The world continues to be on fire. War. Gun violence. Bans.
Injustice. Inequity. Internal disputes at every level of government.
It’s all still happening, and it can feel overwhelming at times.
In fact, it can feel overwhelming most of the time.
Nevertheless, the Word of God invites us to rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4). Really, God? Even now?
Nevertheless, the Word of God invites us to give thanks in all circumstances (I Thessalonian 5:16-18). Really, Lord? Even now? (Notice – it doesn’t say “give thanks FOR all circumstance.” That’s a relief!)
Yes, Caldwell, even now when so much around us seems doomed to fail, to fall apart, and to implode.
Even now, we seek to find reasons and ways to rejoice and give thanks.
Perhaps especially now.
What if it’s possible that when the going gets tough, when life feels most overwhelming, what if that’s exactly when we intentionally choose to celebrate life and growth and expansion? What if that’s when we look around and look within and take special note of what God is up to here at Caldwell and beyond – and give God special thanks?
This past Sunday, we welcomed our Hope Social Justice Interns for eight weeks of work and study and conversation and community building. Click here to read a little about them and make sure you greet them when you see them around Caldwell. Please keep Zhane’ Smith in your prayers as she is recovering from illness and hasn’t yet been able to join us in person. We are grateful for God’s ongoing call in the lives of college students and recent graduates to do God’s work of social justice here in Charlotte.
This past Sunday, we also welcomed, from left to right, Jacob Summey (he, him) and Mattie Panther (they, them), each of whom is ready to join Caldwell. Jacob will soon be baptized. Mattie was introduced to Caldwell by recent new member, Ryan Martin. We are grateful for God’s ongoing call in the lives of people who want to be a part of this faith community.
This coming Sunday, we will celebrate two graduates from the Buddy/Mentor program that Caldwell supports and Kimbo Bohannon leads. Click here to listen to a podcast about Buddy/Mentor featuring Kimbo. We are grateful for God’s ongoing call on Kimbo and those who participate in this important and life-changing work of mentoring children and young people in their formative years.
On Sunday, June 19th, from 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm, we will celebrate Juneteenth in Hope Hall. ARCC (the Anti-Racism Council at Caldwell) will provide the main course with the hope that everyone will bring side dishes and desserts to share. Join in as we learn about our past and prepare for our future. As so many attempts are being made to deny and dismiss the valiant past, the courageous present, and the irrepressible future of Black people in this country, we will gather to give God thanks for all that already has been overcome and prepare ourselves to participate in the ongoing work of healing and liberation. There will be several activities and learning opportunities that evening. Wear red, black, or green – and plan to have some good food and real fun. Click here to RSVP.
There is a lot that wrong in our world these days. That is an undeniable truth. And also, God is still at work, directing people to walk with us here at Caldwell. God is still sending us out into the world as friends, as mentors, and as beacons of joy and hope in a world that desperately needs more joy and hope and grace and peace and mercy.
What our world needs more than anything else is God. I pray that we all will continue to allow God to use us to point more people towards God’s own self.
See, Caldwell? Because of God’s great mercy, we can find reasons and ways to rejoice always. We can find reasons to give thanks in (NOT “for”) all circumstances. And when we simply can’t find any reason to rejoice or give thanks in the moment, we can look back at all that God has done, give God thanks for being so faithful in the past – and keep pressing on.
Are you in? I certainly am!
Peace, Gail