For many of you who've been following us at the Co-Op, you know of the many transitions that have come about over the last few months. In February, we moved the base of operations to Austin, Texas and began weekly worship there. As we begin to discern the "new thing" that God is up to with our community in this Easter season, there will be some significant changes to the Co-Op in 2009.
In a letter to the Co-Op community two weeks ago, the staff outlined some of these transitions and called for a time of discernment, response, conversation and prayer. Download Staff letter-4:2009
This past Wednesday, the Board of Directors met to address many of these changes. There are some final steps yet to be taken as we consult with our friends at the ELCA, however you will begin to see some of these changes unfold immediately.
+ We are proposing a new name for the community/organization - stay tuned for details
+ The Co-Op is pleased to welcome A.J. Costa (Dallas, TX) and Gwen Flory (Austin, TX) as new members of the Board of Directors. Both will serve 1yr terms. A.J. will help us focus on diversity and outreach while Gwen will represent First English Lutheran Church (our host congregation).
+ We are evaluating options for a budget shortfall around $10,000.00. This severely cripples our ability to fund programing and salary for staff. Details to come.
+ In May we begin a "Year of Commitment" focusing on the commitments we make as followers of God in the Way of Jesus. We'll be diving each month for the next year into the 12 Marks of New Monasticism as we begin to develop our "rule of life" together.
Please pray with us as these transitions unfold:
Gracious God -
You are the God of Easter, the God of New Life and the God of Incarnation.
Grant us that same sense of shalom as when you appeared to the disciples after the resurrection and said, "Peace be with you." Grant us that same sense of wonderment that caused the disciples to proclaim, "were our hearts not burning with in us" when they met Jesus on the Road to Emmaus. Grant us wise discernment like the council at Jerusalem as they shifted their movement far beyond the barriers of their own safe, and a sacred paradigm. Jesus, you come to be among us and to do a new thing. Guide us forward as we believe, now help our unbelief. In Christ's Name, Amen.
- Tim & Brianna
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