m. service in Room 102. If you are interested in joining our chapter, please contact the president, Donna Bell.
Young Adults (Various)
We know that being a young adult can be a challenging time, full of transitions and new experiences. That's why we've created programs and events specifically for you to find support, encouragement, and resources to help you grow in your faith.
Our young adults get together regularly for dinner and fellowship. If you'd like to join the fun, please contact Becca Rivas, Director of Family Ministry for upcoming dates and times.

We believe that families and youth are central pillars of our church and community.
We strive to strengthen all families by providing them with a strong Biblical spiritual foundation and formation through our educational and social activities centered around basic Christian values.
Click below to learn more:
Nursery (six weeks - pre-kindergarten)
Our nursery is open on Sundays from 7:45 a.m. to noon for children six weeks old through pre-kindergarten and is professionally staffed by a group of warm and dedicated adults. Through age-appropriate activities, we are building our preschooler's spiritual foundation with games, crafts, and Bible experiences. Our entire curriculum is constructed to meet your preschooler(s) where they are cognitively, spiritually, physically, emotionally, and socially. When you arrive at our nursery area, your child will check in to their age-based room (babies, toddlers, preschoolers) for the day’s lectionary-based lesson as well as plenty of time to play and socialize with their friends. We also have a nursing room off the nursery foyer available during all services.
Kids (Kindergarten - 5th Grade)
At COTHA, it is our mission that every child knows and loves Jesus as their Lord and Savior. We work to achieve this mission by loving and praying for every child, targeted programs, an engaging curriculum, and special events. Sunday 9:15 a.m. - Kids Hangout Our Game Room (Room 113) is open and supervised for kids from kindergarten to 5G with parents in our Adult Formation Classes. Sunday 10:30 a.m. - Kids Formation During our 10:30 a.m. service, our kindergarteners through 5th-grade kids begin in the Great Room and get to experience God through their grade-specific Kids Formation Groups. This includes games, music, a Bible story, and prayer time. Children return to the main service during the announcements and before communion.
Students (6th Grade - 12th Grade)
COTHA Student Ministry (CSM) is our student ministry (6th-12th grade). We offer many programs and opportunities for students to learn about the love of Jesus and how to apply Christian principles in their lives. Confirmation We invite all students (8G-12G) who are either interested in being confirmed, or who feel drawn to explore what it means to be drawn more deeply into the life of Christ's Church, to join a confirmation class to decide for themselves if they are ready to make the public confession and commitment of the Christian faith. Lunch will be provided. Retreat date to be will be held on Sep 23. Registration cost of $50 includes booklet, retreat, and any other class costs. Due to the importance of confirmation training, students are expected to attend all sessions. Class dates: Aug 20-Sep 24, 11:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m. Register Wednesday Nights Wednesday Nights return Aug 23! High School and Middle School students are invited to join us in the Student Center every Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for dinner, a lesson, small group time, and games. Students are encouraged to invite their friends for an evening of fun and fellowship!
Junior Daughters of the King (Ages 7-21)
Junior Daughters of the King (JDOK) provides girls or young women the opportunity to grow in their love and knowledge of Jesus Christ while serving their church and community. They are an integral part of the Daughters of the King Order and the hope is that they continue the mission of The Order by transitioning to senior Daughters. JDOK is open to all girls and young women ages 7-21. COTHA's Queen Esther Chapter meets monthly after the 10:30 a.m. service until 1:30 p.m.
2023-2024 Dates: 8/20, 9/10, 10/1, 11/12, 12/3, 12/9, 1/7, 2/4, 3/3, 4/7, 5/5 If you are interested in joining our chapter, please contact Adelle McKinstry.
College
Our COTHA College Student Ministry is geared toward continuing relationships with our students as they navigate college and young adulthood.
Be sure to check out our event page and join our group chat by contacting our Director of Family Ministry, Becca Rivas, to stay current on all our other events and opportunities.

New Member Classes
This 2-week class, held after the 10:30 a.m. service in Room 103, provides interested guests with the opportunity to learn more about who we are, what we believe, ministry opportunities, and how they can join our congregation. Lunch and childcare are provided.
Register for our Aug 13 & Aug 20 Class
Register for our Oct 29 & Nov 5 Class
Board Game Night
This club is perfect for those who enjoy the thrill of playing cooperative and strategy-based board games. We meet on the first Monday of the month in room 115.
Contact our Game Coordinator, Wesley Thomas, for more information.
Sports Sunday Game Day
Our game commissioners, Kerry Rivas and Zach White, invite everyone to our monthly Sports Sunday Game Days on the last Sunday of the month.
Contact our Commissioner, Kerry Rivas, for more information.
Bunco Ladies Night Out
Gather your friends and family for an evening filled with laughter, friendly competition, and lots of fun! Bunco Ladies Night Out is a great opportunity to build friendships and connect with others.
Whether you're a seasoned Bunco player or a newbie, all skill levels are welcome!
Contact our Director of Family Ministry, Becca Rivas, for more information.