Dear Caldwell,
You have made the “Caldwell in 3D” process come alive! More than 20 small groups have been gathering to “discern, discuss and dream” about God’s direction of our ministries.
Now, we want to make sure everyone has a chance to participate. This Sunday night at 6 pm in the Shelby Room, we will host one of two “town hall” meetings for those who have not had a chance to be in a 3D small group. We will focus on two key aspects of our life together – how we ensure that Caldwell grows in diversity in all its forms; and, how we shape and participate in meaningful worship. Then, on Sunday, July 28, immediately after worship, we will hold a second town hall to talk about three other key topics – ministry to youth and children, use of our campus in partnership with others and congregational life and care. While these gatherings are offered especially for those who haven’t been in a small group dialogue, they are open to all. If you have not had a chance to contribute ideas to our 3D process – or if you want to come to talk more about these topics in particular – I hope you will make every effort to be at one or both of these gatherings.
A few other things:
1. Caldwell once again welcomed new members last Sunday – Stacy Bolden, Tina Purnell; Laura and Mike Simmons . God continues to bless our church family with new members to walk with us and explore God’s love and call on our lives!
2. Tomorrow (Wednesday) at 6 pm, all interested are invited to gather with Peg Robarcheck and Abong Fankam for a time of Prayer for Social Justice as part of our ongoing effort on Wednesdays to focus on intentional intercessory prayer. Please join us for 45 minutes to engage in prayers for those who experience hunger, inequality, lack of shelter or health care, or other forms of oppression. If you would like to come earlier for some quiet time in our Prayer Room, it opens at 3;45 pm.
3. Looking to de-stress a bit? Or, to gather yourself in mind, body and spirit? Weekly yoga is tonight at 6:30 in the Fellowship Hall, led by Donna and Ivan Marcotte.
4. Let us all say prayers of thanks and gratitude for the leadership of our Business and Operations Manager Leslie Gipple. Leslie is the vice president of the Charlotte chapter of the National Association of Church Business Administrators, which is holding its national convention in Charlotte. We are grateful for all that Leslie does, not only to keep Caldwell on track but for how she lends her considerable skills and talents to the profession to which she is called. I am sure she would appreciate a prayer for her energy as the five-day conference begins Thursday. You can read more about the unsung life of a church business administrator in this story from the Charlotte Observer, which quotes Leslie and others. http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/07/04/4145529/church-administrators-will-tackle.html
Finally, I want to thank Evie, Abong and Anne for their wonderful leadership of worship while I was away.
Talk to you soon. Until then, may the Lord be with you there.
In Christ,
John