Dear Caldwell,
As Palm Sunday approaches, we remember how there were two parades on the day Jesus entered Jerusalem for the last time – Jesus and his followers leading one parade and the Roman army leading the other as the emperor came to make his appearance at the festival of Passover. This is yet another reminder of how the way of Jesus stands apart from the way of the world.
So, we will gather this Sunday, waving our palm fronds as they did 2,000 years ago, to pledge our loyalty to the way of Jesus. Sunday begins a week when we recall his final days, leading to his agonizing yet triumphant death on the cross. Rev. Veronica Rogers will preach on Luke 19:28-40, a sermon titled “The Stones Will Cry Out!” Our children will sing a special seletion written by Zach Thomas.
Please consider bringing some extra cash (or a check) to participate in a denominational offering that will raise funds nationwide to address poverty and oppression across the country. One of two special offerings Caldwell participates in each year, this is in addition to Caldwell’s regular offering and Caldwell has actually been the beneficiary of funds from this offering, which is appropriately called One Great Hour of Sharing.
But before we worship, we will gather at 9:45 a.m. for the annual Palm Sunday breakfast. The people of Caldwell work so hard in the “mission field” that we don’t always get enough time just to enjoy each other’s company and fellowship. I hope you will come for breakfast Sunday – and make a point to make a new friend.
Don’t forget:
1. We still need folks to sign up to take “a shift” in our Centennial Prayer Vigil from 2 p.m. next Wednesday through 2 p.m. Thursday. I encourage all to set aside time to be with God in the sacred space of our sanctuary when it is quiet and “at rest” from our usual mode of joyful and active worship. Look for more specifics from Beth Van Gorp shortly.
2. The special Maundy Thursday/Tenebrae service will be held at 7:30 p.m. next Thursday, a time of reflection on Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice for us.
One other thing: I hope you will strongly consider attending the PCUSA Multucultural Church Conference coming to Charlotte April 26-29. This is the same conference for which I invited you to volunteer last week. This week, however, I learned there are some scholarship funds for those who would like to attend but may need financial help. Caldwell will be one of several churches profiled, along with sessions on everything from worship to missions to sharing power and leadership. Please take a look at the conference at the following website and consider coming (even for part of the conference at a reduced price) to learn more about how Caldwell can live even more fully into out call to be a diverse and inclusive part of the Body of Christ. Contact me if you are interested or go ahead and register!
Finally, I ask for your prayers for one of Caldwell’s most important multicultural mission partners – the Charlotte Bilingual Preschool. The preschool has given us marvelous opportunities to know, work with and worship with some wonderful Latino families in Charlotte, crossing boundaries and deepening trust. Its founding executive director, Barbara Cantisano, has given everything to the school for 12 years and now is at a point of discernment about what comes next in her life. Please keep the preschool – its board, teachers, staff and families – in your prayers as we seek to discern God’s will. Just today, as you see in the picture, the kids celebrated their achievements in reading with a special visitor. The school is so important and we know God, as in everything, goes ahead and makes a way.
See you Sunday.
In Christ,
John