Dear Caldwell,
We continue this Sunday exploring new ideas and new possibilities for our walk with God. First, however, I am delighted to introduce you to a new face in leadership at Caldwell.
Last Summer, we began a search for a part-time Music Director to work with Smitty Flynn and Manley Roberts, our gifted but VOLUNTEER choir leaders. We will continue to enjoy their gifts in ministry. However, all along we new that we needed to add a member to our staff to complement Smitty and Manley and to bring a larger focus to our music ministry, current and future. After talking to 50 applicants, interviewing more than a dozen on the phone and a half-dozen in person, God has guided the search committee, chaired ably by Jim Curtis, to an experienced professional church musician who brings passion and energy to what God is doing here. Anne Hunter Eidson (pronounced ID-son) joins our team next week as Director of Music and, additionally, as Worship and New Member Coordinator. In the coordinator role, Anne will handle worship and membership-related office duties, bringing long-overdue relief to Leslie Gipple, our Business and Operations Manager. Read more about Anne on our website here:
http://www.caldwellpresby.org/contact-us/meet-us/
Meantime we wish Leslie Gipple “bon voyage” as she takes a well-earned vacation to London!
Now, more about new possibilities: In worship Sunday we continue to explore two big ideas from our mission statement – what it means to be missional and transformative. We’ll take a look at Jesus’ parable of the barren fig tree in Luke 13:6-9. I’m grateful for the wonderful feedback and input several of you provided about last Sunday’s sermon. These are in-depth concepts but I’m impressed with how many of you are wading fearlessly and insightfully into the deep waters.
Also Sunday:
- The Newcomers series wraps up a look at how to get involved in Caldwell’s many ministries and activities. The class in Fellowship Hall starts at 9:45 a.m.
- Adult Sunday School continues with 24 Hours That Changed the World, a DVD prepared by the well-known pastor and author Adam Hamilton that traces Jesus’ last hours of his (human) life.
- Caldwell House breakfast – prep starting around 7, serving at 8:30 a.m.
- We will celebrate Communion.
- And … the session will receive new members immediately after worship. If you have been seeking a church home, why not join us at Caldwell in seeking God’s call and redemption?
I hope you will make plans to be here next Sunday for both the Sunday school hour and for worship. We welcome Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, who led our denomination at the national level in 2008 and 2009. Bruce will host a ‘town hall’ conversation on denominational and other matters at 9:45, a great chance for you to come with any questions. In worship, he will wrap up our three-part series of sermons that kick off our “Caldwell in 3D” journey.
We continue to pray for Chuck Atwell as he engages in physical therapy following a stroke, as well Julie Price’s ailing father. Marie Mancinelli’s tests came back with good news, after she suffered chest pains last week. She is at home and doing fine.
May our Lord bring you rest this weekend. See you Sunday.
In Christ,
John