Dear Caldwell,
This Sunday we will kick off a 6-week Newcomers Class but don’t be fooled by the name. It’s a class for anyone who has come to Caldwell in the last year or so (I am ashamed to say it’s that overdue). But it’s also for anyone else who is interested – interested in meeting our newcomers, in a refresher on what it means to be Presbyterian, in a campus tour to see how God is using our ample space, in hearing about how the session and our ministries are organized, to learn about where you can serve and more. So, come one, come all, new or not. We will begin this Sunday at 9:45 a.m. sharp in the Fellowship Hall (down the stairs behind the sanctuary or through the door off Park). Regular adult Sunday school continues a study and discussion of the Beatitudes, using a book by local sage Rev. Dr. James Howell.
Speaking of newcomers, last Sunday was a happy day for Caldwell as four wonderful young adults joined the church along with a son of one of our new members. See the picture and be sure to welcome them “officially” on Sunday. Intern Liz Wagner will preach on Matthew 18:1-14 and 1 John 5:1-5 in a sermon titled “Children of the Kingdom.” We will lift up mothers everywhere in prayer, bring out “Ten Cents a Meal” offering and more. Caldwell House breakfast prep begins at 7 and is served at 8:30. We are grateful to the youth of Myers Park Presbyterian, who will provide lunch for our Caldwell House neighbors.
Momentum is building toward another important event in our Centennial Year. On Saturday, May 19, all are called to come, worship briefly, participate in an on-campus service day and then enjoy the fellowship of a fish fry. Events begin at 1 p.m., work at 1:30 and the eating at 5 p.m. As Centennial Chair Beth Van Gorp wrote so wisely in an earlier note to the congregation, we all are stewards of these buildings, following a long line of the faithful who built, cleaned, expanded and repaired them. It should be a fun and meaningful day for all ages. Please take a moment now tosign up on this link http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0945AEA92CA31-dayofservice or see the signup sheet at the back of the sanctuary Sunday. If you have questions please see Beth Van Gorp or Tovi Martin.
Also that weekend, you will want to be sure to be in worship on Sunday, May 20, as we debut for the congregation a wonderful short film that tells the story of the amazing people who hung on at Caldwell and the ones who joined them to resurrect this almost-dead church. What better way to mark 100 years of worship here than to celebrate what God has done through God’s diverse servants?
Please keep in your prayers: Jimmy Todd, Troy Bowles, Beth Johnson (who fell and cut her head yesterday), Carol King’s mom and stepdad Frances (eye problems) and John Moyle (recuperating). Also, two couples lost their beloved dogs in the last week, Terri Nilles and Marie Mancinelli and Betsy West and Dee Blackburn, losses that can be as hard as any others in our lives.
Enjoy your weekend. See you Sunday.
In Christ,
John