Dear Caldwell,
I enjoyed talking to this year’s confirmation class last Sunday about Jesus the Christ. We filled out a fictional Facebook profile for Jesus, that prompted us to consider: What did Jesus look like? What was his “occupation” and what were his “achievements?” Who were his friends and family? What is his relationship is to God, the Holy Spirit and to us? Where does he “reside?” All of this facilitated our continuing discussion of the study catechism we are using, specifically questions 20-29 for last Sunday. If you want to check out the catechism, you can do that here. As usual, our youth had great questions and answers that inspired the youth adult leaders and gave us new perspectives on a pretty big question, “Just who is Jesus to you?”
As we travel from Sunday to Sunday this week, we are reminded that we are still walking with Jesus to Jerusalem. Last Sunday, preacher Sally Herlong helped us revisit the lesson of the barren fig tree (her sermon here). You remember – how the gardener gave it one more chance, fertilizing it in just the right way so that it would bear fruit. God grants us the same grace and calls on us to extend it to others. Sally’s message connects to the scripture and sermon for this coming Sunday, which will focus on the theme of reconciliation in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32) and the Apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. In these days of such bitter divisiveness, political and otherwise (especially in today’s presidential primaries, which may prove pivotal) we could all use a refresher on our call to the ministry of reconciliation, couldn’t we?
A few reminders of other ways to feed your faith, spirit and fellowship this week:
- Tonight (March 1) at 7 at Kickstand Restaurant on Central Ave., the Pints and Paths gathering welcomes Caldwell friend Greg Jarrell of QC Family Tree as it discusses possible faith responses to gentrification and displacement of our poorer, more vulnerable neighborhoods.
- Wednesday at noon, the Elizabeth Communities of Faith gather again for Lenten worship at St. John’s Baptist Church, followed by a simple lunch.
- Wednesday at 6, Steve Shoemaker’s rich class on 2 Corinthians continues, focusing on 4:1-15, “a treasure in earthen vessels.” At 7, Pat Adams continues to host a discussion of spirituality in the 24/7 Prayer Room in the Price Building.
Please add to your prayers:
- Dennis Testerman and family, following Dennis’ mother’s death.
- Richard Harrison, recovering from pancreatitus at home.
- Wendy Creigh, sister-in-law to Scott Creigh, on a diagnosis of cancer.
- Jane Wallwork and family.
- Donna Willis and her mom.
- Christine Howell, friend of Penny Hicks, whose 27-year old son has died.
- Janie Lownes, who will have surgery on her shoulder later this month.
- Mike Watson, at home recovering from pneumonia.
Look for Caldwell This Week Friday, full of other news.
In Christ,
John