Dear Caldwell,
Well, it is here … our big Centennial Weekend! In multiple ways, we will celebrate this weekend, taking stock of all that Caldwell has faced and accomplished in Christ over the last 100 years and prayerfully considering how each of us is being called to contribute our spiritual gifts in 2013.
Friday Dance: Excitement is building for another “Caldwell Celebrates!” dance Friday at 7:30 pm in Broach Hall at St. John’s. Support Caldwell with the purchase of tickets of $20/person in advance through the church office or at the door Friday night. This year’s dance features a new silent auction, showcasing the amazing abilities and talents of Caldwell folk. If you cannot afford a ticket, we can provide one for you.
Sunday Worship and Homecoming Dinner: Our worship will return praise to God for seeing Caldwell through 100 years and calling us into a new century. We also continue our Discipleship season, focusing Sunday on what we have to give in the way of our Time and Talent and Spiritual Gifts to build up the Kingdom on earth. We will be joined by returning former members and friends of the church for worship and a special luncheon afterward in Belk Hall. (Please see Beth Van Gorp’s email of this morning to be reminded of what we need from volunteers and other contributors.)
Abundant Joy and Overflowing
Generosity: In this month-long season of Discipleship, we have taken the first two weeks to consider the role of prayer and worship in our formation as disciples. Everyone has been offered a “Prayer stone” to focus their prayers for Caldwell’s future. Then, last Sunday, we considered worship as an act of “Holy Provocation” that can stir the waters of our baptism and direct our discipleship. This weekend you will receive in the mail a full pledge packet to be returned by Oct. 28. Please take time in the next two weeks to pray and pledge how you will contribute your spiritual gifts and financial resources. You can mail the pledge forms back to the church office or bring them with you on Oct. 28 to be dedicated with others’.
Last – and anything but least – I am delighted to “introduce” our newest members, who joined Caldwell last Sunday. They are Jodie Todd (daughter of our beloved Jimmy Todd and representing a third generation of Todds at Caldwell), Lucy Barber (niece of Molly Griffin) and Malcolm Frazier. Each brings unique perspectives and gifts and we give thanks they have joined us all in our faith walk. Please welcome them when you see them!
I will be back in touch with pastoral care updates and other news. For now, though, let’s get ready to celebrate with “Abundant Joy and Overflowing Generosity.”
In Christ,
John