Dec
31
12:00 PM12:00

Adopting the Statement of Personal Devotion & Fireworks!

Adopting the Statement of Personal Devotion on New Year's Eve


Every year, we offer the opportunity to adopt the Statement of Personal Devotion. Due to the incredible busy-ness of this fall (Antioch Network gathering + BBQ Bash!) we haven't had the opportunity to focus on it and prepare, as in previous years.  If you are not familiar with this process, it is the opportunity be become a member of Christ the Reconciler.  You do so by joining all those who are adopting the statement in our community.  We pray through the Statement, adopting it for the next year.  Then we celebrate!

Here are the details:

  • Date:  Wednesday, December 31 - New Year's Eve!

  • Time: Noon

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

  • Program:  Lunch together, followed by adopting the Statement of Personal Devotion.  Then we will play games and celebrate together!

  • Cost:  Free

  • Food: CTR will provide the main dish (TBD).  Please bring a side / salad / dessert / drink to share with everyone.

  • Who can come? Anyone!  If you are curious about what it means to adopt the Statement, please come and check it out.  We promise not to put pressure on you to adopt it.  Our desire is that anyone who does it, does it wholeheartedly!  You can also prepare by reading through the Statement and also the extensive Study Guide.  You can also contact any of the leaders to inquire about adopting the Statement.

  • What about the Community Commitment?  Due to the many other activities this fall, we will not be offering an opportunity to make the community commitment.  But we plan to offer this again in 2026!

Let's ring in the New Year by committing to live out John 17 in each of our lives!

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Dec
12
5:45 PM17:45

Advent Open Table at CTR 5:45pm

On Friday, Dec 12th, we will celebrate Advent together at Christ the Reconciler. We pray that you have time to slow down this season and marvel again at the wonder of our God who loves us so much that He gave His only Begotten Son!

Here are the details:

  • Date:  Friday, December 12

  • Time: 5:45 pm

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

  • Program:  Dinner together at 6, followed by Advent Bridge Prayer.  Then we will have a treasure hunt for the young, and the young at heart!

  • Cost:  Free

  • Food: CTR will provide the main dish, a chicken and rice casserole.  Please bring a side / salad / dessert / drink to share with everyone.

  • RSVP:  Please let Amy know you are coming so she knows how many to plan for ... thanks!

See you on Friday!

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CTR Fundraising Hoe-Down Party at CTR!
Nov
22
5:00 PM17:00

CTR Fundraising Hoe-Down Party at CTR!

Invite Family & Friends who have Resources!


We have crafted a beautiful invitation (download it here) and even made an entire website (click here) for Nov. 22!  Please pray with us that God would draw exactly the ones with the resources* that He has given to help us build houses and a prayer chapel on our land in Elgin. 

* And by resources, we don't just mean money - though we do need money!  Some people have construction skills.  Others may have items to donate to the Silent Auction.  And still others need to hear about our vision because, while they don't have the means to help fund it, they know others who might!

As you pray, perhaps the Holy Spirit will bring to mind a friend, family member, co-worker, fellow church member, or acquaintance to send the invitation to.  Please do this!

Thank you!

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Nov
5
3:00 PM15:00

Open Table at CTR

We had an Open Table scheduled for this Friday, Oct 17.  BUT ... we are moving it to accommodate a very special opportunity.  On Wednesday, Nov 5 the Antioch Network gathering is going to come out to tour Christ the Reconciler!  This will be a group of ~50 people, some old familiar friends and other new faces.  They will arrive at 3 pm, and we'll have a tour for them + prayer + time for fellowship and connection. 

Then, we will serve them dinner (:-0)  

So, we need your help!  We are planning an entrée of carnitas, and we need lots of community members to show up and bring sizable sides to share with our friends from Antioch Network. You are welcome to be here at 3 pm to meet them and join the prayer and tour times, and stay through dinner.

Can you help?  More details to come, or contact Amy Cogdell or Diane Wall

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Nov
4
to Nov 6

Antioch Network Gathering at Hope Chapel

Register for Antioch Network Gathering


Registrationis now open for the Antioch Network gathering in November.  Many of us have traveled to various places - Istanbul, Germany, Bulgaria, Austria - for these annual gatherings ... and have always come away blessed and enriched.  Well, this year it's in ... Austin!  Put away those traveling shoes andget yourself registered!  Below is the official invite ...



The Antioch Council invites you to its 2025 International Gathering. Our theme this year comes from our long-term commitment to Prepare the Way of the Lord!

We will spend time meditating on the great hope of our faith - the return of Jesus in glory. We often shy away from speaking of the Lord's return for fear of straying into error.  But the "blessed hope" should lie at the heart of ministries devoted to the great commission and reconciliation. We will discuss how to recover this understanding so that it can rightly shape our lives and our callings.

Here are the types of questions we will be contemplating together:

  • What practical steps can we take to Prepare the Way of the Lord?

  • What prophetic roadmarks has Jesus given us to watch for?

  • What apostolic tasks has He entrusted to us for completion?

As with every Antioch Network gathering, the structure will be a relational rhythm of worship, prayer, talks, small groups, meals, and free time for spontaneous conversations.  Our goal is that participants leave refreshed, not weary and worn out!
 
We will begin at 4:30pm on the 3rd and end at 8:30pm on the 6th.  Registration fees are as follows and will help cover expenses.

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

  • $100 / single adult

  • $175 / married or engaged couple

  • $75 / college student

  • $45 / child (up through high school)

  • $300 / family (as many children as you can bring.)

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Austin Film Screening of "I was 8814"
Nov
3
6:30 PM18:30

Austin Film Screening of "I was 8814"

All are invited to a free special screening of Hanna Miley’s award-winning film i was 8814 on November 3 in Austin, Texas. This film screening is a collaboration of Antioch Network, Hope Chapel, Dream Together 2030, and Christ the Reconciler.

i was 8814 tells the story of Hanna Zack Miley. Born a Jew in Germany in 1932, Hanna was separated from her parents as the Nazi government took control and turned against the Jewish people. Her life was saved as a Kindertransport refugee, but her parents were killed in Poland. The film follows her journey of trauma, discovery, forgiveness and healing.

i was 8814 has won three film festival awards, most recently Best Documentary at the Berlin Indie Film Festival. With stunning videography, groundbreaking fabric art visualizations, and an original musical score, the film will draw you in from the opening scenes in Manchester England and transport you to Phoenix, the Eifel region of Germany, London, and the Lodz ghetto. Hanna’s delicate courage to travel the road of reconciliation will challenge you to consider how you can respond in your own life.

The screening will be followed by a short group discussion on the themes that the film evokes and the lessons of history that continue to be relevant today.

Don’t miss it! Doors open at 6 pm, the film will start at 6:30. Free - no ticket required (just show up).

Note for parents: the film has mature themes, but there are no direct images of injury or death. It should be suitable for children old enough to know about the Holocaust.

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Oct
4
9:45 AM09:45

CTR Retreat October 4

The next CTR retreat will address Taming the Tongue - an important discipline for the formation of Christian community!  Our beloved friend Rabbi Dr. Mark Kinzer has written a book with this name, which will be used as the basis for the day's teaching and discussion.  Copies of the book will also be available for purchase.  It is a wonderful little pastoral study, very different from Mark's other writings which are more theological in nature.

Here are the details.

  • Date:  Saturday, October 4

  • Time:  9:45 am - 2:45 pm

  • Location:  CTR, 2142 FM 1704 Elgin TX 78621

  • Food:  Lunch will be a potluck with chili 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, October 4!

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Sep
19
5:30 PM17:30

Open Table with Marianna Gol at CTR

Marianna Gol this Friday night!


On Friday night, we will be privileged again to receive, hear from, and pray for our Messianic Jewish sister Marianna Gol.  Please plan to come, bless her, and be blessed by God through her.

Here is the schedule for Friday night's Open Table:

  • 5:30 pm - Arrive and greet Marianna (traffic allowing :-)

  • 5:50 pm - Bridge Prayer

  • 6:15 pm - Dinner

  • 7:15 pm - Hearing from and praying for Marianna

  • 8:30 pm - Dismissal

As usual for each year she visits us, we will provide an opportunity to invest in her ministry Streams in the Desert, which cares for widows and orphans in Beersheva, Israel.

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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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