Dear Caldwell,
I’ve been neglectful in communicating the details of this year’s Elizabeth Communities of Faith annual Lenten series, which begins this week. The series will be held this year at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church on 7th Street. This week for Ash Wednesday, at a service starting at noon, the Very Rev. Murdock Smith will kick us off as the first preacher. Please note that, as we are honoring the Episcopalian tradition for Ash Wednesday, there will be no meal served after the service this week. However, meals will follow all other Wednesdays through Holy Week. Please join us this week and for as many of these services as possible. It it always a meaningful time together.
I’m delighted to introduce yet another new member; Francis Smith, who has been worshipping with us for a year and is friends with Tracy Hewett, joined Caldwell yesterday. Frances has also begun to build a number of new friendships here and we are delighted that she has made this her church home. Welcome, Francis!
Finally – and this is very important – North Carolina faces an pivotalvote in May concerning the rights of those in the LGBT community, but also many others. As you may know, the May statewide primary will include a a vote on a proposed amendment to the state constitution stipulating that “Marriage being between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state.” This change would affect not only our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters but also many families. This Saturday, we have a chance to learn about the broad implications. From 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Myers Park Baptist Church, 1900 Queens Road in Heaton Hall, will hold an information session on the harms of the amendment. This is a great chance to hear real stories and faith-based consideration of the issue. I’d encourage our members who plan to go to get together to share the experience. A $10 donation is suggested. Please register at manyvoicesonelove.com as soon as possible. All are welcome.
As I reflect on all of these items from just one day in the life of Caldwell church, I am reminded again of the privilege of walking together as we seek to exhibit the kingdom of God. I will post the sermon I preached on that subject tomorrow and look forward to an ongoing dialogue as we explore together how the Kingdom compels and convicts us in our discipleship.
Yours in Christ,
John