Dear Caldwell,
My niece Saxon was the first of my mother’s grandchildren. That gave them a few years together before the rest came along, and, in that time, they formed a special bond. I was away from church last weekend to attend Saxon’s graduation from the Architecture School at Auburn University. Mom didn’t quite make it in body, but she was there in spirit.
A bad rainstorm chased the Valediction ceremony under the roof of an outdoor structure at the rural farm where Saxon and a handful of other students have been doing special work, applying their classroom knowledge to the design and construction of energy-efficient “tiny houses” for the poor families of Alabama. But, as the students were called forward to be recognized, the rain ceased, the sun broke through and a rainbow appeared. My mom had an especially close relationship to her Lord. So I figure she pulled some strings.
My mother taught us all the art of prayer. She wrote beautiful, intimate, faith-arousing, soul-exposing prayers. Each one modeled an abiding trust, in any circumstance, in our creator. As we travel from Sunday to Sunday this week, I’m thinking a lot about prayer. It will be the focus of our worship Sunday, just as it was at the recent women’s retreat. Members of that group will help share some of that experience, which was led by 24/7 prayer space guru Lisa Koons.
It’s not uncommon to be intimidated by the thought of praying to God. After all, it was the disciples’ request, “Lord, teach us how to pray” (Luke 11) that gave us the Lord’s Prayer. We may think we aren’t worthy. Or we don’t have just the right words. Or God has better things to do than to listen to our meager concerns and requests. The opposite, of course, is true. God yearns to be in relationship with us, to hear our “praise and petition,” to know that it is the Lord’s name we call on in all times, good or bad. Still, we all have days when prayer doesn’t come naturally. What are your thoughts or questions about prayer that I should have in mind this week? Shoot me an email here.
I understand I missed an outstanding Youth Sunday service Sunday. Reflecting on God’s grace and presence with us in all times, some of our youth shared their vulnerability in their own times of struggle and how they turned to God. Perhaps they have something to teach us all about prayer. Congrats to the youth and thanks to their great leaders, all of whom shaped the worship service. I look forward to hearing the CD recording.
A few goings-on this week:
- Tonight, you can join Pints and Paths, our wide-ranging theological discussion group at 7 pm. at Kickstand. They will be discussing, among other things, a Ted talk about cross-cultural exchange and the” danger” of a single story. You can listen to it here
- The Missions and Justice Committee meets Wednesday at 6:15 p.m. at the church in the Shelby Room. If you are looking to get involved in our ministries, this is a great overview of our outreach.
- Speaking of outreach, Caldwell will field a team in the AIDS Walk for a cure Saturday and all walker are welcomed (it’s only a two-mile stroll). Or you can just donate to the team’s goal. Walkers gather at 9:30 a.m. at the Starbucks at at Gateway Village Promenade, 800 West Trade Street. Wear your Caldwell T shirt. To donate or find out more, click here.
Finally, a few pastoral notes:
- Linda Schick’s mother, Frances, is in the hospital; she asks for prayers for the family.
- Tim Strock lost his great aunt, with whom he was very close.
- John Chandler will have surgery Thursday morning.
- And … a warm farewell and Godspeed to graduating Queens student Caitlin Culp. Caitlin got to know about Caldwell through Queens Chaplain Diane Mowrey as a freshman and has been actively involved in the life of the church ever since. She has brought a valued perspective to many gatherings and will be a powerful agent for change and builder of the kingdom upon graduation. Thanks for hanging out with us Caitlin!
In Christ,
John