Dear Caldwell,
From my usual vantage point in leading worship from the chancel, I enjoy the sunlight through the stained glass windows at the rear of the sanctuary as it bathes you all in warmth. On a recent Sunday, I wondered about the three symbols that are featured in that set of windows (they are in desperate need of cleaning, so are hard to make out from a distance). They are a dove descending (above left), a crown adorned with Easter lilies (center) and a harp (right). I am on the case to find out about what the old Caldwell saw in the significance of those ancient symbols and why they chose them in particular. Still, as things so often work out here in the resurrected Caldwell, they seem altogether appropriate for us as Caldwell today.
The Harp
For the congregation that designed and built the sanctuary in 1922, music would have been just as vital to worship as it is for us. No doubt, the once-fine pipe organ, complete with 1,100 pipes, would resound and inspire voices in unison. For them, the symbol of the harp connoted the centrality of music in faith. Often, the harp is associated with David, the shepherd-made-king, who played music as a boy and as a king. Tradition credits David with authoring many of the Psalms.
While that past congregation might not sway and clap with our gospel choir, we place every bit as much importance on music in our worship. Anne directing and encouraging, Smitty banging out a lively gospel tune on the baby grand piano, Manley be-bopping along on the electric organ, Richard Campbell keeping the beat on African drums, Henry plucking away at his bass and each choir member lifting the voice that is their individual instrument in praise of God. All we need is a harpist … anyone?
The Crown
Christ as King is one of the faith’s oldest symbols – and one of its most revolutionary. In Christ’s time, the “royalty” of the day would have been the Roman Emperor or the Hebrews’ recognition of the line of David. To call a poor carpenter-preacher king, complete with sovereign power and might, was radical indeed, an offense to the powers that be. But it inspired our religion as its followers seek to be “in the world, not of the world.” In our windows, the combination of the Easter lilies and the crown enhances the symbolism to remind us that Christ reigns then, now and forever.
For Caldwell, beginning with our mission statement through to our public passion for justice, we do our best to sustain’s Christ’s counter-cultural claim that God reigns above all earthly power and authority. And, of course, Easter holds special meaning to us as a congregation that essentially died and rose again, as captured in Janet Blanchard’s profoundly meaningful stained glass contribution that hangs in the narthex (sanctuary lobby).
The Dove
The descending dove brings us to this Sunday’s worship, the celebration of Pentecost and the arrival of God in the Holy Spirit after Christ’s transcendence. So many visitors comment to me that you, as a congregation, manifest an obvious, special and particular spirit that is palpable on Sundays and in our other gatherings, the Spirit that comes from God Herself.
Now, as in times past, we appeal to the Holy Spirit for guidance in so many important, major considerations before us – the work of the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee, discernment in how we should respond to the invitation to dream from the Belk Gambrell family and in so many other ways.
So, find something red to wear to worship this Pentecost Sunday, which will hold some special surprises and inspiration as we bring the season of Eastertide to a close – but move forward always as Easter people.
Caldwell This Week
CTW will take this week off but please keep our members in need in prayer. In particular, pray for Jessica McQuillen on the sudden loss of a family member. We are grateful that Frances Smith’s nephew has been located.
The Mission and Justice Committee meets tomorrow at 6:15 pm if you’d like to come and support those efforts or find a way to get involved.
Remember that Sheena Bossie Ashley is still accepting names of those who want to help build a Habitat House on Saturday. You can reach her at shbossie@gmail.com.
Considering joining Caldwell? The Session will meet to receive new members Sunday after worship in the Prayer Room along the back hallway behind the sanctuary. If you have any questions about joining, please call me at 704-957-4511.
In Christ,
John