Dear Caldwell,
Funny how our Lord seems to work things out as very much an “on-time” God. Last Saturday, as I wrote in the October issue of the newsletter, Bread of Life moved the last of its items out of Belk Hall (our gym-a-torium) as that congregation begins life with another congregation. Sunday, we will be praising and singing in that same space, thanks to the dedication and fast work of some steadfast disciples.
As previously noted, the heat is out in the sanctuary and Shelby/Office buildings. So we’re ‘all in’ Sunday in Belk and Price. The ACE adult class will be in the front parlor of the Price Building. Kids’ Sunday school will be down the hall. For worship, we will be in Belk. Thanks to all who have signed up to come help with preparations tomorrow at 10 a.m. Jim Curtis, Tom Bohr, Fred “Scotty” Powers and Leslie Gipple have worked through multiple details of the move. Thanks also to Caroline Lublinkhof and Carol Williams for handling kids’ Sunday school and Caldwell House breakfast adjustments as well. All this gives new definition to Caldwell as a “liquid” church.
Since many have yet to see the inside of Belk Hall, a little history: As the last building to be built on campus, Belk Hall opened in 1961 to accommodate the church’s fellowship and recreational needs. It is named in honor of the department store founder William Henry Belk, who played a big role at Caldwell before his death. His family later moved to a sister Presbyterian church. For the last 2-plus years, Belk has housed the Bread of Life congregation and has hosted Sunday meals for Caldwell House. It needs a little love and care but is a good, usable space.
News of the congregation: We are grateful that Linda Matney is recovering nicely from back surgery at Presbyterian Hospital. She may be discharged tomorrow and will continue rehab for several weeks. John Patton has returned from Ecuador for eye-related surgery, and he too is recovering nicely. Please keep Rev. Evie in prayer as she arrives in South Korea as a PCUSA delegate to a meeting of the World Council of Churches.
Caldwell Day at Blue Branch: One of the highlights at the “new” Caldwell has been our annual trek to worship at the historic Blue Branch Presbyterian Church in Sharon, South Carolina. All interested are invited to grab a quick bite of lunch after worship and then caravan to a worship service there at 3 pm. Come and dwell in the history and spirit of this faithful community. You can read more about it here: http://www.oldeenglishdistrict.com/links/604
Toxic Charity wrap-up: Sunday at 6 pm, Rev. Dr. Diane Mowrey wraps up our look at the book, Toxic Charity. Come and join in the conversation about how we differentiate help that actually ‘helps’ people from the kind that risks doing more damage in the long run.
Finally, but importantly, if you have yet to make a commitment to the church’s ministries in 2014, please join your brothers and sisters who have. Every pledge of time and money extends the reach of our ministries even more broadly. You can find all the pledging materials on our website here: http://www.caldwellpresby.org/discipleship2013/
Stay warm and see you Sunday (if not tomorrow).
In Christ,
John