Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of …

In Hope and Love: Come to the Porch, Outdoor “mini-Worship,” Nominating Elders Read More »

Dear Caldwell, I don’t know about you but I am still holding onto several wisdom nuggets from Gail’s sermon and our service overall from Sunday, such as: Waiting is not passive (credit to member Judith Stephens for that one, in Gail’s sermon). God is a refuge in these (and all) times. Life with God is …

Inscriptions of Hope Read More »

Dear Caldwell, There is no doubt that the times in which we live seem to only get more unprecedented day by day – and with that comes a weight we carry from day to day. For the living of these days, yes, even these days, Philippians 4:13 points us to the One who offers to …

A Busy, Blessed Time in the Church Read More »

Dear Caldwell, As we travel from Sunday to Sunday this week, we have another chance to gather tonight on the Preachers’ Porch. This Sunday we will celebrate World Communion Sunday, a reminder that we are part of a global family of God’s children. I’m excited that member Yara Quezada, a Davidson College senior who’s thinking …

The Sun Always Rises Read More »

Dear Caldwell, You never know when the past will show back up. Only a few days into Hearth construction this week, crews unexpectedly unearthed a home heating oil storage tank we didn’t know was there. Our best guess is that it dates to when there was a house where Belk Hall was, before Belk Hall …

Our 21 Days and A Past That’s Never Past Read More »

Dear Caldwell, It’s a beautiful day in our neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor, for a family, for a friend, for a faith community. That’s who we are called to be – neighbors, family, friends, and faith community. The best part of my job is being able to take time to walk with you, …

Staying the course and Staying in touch Read More »

Dear Caldwell, As we travel from Sunday to Sunday this week, almost the entire Southeast is in for a major drenching – in some cases, far worse. Let us pray for all who suffer during this, yet another storm, yet another reminder that it’s still 2020. As I watch the rain steadily gain momentum outside …

God’s Vision For the World Is …. Read More »

Dear Caldwell, Today is the first day of our church-wide 21 Day Racial Equity Challenge. What a great opportunity for all of us to learn new things. Just so you know – your staff is doing the challenge along with you. Speaking of the staff – we created a brief video to share our excitement …

Setting Out On This 21-Day Journey Together… Read More »

Dear Caldwell, It’s a joy for me today to think about you, your faces and your many forms of witness to God’s grace and justice. On Sunday, we considered the preposterous “what if” of Romans 13, Paul’s notion that the fulfillment of law is simply (or not so) to love. We’ll start there tonight on …

Thinking of You Read More »

Dear Caldwell, I pray this finds you knowing how loved you are by our Lord – and by our church. So much of scripture – this library of 66 books that guides our steps – is an effort at answering one central question: What matters the most? Followers of God and Christ, from across the …

Law and Order! … and ? Read More »