Dear Caldwell, Imagine trying to come up with a visual representation of what the breath of God might look like, much less the words to a hymn describing the power of it. The idea of the breath of God will anchor tomorrow’s worship service at noon at St. John’s Baptist Church, part of the Elizabeth …
Dear Caldwell, Having spent the last week with my mother in the hospital in Atlanta, I return today with greatly renewed respect for all who are in the healing business. From the custodian who cleaned her room to the physical therapists, the nurses, the specialists and the gaggle of doctors who worked together seamlessly, I …
Dear Caldwell, Tomorrow we read a story in Luke that sets the stage for the season of the church that is just ahead, Lent (yes, already!). Luke tells of a day when God affirms Jesus as the Messiah in a most wondrous way. As with Moses on Mt. Sinai, Jesus’ face is changed, literally and …
Dear Caldwell, What a glorious day of worship we shared Sunday. Special thanks to the choir, including the Men’s Chorus, for lifting us up. At the “Souper Bowl of Caring,” organized so well by our youth and youth leaders, you helped raise $650 to fight hunger locally. (At least our lights didn’t go out.) Also, we …
Dear Caldwell, We all love to claim even a little connection to fame. For example, earlier this week, the Observer ran an interview with a player in Sunday’s Super Bowl who grew up here. Now many Charlotteans will be looking for him to do well Sunday night. The people in Nazareth were no different when …
Dear Caldwell, One of the gifts I have found in the life of a pastor is that each week has its own rhythms. These rhythms reflect the highs and lows of our church family. In this way, we practice what Frederick Buechner called “life together,” life that is, as we often say here, “in Christ.” …
Dear Caldwell, I trust this finds you safe at home – or about to be there – as the winter weather comes in. Come Sunday, it will be sunny again and we will worship the Lord. Pastoral Assistant Liz Wagner will preach on the familiar passage about the “eye of the needle” (Mark 10:17-31) but …
Dear Caldwell, About 90 people gathered here at noon for a joint Presbyterian Hospital-Caldwell service of worship in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This is a service that has been held annually at the hospital for years. We were delighted to be asked to host. Our choir, as always, impressed folks with their …
Dear Caldwell, Let me begin with the good news. Yesterday, the local Salvation Army board of directors voted to keep Caldwell House open through the end of 2013. This reverses what had been the plan to close at the end of March. While we all are working toward a time when Charlotte doesn’t need emergency …
Dear Caldwell, Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of teaching a workshop at a denominational youth conference. The workshop was titled “Radical Hospitality and the Future of the Church.” It was my honor to show the short film about the Caldwell resurrection (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYDnVaveFPk&feature=player_embedded) and “unpack” the story of your church for what it might …
