Dear Caldwell,
On Sunday, we began to count all the ways God is renewing us both individually and as a family of faith. I say “began” because it will take a long time to try to add up God’s abundance.
The very latest, to the right, is Grace Katherine Elizabeth Squibb, born to Elizabeth Ireland and Jimmy Squibb and big sister Eleanor on Monday. Thanks be.
And … God is still doing new things. It’s rare to have a first in our life together but one is coming this Saturday. At 11 a.m. on the front lawn of the church, Gail and I will lead a blessing of the animals. Several of you have asked about this over the years and it’s something I am sorry we haven’t slowed down to do. With Dennis Testerman’s recent reminder of what a joyful experience this can be, we’re on to give thanks for God’s gift of our whiskered, four-legged, no-legged, two-winged, cold- and warm-blooded friends this Saturday.
Looks like cooler weather and we will remember to socially distance, for sake of Covid and to avoid any “disagreements” among the animals. Bring the family and enjoy this time together. If you cannot make it Saturday or want to be more Covid-cautious , Dennis, our Presbytery’s Stewardship of Creation Enabler, will lead a service online Sunday at 4 p.m. Click here to participate in that offering.
Have You Read the Stewardship Brochure?
Last weekend, you should have received an email from Stewardship Co-Chairs Whitney and Zach Stein with a link to read about what’s up now and in the future for Caldwell. This kicks off the season in which we prayerfully reflect on God’s blessings and make a decision about our financial pledge to the church for the coming year.
Under the banner of our theme, Re:New, we’re celebrating all that God has done to give us this place of community, calling, growing and purpose. The coming year is full of promise for us as we enjoy new spaces for gathering and learning on campus, grow in our understanding of love and justice and deepen our relationships in Christ.
There is a full schedule of upcoming events to plan for. See the schedule here.
You can:
- Read the brochure here.
- Make your pledge anytime by clicking here.
- Set up regular online giving here, which has many benefits.
- Or just send an email to Rick Rogers in the church office, who handles financial matters confidentially. He’s at rrogers@caldwellpresby.org
Thanks to those who have already made their pledge. The campaign wraps up Sunday, Oct. 17.
What’s Your Experience with Race at Caldwell and Beyond?
The congregation’s Anti-Racism Council needs your input on a few questions as it calibrates how we take the next steps in our journey to becoming anti-racists. The Council wants to know how you feel about our focus on race here at Caldwell, from the leadership down, what trainings and growth opportunities you’d like to see us offer and more.
Please take 10 minutes to read about and take the survey here – why not right now?
SO MANY New Members!
Talk about abundance and renewal. It’s hard to keep up with all of the newcomers lately – thanks be to God. Why not consider sitting in as they share some of their stories and as we all go over some of the tenets of our faith, how the church works, where Presbyterianism comes from and how to get involved?
A Caldwell 101 Newcomers’ Class begins this Sunday at 9:45 in the Upper Room (above Shelby) and online. If you can’t come to the class, please introduce yourselves and get to know the “class of 2021” (so far). Would you like to be a Caldwell Connector for one of the new members, to help welcome them and stay close to answer any questions? If so, let John or Gail know.
The names of our new members are: Dick Richards, LaWonder McDowell, Evan Bille, Emily Duval, Shirley Stanley, Elizabeth, Nate (and baby Ethan) Downing, Kate and Josh Enneking (with daughters Bea and Lucy).
“And the people said . . . .”
20 Years of Our Seminary in Charlotte
For some of us, renewal means following a new calling in our vocations. For Gail and me and many others, that was possible only through the decision years ago to open a branch of Union Presbyterian Seminary in Charlotte (our own Sarah Belk Gambrell was instrumental in making that happen).
Union has been a close partner with Caldwell. Its alums and students with Caldwell connections include Veronica Rogers, Phanta Lansden, Union Chaplain Rev. Sally Herlong, Union Admissions Director Rev. Lisa McLennan, current students Lia Benton, LaWonder McDowell, and Evan Bille and a dozen or more interns who have helped define Caldwell as a teaching campus. Rev. Dr. Rodney Sadler has been a cherished friend and healthy influence for us as well.
This week, the seminary marked that anniversary by highlighting 20 of its graduates and students through the years. That included our own Gail! Read about these pastors here.
Let me close with a wonderful question from member Pat Adams’ newest book, Called to Help the Poor and Needy: “It is up to us to align our will with God’s and to bring in the kingdom of God here on earth. Will you be one of those who will walk in Jesus’s footsteps and be gracious and embracing to every person you meet?”
Watch for more in Caldwell This Week.
In Christ,
John