Dear Caldwell,
A lot about American neighborhoods has changed over the years. The old days of neighbors spending evenings on the front porch went away with the advent of TV and air conditioning. Some of us may know our neighbors today, but many no longer do.
This Sunday, we will practice one of the oldest neighborly practices – going next door to borrow something. In this case, Caldwell and St. John’s Baptist, our neighbor and ministry partner one block away on Hawthorne Lane, will borrow each other’s preachers. Rev. Martha Kearse, associate pastor at St. John’s, will preach here, working with Veronica Rogers. Meanwhile, I’ll occupy St. John’s pulpit, sharing the same message about wilderness experiences that I preached at Caldwell last week. I hope you’ll give Martha a warm welcome and attentive ears. I will be back for the latter portion of our service, just in time to announce some very exciting news.
Don’t forget two other Caldwell opportunities this weekend – the joint breakfast of the men of Caldwell and Bread of Life Saturday at 8:30 a.m.; and, the open discussion and planning session for a domestic mission trip immediately after worship on Sunday.
Today we are keeping in prayer:
– Don Cowan and his family, including Don’s wife, Jean Prewitt, after the loss of Don’s mother, Katheryn G. Cowan, earlier this week. Her service is tomorrow in Spring City, Tenn. Don’s father is also suffering from some serious health issues.
– Caldwell friend Erskine Harkey, who had neck surgery this afternoon, along with Erskine’s wife Betty.
We also have two great joys: Jimmy Todd celebrated his birthday recently and today is the 50th anniversary of the wedding of Marilyn and Dick Rowland. Congratulations!
On that note, I am due downstairs for the rehearsal of tomorrow’s wedding between Melissa Holer and Michael Hummel here at Caldwell. May they know as many happy years as Dick and Marilyn.
See you all on Sunday.
In Christ,
John