Dear Caldwell, “He descended into hell ….” On Sundays when we say the Apostles Creed, we repeat the line above. “Why did Jesus have to go there?” people often ask. The simplest explanation – and the most assuring – that I’ve heard is that it shows that in Christ there is no place our Lord has not …
Dear Caldwell, Today and tonight we enter what is known as the Triduum (three days), the final days before Easter, of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. It’s been said that Easter has no meaning without what we remember in these days. Of all years, we are reminded that we cannot be Easter people without fully …
Dear Caldwell, Holy Week is upon us. The journey to the cross feels more palpable and immediate than ever this year. Sadness. Sorrow. Grief. Fear. We feel it all. Sometimes in enormous waves. Sometimes in gentle ripples. Friends, I pray that you remember that you do not walk this Holy Week journey by yourself. Your Caldwell …
Dear Caldwell, I hope this missive finds you happy, healthy, and finding ways to enjoy this glorious weather. As we come to the end of Lent, we look ahead into Holy Week, towards the cross, and eventually the empty tomb. I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to the new life that awaits …
Approaching the end of Lent and looking ahead to Holy Week… Read More »
Dear Caldwell, Grace and peace to you! In these strange days when the clouds seem to hover, literally outside today and figuratively over our world, I pray you can sense God’s presence with and around you. The headlines bring news that seems to grow more grim by the hour and our stay-at-home experience is already …
Dear Caldwell, The church grounds seem so empty without you, without the life that animates these old rooms and hallways. Rick Rogers and I have been coming in – and keeping a safe distance – to keep things going, check the mail, meet service providers and vendors and do the business of the church that …
Dear Caldwell, Gail here, writing to you from home. I hope and pray that you are feeling safe, surrounded, and held by the tender, loving, and mighty hands of our ever-present God. These are unprecedented times for all of us; I hope and pray that you remember that we are still “we.” We are still community. …
Oh! brethren, my way, my way’s cloudy, my way, Go send them angels down, Oh! brethren, my way, my way’s cloudy, my way, Go send them angels down. Old Satan’s mad, and I am glad, Send them angels down, He missed the soul he thought he had, O send them angels down. – My Way’s …
Dear Caldwell, We are all seeing, hearing and reading a lot about the coronavirus. According to all of the official sources, it poses a real threat and is likely to expand before it subsides. That said, it’s vitally important that we react with calm and reasoned preparations and actions. Each year, all of us are …
Dear Caldwell, Gail here at the keyboard again this week. Last Sunday, John ushered us into Lent with a sermon entitled, “Welcome to the Wilderness.” Behind him as he preached were vases filled with signs of the wilderness brought indoors (thanks to Jane McBride!). In front of him as he preached was the communion table, …
