Dear Caldwell,
Yesterday we took a great step forward in our desire to become an anti-racist congregation.
We have another chance tomorrow (Tuesday) night from 6-7:30 p.m. online. (you need to rsvp to attend here).
About 30 people gathered after worship to hear some of the findings of the survey offered this fall. As with any survey, the data was helpful. Even better, however, was the dialogue shared over 90 minutes of discussion in a safe and open space. People spoke honestly, humbly, boldly and passionately. Opinions were aired and heard. Stories were shared and tears shed. People took risks, made themselves vulnerable and were embraced (with words if not hugs).
Your Anti Racism Council at Caldwell conducted the survey and shared the highlights, which included:
- 65 people filled out the questionnaire out of about 300 active community members. (We talked about concerns and reasons that wasn’t higher.)
- Opinions varied – as we hope and expect they would at Caldwell.
- All agreed it was only a first step.
For just a taste of what you can hear more about Tuesday night:
- 68.9% of respondents think Caldwell’s focus on anti-racism, among other social justice issues and concerns, is “about right” – though 24.6% said it’s “not enough.”
- 56.9% of respondents perceive “all” or “most” of the congregation to be enthusiastic about doing this work, though 27.7% of respondents estimate that “some” are enthusiastic.
- 69% of respondents perceive that “all” or “most” of the church’s staff and leadership is enthusiastic.
There is more data to know, so come to hear more. Beyond the numbers, some wise words were spoken, such as:
- Whatever the data does or doesn’t tell us, we can never underestimate the power of prayer to propel us all forward.
- Anti-racism is a sensitive issue and some, perhaps, didn’t feel knowledgeable enough to fill out the survey. (Several people confessed they just missed it.)
- In moving forward, we shouldn’t “let the perfect be the enemy of the good” as we all learn and grow more.
- Anti-racism is heady, intellectual work that can be hard to grasp and maybe not as appealing as “hands-on” ways of bearing witness to racial healing.
- In the spirit of continual learning, someone quoted Maya Angelou’s wise commendation: “When we know better, we do better.”
So, I invite you to come tomorrow night to listen, learn and speak if you so desire (rsvp to attend here). The ARCC has been hard at work, mostly behind the scenes, and has more planned for us all to do in the new year. I am deeply grateful for their commitment to this necessary and cleansing work.
A “Renewed” Church for a New Year
A remarkable 125+ Caldwell households have pledged in this year’s stewardship campaign, which is winding to a close. That positions the church to do much but perhaps not all of what we would like to do in service to our city and each other in 2022.
As the budget committee gets to work, take this as a last call if you can be among those who can pledge a portion of what you have to the Lord’s work at Caldwell. Even if it’s a modest amount, every pledge and promise matters. You can make a pledge online here or just email Rick Rogers in the church office at rrogers@caldwellpresby.org
Did You Check Out Our New Members?
The Lord’s abundance continued Sunday as we greeted the seven new members who joined a week earlier. If you didn’t get a chance, check out the 2021 vintage of newcomers here so you can greet them by name in worship and elsewhere.
Finally, if you find yourself, as Gail would have it, “on your knees” this week, pray for: Gail and her week off; for Dee Blackburn and Betsy West as they confront the reality that Dee’s cancer has returned and they await more test results; Bill and Eloise Hicks; and, all of our teachers and students, as they get through the final few days of a trying semester before Christmas break (including gunfire at a high school today).
Watch for more later this week.
In Christ,
John