Dear Caldwell,
Last Sunday we enjoyed such a warm and welcoming time of worship and fellowship with our neighbors from the Bilingual Preschool. From the colorful ofrenda to the immigrant’s creed, from the kids’ joyful singing to our own choir’s spirited voices, from the smiles that transcended language to genuine words of “Paz de Cristo,” we shared an experience that brought us closer together in Christ.
This Sunday, we welcome another set of our campus neighbors when we join in worship with the congregation of Bread of Life Ministries. If our last joint worship experience is any indication, this is another “not-to-be-missed” Sunday, starting with Bread of Life’s soulful praise music at 10:45 in the santuary. Happily, it will be the first Sunday for Rev. Urla Eversly as Bread of Life’s new pastor. She will deliver the message (scripture: Matthew 18:21-35), the choirs will sing together and we will celebrate communion as one family, in Christ. Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour on Saturday night!
For me, at least, these two Sundays provide much to consider in light of our effort to keep in mind Christ’s greatest commandment – to love God by loving our neighbor. Christ wasn’t talking about the emotion of love. Rather, he meant the ACT of caring for all in our community. How wonderfully enriching it is when we share the most important hour of the week together, what a blessing to enjoy this microcosm of our increasingly multi-cultural city here on our campus.
Discipleship: The Campaign and Two Immediate Opportunities
Many of you have responded to God’s gift of grace with your pledges of time/talent and treasure for 2012. We are almost at 50% participation in financial pledges and about 46% participation in promises of active discipleship. Thanks be to God. Our goal of 100% participation, however, is not just symbolic. Surely each of us can make some kind of promise to God and each other in response to the love God has promised to us. I hope and pray that those who have yet to pledge will still do so. Discipleship materials will be available in the sanctuary on the back table if needed.
We have an immediate opportunity tomorrow to serve others – specifically, our neighbors in food-impovrished nations. The Elizabeth Communities of Faith churches are gathering at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church to pack 10,000 meals. First, unloading the supplies begins at 9. The packing then starts at 10:00 am, in the Parish Hall at St. Martin’s. Packing will take approximately 2 hours. Children 6 years and older are welcome to join in this project.
Also, as on all Sundays, you are invited to help provide a hot breakfast to our neighbors at Caldwell House – kitchen doors open around 7:15 a.m. We are grateful to our sister church, Covenant Presbyterian, which will provide a hot lunch for Caldwell House and engage the ladies in a service project.
For Your Prayerful Support
Please keep our sister Annie Cox in prayer. She traveled to New York for her aunt’s memorial service and is busy attending to the affairs of her aunt and her uncle, who is struggling with the loss. Annie’s friends and family will gather for a Charlotte service Monday at 1 at Grier Funeral Home, to which we are all invited.
May you find your own sabbath rest some time this weekend. See you Sunday.
Yours in Christ,
John