Dear Caldwell,
First and foremost, I pray that you all have what you need as we prepare for Florence’s arrival Thursday night. If you do not, please contact me!
IF there is anything good about having to make it through storms like this, it is that we have each other. We come together, as neighbors, as communities and as a city. Crises have a way of stripping away the differences that we too often let divide us. The “better angels of our nature” step in and we are reminded that we actually do need each other.
Appropriately (though, we could do without this particular case study) our focus Sunday turns to the subject of “community” as we are asking this month, “What’s in your spiritual backpack?” Last Sunday, we considered the gift of scripture as a unique and inspired gift from God that tells the story of God’s love for us. As a backpack staple, scripture guides and inspires our faith journey as testament to perhaps the only “truth” we can count on.
As a church, we don’t dare make that journey alone. We do it together, acknowledging that there is more to learn that way. Our faith simply isn’t complete if it is a solitary practice. That’s what sets communities of faith apart from other gatherings, assemblies and associations.
Rotary Club, neighborhood associations, college alumni chapters and family reunions connect us in important ways. But not like the church. As imperfect as we may be (and we are), the gift of the community of faith is a bond and a balm that sustains us. I honestly wonder how those without a community of faith make it through. And, I am profoundly grateful every day for the wondrous assembly that is Caldwell church.
As for Sunday, the plan is to offer Sunday school and worship as usual. If that changes, we will be in touch. Don’t forget that we will be looking for three members to serve on the Elder Nominating Committee. It is a short-term assignment ending in early November, focusing on listening together to identify those whom God is calling to serve on the session for the next three years.
As a final note, we have offered Caldwell’s space as emergency shelter in partnership with the city and county, should it be needed. If a shelter operation is requested, it is mostly a matter of opening the space and providing hospitality as we are able amidst the storm, if possible. Watch for more communications about that, if it is needed.
Stay safe and ask for help if needed.
In Christ,
John