Healing and The Great Physician

By / February 15, 2013
The Old, Rugged Cross: As Tom Bohr secured the cross on the front lawn, he observed it is truly "old" and "rugged," with a split in the top and 10-degree torque in the main post. But that's how we like things here, a bit imperfect. We put up the cross in the 40-days of Lent to remind ourselves of our destination in this season. Fred Powers (left) observed: "Well, if that meteor were to go off track and his us today, I guess I am standing in the right spot." Amen, Fred, Amen.

Dear Caldwell,

Having spent the last week with my mother in the hospital in Atlanta, I return today with greatly renewed respect for all who are in the healing business. From the custodian who cleaned her room to the physical therapists, the nurses, the specialists and the gaggle of doctors who worked together seamlessly, I give thanks for all who have made it their life’s work to help others “get better”, which was the slogan of the hospital. Thank you for the prayers and kind thoughts and notes. We hope my mother will be able to go home this weekend.

We have entered a season of healing. Healing is the theme of our Lenten Wednesday worship services and also the central focus of this Sunday’s worship at Caldwell. Intern in Minister Phanta Lansden has taken the lead to put together a special worship experience. She will preach, her dad will sing a special solo and all will be invited to come forward for an anointing with oil as we move into our Lenten walk. Here is how she described the service (which also includes another Black History Moment, from Rosabella Ethridge).

“My focus will be on the passage in Luke where Jesus gives of himself in service of healing and restoration, then calls the disciples together, gives them power and authority, and instructs them to serve by preaching the gospel and healing the sick. My thought is to focus on how Christ calls us to give of ourselves, as the body of Christ, in service to those in need of healing.  In community, we witness to the power of God, through prayers of faith for the healing of the sick.”

We begin the day in other ways:

  • At 7 a.m., prep begins for breakfast for Caldwell House. Perhaps you want to make participating in this ministry a Lenten practice.
  • At 9:45, Adult Sunday school begins a new series of Lenten studies.
  • Also at 9:45, the Newcomers Class continues in the Fellowship Hall. We will discuss some of the “essential tenets” of the Reformed tradition. Come and find out what that’s a bit of a trick question.

I’ve missed you and look forward to seeing you Sunday as we gather to be healed by the Great Physician.

In Christ,

John