Nov
3
to Nov 7

Antioch Network Gathering

Dates for the Antioch Network Gathering


The dates have been set for the fall Antioch Network gathering in Austin. Exact location TBD:

  • Starts Monday, November 3, probably in the evening

  • Ends Friday, November 7, probably about noontime

This promises to be a very special event.  Stay tuned for more details as to theme, speakers, etc.  For now, mark your calendars and ask for time off of work - you won't regret it!

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Jul
19
9:45 AM09:45

CTR Retreat July 19

CTR Weekly Newsletter

View this email in your browser

Newsletter for July 4, 2025


Next Retreat - Saturday, July 19
Unity Forum Report
Turkey Trip Report

And BTW ... Happy Independence Day!

Photo:  Walking the CTR paths at sunset is a beautiful experience!  (It's also really the only possible time to walk them, during the dog days of a Texas summer :-)

July 19 - Next CTR Retreat!!


Hard to believe that our next retreat is coming right up :-)  Many of us were together at the Unity Forum in Dallas (see below for report), and it was a blessing to "show up" as a community.  A blessing for us for sure, and from the response also for all attending.  We will bring that experience to the whole community on July 19, and explore aspects of unity and reconciliation that were highlighted during the conference.  As a special joy, this will be the first retreat back for both the Martins and also Noah & Kara Cogdell (and family) ... so we will be welcoming them as well!

Here are the details:

  • Date:  Saturday, July 19

  • Time:  9:45 am - 2:45 pm

  • Location:  CTR, 2142 FM 1704 Elgin TX 78621

  • Food:  Lunch will be a potluck with entree TBD, please bring a side / salad / drink / dessert for others to enjoy.

  • Cost: $25/person, $35/couple, $5/child
    Or, free if this is your first time coming to a CTR retreat!

  • Children's Program:  Children are welcome and will have their own program, please make sure to register and indicate that you are bringing a child - thank you!

  • Register: https://form.jotform.com/210904131654043


We'll get more info out to you soon, but don't let that stop you from registering today!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more details as the retreat approaches.

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Jun
25
to Jun 28

Unity Conference in Dallas June 25-28

"Nicaea: Ecumenical Gift and Ecumenical Challenge"


This is the topic chosen for the Alleluia Forum on Unity and Renewal's 2025 conference - which is appropriate, given that the Council of Nicaea was 1700 years ago, in 325. 

The "gift" to the church from that Council, the Nicene Creed, is a hugely important theological ground of unity today.  (We feature it on our Core Beliefs page, and it is the first part of our Statement of Personal Devotion to Live Out John 17.)

The "challenge" part is often les recognized than the "gift." One important voice in this topic is Rabbi Dr. Mark Kinzer, a Messianic Jewish theologian who has written substantially about the Nicene Creed from a Messianic Jewish perspective.  He addresses both the concerns and reactions our Jewish brothers and sisters have to the Creed (and also the overall Council of Nicaea, which expressed some very unfortunate hostility to the Jews), and the hopefulness of the Creed for unity in our day, including between Jew and Gentile.  Rabbi Kinzer will be one of the speakers at the conference.

If you are receiving this email, it is likely because you care about reconciliation and unity in the body of Christ - so we encourage you to seriously consider attending in June.  Here are the details of the conference:

  • Dates:  June 25-28, 2005

  • Location:  The King's University, South Lake, Texas (near the DFW airport)

  • Register:  https://unityforum2025.org/

  • Speakers:  Amy & Thomas Cogdell, Ann Friemel, Dr. John Gresham, Dr. Daniel Keating, Rabbi Dr. Mark Kinzer, Anthony Martini, Rev. Paul Martini, Dr. David Rudolf, Dr. Don Swenson, Rev. Dan Wager

  • Steering Committee:  Dan Almeter, Prof. Matteo Calisi, Fr. Dr. Timothy Cremeens, Dr. David Cole, Bob Garrett, Dr. John Gresham, Anthony Martini, Dr. Don Swenson

One of the sessions will present Christ the Reconciler as a community dedicated to unity and reconciliation in the body of Christ.  Please be praying for Amy & Thomas as they plan this talk ... and indeed for all of the speakers.

Thank you for considering!
 

From the conference organizers:

We, the organizers of the Forum are embracing the apostolic foundation of our Christian and Messianic faith and also the ongoing apostolic mission of the church.

Rooted in the faith given in scripture and handed down by tradition, we draw upon the riches of the Holy Spirit at work in history and through the church and we find unity in our shared heritage.

We also find our shared heritage by seeking our common bond expressed in the Creeds, Ecumenical Councils and the Patristic commentary of the Ancient Church as well as the Jewish tradition.

At the same time, open to new movements of the Spirit at work in the world today, we find unity in our common mission to share Jesus with the world. As wise stewards we draw forth treasures old and new to grow in unity and unite in mission.
(Matthew 13:52)

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May
17
1:00 PM13:00

Hanna Miley's Film "I Was 8814" at Austin International Film Festival

To get tickets to see Hanna’s film, you will need to order Screening block 3 at 1pm : https://austininternationalfilmfestival.com/theatrical-screenings

Tickets $20 each: https://filmfreeway.com/AustinIFF/tickets
(Be sure to buy for Block 3!)

Please see the info above for location and other details. Hope to see you there!

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Apr
26
9:45 AM09:45

CTR Retreat Saturday, April 26

PLEASE register for the retreat!  https://form.jotform.com/210904131654043

Here are the details:

  • Date:  Saturday, April 26

  • Time:  9:45 am - 2:45 pm

  • Location:  CTR, 2142 FM 1704 Elgin TX 78621

  • Food:  Lunch will be a potluck with brisket as the entree, please bring a side / salad / drink / dessert for others to enjoy.

  • Cost: $25/person, $35/couple, $5/child
    Or, free if this is your first time coming to a CTR retreat!

  • Children's Program:  Children are welcome and will have their own program, please make sure to register and indicate that you are bringing a child - thank you!

  • Register: https://form.jotform.com/210904131654043


See you on Saturday!ubscribe to our newsletter for more details as the retreat approaches.

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Mar
1
10:00 AM10:00

John Cogdell Memorial Service

The memorial service for John Cogdell will be March 1 at Hope Chapel.

Service 10 am on March 1st at Hope Chapel in Austin TX.

Afterwards, there will be a potluck lunch featuring some of Papa John's favorite foods:

The lunch entree that will be provided will be amazing BBQ brisket, and beans - one of my dad's favorite meals!  So if you are coming and wondering what to bring, dishes like potato salad, cole slaw, and banana pudding would pair nicely!  (But ... bring whatever you want!)

We've just created a web page with details about the memorial service for Papa John on March 1.

https://cogdellcreative.space/papa-john

Hope to see many of you there!

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Feb
18
7:45 AM07:45

CTR Women's morning gathering

Tuesday February 18th, arrive 7:45am The women of CTR will be having a “watch party.” We will be viewing Dan Keating’s 2 sessions on the Niceen Creed

Hello Friends!

Ann Friemel (formerly known as Sr. Mary Paul) is coming to Elgin for a week, Feb. 14-19.  She would like to watch one day of the Charismatic Leaders' Fellowship conference from CTR, and I thought it would be fun to have a ladies's watch party on the 18th (Tuesday)  The topic is the Council of Nicaea and given by Dr Dan Keating. 

Arrive by 7:45am please as the first session will begin right at 8am. Bring some breakfast food to share.

Please let me know if you are woman and planning to come. AmyCogdell@gmail.com

Love,

Amy

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Feb
1
9:45 AM09:45

CTR Retreat - February 1

We have already seen early registrations for our next CTR retreat!  It's great to see excitement building for our next opportunity to gather as a community and hear from the Lord together.  Amy has been working on a teaching for us, and we hope to also unveil the design for our land that the landscape architects have been working on for over one year.  Don't miss it!

Register now for the retreat:  https://form.jotform.com/210904131654043

Here are the details:

  • Date:  Saturday, February 1

  • Time:  9:45 am - 2pm

  • Location:  CTR, 2142 FM 1704 Elgin TX 78621

  • Food:  Lunch will be served at 11:30am. CTR will be serving hot beef and turkey sandwiches. Please bring sandwich condiments/ a side / salad / drink / dessert for others to enjoy (bread will be provided).

  • Cost: $25/person, $35/couple, $5/child
    Or, free if this is your first time coming to a CTR retreat!

  • Children's Program:  Children are welcome and will have their own program, please make sure to register and indicate that you are bringing a child - thank you!

  • Register: https://form.jotform.com/210904131654043


There is homework to prepare for the retreat!  Amy requests that you read chapters 1 through 9 in the book of Hebrews.  And re-listen to Caroline's teaching from last year, on The Throne.

See you on February 1!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more details as the retreat approaches.

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Nov
9
9:45 AM09:45

November 9 - CTR Retreat

On Saturday, Nov 9 we will host George Lee for a viewing and discussion of his short films, created for the Confessio project. They are excellent stories of reconciliation, both powerful and accessible for adults and children alike.

Here are the details:

  • Date: Saturday, November 9

  • Time: Arrive at 9:45, worship starts at 10 am

  • Location: CTR, 2142 FM 1704 Elgin TX 78621

  • Food: Lunch will be a potluck with soups to match the season, please bring a side / salad / drink / dessert for others to enjoy.

  • Cost: $25/person, $35/couple, $5/child

    Or, free if this is your first time coming to a CTR retreat!

  • Children's Program: The children's program is full at this point, if you haven't let us know you're coming but want to reach out to Thomas immediately

  • Register: https://form.jotform.com/210904131654043

Subscribe to our newsletter below to receive more details about this and other events.

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Oct
18
6:30 PM18:30

October 18 - Friday Night Worship

Friday, October 18, is the October worship night. And it's an even-more-special-than-usual one! Sid & Deb Davila have invited us to join their Sukkot (Feast of Booths) celebration. Sukkot is super fun - who doesn't like to build forts and hang out in them? Sid & Deb have constructed a special booth on their beautiful property in the piney woods east of Bastrop. It will be wonderful to mix their festival with the CTR worship night that was already scheduled for that evening - perfect timing! ✅

But wait! There's more!

We'll also take time that night to pray for and send out the team that will go to Europe for the Bulgaria + Poland + Lithuania + Turkey missions trip. Come and lay hands on those team members who will be able to be there, blessing them and praying for God to use the whole team mightily as well as speak to and through them.

Here are the details:

  • Date: Friday, October 18

  • Time: Eat at 6:30, worship & pray at 7:00 pm

  • Location: Sid & Deb’s house, <contact us for address>
    CTR will be the backup location in case of rain ... which is looking unlikely

  • Food: Sid & Deb will provide a feast!

  • Cost: Free

  • Children's Program: Children are welcome, they will enjoy the booth & the setting in the woods

  • RSVP: Not required, just show up :-)

But wait ... there's EVEN more!

Sid & Deb would like the CTR community to know that Friday night is just the beginning, and that everyone is welcome to come by anytime during Sukkot. They have created a beautiful poster (see below) with all the details, please don't hesitate to reach out directly to them with any questions.

Subscribe to our newsletter below to receive more details about this event.

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Sep
27
10:30 AM10:30

September 27 - Marianna Gol

We are truly blessed at CTR to have so many wonderful visitors from around the world. Marianna is one who keeps coming back - for which we are grateful. She will be with us on Friday evening for a special Shabbat dinner. We will also hear from her, and pray for her. As usual, we also want to bless her by taking up an offering.

Important: we are limiting space to 40 people, and are almost full. If you would like to come and have not yet contacted Amy to let her know, you should do so immediately.

Here are the details:

  • Date: Friday, Sept 27

  • Time: 6 - 8:30 pm

  • Location: CTR (2142 FM 1704, Elgin TX 78621)

  • Food: Potluck - important to bring a dish to share. If you have eaten Marianna's cooking before, you know that the main dish will be really good ... but we don't know what it will be yet (probably Mediterranean themed). So make / bring something you like to share with others, and let's feast together!

  • Cost: Free. Pray and prepare for an offering for Marianna.

  • Children's Program: Children are welcome, they will be with the adults the whole time

  • RSVP: Email Amy directly

See you on Friday!

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Sep
7
10:00 AM10:00

September 7 - Brunch with Craig

Brunch with Craig B from NZ! Here are the details:

  • Date:  Saturday, Sept 7

  • Time:  10 am - 1 pm

  • Location:  CTR (2142 FM 1704, Elgin TX 78621)

  • Food:  Brunch potluck!  Bring your fave brunchable delight to share with the group :-)

  • Cost: Free

  • Children's Program:  Children will be with the adults the whole time

  • RSVP:  Email Amy directly to let us know you're coming

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Apr
19
5:45 PM17:45

April 19 - Open Table with Lori Lowenhar

Come to a special Open Table at CTR, with a guest from Israel - Lori Lowenhar. Lori will be sharing about her experiences during the war, including maintaining relationships with Arab Christians. She and her sister will also play some special music. Don’t miss it!

Subscribe to our newsletter below to receive more details about this event.

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Mar
16
9:45 AM09:45

March 16 - The SHORE @ Hope Chapel

On March 16, CTR and Hope Chapel are collaborating to host a special event called:

The SHORE: Death, Eternity, and the Throne of God

Invite your friends and family - especially young people! - to come! One of the activities will be to watch part of the new movie, “After Death” (about near death experiences). Caroline will also give a teaching on the Throne of God which will be powerful.

Here are the details:

  • Date:  Saturday, March 16, 2024

  • Time:  9:45 am - 2:45 pm

  • Location:  Hope Chapel, 6701 Arroyo Seco, Austin, TX 78757

  • Cost:  Free

    (but if you want help offset the expenses of food & childcare, that would be appreciated, click here to donate)

  • Register:  https://form.jotform.com/Thomas_Cogdell/the-shore

  • Food:  Lunch will be provided

    • Childcare:  Will be provided if you register and reserve a spot by March 8 (or until childcare is full)

Here is the digital invitation, please don’t hesitate to post / email / text it around:

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Aug
28
9:00 AM09:00

DreamTogether2030

CTR is joining many churches and ministries around the city to mark the 60-year anniversary of MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech. A city-wide proclamation (which we helped to craft) will be read on the steps of the State Capitol. Then a worship event at nearby Waterloo Greenway, with short speeches - including by DeKarlos Blackmon of the Catholic Diocese!

Website: https://www.dreamtogether2030.com/

Register to attend: http://www.eventcreate.com/august28

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Jul
15
9:45 AM09:45

July 15 - CTR Retreat

Amy's teaching will be light on the teaching, with more focus on actually contemplating the Trinity - both individually, and together. We expect the Holy Spirit to help us learn from Scripture. Don't miss it!

The introduction to the Community Commitment will then happen in the morning, before lunch. You'll be able to take home a paper copy of the document, if you wish to, to more carefully read and pray through it. We are also working on a study guide, like the one we have for the Statement of Personal Devotion - but it won't be finished by the retreat.

In the afternoon, we’ll pray together and hear a report. Afterwards, we'll have lots of time for kids to play (supervised by their parents), and for the adults to spend time with each other and with the kids.

Here are the details:

  • Date: Saturday, July 15, 2023

  • Time: 9:45 am - 3:00 pm

  • Location: Christ the Reconciler, 2142 FM 1704, Elgin TX 78621

  • Food: The entree will be provided by CTR (various types of sandwiches), please bring a side / salad / drink / dessert to match

  • Cost: $25/person, $35/couple, $5/child

  • Note: Or, free if this is your first time coming to a CTR retreat!

  • Children’s Program: Will be conducted during the teachings / presentations, children will be with their parents during lunchtime, bridge prayer, Noah & Kara's report, and free time

  • Register: https://form.jotform.com/210904131654043

We hope you can make it!

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