It’s almost reflexive for me to open this first letter of January with a hearty “Happy New Year!” But then I remember that we began a new year for the church at the beginning of Advent. It’s helpful, at least for me, to keep in mind that, as people of faith, we walk out of pace with the secular world, with our own sense of time as God’s time. So let me just say, Happy 2022!
The staff and I do pray that you are all staying as safe as you can, though we are hearing that some Caldwell folk haven’t been spared in this Omicron variant spike. No reports of any serious illnesses. Still, we pray for their wellness and we will remain as cautious as we can while still remaining in community. For now, we will prioritize worship as our in-person activity – even while emphasizing the absolute safety of watching online from home if that is your preference.
That means Sunday school classes will be online only this Sunday. The MLK Day event will be switched to online (watch for a link and other information on this later). Also, Buddy/Mentor for this Sunday has been cancelled. We will continue to watch the data and the news closely and stay in touch.
Thursdays with Caldwell
Despite these temporary disruptions, we still can regather after the holidays online and find a different kind of sanctuary in community. These are hard days but we can hold each other up. So, for the next three Thursdays at 7 p.m., Anne and Gail will host Zoom gatherings for any and all to be together. These will include chances to check in with each other, meet our new members and newcomers (and for them to meet more of you) and talk about other things.
This Thursday, Jan. 6, is sure to be heavy with news about the state of our democracy. So, come find comfort and hope in how faith sees beyond it all. Click here to join in on these conversations on any of the next three Thursdays.
The Passing of a Former Member
We recently got word that former member Marilyn Rowland died on December 30. Marilyn came to Caldwell just after “the resurrection” and cared deeply about its members and its missions. She was a talented seamstress, who made several banners for the church, a tireless volunteer and co-pilgrim with those who have particular struggles.
Marilyn had an intuitive sense of people. She spoke her mind but always in love and caring. Her fingerprints were on so many initiatives and ministries here, often behind the scenes. After the death of her husband, Dick, she resided in Black Mountain but had recently moved to be with her children.
The family has not set plans for a service and is considering something in the spring, perhaps in Montreat. May she rest in the arms of the God on whom she so depended.
Can You Help Extend Worship to Others?
These COVID days do remind us of the effort (and the ministry) required to offer worship online to worshippers in all corners of the U.S. Each Sunday we need 2-3 people to help us with AV and sound. The church budget provides for an intern to be one of those people but Justin is sometimes left scrambling otherwise.
So … we are looking for some industrious individuals to join the new Caldwell Tech Team! If you want to learn some new skills and help serve our community far and wide send Justin an email at jmartin@caldwellpresby.org for more information.
New Eyes, New Clothes
As we step more deeply into the new year, whether we count it as liturgical or secular, we are given the opportunity for newness in many and various ways. On Sunday, we dwelled on how we’ve all been given a new set of clothes in Christ, the chance to dress ourselves in compassion and kindness, humility, patience, love and gratitude. If you want to read Sunday’s sermon about that, click here.
We’re also given the chance to have a new outlook on life. Our faith invites us to see the world differently, noticing both the goodness of life and also the pain and suffering around us. Recently, I was walking the church campus first thing in the morning and I found a baseball bat in our courtyard. Yes, it was out of place. Then again, it wasn’t. We often have overnight “guests” who seek shelter and safety on campus. My bet was that someone had slept with the bat in our inner courtyard. That’s how it is on the streets – those without homes often have some type of protection if needed, whether it’s a pipe, a rock or a bat.
So as we gain steam for 2022, including opening our new community hall, we will work all the more diligently to advance our next big dream of affordable housing in the Price Building. May we wear those new clothes we’ve been given for Christmas and see the world through new eyes. I’ll remember that bat and let us all remember those whom Christ called us to love and care for, as if it were Christ himself.
Please keep in prayer Nancy Nance, who had surgery today, Richard Campbell, who hopes to be released from the hospital soon, Dee Blackburn and all out teachers and students returning to school.
Hope to see you Thursday night online.
In Christ,
John