Dear Caldwell,
Now we are in Eastertide, that season of celebrating and praying on the gift of God’s grace, Christ Jesus dying for our sins and calling us to be Easter people of resurrection and reconciliation. In other words, as we considered in last Sunday’s sermon (here), we are called by the One who stood in the gap for us, Jesus, to stand in all the gaps and gaping wounds our world suffers, to be healers, peacemakers and bridge builders.
As an intersectional congregation, God has given us a chance to remind all that every person is, as a pastor and friend said to me today, a precious child of God. On Sunday after worship at 2 p.m. in Belk Hall, we have a special chance to do that. Caldwell’s Touchpoint ministry will host a gathering in which we can listen to the stories of our trans brothers and sisters. Among them is “our own” Sasha Strock, who is back from Minneapolis to speak Sunday afternoon, along with others. I had the pleasure of a cup of coffee with Sasha this morning and was blessed to hear her story of rebirth. I’m grateful to the Touchpoint leaders for what has been a great series that will continue into June.
It’s worth noting that Eastertide lasts 50 days. That’s longer than the standard 40-day length of other liturgical seasons. Makes sense, doesn’t it – that we need that much longer to focus on – and enjoy – God’s unmeritable grace? As a reminder of the season of Eastertide, we will keep a lighted Paschal (Easter) Candle in worship throughout the season.
Don’t forget that Sunday is Youth Sunday, a day for witnessing and celebrating the gifts and wisdom of our youth members. Keep Pat and Tyler Harding in prayer. Today’s is Tyler’s due date. Watch for Caldwell This Week.
In Christ, John