Dear Caldwell,
A number of Caldwell folk have been participating in this week’s PCUSA National Multicultural Church Conference in Charlotte. It has been a true festival of sights and sounds – a Burmese Choir associates with Albermarle Road Presbyterian is going to sing in just a few minutes. But it has also been an opportunity to think “deep and wide” about the current and near-term future of the church.
Yesterday, someone observered: “In Matthew 28, Jesus said, ‘Go out into the nations and teach and baptize.’ But the reality in today’s multicultural America is that the nations have come to us.” What an apt statement of our times and our missional calling as the body of Christ.
DON”T FORGET that Caldwell will not hold worship services or Sunday School tomorrow. We will worship here at 8:30 a.m. at the conference at the University Hilton at the corner of Harris Blvd. and North Tryon Street. We are coordinating rides for those who need them. All who have room to offer a ride should meet at the church at 8:00 to pick up those who need a ride. We should leave by 8:05 a.m. at the very latest. Then, after worship, all interested are invited to gather in the hotel restaurant (there is only one) for breakfast, fellowship and discussion.
Our conference worship so far has been led by two Candadian worship leaders and has featured a range of singing styles, languages and preaching. Tomorrow’s service won’t be what we are accustomed to at Caldwell but, in that, should give us plenty to talk about.
I will follow up with a pastoral report. But, right now, I need to go lead an afternoon workshop.
See you soon.
Yours in Christ,
John