Dear Caldwell,
God has always called some to speak God’s truth. Sometimes we even listen.
In the weeks ahead, as part of Black history month, we are invited to hold focus on two prophets at the same time. On Sunday night, all interested can join in reading and discussing the last book written by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King not long before his assassination in 1968. Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community? raises ideas and solutions that speak loudly and precisely to the deep stain of racism in America.
It is a great read for advancing our growth as anti-racists in the church and beyond. We will read one chapter per week over a six week study, starting with the first chapter Sunday. Each week we will take a look at Dr. King’s major points together then move into breakout rooms via Zoom for discussion in smaller groups. You can read more about the study, sign up and find an online copy of the book by clicking here.
Then, throughout February, Gail will lead us in her preaching in reading and considering the words of Habakkuk. He is one of 12 “minor prophets” (minor because their books are short, not because they didn’t matter). In fact, these short books pack a powerful punch. Much of the book is a conversation between the prophet and God/Yahweh. As with Dr. King’s book, Habakkuk speaks loudly to our contemporary challenges and callings as God’s people.
Speaking of callings, that will be a major theme of worship this coming Sunday. We will ordain and install our newest elders and consider how we are all called to serve God with who we are. Justin (and poet Amanda Gorman) will speak to us in the sermon. That means Justin is hosting the Preachers’ Porch tonight with a focus on 1 Corinthians 8:1-6.
Please pray for the Dai family, as Elli’s father is ill, and for our new elders as they are examined tonight by session and begin work in earnest soon after: Rachel Eldridge, Carol King, Quentin McGill and Jimmy Squibb. Pray also for our siblings in Christ at neighboring St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, whose mission leader Angie Forde passed away. She was present at many of our Elizabeth Communities of Faith endeavors and a constant in the city’s ecumenical work to support God’s justice.
If you did not catch the funeral and celebration of the life of our dear friend Erskine Harkey, you can watch it anytime on YouTube here.
Finally, we remain in prayer for my predecessor, the architect of much of Caldwell’s success, Rev. Dr. Charles (Charlie) MacDonald, who is under hospice care.
In Christ,
John