Dear Caldwell,
Fall has fallen upon us. Cooler temperatures and fewer hours of sunlight remind us that 2019 is coming to an end, and 2020 will be upon us in no time. How is it possible that November is less than ten days away? A long time ago, I heard someone say that time flies – whether or not you are having fun.
Around the church, we see signs of time flying. Our children are growing up fast. Newborn babies are turning into crawlers. Crawlers are finding their way to their feet and figuring out how to walk and run. Young adults who used to come forward in the sanctuary for “children’s time” are now in college. How can this be?
Around the church, we also see signs of abundance. Several of you began the Caldwell 101 class last Sunday to learn about who we are and what we are all about here at the corner of 5th and Park. There is still room for more folks to join the class – Sunday morning at 9:45 in the Upper Room – above the Shelby Room.
Speaking of the Shelby Room, last Sunday, Justin Martin began an exciting and challenging series called “How to Follow Jesus in a Modern Capitalist Economy.” That class continues this Sunday at 9:45 am in the Shelby Room.
In the coming days, we will be praying for you, Caldwell, as you prepare to respond to God’s invitation to participate in the stewardship campaign – which concludes this Sunday. This year’s theme, “Out of the Abundance of Our Hearts,” has offered us the opportunity to consider the abundance of grace, goodness, and generosity that overflow from the heart of God into our lives. God has been so good to all of us. We have food and shelter. We have each other. And we have the chance to give back to God and to Caldwell a little of what God has given to us.
You are invited to bring your completed pledge card (which was included in your stewardship packet) to worship on Sunday. If you need a card, you can get one on Sunday. You can also pledge online at this link.
Beyond our financial gifts, there are other gifts that we offer to God and one another. You are invited to write other gifts that you are bringing and offering at Caldwell on your card – gifts like a voice to sing God’s praise, willing hands to help when help is needed, time to volunteer and serve, prayer for the people of Caldwell and for the world – just to name a few examples. Commit your gifts and yourself to God anew this coming Sunday.
This is a beautiful time in the life of our church. New babies bring new hope. New members do too. We look forward with excitement towards the new hope and new life that God will bring to this church in the new year.
Out of the abundance of your heart, how will you participate in the work of God here at Caldwell? What gifts is God prompting you to share?
See you on Sunday – Gail