Caldwell has many stories about how the old has met the new, none better than the story of our Chrismon tree. First of all, Chrismons (meaning monogram of Christ) have been used since earliest Christianity. Chrismon refers to any symbol of Christ. Many churches decorate a “Chrismon Tree” to display various symbols in Advent and Christmas.
After its turnaround in 2006/2007, some of Caldwell’s newcomers thought it might be fun to create Chrismons and put up a tree in the sanctuary (which we’ve been doing ever since). After an entire new set of Chrismons was created by hand by our eager new members, the church’s long-time custodian saw them and chuckled to himself. He went into a closet and pulled out a set the “old Caldwell” had made years before. Now, every year, we hang the old with the new, a perfect expression of the many stages and phases of the life of this old-yet-reborn church.
Watch for a new element of Advent decoration to be added each week.
Dear Caldwell,
It is good to be back – back at home, back in the office, back in the arms of the Caldwell community. I’ve appreciated your thoughts and prayers as my family has gotten my mother back home and settled for now.
Driving home yesterday, I enjoyed listening to an audio file of Susan Pierson’s fine sermon from Sunday. “Where is the hope?” she asked. Our hope is in the coming of the Lord, who is indeed coming, she said. At the same time, we are beckoned to come, to come to Bethlehem, to the manger, to come to meet and greet Christ anew. So, as we move this month from Sunday to Sunday, we continue to respond to the invitation, “Come and See” in multiple ways.
Advent gets busy here pretty quickly. It is a season of various traditions and services, each with its own power and meaning, in addition to the four Sundays of Advent. As the season picks up steam, mark your calendars for:
- Thursday, Dec. 11: Blue Christmas, 7 p.m. – This intimate service, held in the Shelby Room, honors the reality that the holiday season stirs mixed emotions in many people, including “blue” feelings that contrast to the all of the talk of “joy” we may think we are supposed to feel in these weeks. Many find this service a way to acknowledge feelings of sadness, depression and even regret during the holidays and to find strength in God for perseverance.
- Saturday, Dec. 13: Las Posadas, 5 p.m. – We will again join our Latino neighbors in this festive service that begins with a processional with Mary and Joseph, looking for a place to stay the night. We find the only open door is that of the church, where we gather for worship, followed by food and fellowship in Belk Hall. This is a great, kid-friendly service for all.
- Christmas Eve: This beautiful candle-light service incorporates favorite scripture lessons and Christmas music, ending in “Silent Night.”
In addition, this year the Caldwell congregation is kindly invited to two weddings during Advent.
- Saturday, Dec. 6, 5:30 p.m.: After 35 years of committed relationship, Ron Wright and Tony Nicastro will share the celebration of their wedding with the church family.
- Saturday, Dec, 13, 2:30: Emily Cox and Tim Craton welcome the congregation to their wedding service.
All in all, this makes nine occasions to worship together before Dec. 25, lifting up many aspects of our lives to God in praise and thanksgiving in this season of hope and anticipation. Yes, there is plenty to “Come and See” at Caldwell this Advent.
More immediately:
- Our weekly free Yoga class carries on tonight at 6:30 in Upper Price. Come and work out some of that turkey and dressing … and maybe some of that holiday stress.
- Theology on Tap gathers tonight at 7 pm at Leroy Fox Restaurant. We will discuss a Ted Talk by Juan Enriquez’s talk entitled “Will our kids be a different species?” You can watch it here: http://www.ted.com/talks/juan_enriquez_will_our_kids_be_a_different_species
- Want to do something for Justin Rowell (whose wife and child were killed in a recent auto accident)? Want to get as far away from the shopping mall as you can? There will be a wood-chopping party at his home this Saturday, 9-11:30 a.m., 641 Fugate Ave., off Monroe Rd. Dress warm, bring your muscle and any wood-cutting equipment you can. This will help keep Justin and his son warm this winter.
- And, you may want to find sanctuary from the commercial crazy-ness by dropping by our Prayer Room any Wednesday from 4-6 p.m. for quiet mediation and reflection.
Please keep in your prayers Patrick Allen-Slattery (wife, Megan and daughters Briana and Dorothy), following the death of Patrick’s mother. Also, John Crowell as he travels again to Bethesda, Md., for post-operative consult; Angela Everitt, whose mother is dealing with a serious health situation; Ryan Kingston and his mother; Michael Wingate, facing surgery; and Elaine Hultman, who is having some foot pain.
See you soon, I hope.
In Christ,
John