UPDATE: Shortly after posting this, I learned that member Scott Creigh lost his nephew in a crash on 1-40 today. Please join me in praying for him, his sister and her husband and their entire family, that they may find some comfort in the presence of their Lord.
Dear Caldwell,
It’s a busy week at Caldwell – disciples are out serving others in various places around the city, committees are meeting to plan ministry, the Dream Team is dreaming, the choir practicing, the Intercessory Prayer team praying, the sick and shut-in being visited … on and on. Just now, the Prayer Room has opened for all who seek a quiet place of renewal. In all of these ways and many more, our congregation is participating with God in building the Kingdom.
On Sunday, we enjoyed rich worship in which we looked deep within ourselves and took two important steps. We released something within us or in our lives that limits us from fully serving God. We also re-leased our skills and talents to God in God’s service. You see some of that in the picture above and we will leave the white board that contains your (anonymous) notes in the sanctuary as a witness to what we can do together. It is exciting to look at those notes and consider the possibilities. Sunday’s sermon is on the website herehttp://www.caldwellpresby.org/docs/sermons2013/130929_Social_Righteousness_and_the_Ridiculous_Proposition_of_the_Church.pdf
The story of the work of this church is told in a 2013-2014 Discipleship Packet that members and friends of Caldwell will receive in the mail soon, if you have not already. Please take time intentionally to review the contents and consider your response, carefully and prayerfully. This Sunday, Evie will preach and we will continue to look within ourselves for those God-given abilities and resources we can return to God in service as disciples. The following Sunday, Oct. 13, is Commitment Sunday. Together, our responses will shape the depth and breadth of ministries we carry out in 2014.
Jackie Abernethy, one of our senior saints, is in the hospital after a “sinking spell” Monday. The good news is that doctors have diagnosed the problem and it is manageable, two small ulcers. With the right medications and some blood infusions to pep her up, she expects to go home tomorrow. She appreciates all prayers.
Please also pray for the members of our Guatemala mission team, which leaves early this coming Sunday. Having taken this trip, I know these are busy days of final preparation both in spirit and in packing the material things needed for the trip. They are counting on your prayers to pave the way for a great trip.
Finally, it was a year ago this week when members of the congregation rallied and wrapped their arms tightly around a family they had never met – Donna, Ivan, Bennett and Anson Marcotte, on the occasion of the death of Donna and Ivan’s son, Mitchell Marcotte. Donna and Ivan have been walking with us and serving with us ever since (they teach a great yoga class on Tuesday nights). They have demonstrated remarkable courage and faith and have given so much to us through their presence. As the anniversary of Mitchell’s passing arrives this Friday, please join me in praying for their ongoing healing and peace.
I’ll be back in touch on Friday.
In Christ,
John