Dear Caldwell,
Twice a year or so I have the chance to go on retreat with other “new” pastors. We were grouped when we all began ministry about three years ago. I’ve just returned from our latest visit. It’s a chance to “talk shop” but also to share ideas and thoughts about important issues such as how our congregations read scripture, understand Jesus as the Christ and the such. I came back to Caldwell not only refreshed but with renewed appreciation for the blessing of serving this parish. Caldwell is rich, fertile ground for ministry, soil where God is mixing a rare blend of possibilities. I am blessed to be your pastor.
Speaking of fertile ground, as the picture shows, we have some rich soil to till and sow tomorrow morning in our vegetable garden. Please come, even if for only a short time, tomorrow morning at 8:30 or after to help make final preparations and then plant our garden, which will feed those who do not have enough food. Nothing like getting dirty for God. If you can join us, bring a shovel, gloves and a rake (steel if you have it). We hope to be joined by some of the families from the bilingual preschool, who will also be sprucing up the school’s playground. Thanks to Anne Sangine and Merritt Tracy for helping us get this far!
On Sunday, we will begin the day with our new series of classes looking at what we Presbyterians mean when we write and make confessions. As Reformed folks, we use that word “confession” in a different way than our Catholic brothers and sisters. We “confess” our faith, which means we declare it, at important moments in history. On Sunday, Rev. Dr. Diane Mowrey will share some reflections of her time in South Africa at the time of Apartheid. This relates to a new confession our denomination is considering adopting, which has to do with racial reconcilliation. In the Shelby Room at 9:45 a.m.
In worship, Veronica Rogers will preach and we have the wonderful occasion of baptising a new child of the covenant, Aleks Kiviranna, son of Amy and Travis Kiviranna. I’m looking forward to both.
It looks like it will be a lovely weekend. Hope you can make Caldwell a part of it.
In Christ,
John