Dear Caldwell,
The world could use a little hope, couldn’t it? From the anger and unease so many of us feel over racial injustice, to the war that still tears at too many countries, to the poverty that sucks life from too many homes, right down to the individual burdens each of us carries, hope would be a good thing about now. Good thing it’s Advent, a time when we look forward to the birth of hope in Christ.
Today, the Women’s Circle held its annual Christmas Luncheon, a highlight for its members and for the staff, who are invited as special guests. Once this annual event arrives, I always feel as though I can escape my busy-ness and fully myself open to the season. We gather for a delicious meal, nourishing fellowship, carol singing and a fun white-elephant gift exchange. The center of the luncheon today was a moving dramatic presentation written by the Circle’s remarkable teacher, Cornie Pleasants and acted out with Evie’s help. We may find a way to bring it into worship before Christmas arrives. Cornie also wrote and shared a touching prayer, which I share with you:
In the midst of this Season of Worship and worldliness, Let there be love.
May lights, sounds, food, friends, folly … Bring laughter and love.
On streets, in churches, in homes, hotels or hovels, Give love.
Use our hearts, our hands, our money, our time to, Spread love.
May despondent, endangered, downtrodden, neglected, Find love.
For faithless, forgotten, fearful and frail, Infuse love.
To world, wombs, wonders and words, Birth love.
By surprises, secrets, sermons and seasons, Declare love.
In a manger, In a Cloud,
In the Spirit, praise and prayer,
Even so
Come, Lord Jesus.
Come love.
At Caldwell this week, love and hope come in two meaningful “alternative” Christmas worship services. I hope you can take part in one or both.
Blue Christmas, Thursday, 7 p.m. in the Shelby Room: This beautiful, honest, intimate service invites all who feel out of sync and disoriented this time of year. None of us is immune to feeling “blue” – whether it’s just a general funk or a deeper case of a sadness or depression that we can’t seem to shake. Or the source of our feelings may be more clearly known – perhaps the loss or absence of a loved one, or our own loneliness or lost-ness. Come Thursday for yourself of for someone else. If comfortable, bring an object (a memento, photo, keepsake) that connects you to your feelings or otherwise represents what or whom you are missing.
Las Posadas, Saturday, 5 p.m., starting outside Belk Hall: This powerful service puts us in the shoes of the “other” as we join Mary and Joseph in search for “room in the inn.” Together with our immigrant neighbors, we will process in search of shelter near the church until we are finally welcomed into the arms of God in the sanctuary for worship, followed by a feast and fellowship in Belk Hall. The sights, sounds and tastes of this festival service enrich the typical American Christmas season with a chance for us to think deeply about our call to extend radical hospitality to all peoples, seeking real relationship with them – because we never know who may be knocking at the door, as it was with the mother of our Lord Jesus that night in Bethlehem.
Feeling a bit stressed more immediately? As always, our free Yoga practice meets tonight at 6:30 in Upper Price. This will be the last class of 2014.
Finally, would you like to help out a family in need this Christmas? I’ve been asked to help provide winter coats for a grandmother and three children, all female. Sizes 5, 6, 12-15 and 2-x large. If you are able to help, please email me at pastor@caldwellpresby.org
Let us keep all of our members in friends in prayer in this season of many emotions. Look for Caldwell This Week on Friday with a complete update on other happenings in the life of our busy little church at Park and 5th.
In Christ,
John