Dear Caldwell,
I’ll let you finish the phrase above as you see fit. Suffice it to say that it’s a weekend to be sensible and safe when it comes to heat and self-care. I’ll be mowing the lawn early tomorrow. To be sure, it’s also a weekend to be thankful that we can offer the women of Caldwell House a cool place to be and to pray for those in Charlotte and across the South for whom these temperatures present risk and danger.
One of the joys of my vantage point in the last couple of years has been to watch Godly Play move from a suggestion to a vital part of our children’s Christian education ministry. Godly Play is a method of teaching young children Bible stories and about church life in general. Anchored by Elizabeth Bevan, a deep and broad team of Caldwell volunteers teaches our kids using this approach every Sunday.
In worship this Sunday, we will all have a glimpse of how Godly Play introduces the Bible’s truths to young minds in ways that invite curiosity and exploration. Rev. Jeff Mitchiner, a member of the Godly Play team, will share the method with us in the sermon. I appreciate Jeff’s initiative in raising this as a good idea in these summer months. The adult Sunday school will wrap up its study of the Beatitudes at 9:45 a.m. Sunday.
Please note a few other items:
* If you have been considering making this your church home, you can join the Caldwell family immediately after worship when the session meets in the Prayer Chapel just off the sanctuary to receive new members.
* Nominations are open through the end of next Tuesday (7-3) for the search committee for the position of Music Director at Caldwell. Please obtain permission before nominating someone else. As I noted earlier, the choir conversations and congregational town halls produced some great input that frames this search. You can find a summary on our website at this link: http://www.caldwellpresby.org/documents/ Nominations can be given to me or Richard Campbell. Note that names in nomination already outnumber spots on the committee so not all nominated can be selected to serve in that capacity.
* We send forth a domestic mission trip team on Sunday morning before worship. A group is traveling to Atlanta to do urban ministry. We wish them Godspeed – in part because Atlanta is one of the few places that will be hotter than Charlotte.
* Please keep our denomination in prayer as leaders gather this weekend for the General Assembly in Pittsburgh, a week of meetings and decisions about policies, positions and church governance and ministry. These are stressful times for Presbyterians as we engage in important and sometimes divisive conversations while we seek a way to move forward together. Our Intern Liz Wagner will attend. You can follow events at http://www.pcusa.org/ and http://www.pres-outlook.com/
* In past years, members and friends have found Caldwell’s front lawn a great spot for viewing the city’s fireworks on the Fourth of July. If you’re planning on that, please come – but note that the church buildings will NOT be open.
* Calling all young adults (ages 20-40 and all who are young at heart): Let’s grab lunch and conversation on Sunday, July 15 after worship. I’ve reserved a room at Kickstand on Central Ave. as a chance for us to make connections and talk about life at Caldwell. Child care will be available if needed.
I am pleased to note that Richard Campbell had successful dental surgery today and is scheduled for more next month.
There is always more to say but I will leave it there. See you Sunday. Stay cool.
In Christ,
John