Getting Empty, Then Full With The Good Stuff

Please welcome new members (from left) Zach and Whitney Stein and daughter Vivian,
Please welcome new members (from left) Zach and Whitney Stein and daughter Vivian,

Dear Caldwell,

There is a country song in which a guy with the blues asks a bartender to give him the “good stuff.” The bartender pours a glass of milk, not whiskey, and the two end up talking about what really matters in life, the “good stuff.”

As we travel from Sunday to Sunday, we are reminded of the theme of “empty” we have put at the center of our Lenten journey, based on Philippians 2:1-11. The idea is that we are trying to empty ourselves in these 40 days of anything that interrupts or interferes with our relationship with the Lord.

Anna and baby Evie Holloway, who was baptized Sunday.
Anna and baby Evie Holloway, who was baptized Sunday.

Last Sunday, we began to empty ourselves – AND we had plenty of the Good Stuff, too. A baptism, a stirring sermon, beautiful music and new members to welcome.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) we have another chance to worship and lunch at noon with the Elizabeth Communities of Faith. Come and be fed physically and spiritually.

We celebrate that God’s guiding hand was with Destiny and Trene’ Kirkland-Smith today, as Destiny had successful surgery and is resting at Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill. Keep her in prayer as she moves to some time at home in recovery.

Come Sunday, we will dive into the Philippians scripture that inspired the idea of our seeking to be emptied. Philippians is one of Paul’s letters to new groups of Christians in the first century. He encourages them – and us – to “imitate Christ.” That may sound straight-forward enough (or, maybe, intimidating enough) but Paul offers some specifics that can guide our Lenten journey.

Just Jesus tarte and JAckson flyerDon’t forget that Caldwell hosts a citywide event Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. in which two state-wide elected officials from differing views model for us what civil dialogue and disagreement can look like when it involved a faith perspective. IF you can help with a few related responsibilities – helping people find parking and serving as hosts to welcome people at the door – please give me a call or text at 704-957-4511. Your duties will be done by the time the program starts.

Gail will blog a little later in the week to bring us back to emptying ourselves before Sunday.

Peace in Christ,

John