Dear Caldwell, A few years ago, a sister Presbyterian church in Atlanta struck upon an important truth about the holidays – these days are not always full of cheer and glad tidings. From that, the new tradition of having a “Blue Christmas” service was born and has spread quickly across the nation and across denominations. The …
Blue Christmas: A New Aspect to Our Anticipation Read More »
Dear Caldwell, This morning several hundred community stakeholders gathered at a breakfast hosted by the Community Building Initiative. We heard a stirring speaker who didn’t hesitate to admit that she was “singing to the choir” when it comes to those who are working to make Charlotte more inclusive, welcoming and engaging for all types of people. In the church, …
Dear Caldwell, Today Veronica (the Rev. Rogers) and I had the privilege of visiting with Caldwell’s oldest member. At 101, Elise Hood is a year older than the church! She came to Caldwell with her parents, who joined Caldwell after World War II. As an adult, she served the church as a choir member, a Sunday …
Dear Caldwell, With the approach of our unique national holiday, set aside all those years ago for giving thanks, I am thankful for grace, which in recent days has taken these forms: * The grace shown to us by our Lord in and through Christ Jesus, in whom God promises to never abandon us and to …
Dear Caldwell, Today has been a difficult day for many. Worship is the center of our lives as people of God. In worship, our music experience is deeply cherished as a definging and essential part of our time together on Sunday mornings. For many members of our adult choir, those who give us that gift each …
Dear Caldwell, There’s been a nip in the air this week and, after one of the most gorgeous autumns in my memory, the rain has pushed the trees to shed more of their leaves this week. The Red Maple tree in front of the church is thought to be one of the oldest in the city …
Dear Caldwell, In just the last few days, I’ve happened upon several glimpses of discipleship reminding me that the root word of “disciple” means one who learns. If God wanted experts doing God’s work, not much would get done. But, instead, in caling us to be disciples, God invites us into a space where we can …
Dear Caldwell, Last Sunday we enjoyed such a warm and welcoming time of worship and fellowship with our neighbors from the Bilingual Preschool. From the colorful ofrenda to the immigrant’s creed, from the kids’ joyful singing to our own choir’s spirited voices, from the smiles that transcended language to genuine words of “Paz de Cristo,” we shared …
Dear Caldwell, This Sunday brings one of the most anticipated times of the year for Caldwell – one of our bilingual worship services. More members and more of our bilingual preschool families than ever have been involved in shaping Sunday’s service. The preschool kids have prepared a special song. We welcome back Dr. Matt Samson, an …
Loving Our Neighbors – Starting with a Warm Welcome Read More »
Dear Caldwell, I would like to start a conversation about the Golden Rule. Beginning this Sunday, our worship on Sundays will be considered in the context of this most basic of ethical construct for community – do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I’ll get us started this Sunday. Then we …
