Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, 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 …
Dear Caldwell, When I was a speech writer in a portion of a different career, I paid a lot of attention to the president’s annual State of the Union address. A White House full of speech writers and advisors typically spend weeks crafting the speech, which often runs close to an hour in length. The …
Dear Caldwell, For the last two Thursdays, Anne and Gail have hosted a welcomed online gathering just to visit and catch up called “Let’s Chat and Chew the Fat.” It’s been a great chance to see each other in these disembodied pandemic times for the church. If you could use some company or just want …
Dear Caldwell, For all that has been said about Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he was among so many things a brilliant communicator. As we focus on advancing his dream in our own time, I give thanks for his example in both writing and oratory, to say nothing of his strategic mind, unfailing courage, …
It’s almost reflexive for me to open this first letter of January with a hearty “Happy New Year!” But then I remember that we began a new year for the church at the beginning of Advent. It’s helpful, at least for me, to keep in mind that, as people of faith, we walk out of …
That’s what the angel said to the shepherds in the second chapter of Luke. That’s what our little angels reminded us of in our recent Christmas pageant. Jesus was born. Savior. Messiah. Lord. Promised One. Miraculously conceived. Humbly born. Wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. Love was born in Bethlehem. Joy was born …
Good News of Great Joy for All the People – Then and Now Read More »
Dear Caldwell, How is it that we can expect something that has already happened? How do we get to anticipate what’s already occurred? That was the discussion in staff meeting this morning. After all, isn’t that what we sing about in our Christmas hymn and carols? Yet, if we are lucky, that’s what we do …
Dear Caldwell, Yesterday we took a great step forward in our desire to become an anti-racist congregation. We have another chance tomorrow (Tuesday) night from 6-7:30 p.m. online. (you need to rsvp to attend here). About 30 people gathered after worship to hear some of the findings of the survey offered this fall. As with …
When the Holy Child is born into our heats there is a rain of stars a rushing of angels blaze of candles this God burst into our lives. Love is running through the streets. – Godbursts, by Ann Weems, from Kneeling in Bethlehem Dear Caldwell, The poetry of Ann …
Dear Caldwell, In these days when we move from giving thanks for the Lord’s abundance to patient waiting for the birth of Christ, the life of the church goes on in ways both familiar and new. On Sunday, Gail invited us to be stargazers and bold travelers, as with the Magi who followed a star …
Of Stargazers, Bold Travelers and New “Residents” Read More »
