End-of-Year Report 2023

We are extremely grateful to God for his mercy in the last year 🙏 Certainly most of his grace and mercy was unnoticed or unseen, not to be known until eternity. But here is some of the goodness of God that we did see this year. As you read, give all glory and honor to God!

A Published Book!

Available in paperback, eBook / Kindle, and … soon … audiobook!

In late May, Unity Through Repentance: The Journey to Wittenberg 2017 was published by William Carey Publishing, a leading missions publisher. And German translation is fully funded and should be published early in 2023.

Here are a few wonderful comments from readers:

“This book is part historical account, part personal testimony, part doctrinal treatise (on the topics of repentance and reconciliation), and glory to God throughout. Yet somehow, it naturally flows from one thought to the other; and not only does it flow, but I found it legitimately hard to put down.”

“Unity Through Repentance is fascinating and essential reading for all who are concerned about the spiritual unity and harmony of the Body of Christ.”

“We love your book, Thomas and Amy! It so readable, honest … Truth is its foundation and its chief end or purpose!”

“I just received and read Unity through Repentance whilst here in Nairobi. I stayed up to 2am to finish it and couldn’t sleep it stirred up my heart so much!”

“Reads like an adventure--a God-led adventure from beginning to end.”

“Far more than a personal tale, it leaves the reader with questions that beg to be answered in our response. What part do I play in the larger work of unity within my family, my church and the larger body of Christ?”


Growth in Community

Our community house is full! With the Walls, Micah, Amy’s mom and the Cogdells living under one roof, we are a household of eight people praying, cooking, cleaning, receiving visitors, and sharing both the joys and challenges of life together.

A recent dinner with Evan and Melody Ott from Hope Chapel

Another important step was taken by Jim and Ginny MacDonald, who just closed on a house near CTR. They will be moving from the Buda / Kyle area, and their presence nearby will be a wonderful boost to community life and activity at Christ the Reconciler.

This beginning of community feels like a happy promise of things to come.

All Four Streams Visit CTR

Guests returned in 2022! Here is just one page from the book that our visitors sign, showing that people have traveled from around the USA and indeed the far corners of the world to come to Christ the Reconciler this year.

Even more exciting given our mission was that for the first time ever, we had visitors from all four major streams of the body of Christ!

  • Roman Catholic

  • Protestant

  • Messianic Jews

  • Eastern Orthodox

The last was represented by the first ever Eastern Orthodox priest to visit CTR: Fr. Ignatius “Iggy” Lozano of St. Andrew the First-Called Eastern Orthodox Church in Lockhart, Texas. The men of their church build custom caskets and coffins for natural burial, and we ordered a “community casket” from them (having learned from the death of Ann Cogdell in 2017, the importance of having a casket on hand for home burials).

Fr. Iggy (left) delivering the casket built by the men of St. Andrew’s

Journeys of Reconciliation

The year ended with connection to a local Eastern Orthodox priest (see above) … it began with a connection to an Orthodox priest overseas. Thomas began the year in Istanbul, Turkey, with a multi-day visit to Fr. Drtad, an Armenian Orthodox priest.

This was a significant encounter. Where will the Lord take it? We will be excited to learn more in the next year.

In February, Amy and Caroline Owens attended a charismatic Catholic conference in Augusta, Georgia - hosted by the Alleluia Community.

In May/June, Amy visited family in Turkey, then went from there to Israel where she spent time with Marianna Gol.

And in September / October, Thomas visited Europe for a month - serving as logistical coordinator for Hanna Miley’s documentary film team, but also re-establishing friendships first formed in the Wittenberg 2017 initiative and promoting Unity Through Repentance in Vienna, Prague, Lüdenscheid, Trieb, and London.

Finish One Series, Start the Next

In 2022 we finished our 10-part teaching series Foundations of Community. The teachings given in 2023 were on Hospitality (by John Michael & Diane Wall) and Work (by Phillip Owens), the last two of the activities we will be committing to in our forthcoming Community Commitment:

Snippet from the Community Commitment - each of these 5 activities had a dedicated teaching in the Foundations of Community series

After finishing that series, in the fall we began a new series called “Boundaries of Reconciliation.” The first teaching was on True and False Unity, and it was the first time we have addressed the culture wars that have so divided our nation and the church.

Our retreat in November was one of our largest on record with several new faces representing new communities and traditions. We are so thankful. In this teaching, Amy spoke on the challenging topic of Apostolic Authority, Submission, and Love - take a listen!

Thomas’ Athens Group Job Ends

Thomas and Mike Haney, the CEO of Athens Group, celebrating a good 24-year run.

Thomas was freed by God to devote more time to ministry this year! Though the loss of his consulting job came as a surprise, it also has opened new doors of possibility. He is looking forward to spending more time in prayer, investing more energy in Cielo, and attending more fully to the work and relationships of Christ the Reconciler.

Amy & Thomas are working on developing four distinct streams of income. So far, they have really seen the grace of the Lord amidst the generosity of several supporters. They have started a personal newsletter to keep friends, family, and ministry partners apprised of their doings, prayer needs, and financial situation. If you would like to receive their newsletter, and have not yet signed up, just click this link.

Air Conditioning!

We have air conditioning now in the Great Room! After eight years of enduring the Texas summer heat with window units, swamp coolers, fans & wet towels, and heat-reflecting camping blankets over the windows … we now have this:

There is one split unit on either side of the divider wall … hallelujah!

Praise the Lord! And many thanks to so many generous donors, who made it possible.

(And, they also heat! Well … as long as there’s electricity flowing to them 😬 so let’s not have another Icepocalypse 🙏 )

Financial Report

Our Father provided for us so well in 2022. We met all of our obligations. We funded all of the activities of prayer, reconciliation, formation, hospitality, and work covered in this newsletter - and more besides. We continued to be able to pay the mortgage to keep the land and house. We were able to purchase air conditioning units (see article above). Our bank account grew slightly, rather than falling. And we saw the first donations come in for employing Amy & Thomas part-time, starting next year!

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
— Jesus, as recorded in Matthew 6:24

Father, help us in 2023 to keep our treasures in heaven, not on earth. Holy Spirit, direct the eyes of our hearts to heaven, where our lives are hidden, and away from the things of this earth. Jesus, be glorified as we cast our crowns down at your feet.

CTR Announcements 4 June

Save the Date - July 8 @ Hope Chapel


The joint CTR / Hope Chapel Book Launch Event for Unity Through Repentance will be on Friday, July 8.  Please mark your calendar!  We'd like to ask the CTR community to serve by bringing desserts to share with the wider Hope Chapel participants.  Mark your calendar!

Here are the details:

  • Date:  Friday, July 8, 2022

  • Time:  7pm - 8pm (with special "pre-worship" starting at 6:45 pm)

  • Location:  Hope Chapel, 6701 Arroyo Seco, Austin

  • Program:  Will be kid-friendly ... reading a fun chapter from the book, testimonials, special guests Dan Davis & Hanna Miley via Zoom, then desserts

  • Book:  Will be for sale for suggested donation of $10 each (author's cost); and you can get them signed by the authors!

 

Work & Hospitality Teachings Online!


The excellent teachings from John Michael & Diane Wall, Phillip Owens, and Thomas Cogdell are online!

  • Hospitality (Foundations of Community #9)

  • Work (Foundations of Community #10)

The Glory & The Shame


Fr. Peter's wonderful and important book has been republished!  We wanted to let you know, so that if you haven't read it, you can order it.  Just click here to order it.

CTR Announcements 2 May

Please Register for Saturday's Retreat


Saturday's retreat is fast approaching,please register now if you haven't already done so, and are planning to come. Here are the details:

  • Date: Saturday, May 7

  • Time: 9:45 am - 2:30 pm

  • Location: Christ the Reconciler, 2142 F.M. 1704 Elgin TX 78621

  • Zoom option: Yes, a link will be sent out prior to the retreat

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

  • Lunch: CTR will provide the main course (hot dogs & beans), bring a side / salad / dessert / drink to share with everyone. There will be gluten-free hot dogs and corn tortillas, but we won't have gluten-free buns so if you want them, bring them!

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

God is speaking to John Michael & Diane, revealing his heart for Hospitality. And Phillip is making significant sacrifices to come and speak to us about Work. These two activities are "last but not least" in our list of the practices that God has called us to, in living out John 17. We are a community bent towards the contemplative, so these types of practical hands-on activities can seem daunting. All the more reason to be encouraged by learning how God practices hospitality and work, and how they are related to reconciliation and unity.

And ... the kids will have a combination bouncy-house / water-slide to play on!

This Friday - Zoom Adoption of Statement of Personal Devotion


Back on February 12, many of us adopted the Statement of Personal Devotion to live out John 17 for 2022. Both others couldn't make it in person. So we have scheduled two opportunities to adopt the Statement of Personal Devotion, via Zoom.

The first is this coming Friday, May 6, at 9 am Central. If you would like to participate and have not yet received the link, please contact Thomas and let him know. Thanks!

The next and final opportunity for 2022 will be Tuesday, May 10, also at 9 am Central.

CTR Announcements Apr 25

May 7: We Have A Bouncy House!


The combination bouncy-house / water-slide has been reserved.

The teachings are being prepared.

May 7 is coming quickly, and it's time to register for the next CTR retreat. We will be hearing from the Lord through the Walls, Phillip, and Thomas regarding the final two actions of CTR: Hospitality, and Work.

The retreat will be the usual schedule, from 9:45 am to 2:30 pm. Look for more details regarding food etc. next week. But for now ... please register!

Thanks!

Walter Heidenreich is in Texas


Walter has had a profound impact on CTR, through HFAN of course but also especially through his first visit back in 2016. We always let the community know when he's in the area. This Friday night there is a meeting open to all at the HFAN base in Cedar Creek, near Bastrop. Details below, if you are interested in going.

Two Zoom Adoptions


Back on February 12, many of us adopted the Statement of Personal Devotion to live out John 17 for 2022. But others couldn't make it in person. So we have scheduled two opportunities to adopt the Statement of Personal Devotion, via Zoom:

  • Friday, May 6 @ 9 am Texas Standard Time

  • Tuesday, May 10 @ 9 am TST

Please contact us if you are interested in the Zoom link to either time, to join in.

Thank you!

CTR Announcements Mar 30

Saturday's Retreat Rescheduled for May 7


The CTR retreat that had been planned for last Saturday, April 26, had to be postponed at the last minute, due to a number of personal / family issues that arose a few days before. Thanks for your patience!

The retreat is rescheduled for Saturday, May 7. Please mark your calendars!

We had hoped to have the May retreat at Camp Tejas, but their schedule was full. So it will be at CTR, and we'll try to have something special for the kids like a bouncy house for that day.

(Also, for those of you who registered and paid for Saturday's retreat, you won't need to pay double :-)

CTR Announcements Feb 28

Amy's Formation Teaching - Now Online!


Amy's teaching from the last retreat (with Thomas' lengthy introductory comments) is now online. If you missed the retreat, you can now catch up on the teaching. Or, if you attended, you can revisit this deep and important teaching for our community.

You can listen to the audio of the teaching via the website or app.

Or, if you prefer YouTube to see the points and scriptures referenced throughout, here you go:

This is the 8th in our Foundation of Community series. If you want to catch up and listen to the whole series before the next retreat, here are the links:

  1. The Accuser of the Brethren

  2. The Advocate vs. the Accuser

  3. The Gift of Repentance

  4. Living in the Light

  5. Forgiveness

  6. Prayer

  7. Reconciliation

  8. Formation

Reflection - "In Training"


John Patrick, one of the awesome young men in our community, wrote this reflection after Amy's teaching on Formation. Enjoy!

My dog in serious training! He’s got three collars now: a flat collar, a pronged collar, and an electric collar.

Each has a unique purpose, each is edifying, and all are forming him into a fully mature companion. Each collar, and, in turn, each discipline he learns, is a step towards obedience, and obedience leads to liberty. With more discipline, more trust is built, and in turn, more fun gopher hunting!

This is a beautiful example of how we are in constant need of discipline and obedience.

While the teachings of Jesus and his apostles can be painful and hard to follow, when we follow them in obedience and submission to God’s will, we are entrusted with more gifts and authority in our churches. But far more than this, we learn how to live in the liberty of Jesus’ life and redemption. Although we may not understand what the new collar that our Master puts around our neck does or it’s implications, when we trust Him, and allow these yokes to guide our lives in submission and obedience, we find we have a better and freer existence.

We are all in need of spiritual formation just as my dog is in need for obedience training.


Amplify Austin


Under Jim MacDonald's excellent leadership, CTR is again participating in Amplify Austin. One of the primary benefits of giving through Amplify Austin, rather than directly to CTR, is that many major corporations in Austin provide some degree of matching funds. So check with your employer to determine if they are one of the matching ones ... if so, give a gift!

You can also help us by spreading the word. Here is a direct link to our page:

https://www.amplifyatx.org/organizations/christ-the-reconciler

Click the Fundraise button on that page, which will help you spread the word.

Amplify Austin Day officially kicks off at 6 pm on March 2 and ends at 6 pm on March 3, but early giving is already underway on AmplifyATX.org! Gifts made now through March 2 at 6 pm count toward Amplify Austin Day totals, early giving incentives and grand prizes. Please pray about if, when, and how much to give during this campaign.


March 26 - Save the Date!


Just a quick reminder that our March retreat will be on the 26th, not the 19th.

We will close out our Foundations of Community series by looking at the two remaining actions of our community:

  • Hospitality

  • Work

Mark your calendars, and look for more details as we get closer to the retreat.


CTR Announcements Feb 18

March Retreat Moved 1 Week


We had previously posted the date for March's retreat as Saturday, March 19. We need to move it one week. The new date is March 26. Please update your calendars ... thank you!

In April we are planning to not have a retreat, but instead to have a Work Day (date TBD), and also some time with Walter Heidenreich who will be visiting Texas. More details forthcoming soon.

We are aiming for a Camp Tejas retreat day in May ... hurrah! The weather should be warm enough for the kids to swim, and we adults will spend time carefully reading and discussing the Community Commitment.

Some Have Adopted ... Others Stay Tuned!


Last Saturday, February 12, we had a joyously wonderful retreat together. In addition to Amy's deep teaching on Formation, a number of us adopted the Statement of Personal Devotion for 2022. It was so great to sign it together, in person!

A number of you have indicated that you would like an alternate time for adopting the statement for 2022, because you weren't able to make it on Saturday. Stay tuned for an email coming your way, with some potential dates / times. Thanks!


Teaching About Fasting


In somewhat of a surprise, Thomas was invited to teach at Midtown Church on the subject of fasting. The Holy Spirit blessed that invitation when Angelina Gamper accepted Thomas' invitation to co-teach. Her part was really wonderful ... it starts about halfway through. Enjoy!

Book News


Many of you have been following Thomas & Amy as they worked on their books through the past several years. Yesterday was a banner day. Thank you for praying!

First, Amy submitted a query letter to a literary agent for the book she is writing with her father, Runaway Bay. This is a short letter introducing the book, in hopes that the literary agent will pick it up and find a publisher for it. Please pray that the book will end up published by exactly the right publisher in God's eyes! ... so as to bring the message of hope and healing from abandonment to as many people as possible.

Second, Thomas received the contract for his book, which now has an official title: Unity Through Repentance: The Journey To Wittenberg 2017. Copy editing is moving fast thanks to our talented friend Bob Fullilove, and they expect to have a cover in the next month, and publish it in late May or early June. Also, progress is being made towards a German translation, and an audio book. Keep praying!

CTR Announcements Jan 24

2022's Opportunity to Adopt the Statement of Personal Devotion


On Saturday, February 12, we will gather at CTR for a retreat. There will be a lot happening at this retreat! One of them will be this year's chance to adopt the Statement of Personal Devotion. What does that mean?

Most of you receiving this newsletter are aware that the overarching vision of our community at Christ the Reconciler is "to live out John 17." We do this on three levels, each of which has (or will have) a specific commitment required.

  • Personal - The Statement of Personal Devotion describes living out John 17 on the personal level. We offer the chance to adopt this statement annually. This is open to those who live in Central Texas as well as those outside, including internationally.

  • Community - The Community Commitment will describe living out John 17 as a community in Central Texas. This commitment is still being drafted (almost ready for release ... we promise!). Two of the pre-requisites for consideration to adopt the Community Commitment are (1) having adopted the Statement of Personal Devotion, and lived it out faithfully for at least one year, and (2) living in the geographic region of Central Texas, such that you can join in physically for gatherings at CTR.

  • Residential - Living out John 17 as neighbors will be addressed as we are able to build and inhabit houses on the land at CTR. When that happens, adopting the Residential Rule will be required to those who live here. Another requirement will be to have lived out the Community Commitment for at least a year.

This means that if you are interested in eventually living at CTR, the first step is to adopt the Statement of Personal Devotion. Of course, there are also many who never intend to live at CTR, or even enter into the Community Commitment, who will also adopt the Statement of Personal Devotion. Why? Because it is so, so good! It is truly a gift from God, to us and through us to a broken world marked by hostility. It helps us know how to respond. Thank you, Lord!

For 2022, the chance to adopt (or renew) the Statement of Personal Devotion will be during the next retreat. This will be on Saturday, February 12. We will also continue our series on Foundations of Community at this retreat - so there will be a lot happening that day! (Note that if you want to come but will *not* be adopting the Statement of Personal Devotion ... wonderful! You can support those who do with your presence, prayers, and encouragement.)

We would like to ask that you let us know (a) if you are planning to adopt / renew the Statement of Personal Devotion, and (b) if you will be present on Feb 12, or will be doing it via Zoom, or can't make it either way that day but still would like to adopt for 2022. This will help us plan. Please fill out this (very short) online survey: https://form.jotform.com/220226036424040

Finally, please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone that you would think may be interested in adopting the statement. The events in the news continue to highlight the need for followers of Jesus to be committed to lives of reconciliation, so there may be someone who comes to mind for you to invite. Thank you!

Group photo after adopting the Statement of Personal Devotion in 2019

Reconciliation Teaching Online!


Last November our CTR retreat focused on Reconciliation, the second action of the Community Commitment. That teaching is now ... finally ... online! You can find an audio-only MP3 as the Teaching of the Week, and here's a link to the YouTube video:

Clare's Teaching from the Last Retreat


Many of you have asked about a link to Clare's teaching on Love & Truth in Community, which we watched at the last retreat on January 15. The answer is ... please be a little more patient! I have requested permission from Clare to make it available on our website, and I have a phone call with her next week to discuss this. Pray for wisdom for her, and also that she would be blessed by our interest!

2021 Giving Statements


We will be sending out giving statements before the end of January, so look for them in your email inbox, soon!

(You can also generate your own from our app )