The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord’s face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord’s countenance lift over you, And give you peace
– Numbers 6: 24-26
Dear Caldwell,
It’s been said that churches live out of two things – memory and hope. As we travel from Sunday to Sunday this week, I find myself giving gratitude for how that truth has shown up again. Among my duties this week, I was able to gather in Christ’s name with our oldest and our newest members.
Our newest member, Genie Richards, is a recent Queens University graduate who works for Myers Park Presbyterian’s CROSS youth urban ministry experience. It brings hundreds of youth from churches across the south to work in ministry for less advantaged neighbors in Charlotte. Genie is a lifelong Presbyterian who is energized by the congregation’s diversity and commitment to social justice.
At almost 98, Jackie Abernethy is our most-senior member. She has spent her life at Caldwell – growing up in Elizabeth, attending Elizabeth school next door, losing her first husband (a pilot) in World War 2, remarrying and raising a family and working for Caldwell as an elder and on staff in the church office. She is one of our senior saints who, in her words, “hung on” at Caldwell, believing God would do a new thing. Along with God, we owe Caldwell’s existence today to her faith.
Gail and I visited her this week. We sang hymns, read scripture, shared communion and updated her on all that is happening at Caldwell. Under her characteristic, striking red hair, her blues still sparkle and, when you make her laugh, she still flashes the knowing grin she has always had.
As my sabbatical begins tomorrow, Genie and Jackie remind me of how God continues to bless Caldwell with the circle of life. I give thanks for the memory of what God has done over decades through people like Jackie. I give thanks, too, for the hope and imagination of newcomers like Genie.
In closing, we often end worship with what’s called the Aaronic Blessing (see above), given by God to Moses’ brother for the children of Israel . For eons since, it has been used by God’s people as a sending in the peace of the Lord.
As I begin my sabbatical, I leave you with those comforting words. My family and I will keep you in our prayers as you send us out for rest.
See you in September.
In Christ,
John