Dear Caldwell,
As people of faith, we develop a certain vocabulary and, as I consider this week and this coming Sunday, all the words in today’s headline come to mind.
On Sunday in her sermon, Rev. Evie Landrau will lead us in considering the evocative first lines of the Gospel of John, those familiar phrases that intermingle the “beginning” with other words we associate with Jesus Christ, including “Light” and “the Word.” From its opening lines, John’s gospel stands apart as a rich source of exploration of faith in sign, symbol and metaphor. Also in worship, we will welcome the Davidson-Stapleton interns in helping lead worship. These Davidson College students come to Caldwell each summer amid their internships at Charlotte-area non-profit organizations serving our neighbors most in need. This year’s group is as fresh and faithful as always and we will hear a few words from them.
In Sunday school at 9:45, I have the privilege of teaching. We will look at one of my favorite passages in all of scripture, Ephesians 2:8-10, which draws our focus to how we balance God’s unmerited gift of grace with the “good works” God calls us to do in our every-day jobs. Author Eugene Peterson’s book, which some of us are reading, offers a fresh take. Please come and join in on the discussion. As always, Caldwell House breakfast prep starts at 7:00 and is served at 8:30, followed by a devotion with our CH neighbors, led by Abong Fankam and open to all.
Other parts of our faith vocabulary have come to mind, at least for me, amid this week’s news. God calls us to extend hospitality to the foreigner and the U.S. Senate has taken a dramatic step to reform our nation’s outdated immigration laws. What better time for our Justice Forum Sunday afternoon at 4, where a panel of experts will help us consider the future of immigrant youth in America. Come and learn, ask questions and attend a reception, where several immigrant advocacy organizations will host information booths. Plan to attend and bring a friend.
Still another major step for our nation this week – raising still another part of our faith vocabulary – came when the U.S. Supreme Court issued two rulings that move our country closer to true equality in marriage. These long-awaited decisions help make ours a more just and compassionate country, where men and women can live in full communion with the ones they love. We rejoice with all those who feel more “at home” in America today as equal in the eyes of God.
Indeed, it has been a full week.
Please keep several members in prayer in regard to their health, including Troy Bowles, Carol Outwater and her mother, Stephen Idol and Chuck Atwell.
See you Sunday.
In Christ,
John