Dear Caldwell,
When the 1989 Batman movie launched today’s tidal wave of superhero blockbusters, Jack Nicholson played the Joker trying to sway the downtrodden citizens of Gotham to fall for his evil ways. In one scene, the Joker rides down a main street on a big float throwing out wads of cash to the pliable Gothamites and famously crying out, “Money, money, money! Who do you trust?”
What and whom do we trust? Money, love, family, work? Institutions such as government, corporations or houses or faith? Police, elected officials, pastors, movie stars and professional athletes?
That question, in what or whom do we place our trust, lies at the heart of two scripture readings I will take up this Sunday. The first comes from 1 Samuel, the Old Testament book Gail introduced in her Sunday sermon about “keeping up with the Joneses” or trusting God. The second reading comes from the Gospel of Mark as Jesus teaches in parables about whether we can believe that something as tiny as a mustard seed can produce God’s Kin’dom on Earth. Both texts remind us that we need to try to trust a God who makes unexpected choices, choices that make no sense to us.
What or whom do we trust? It’s not a light and easy question in our so-called “post-truth” culture. I invite you to give that some thought, both personally and privately and as it relates to our fallen but still hopeful world.
Saying Thank You With Love
One of the ways we show our trust in God is by loving neighbor and those especially close to us.
The Martin/Culpepper Family, Jessica and Rev. Justin, Caleb, Andy and Katie (and Noah Proud), are in for some difficult days ahead. Jessica quietly and courageously copes with severe neck pain from a long-standing condition. Thankfully, she got an injection yesterday that is hoped to provide some interim relief.
But there is more. Jessica’s mom, Susan, has been diagnosed with esophageal cancer, which can be one of the most difficult and punishing to cope with. Susan, who lives with the Martin/Culpeppers, has surgery scheduled soon and then will require constant, intense care for some time.
Let’s step up and in with love for Justin, who gives so selflessly to God’s work here, and the broader family that we have come to adore. We will know more about how we can help out in a hands-on way soon enough. For now, we can support them financially to help with the small things – cleaning the house, taking care of the kids, providing ready meals, etc.
The church is making a significant gift from a donated discretionary fund available for this kind of use. If you would like to come alongside the collective church with your individual gifts, that would deepen our show of love and care. We might all stop and think about the meaning and importance of the 60+ Sundays (and special days) on which Justin has made our online worship possible during this pandemic. To say nothing of his value as a youth minister and general faith leader, while supporting Jessica in a demanding and morally vital role as an environmental attorney, taking Noah in to his house so often and raising three cool kids.
Please make your check to Rev. Justin Martin (note that, as a direct love gift, this is not tax deductible) and mail to:
3202 Basalt Place Davidson, NC 28036
Of course, there are other ways to support the family and we will make those known. And, as always, we must pray for the days ahead, that God’s comfort, strength, compassion and reassurance would surround all of those under the Culpepper/Martin roof.
Let’s Worship Together Sunday (outside)
For the next two Sundays, we continue our rolling reunion as we worship outside, moving toward our in-sanctuary return. Woot woot! (That’s ancient Hebrew for “Thanks be to God.”) The weather looks favorable as of now and we will orient worship set-up so that as many as possible can sit under the shade tree in the parking lot at Travis and 5th, across from Elizabeth School.
Masks will not be required outside, though there will be a special section for those who want to be masked and distanced. The choir will be separated and we will forego hymns. The worship will be broadcasted as usual as well. Watch for all the details in Caldwell This Week on Saturday.
Why not plan to bring a friend and invite them into our faith family and/or come early to help with the set up or stay afterward to help break down. Many hands make quick work.
What an abundance we know in our life of discipleship together – abundance of opportunities to serve God through love and justice, near and far, in a world of need.
Yours in Trust,
John