Dear Caldwell,
Here is what happened. Last Sunday morning, Richard Harrison in our choir grabbed me seconds before worship to tell me a roof had caved in at the Urban Ministries Shelter, suspending its ability to feed homeless men and women. In worship, I briefly mentioned the Center’s need for help supplying meals until the repairs had been made. Moments after the benediction and Amen Chorus, Mike Watson offered to prepare enough Barbecue and Fixin’s if we could rally help and resources. Today, 400 men and women enjoyed Magic Mike’s declicious ‘cue, hand-made sandwiches that flowed out of an assembly line operation that would have impressed Henry Ford.
Two things we hear in doing God’s work are: 1. You never know until you ask (thanks Richard Harrison for asking) 2. The act of giving does more for those who give than those who receive their gift. (Thanks to Mike, who said he could not think of a better way to celebrate his birthday today, and all the others who turned out today to help.)
In other “good news,” it’s a blessing to report that with more than half of the needed funds already committed, we are moving forward with the plan to open a Shelter for Homeless Women at Caldwell, to be staffed by the Salvation Army. If you are interested in helping, mark your calendars for Labor Day (Sept. 6) and Saturday, Sept. 11. We will offer volunteer opportunties to help prepare and decorate the living quarters in our Price Building on those days. More details to come.
This Sunday, we will gather to give thanks to God for all of these reminders of God’s abundant grace and call on our lives. Luke 13:10-17 presents the story of Jesus and the “stooped woman.” Not only is this a text that raises questions about how “proper conduct” on the Sabbath, but it also highlights Jesus’ revoutionary ministry to women. All this and more on Sunday. See you then, I hope.
To our students, teachers, parents, volunteers and all others who touch education, congrats on week one.
John