Dear Caldwell,
London is on edge, caught in the gap between the violent acts of two widely separate and misguided extremists. The nation is on edge, as the presidency seems to hang in the balance and the Congress seems intent on widening the vast economic gaps that already mar our future together as a nation. Over war-torn Syria, American and Russian jet fighters co-exist in an uneasy tension we pray does not become a deeper conflict.
Everywhere we look, it seems, we are confronted with the evidence of the gap between the world as it is and the world as God would have it.
On Easter Sunday, we considered what it means to be Easter people in the sense of being “people of the gap,” a diverse and intersectional community of faith standing in the divides that would further separate our world and nation, people of reconciliation in a world seemingly bent on fragmenting into factions and separatist outlooks and ideologies.
That’s exactly where you come in. That’s exactly where you are needed!
On Sunday in worship, we inaugurated a time for Caldwell to reflect, pray and search deeply for our individual and collective gifts from God to be “people of the gap,” seeking, at once, healing and justice in a hurting world.
On Thursday night, we gather to join hands and plunge headfirst into this exciting time together. I hope you’ve made plans for the first Summer Nights at Caldwell event (Thursday, with dinner and 5:30 and program to follow) in Belk Hall.
As I preached Sunday, we constitute the body of Christ as those who are “many yet one.” (See 1 Corinthians 12:12-27) Come Thursday night to play with that metaphor a bit more as we consider the gifts we recognize in ourselves and in each other. The Apostle Paul is expected to make an appearance. It’s salad night, so all you have to do is bring yourself, maybe a friend and your favorite salad topping. Desert provided (which is why we eat salad, after all, right?).
If you’re in town, I hope you can make this a priority as we set out on what will be a rich and fulfilling experience for all.
Prayers
Please keep these people in prayer:
Laura Simmons, as she prepares for surgery tomorrow.
Donna Willis (and wife Myrtle Anderton), on the death of Donna’s mother, Grace.
Linda Ellen Horton’s friend, Katie, as she prepares for surgery.
Frances Smith and her brother, Holley, whose brother has heart and lung problems.
Eric, a four-year-old in Asheville from Mexico, recently diagnosed with Leukemia.
A father and his two boys, all of whom came to Caldwell seeking help today.
In Christ,
John