Dear Caldwell,
Jesus gave us metaphors for what the kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven are like. I see so many small glimpses of the kingdom in the life of this congregation every week. Yet one more came this week as so many of you responded generously to help Kevin, Tovi and Ellen Martin following the close call they had in a car accident this week. Thanks to all who have provided rides for Kevin and a gracioius plenty in the meal department. They are very well set for now and deeply grateful, as am I. Tovi reports that she still has some soreness but is better and that Ellen, who was with her in the accident, is her normal, active self.
On Sunday, we will take a look at Mark 4:26-29, in which Jesus says the kingdom is like a seed that is scattered and grows, though we don’t entirely know how. One commentator says the Greek word used in the text for “kingdom” can also be translated as “kin-dom.” As people of God, in that sense, we are “kin,” a family of faith.
As “kin,” we will gather twice on Sunday. First, on Sunday morning: Caldwell House breakfast and devotion (8:30 a.m.); Sunday school study of sabbath (9:45) and worship (11:00). You can also pick up a copy of the August edition of the Caldwell Good News!
Then, at 4, Caldwell will again host an interfaith worship service to begin the events of Pride Week. This is a fairly brief but meaningful service that I hope you can support with your presence. The Rev. Dr. Nancy Kraft of Holy Trinity Luthern will preach on Psalm 139:1-6, 13-14. I am grateful to our choir for singing on a second straight Sunday afternoon.
Outside my window, it looks like “the bottom is about to drop out” of the sky. May the rain cleanse us all from the week’s worries and concerns. See you soon.
In Christ,
John