Dear Caldwell,
As we move from Sunday to Sunday this week, our Lord seems to think we need a mid-week break. I am sitting at my desk at home, in front of a large window watching the snow come down – sometimes in great flurries of dust-sized particles, other times in huge, wandering flakes. I trust you and yours are safe and warm. Let us pray for all those who are not.
A book I am reading makes the claim that “the greatest currency any congregation has to spend is hope.” That reminded me of you. We draw our hope from God’s promise to love us and to meet us in how we love others. Caldwell offers so many snapshots of hope:
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Rose Greenfield Rose Greenfield moved to Charlotte 5 years ago to live with her daughter, Merrilyn, her husband, Scott Ethridge, and granddaughter, Rosabella. A lifelong, devout Catholic, Rose stepped gingerly into the life of Caldwell church, which couldn’t have been more different from her usual worship experiences in New York City and Florida. But she couldn’t resist the love the church extended to her – in the embrace of the Women’s Circle, in deep friendship with Rev. Veronica Rogers, in the contagious nature of our worship and so many other ways. It was no small decision for Rose to join Caldwell, a protestant church, after 84 years as a Roman Catholic. But she did, with courage, integrity, grace and true joy. Rose, 89, died peacefully last night at home, surrounded by her devoted family. We will celebrate Rose’s life Saturday at 2 p.m. at Caldwell, where Rose found so much life very late in her own.
- We are also praying in the hope we receive from our promise of resurrection for Troy and Jill Aleong. Troy’s mother died Tuesday and he will be traveling to Florida for her service.
- Another way we find hope and life is by having direct, open and honest conversation as a church family. This Saturday, I invite you to join in an event for African-American History Month in which we will talk about race – how to recognize and respect our differences and how to keep them from undermining our desire to be reconciled in Christ. We will gather 10 a.m.-noon in Belk Hall to be led by community facilitator Willie Ratchford in a time when we can get to know each other more honestly, under the shelter of Christian love.
- I, for one, was filled with hope after our well-attended update on Sunday of our 3D visioning process. So many of you came, listened closely, asked good questions and nodded with approval. Now we move on to our next steps of looking in depth at 5 “big and bold” ideas to be transformational and missional, for ourselves, others and our Lord. Thanks to all those who have signed up to help with this “due diligence” phase of our visioning. If you would like to participate, all are welcomed. Contact Gina Shell.
- Sunday’s service was a celebration of life and hope, as well. Our protesting visitors outside could only stand by and witness a church family that had come to worship, undeterred by their best efforts to use religion as a weapon of intimidation. Thank you all for that – and for all who organized, led and participated in our rich and full hymn-sing and hymnal celebration.
- This Sunday, Rev. Evie will call our focus to the choices we make – in particular a choice to truly live. Scriptures are: Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalm 119: 1-8, Matthew 5:21-37.
As I’ve written this, the snow has turned to what looks like sleet. My prayers are for your safety and shelter as we face the potential of more dangerous weather. May the Lord be with you there … as we travel, Sunday to Sunday.
In Christ,
John