Dear Caldwell,
As we go about our lives from Sunday to Sunday this week, I am wondering what you think about the “prologue”of John’s Gospel, specifically 1:1-18, which we dug into on Sunday. We looked at verses 1-5 and how they relate to our move from Christmas, when we celebrate Christ’s birth, to Epiphany, which was yesterday and marks a time of celebrating how Christ’s life and light are extended to all. John’s prologue gives us a very different look at how God came into the world than the traditional birth narratives in Luke and Matthew. While Luke and Matthew are earthy, John is more ethereal, as I said on Sunday. My sermon is here, if interested: http://www.caldwellpresby.org/docs/sermons2013/140105_Prologue_and_Epiphany_Pt_1.pdf
I’m interested in what you make of John’s prologue, which tell uses expansive nd almost cosmic language about time and creation in announcing that the “Word became flesh and lived among us,” providing light and life that no darkness can overcome. This Sunday we will complete this two-part look at John’s prologue. If you have any thoughts, questions or comments, I would welcome them at pastor@caldwellpresby.org or you can use the Yahoo group to discuss.
On a much more timely note, our Business and Operations Manager Leslie Gipple is entering surgery at this hour to repair her fractured arm. The procedure should take about 2.5 hours so please offer a prayer for her safekeeping, a successful outcome and good healing. She will know more later today about whether she is spending the night in the hospital tonight or going home. She has amazing friends who are looking after her for now but we will be organizing meals and the such for her later this week. Be on the lookout for a note about that.
Other prayers: Yvette Wilson is with a family member in the hospital; Julie Price’s father is moving toward the final stages of life; and Kim Bohannon is suffering from a bad hip and is on a waiting list for surgery. We also pray for all who lack sufficient shelter in this brutally cold weather.
On a happy note, the cat that Zoraida Stewart lost when she moved on December 22 showed up at her door early Monday morning, a few pounds light but otherwise fine. Zoraida has lost her mother and her companion Zoe, her service dog, in the last few weeks so we rejoice with her that her feline companion has returned to provide comfort and company.
Don’t forget yoga tonight and prayer time tomorrow, as usual.
I will let you know more about Leslie when we know it. Please keep her in your prayers.
In Christ,
John