It’s almost reflexive for me to open this first letter of January with a hearty “Happy New Year!” But then I remember that we began a new year for the church at the beginning of Advent. It’s helpful, at least for me, to keep in mind that, as people of faith, we walk out of …
Dear Caldwell, How is it that we can expect something that has already happened? How do we get to anticipate what’s already occurred? That was the discussion in staff meeting this morning. After all, isn’t that what we sing about in our Christmas hymn and carols? Yet, if we are lucky, that’s what we do …
Dear Caldwell, Yesterday we took a great step forward in our desire to become an anti-racist congregation. We have another chance tomorrow (Tuesday) night from 6-7:30 p.m. online. (you need to rsvp to attend here). About 30 people gathered after worship to hear some of the findings of the survey offered this fall. As with …
When the Holy Child is born into our heats there is a rain of stars a rushing of angels blaze of candles this God burst into our lives. Love is running through the streets. – Godbursts, by Ann Weems, from Kneeling in Bethlehem Dear Caldwell, The poetry of Ann …
Dear Caldwell, In these days when we move from giving thanks for the Lord’s abundance to patient waiting for the birth of Christ, the life of the church goes on in ways both familiar and new. On Sunday, Gail invited us to be stargazers and bold travelers, as with the Magi who followed a star …
Of Stargazers, Bold Travelers and New “Residents” Read More »
Dear Caldwell, “Not now.” Handily, my computer offers that option when it tries to interrupt what I am doing to upgradesoftware or get my feedback on something. I’m glad I can hastily click on that option and keepgoing, but that’s not how it works in real life. David showed up Sunday afternoon. Kim Bohannon was …
Dear Caldwell, On Sunday, we lifted up the names of those saints whom we’ve lost recently and remembered all the others who have touched our lives and shaped this community of faith. That includes the old senior saints, who did all they could to keep Caldwell alive. It includes some from the diverse group of …
Dear Caldwell, Sometimes, in understanding what something has become, it helps to look at its origin. The word “privilege” came into being 1,000 years ago to refer to a “private law,” that is a law that applied to only some people. The idea evolved to include “advantages enjoyed by a person or body of persons …
Dear Caldwell, One word – wow! You believe in our renewal in the Lord … and you’re invested in it. After Celebration Sunday, we are at 85% of the goal for the 2022 church operating budget. So far, 100 of you (households and individuals) have made a pledge toward what you believe God will do …
Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete. – Romans 12:2. VOICE Translation Dear Caldwell, The passage above, which Gail …
