Beyond Hola

Worthless religion? I didn't get the chance to ask this fellow, who picketed Mecklenburg Ministries' 25th Anniversary Gala this week, just what his sign meant. In a sense, he may agree with others who think that we odd people who practice religion and give the church our time, talent and treasure are indeed "out of our minds." That is what the crowd of Jesus in Mark 3 and it's what some might say of us who follow Jesus. Come Sunday and we will talk about it.

Dear Caldwell,

A few years ago, Mecklenburg Ministries offered a program intended to encourage our community’s embrace of our growing numbers of Latino neighbors. It was called “Beyond Hola.”  That’s a fitting description of where we are at Caldwell, as well. Last Sunday’s bilingual worship service was a blessing to us all in any language. Over the years, as we’ve refined our approach to bilingual worship, we’ve moved well beyond “Hola” to form deepening relationships and spiritual connections with many of our friends from the bilingual preschool on campus. Several people who know observed that Sunday’s service felt more like a worship service in Central or South America. (If you didn’t make it, the sermon – in both languages – is on the website.) We will have bilingual worship again, probably in the fall, and we give thanks to God for our opportunity to build this ministry. Thanks also to all who helped out with the service and the fellowship.

Highlights for this Sunday:

* Newcomers class will meet at 9:45 in Fellowship Hall to take a look at how our church is organized and governed and at ways to get involved.

* The adult Sunday school class continues its study of the Beatitudes, looking at the phrase, “Blessed are the merciful.”

* I will preach a sermon titled “Out of Our Minds” on Mark 3:20-35 (see picture and caption).

* The second session in our Sabbath Study of Immigration will begin at 6 p.m. in the Shelby Room.

Please keep these people and circumstances in your prayers: Annie Cox, whose uncle passed Wednesday (service Monday at noon at A.E. Grier Funeral Home, preceded by quiet hour starting at 11); Mike Watson, recovering from eye surgery today; Elizabeth Hyland, grieving the loss of her mother last week; and, Rhett Brown, whose mother is in deteriorating health.

To  all whose households include schoolchildren, congratulations on the completion of another school year. Happy summer!

See you all soon.

Yours in Christ,

John