Dear Caldwell,
This summer we have been learning how God paints the portrait of what church is meant to be throughout the book of Acts.
Last week, we were reminded that we live in a world not yet beyond fear, prejudice and persecution. We considered the story of how God helped Saul see anew when “something like scales fell from his eyes,” and, together, we did our best to bear witness to the world of grace and inclusion that God intends. In worship tomorrow, Rev. Evie will lift up a subsequent story from Acts 10 in which God teaches Peter to “call no person impure” or otherwise beyond God’s love and grace. For Peter and his new friend, Cornelius, God literally sets a table where all are welcome, as we seek to do at the corner of Park and 5th Ave.
First, however, all are invited to share breakfast with Caldwell House at 8:30 in the Fellowship Hall – or, even better, you can come early to help cook and prepare. Then at 9:30 fellowship begins for Sunday school at 9:45, when we will continue thinking about what it means to “practice resurrection” using chapter 8 of Eugene Peterson’s book by that name and what Paul wrote in Ephesians 3:14-21.
While I do not want to add any importance to the efforts of last week’s protestors, let me reassure you that all signs indicate that they were there only to communicate their views verbally, which is their right in the way they conducted themselves. We have no reason to believe they pose any threat, however preparations have been made for any eventuality (including in ways that may not be visible to you). The congregation handled the situation beautifully, as you will again tomorrow. I encourage you to come without hesitation.
I received some sad news this week that the church’s former secretary/administrator, Ginger Sniffen Robinson, passed away this week after a sustained illness. Ginger was not well when she left Caldwell in 2009. We pray for her family and seek reassurance in the promise of the resurrection that she now rests in peace with the God she served. It appears there will not be a service of any kind right away and that something will be planned later.
I trust that you will find some rest this weekend and be renewed in the Sabbath.
In Christ
John