Dear Caldwell,
It is a new season today in more ways than one.
Yes, it’s the first day of Autumn and all its reminders of how the Lord is always renewing creation. At Caldwell, that’s evident as we enter a new season of activity in our life together, and I am thrilled to share all that’s going to be happening in the next several weeks.
Some of these events are linked to our annual Stewardship Campaign, when we take stock of our blessings and commit to come alongside God with our financial resources in 2022. As with all things Caldwell, however, none of these gatherings is about one thing only. Each is a snapshot of the abundance we have as a family of faith in our Lord. Print this page and put it on your fridge!
Sunday, September 26:
10 a.m.: Coffee and Fellowship, sponsored by our Stewardship Committee. Come to the front lawn for a casual time of sharing. We will hear about what’s ahead as we begin to think about where God will take us in 2022.
Sunday afternoon: You will receive a digital Stewardship Packet with plenty to read and pray over. Pledges are due on Oct. 17, but you don’t have to wait. Early pledges give us great momentum and encouragement.
Saturday, October 2:
11 a.m. A Blessing of the Animals: Here’s a first, suggested by Dennis Testerman and the Creation Care Team. Bring your furry friends to the front lawn of the church for a special service of blessing and gratitude for God’s gift to us in the love and companionship of our pets. If you’d rather be online, we will offer that as well.
Sunday, October 3:
9:45 a.m. Caldwell 101 Newcomers Class Kick-off: Our newest members, newcomers and anyone else interested begin another round of our 6-week series of Sunday morning classes on Presbyterianism, how to get engaged at Caldwell and other things.
Saturday, October 9:
2-5 p.m. Good Roads Gathering: All are invited to come to a time for sharing at Good Roads Cidery (117 Southside Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217). Bring friends, kids, pups and good cheer. Community Culinary School of Charlotte caters. Proprietor and member Kevin Martin talks about his work to make the brewery business more inclusive racially and otherwise.
Tuesday, October 12:
7 p.m. Virtual Concert: We gather online for singing and sharing as we count our blessings and look ahead for what God has in store for Caldwell. Tune in to hear some of your favorite Caldwell voices, a few surprise acts and the witness from a few members about what Caldwell means to them.
Sunday, October 17:
11 a.m. Celebration Sunday Worship: We worship, pray, celebrate and bring our pledges to worship (or online) to cap off the Stewardship Campaign for 2022.
Sunday, October 24:
11 a.m. Pride Sunday Worship: Rev. Sally Herlong preaches at Caldwell
6 p.m. Pride Interfaith Service at St. John’s Baptist Church
Coming in November: Stay tuned as we finalize plans to open the new community hall and get ready for the Church Retreat in Reedy Creek Park on Saturday, Nov. 20!
In closing, if you haven’t responded to the survey by our Anti-Racism Council, please do. It’s a great way for us to gather feedback and needed input and insight on our ongoing journey. You can take the survey here.
As you can see, God’s abundance is evident among us in these gatherings and opportunities. Thanks be. See you soon.
In Christ, John