A Monday Grab-Bag

Caldwell's Habitat team rests on the retaining wall it just built.

Habitat for Humanity team leader Sheena Bossie cheers on Lee Williams as Lee pounds in an iron stake securing a retaining wall at the home of a Charlotte senior citizen.

Dear Caldwell,

Several happenings of note at Caldwell:

* Tomorrow night at 7, all are invited to attend a congregation town hall meeting to discuss the future of our music ministry. This conversation – and another scheduled for this Sunday after worship – will help frame our search for the person to lead music in worship and otherwise. Swing by the church for an open, interactive dialogue that will, at the very least, begin with these questions:   

1. What do we most cherish about music at Caldwell, those aspects of music that we want to ensure are part of anything we do in the future?

2. What new areas of music are we interested in exploring as our congregation grows and explores new aspects of worship and ministry to the community?

3. What personal and professional qualities and characteristics do we most want to see in the person who will lead music at Caldwell?

* “Heaven and Earth” – Many of us were interested in the lyrics to Zach Thomas’ original song used in our June 3 bilingual service. Zach was kind enough to share and they are below. As you’ll see, they are a wonderful expression of our intent to open the door to God’s church to all of God’s children.

Heaven and Earth

1. The heaven and earth came forth from God’s word:

“Let there be light,” he said, and it was done.

That light lives in us and has our hearts stirred

To make new worlds by deeds of love.

 

2. This world is filled with awesome wonder;

See canyons plunge and mountains pierce the sky.

Feel raindrops coolness. Hear rolling thunder.

These are the ways God draws us nigh.

 

3. The hummingbird and great blue whale know

To find their way through winds and waters cold.

The power that guides them, we also follow:  

The power of love as Jesus told.

 

4. From earth to heaven, that’s where we’re heading.

There’s more to come beyond these graceful shores.

A mansion waits us. Our rooms are ready.

We know the One opening the door.

Francis White, area program manager for BELL, with materials for BELL's summer learning programs in CMS schools this summer.

 * Today, our new campus partner – Building Educated Leaders for Life (BELL) – hits the ground in 11 Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools, offering summer learning programs for more than 1,200 local students. Read more about the role BELL is playing in Charlotte here http://www.experiencebell.org/news/bell-and-project-lift-partner-deliver-full-day-summer-learning-experience-students.

See you soon.

Yours in Christ,

John