I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. – Philippians 1:3-6
Dear Caldwell,
Well, I am thankful that upon my return from sabbatical my key still works, that I haven’t forgotten all of my computer passwords and that I could locate my coffee cup. So far, so good.
More seriously, I am truly, deeply, profoundly grateful for each of you. I’ve been catching up yesterday and today after 8 weeks away. I’ve heard from staff, session and members about the remarkable discipleship of this community. You have faced a few unexpected plagues (electrical outages, floods, construction delays, etc.) and navigated them masterfully. You’ve cared for each other, conducted meaningful worship, kept all 4 “H”s moving along, been good stewards of time, talent and treasure, welcomed new members, gathered to play and picnic, ministered to the hungry and outcast and marched for justice and peace.
In the opening lines to his letter to the Philippians (see above), the Apostle Paul expressed exactly how I feel – thankful for each of you, praying in gratitude and confident in the knowledge that you have been about the good work of advancing God’s will here at Caldwell and in our city. I say a special “thanks” to Parish Associate Rev. Dr. Diane Mowrey for shepherding you and the staff in my absence. You were in excellent hands.
In my time away, I traveled a bit with family, attended a great conference, read many books and written a lot. It’s been a time not only for my renewal but for me to care for others and other things around the house. I return rested and renewed with energy and excitement for this season at Caldwell and all that lays ahead in the weeks to come. Most of all, I look forward to seeing each of you, catching up on your lives and where you have encountered Christ in the world lately.
I return as Caldwell is “on the move” with the children of Israel. Under Gail’s leadership, we’ve begun preaching and reading through the Old Testament book of Exodus, a grand story of God’s liberation of God’s chosen people as they go on the move out of bondage to the future God promises.
Let me gently remind you that Gail gave you a homework assignment this week. As we encounter the world, its questions and troubles, and wonder where God is in all of it, she asked us to keep some words in mind: Who, what, where, when, why, and how? With these as hints, we just might catch God in the act of fulfilling a promise to Israel and to us: “I have heard your groaning and crying out. I have seen your oppression. I know what is going on. I have come down to deliver you. And I will be with you.”
With that promise in mind, come Sunday as we pick up with Exodus Chapter 4, God’s calling Moses to lead the people to freedom. We may recognize a lot of ourselves, at least at one time or another, in how Moses does everything he can to get out of what God has in mind. Most important, we will see how God always makes a way.
Meantime, please receive my gratitude and joy for you, who are the church here at Park and Fifth.
In Christ,
John