Dear Caldwell,
Thanks to all who attended yesterday’s services. Thanks in particular to our choir for lending their voices to the Pride service. As Richard Campbell says, “We had church! Twice.”
Today I am pleased to share news about emerging plans to expand ministries to the homeless shelter at Caldwell. The Missions and Justice Committee, the Session and I have been talking about ways we can strengthen bonds to our two on-campus ministries, the Bilingual Preschool and the shelter. God has delivered these ministies literally to our doorstep and both serve vitally important roles in our city.
With 18 months of funding now secured, we have, for the first time, a chance to plan more intentionally. In relation to the shelter, we have begun building a multi-partner effort to provide additional programming and support that will encourage, affirm and enable the guests and help them transition to more stability in their lives. Recently, the Salvation Army shared that planning with the Charlotte Observer, which featured a story about the plans in this morning’s paper. You can read it on this link.
Please know that we are very mindful of the risk of over-extending our limited membership’s ability to fulfill our many volunteer opportunities to live out the Gospel. That’s why this efffort engages several other partners and congregations. We will continue to be careful about that balance of Caldwell’s volunteer capacity. In the meantime, as the Observer has concluded, we have the opportunity to present a new model of service and discipleship.
This Saturday there is an immediate opportunity to be a part of this that only requires a couple of hours. We’re moving some brand new bunks from one dorm room to another to make space for our new programmatic offerings. We only have a few people signed up to help.We will work from 9:30 to about 11:30 a.m. If you can work a wrench, you’re qualified. Please let Jill Aleong know if you can spare a couple of hours at Jill.Aleong@carolinashealthcare.org
A final word about the new name for the shelter. Up until now, it’s been generally referred to as the Salvation Emergency Overflow Shelter at Caldwell. Doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. Nor does it convey what we are trying to achieve. When we thought about a name, we thought of Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth, who took Mary in when Mary, as the unwed mother-to-be of Christ, was confused and concerned about what was going on in her life. Elizabeth’s hospitality gave Mary time and safety just when she needed it. Elizabeth, of course, is also the name of the church’s neighborhood, whose congregations and residents are stepping in to help.
Of course, we welcome any questions, concerns or ideas about these plans as they unfold.
In Christ,
John