Dear Caldwell,
My photo doesn’t do the scene justice. Outside today, the spring breeze is having its way with the purple drape that hangs on the cross. On this side of the cross the drape reminds us we are still in Lent, a time of reflection and repentance, prayer and penitence. On the other side of the cross, azalea blooms witness to the irrepressible signs of spring and new life.
This Sunday, we will take a look at how John 12:20-33 also shows us both sides of the cross of Christ. On this side, we consider his life and death. On the other side, the Easter side to come, we are healed and liberated by God’s grace from humanity’s broken systems and institutions. Speaking of broken systems, my sermon will look back at life at Caldwell amid the broken institutions of racism and segregation and also consider where we see the same kind of violent prejudice today, as in the proposed Amendment One to the N.C. constitution. Centennial Chair Beth Van Gorp will help deepen our perspective with another “Minute for the Centennial.”
Other happenings this Sunday:
* We will celebrate Lisa McLennan’s ministry among us as she ends her internship. Make plans to attend a reception immediately after worship.
* Breakfast with our Caldwell House neighbors – prep begins at 7 a.m. and breakfast is served for all at 8:30.
* Our youth will provide lunch for Caldwell House at 1:30 and welcome all helpers.
* We welcome Rev. Veronica Rogers back from vacation.
* Last orders for Easter lilies will be taken.
As you plan ahead, don’t forget that Holy Week opens with our annual Palm Sunday breakfast on Sunday, April 1; our Centennial Anniversary Prayer Vigil will run from the afternoon of Wednesday April 4 to Thursday, April 5; and, we will hold our annual Maundy Thursday/Tenebrae service Thursday, April 5 at 7:30.
I’m pleased to report that Richard Campbell and Elaine Hultman are both home from the hospital. Thanks to those who visited them. We hold in prayer: Susan Gover and family as her father deal with the effects of a catastrophic stroke; Tripp Kimbrough, who is facing a serious diagnosis; Thomas Crane, recovering from an auto accident; and, Elizabeth Hyland and her mother as her mother faces one more chemo treatment amid her strong recovery. Please also keep my mother in prayer as she recuperates from a broken hip.
Want to help out a little at an exciting national conference coming to Charlotte? April 26-29, the PCUSA National Multicultural Church Conference will be here and volunteers are needed to help with this national event. It will be an energizing time when we are called to see how God works through diversity in the church. To read more and register, go to http://www.presbyofcharlotte.org/Portals/722/2012%20National%20Multicultural%20Conference/20120MCConferenceVolunteerSignupForm.pdf
Finally, last week I joked that we are all vulnerable of mixing up the “sacred” ritual of March Madness with the truly sacred season of Lent. Still, as long as you can keep them straight, I hope you enjoy a little basketball – or whatever you call fun – this weekend and I will see you on Sunday.
In Christ,
John