Dear Caldwell,
Happy Labor Day weekend to you all. I hope there is some rest and recuperation in your schedules. A unique way to be restored – in mind, body and spirit – is to be with your church family. Here is what the Sunday Caldwell “buffet” has to offer:
- Breakfast with and for Caldwell House: 7:30 prep, 8:30 to eat.
- ACE (Adult Christian Education) begins a new series of classes that will look at our Confessions, those statements of faith that the people of God have written whenever they felt the Gospel was at stake – from the Apostle’s Creed (180 AD) to a Brief Statement of Faith (1983) to more recent considerations of new ways of expressing belief. Sunday’s introductory class will be an easy start to the series. Come one and all. Shelby Room, 9:45 a.m.
- Newcomers (and any others interested) will take a look at how the church – Caldwell and nationally – is organized and run. We will also talk about volunteer/service opportunities and how to get involved at Caldwell. Fellowship Hall, 9:45
- In worship, we begin a new series of sermons looking at 6 “purpose statements” for the church known as the Great Ends of the Church. We will see what these 135-year old statements have to say to us today and hold them in a constructive tension with our Caldwell Mission Statement. Sunday’s sermon focuses on sharing the Good News, or evangelism, something many of us struggle with in these modern, cynical times. We will also celebrate communion and raise our voices in song in a joyful noise.
- After worship, several members will make an annual trip to the old Blue Branch Presbyterian Church, a church founded by slaves that worships once a year in a stirring and uplifting style that will touch your soul. If you are interested in carpooling, call me (704-957-4511) and I can put you in touch with organizer Kathy Neal.
As I write, our nation finds itself once again divided over questions about the use of military might. Each one of us must make our own decision and all of us are called to pray for God’s guidance in the name of the Prince of Peace. Today, the PCUSA has issued a statement and call to action for those who wish to oppose an attach on Syria. You can read more about it here. http://www.pcusa.org/news/2013/8/30/stated-clerk-issues-statement-wake-escalating-viol/ You can send a message to our nation’s leaders, if so inclined, here. http://capwiz.com/pcusa/issues/alert/?alertid=62888376
As for our own pastoral concerns, please hold Randy Hood and his family in prayer today, as they end life support on Randy’s father after a long illness; Yvette Wilson, whose back is causing problems; Jackie Abernethy, as she recovers from an infection; and, Marie Mancinelli, whose mother is ill, among others needing our prayers.
See you Sunday!
In Christ,
John