Dear Caldwell,
In high school, I was too long and lanky to be much of a wrestler. But I wrestled enough in PE class to get a sense of what it was like. Few athletic contests are quite as pure: person against person, mind and body, strength against strength. Winning required agility, force, smarts, endurance, knowledge, adaptability and technique. One thing is for sure: At the end of the match, you know a little more about who you are, or a lot.
In Genesis, we find the story of how God’s servant Jacob wrestled all night with a mysterious figure who left Jacob changed forever. Jacob had it coming; his character and track record had more than a few blemishes. On the night of the epic wrestling match in Genesis 32:22-32, Jacob was wrestling with more than this mysterious opponent who went unnamed. He was wrestling with God and he was wrestling with the question of his identity.
Tonight at the Preacher’s Porch, after looking back briefly on last Sunday’s sermon, we will revisit this story as I begin to gather thoughts for this Sunday’s sermon. The story speaks afresh about what many of us go through on or way to trying to be the person God made us to be. It’s a story about identity and reckoning, topics that are behind so many of today’s headlines and debates. Hope you’ll hop on the Zoom call.
Congregational Meeting Outcome
If you were not able to be with us on Sunday, the congregation voted overwhelmingly to move forward in committing the Price Building to become affordable housing and in permitting the Home Committee and the Session to work out a few final details on the financing later this year. Thanks to all those who asked good questions and invested time to understand the complexities of this bold vision. Thanks also to the lay leaders (Eddy, Rob, Jennifer, Judith and others) who worked on the communications to keep us up to speed. The next step is to seek the Presbytery’s approval Aug. 15 on the same two question you voted on Sunday.
A Bonus Sermon From Our Prophet-Artist-Disciple Friend Helms Jarrell
Earlier this month, we were lining up to hear our friend Rev. Helms Jarrell preach. Circumstances changed when our denominational leaders recorded a timely service of worship for our use. We will hear from Helm and Greg next month. BUT … Helms had already written a sermon for the earlier date. She brings the eye of an artist, the truth of a prophet and the heart of a disciple to all she does. She is a wise and excellent preacher and her sermon for Caldwell (click here to read) is a special bonus gift to God and to us. Take time to read. Thanks, Helms!
How We Can Pray for Pandemic Front-Line Workers
Wondering what it’s like to be on the front lines of the pandemic, how our healthcare professionals are coping and how we can pray for them? Caldwell friend and Presbyterian Psychological Services Executive Director Mary Gail Frawley-O’Dea will be on WFAE’s “Charlotte Talks” program tomorrow morning. She’s on a panel with two doctors who treat COVID patients. She will describe the emotional toll facing today’s healthcare workers, offer coping tips and help available, including Presby Psych’s free therapy for healthcare workers. It’s on WFAE (90.7 on FM dial) live from 9 to 10 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday) and repeated at 7 p.m. It also is available as a recording/podcast on the WFAE website after the broadcast.
Stay well and cool in these hot days, as we travel Sunday to Sunday.
In Christ,
John