Dear Caldwell,
Grace and peace to you as we are enjoying at least a few more hours of sunlight and a chance to dry out from the Deluge of 2013.
One thing we can’t seem to get beyond, as people that is, is a tendency toward organizing by tribes. Stop and think about all the different groups, institutions and associations that are now – or have been – a part of your identity. Group association can be a blessing in many ways, helping us form our identity and self-understanding … as long as we don’t allow our tendency to “tribe-up” to become tribalism, another form of close-minded bigotry and division.
The Gospel of Christ Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us, calls us to claim one identity above all others, that of being children of God. In turn, God calls us to order all earthly associations by God’s rule and according to God’s terms. Humanity has always struggled with that calling – as much today as 2,000 years ago when the apostles Paul and Barnabas carried the gospel beyond its original home turf. They had mixed results, just as we do today. No surprise, given humanity’s disinclination to follow God above all else.
In worship Sunday, we will take a look at the story of Paul and Barnabas in Acts 14 and use it as a lens for our own times and our privileged calling as citizens of God. We will claim our common identity at the Communion table and we will pray and sing, with joy and celebration. Also in worship, keep your ears open to hear about a range of great ministry and growth experiences coming up later in August.
Before worship, two great Sunday school offerings:
- Newcomers class (for any who want to know more about Caldwell) at 9:45 in Fellowship Hall.
- Adult Christian Education, 9:45, Shelby Room, continuing its look at Ephesians through the book Practicing Resurrection
A before-the-fact “thank you!” to our kitchen crew for making breakfast for Caldwell House. For that matter, “thank you!” to all who serve our Creator in so many ways throughout the week here at this odd little church at the corner of Fifth and Park and throughout our city and world.
In Christ,
John