Weekly News | 2.13.26
On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.
(Luke 13:10-13)
Imagine this woman.
Imagine her listening to Jesus teach, words given in love and truth, while managing with her back. Adjusting herself to stand or sit or lean in a way that accommodates her infirmity. She has coped with this for nearly two decades. She has learned how to live bent over.
Jesus sees her. Calls her forward. He speaks words she may not have even dared to hear, lays his hands laid on her with dignity, power, and affection. She straightens for the first time in 18 years.
This is our God.
And this moment images something of the heart of Lent.
Lent is about repentance, about turning toward God and partaking in that which only He can provide. Forgiveness. Healing. Reconciliation. Renewed love.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
(Psalm 103:13-14)
God is compassionately aware of the curvature of our spines. He knows the way our habits of mind and heart or the harm done by persons and spirits can bend us, turn us in on ourselves, allow our love to grow cold. He knows our frailty - that we are formed from dust and unable to straighten ourselves - and our mortality - that because of our sin, we are dust-bound.
In Lent, the church makes space for us to hear our name called, and come forward in faith for Jesus to do what only Jesus can.
I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent: by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and alms-giving; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word.
(The Book of Common Prayer 2019, Ash Wednesday)
Like the woman showing up at the synagogue on the Sabbath, the practices above are ways to locate ourselves in meaningful proximity to the work of Jesus. These well-worn paths of transformation act as noise-cancelling headphones to the cacophony of our world and daily lives that might otherwise obscure the hunger of our souls and the voice of Jesus bidding us forward. They do not earn his kindness nor conjure his company, but put us in places that make us aware of his presence, available and ready for fresh encounters.
Though we may participate in a variety of ways personally or within our homes, we also desire to participate in these practices communally. Ask the Lord: “How might I turn toward you this Lent?”
May we, through the ministry of Jesus, be prepared in every way to celebrate his resurrection.
Staff Updates
Thanking Reid Langehennig
Reid Langehennig, who serves as our Director of Student Formation, will be transitioning off the staff team. Having served as a hospital chaplain for several years, he will be pursuing full-time chaplaincy work. His last day in this role will be March 15th, but expect to see him on Sundays as a beloved member of the parish.
We are so thankful for the ways Reid has loved our students, and has helped develop our youth ministry. His final youth group will be on 3/8, and I encourage all families who have been blessed by him to write notes of thanksgiving and appreciation. Let’s send him well into the season ahead!
Parents of youth! Let’s gather during the youth group on 2/22 so we can plan for the shepherding of our kids in the semester ahead. God has good things in store for them.
Welcoming Paula Alvelo
We are glad to announce that Paula Alvelo has joined the team as our Nursery & Preschool Coordinator! She will be serving in a part-time capacity, and helping support the Garden on Sunday mornings. Reach out to welcome her at paula@cotcaustin.org! If you are a parent of littles, you may already know this from Briana, who both asked and answered: “Is Ms Briana excited?” “Over. the. Moon.” So are we! Welcome to the team Paula! Learn more about Paula here.
Associate Priest of Formation: Job Opening
COTC is adding to our team! Learn more on our website, and join me in prayer. This role holds a spiritual, cultural, and practical weight in our community, and we ask that God gives discernment and delight in this search. Church of the Cross, serving you is a gift. I have no doubt that whoever takes up this call will in fact find themselves profoundly blessed by you. Pray God would provide both for this person and for us in the process.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Grace and peace,
Sarah+