God continues to bless us with a very distinctive walk, full of opportunities to explore our faith, our God and our relationships with others as children of God. Most immediately, don’t miss our last Summer Night at Caldwell Thursday at 5:30, dinner and fun at 6 p.m. The “very Caldwell” expression of Vacation Bible school has been a great success!
This Sunday will be another busy day for growth and exploration as people of faith. In worship, as you may already know, we will make time to hear from Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick and De Kirpatrick about their journey together and, individually, with God since discovering that their families are related through slavery. I invite you to read the Observer’s coverage of their journey, think and pray about how God may speak through their story to our national need for ongoing racial reconciliation. If you would like, send a question you might ask them to my email (pastor@caldwellpresby.org). After hearing from both men, we will use 1 or 2 questions in worship Sunday to prime the pump for a deeper Q&A with them over a covered dish luncheon after worship. If you plan to attend, please bring a cold side dish and drop it off in Belk Hall before worship. The Observer’s coverage of their journey is here. You can attend a session Saturday with them if you wish, read more here. Also, at 6 p.m. tonight, several will gather for another Living the Sermon discussion of last Sunday’s message about what Jacob’s experience with Esau might tell us about reconciliation.
Our work of understanding ourselves amid God’s diversity continues Sunday at 4 p.m. when Caldwell will host the Interfaith Pride Worship Service, as a kick off to the week of the Pride Festival in Charlotte. Come and demonstrate genuine welcome to all – gays and straight alike – as we seek to show God’s inclusive love for all. This will be a colorful pageant and an uplifting experience.
What abundant blessings God gives us as we seek an authentic and open faith!
In Christ,
John