I hope you are planning to be a part of this weekend’s “historic” events:

* On Saturday, beginning at 1 pm, we will gather to mark 100 years since the congregation’s first worship service. After a brief worship service in the Shelby Room (did you know that was Caldwell’s first sanctuary?), we will fan out across campus and honor our predecessors by tending to our buildings and grounds. Then around 5 we will enjoy fellowship and a fish fry. There will be jobs of all kinds and sizes so all are encouraged to participate. You can sign up here http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0945AEA92CA31-dayofservice or call Tovi Martin or Beth Van Gorp. 

* On Sunday at 9:45 a.m., a special class for newcomers continues in the Fellowship Hall.  Whether you arrived at Caldwell a month or a year ago,  there is still plenty of time to join in as we learn together about our church, our denomination and all our opportunities for ministry as the body of Christ.

* Worship this Sunday will be very special for two reasons. We will tip our proverbial hat to the past as we follow an order of worship that would have been typical when Caldwell first worshipped in 1912. THEN, at the close of worship, we will debut a short film that chronicles Caldwell’s resurrection, a result of how people here welcomed others as Christ welcomed others. It’s a moving tribute to our past, present and future. You won’t want to miss it.

Please keep Carol and Fisk Outwater in prayer. Carol told us Sunday that her father is in his final days. We send them prayers of affirmation of the resurrection.

Yours in Christ,

John

New members Emily Cox, Emily Hawkins (son Ethan Freeman not pictured), Caroline Cheek and Joe Lublinkhof

Dear Caldwell,

This Sunday we will kick off a 6-week Newcomers Class but don’t be fooled by the name. It’s a class for anyone who has come to Caldwell in the last year or so (I am ashamed to say it’s that overdue). But it’s also for anyone else who is interested – interested in meeting our newcomers, in a refresher on what it means to be Presbyterian, in a campus tour to see how God is using our ample space, in hearing about how the session and our ministries are organized, to learn about where you can serve and more. So, come one, come all, new or not. We will begin this Sunday at 9:45 a.m. sharp in the Fellowship Hall (down the stairs behind the sanctuary or through the door off Park). Regular adult Sunday school continues a study and discussion of the Beatitudes, using a book by local sage Rev. Dr. James Howell.

Speaking of newcomers, last Sunday was a happy day for Caldwell as four wonderful young adults joined the church along with a son of one of our new members. See the picture and be sure to welcome them “officially” on Sunday. Intern Liz Wagner will preach on Matthew 18:1-14 and 1 John 5:1-5 in a sermon titled “Children of the Kingdom.” We will lift up mothers everywhere in prayer, bring out “Ten Cents a Meal” offering and more. Caldwell House breakfast prep begins at 7 and is served at 8:30. We are grateful to the youth of Myers Park Presbyterian, who will provide lunch for our Caldwell House neighbors.

Momentum is building toward another important event in our Centennial Year. On Saturday, May 19, all are called to come, worship briefly, participate in an on-campus service day and then enjoy the fellowship of a fish fry. Events begin at 1 p.m., work at 1:30 and the eating at 5 p.m. As Centennial Chair Beth Van Gorp wrote so wisely in an earlier note to the congregation, we all are stewards of these buildings, following a long line of the faithful who built, cleaned, expanded and repaired them. It should be a fun and meaningful day for all ages. Please take a moment now tosign up on this link http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0945AEA92CA31-dayofservice or see the signup sheet at the back of the sanctuary Sunday. If you have questions please see Beth Van Gorp or Tovi Martin.

Also that weekend, you will want to be sure to be in worship on Sunday, May 20, as we debut for the congregation a wonderful short film that tells the story of the amazing people who hung on at Caldwell and the ones who joined them to resurrect this almost-dead church. What better way to mark 100 years of worship here than to celebrate what God has done through God’s diverse servants?

Please keep in your prayers: Jimmy Todd, Troy Bowles, Beth Johnson (who fell and cut her head yesterday), Carol King’s mom and stepdad Frances (eye problems) and John Moyle (recuperating). Also, two couples lost their beloved dogs in the last week, Terri Nilles and Marie Mancinelli and Betsy West and Dee Blackburn, losses that can be as hard as any others in our lives.

Enjoy your weekend. See you Sunday.

In Christ,

John

The weather seems fitting for today’s voting in North Carolina. One moment the clouds crowd the sky and the rain falls hard - the next, the sun breaks forth and pushes the clouds aside.

If the polls turn out to be right, the proposed Amendment One to the N.C. constitution is likely to pass today. For many of us, this probability stirs mixed emotions, just as with today’s mixed forecast. How might we reflect?

Yes, our state constitution is likely to be different – harsher and more bigoted than before, a standard of law that many of us will regret deeply. But our state is already different in other ways. A new network of straight allies has been awakened by this debate, a set of voices that span the public, private, faith and non-profit sectors. By speaking up or putting out a “vote against” yard sign, these allies have visibly engaged and said, with one voice, we can see a different future.

In the meantime, if the amendment passes, how might we conduct ourselves tomorrow and going forward as disciples of the One who ministered to the outcast, the oppressed and the “different” (whom Christ actually proved to be mostly like the rest of us)?

First, we can keep in mind the quote that our member Carl Brinson has been using as his email tag-line, Martin Luther King Jr.’s statement that, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”  Let us pray for a day of justice and equality for all.

Second, we can continue to build the kinds of relationships and human connections that move society past fear and prejudice. Tomorrow, each of us might make a point to tell those who have “outed” themselves as straight allies “thank you for speaking up.” As important, we can tell those who are harmed and discriminated against that we will continue to stand with them until that brighter day comes.

Third, we can keep in mind that familiar passage from 1 Corinthians 13 that ends, “faith, hope and love, and the greatest of these is love.”  Many associate this passage with marriage. But the Apostle Paul wrote this passage as a guide to how people in a community of faith are to live together … in Christ, across their differences, peacably and respectfully. So, now or in the morning, after the final results are in, I encourage you to read the full passage from 1 Corinthians below, perhaps in quiet meditation or in a group of friends, as a shared prayer for our society, an appeal to God that, despite whatever setbacks occur, we might move steadfastly toward what Paul had in mind when he wrote these words:

The Apostle Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, Acts 8:26-40

Dear Caldwell,

As meaningful as it was for the three dozen of us who worshipped last Sunday at the multicultural church conference, it will be good for us all to be together again Sunday. Come Sunday, our “cup overfloweth:” We will celebrate both sacraments – communion and a baptism. In the sermon we will take a look at a fascinating story in Acts 8:26-40 in which the Apostle Philip encounters a man with whom he has very little in common – an Ethiopian eunuch. The two take a ride together and the ‘destination’ turns out to be the last place either would have expected, at least before they met. The story has a lot to say about how God brings us together across our differences and how we can find a common bond in faith.

 Before worship:

• Our loyal breakfast crew will gather around 7 to prepare to serve our Caldwell House neighbors breakfast at 8:30 a.m. (Many thanks to the huge crew who tended to this duty last Sunday.)
• At 9:45, Liz Wagner will lead another class on the Beatitudes at 9:45 in the Shelby Room

Then an important opportunity after worship: The Education Committee will host a forum discussion on what new forms of Christian education and spiritual development we might consider as additional ways to feed our souls and equip us for service. A light lunch will be provided. Come one and all.

It’s always risky to recognize birthdays because we can’t keep up with everyone. However, yesterday was Rev. Veronica Rogers’ big day, tomorrow is Craig Phillips’ and Monday is Johnny Frazier’s. Many happy returns to all.  Please keep Dave Bradley in prayer as he travels to be with his daughter and new grandchild, born this morning!

May the weekend bring you rest and recuperation.

Yours in Christ,

John

Caldwell drummers Janet Blanchard, Richard Campbell and Zach Thomas helped carry the beat during last Sunday's worship service at the PCUSA Multicultural Church Conference. About 35 Caldwell folks attended the service and gathered for brunch afterward to discuss the sights and sounds. In this shot, they are doing a little post-worship jam session with other worship leaders. They just couldn't get enough, I guess.

Dear Caldwell,

I wanted to update you on two developments relating to our property and our ministries.

1. The word came yesterday that a key element of the funding for the proposed supportive living development at 333 Hawthorne (property that is adjacent to the church) has fallen through. The developer and would-be operator of the proposed facility have suspended their plans. They had explained that the financing for such affordable housing developments is intricate and somewhat fragile, so this is not a major surprise. This is all we know at this point.

2. This week we say goodbye to a long-time friend and partner in ministry, Partners for Out of School Time (POST), which is being merged into the Larry King Center of the Council for Childrens’ Rights. POST has leased office space in three rooms off the Shelby Room since 2008.  Executive Director Claire Tate is an avid supporter of Caldwell’s missional efforts. She is a devoted Presbyterian and a tireless advocate for children. We thank her for her partnership and wish her well in her future endeavors.

We are blessed with the arrival of a new campus partner that will take over the space that POST has occupied. Building Educated Leaders for Life (BELL) is a Boston-based, education-focused non-profit. This will be BELL’s first Charlotte office. We welcome them and look forward to learning more about their efforts on behalf of children. As with POST, BELL’s operation and use of space will be during business hours Monday through Friday, leaving plenty of room for us to use the Shelby Room when we most need it.

One aspect of God’s abundant provision here has been campus partners with whom we have had constructive and healthy relationships. BELL’s arrival means God’s space here will continue to be well used in furthering the kingdom of God on earth.

A brief pastoral report: Carol King’s father-in-law is now out of the hospital and in a rehabilitation facility for serious pain in his back, and her mother continues to receive treatments for her eye. Peg Robarchek is in Alabama tending to her brother, who recently had serious surgery. Troy Bowles, who has been back at the hospital last week, is now out and recuperating. Please keep them all in your prayers.  

More later this week.

Yours in Christ,

John

Members of a local Burmese choir grab a snack before performing. National and international visitors have been sampling local delicacies - Lance crackers and Sun Drop soda.

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

Just wanted to tip my hat to our member Tracy Godfrey, who spoke up when the Observer needed a new perspective on the proposed Amendment 1. The issue has sparked as many varying faith opinions in the  African-American population as it has with the population at large … yet one more sign of the dynamic, multicultural times in which we live.

If you didn’t see the story in Sunday’s paper, you can read more here. http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/04/21/3189909/black-churchgoers-break-with-leading.html.

On other matters, we’re glad that everyone is home safe and sound from the women’s retreat, which seems to have been a great success.

Please keep in your prayers Carol King and her parents, Jean Leeper, Troy Bowles and Elaine Hultman and her sister after the passing of Elaine’s brother in law last week.

May God bless all that this week holds for you.

Yours in Christ,

John

As a reminder that we are in Eastertide (the 50 days of Easter), a few lilies from Easter Sunday have migrated out to our corner garden at 5th and Park, thanks to Maggie Devries. If you like to garden, Dee Rogers (drogers906@bellsouth.net) is hosting a gardening workday on the church grounds tomorrow from 8 til noon.

Dear Caldwell,

In the Gospel of Luke (24:36-48), Jesus does an odd thing. The disciples are holed up behind closed doors, trying to sort out the events of the resurrection and the increasing number of  “Jesus sightings.” Suddenly, Christ appears … and asks for something to eat. I have to confess, as I’ve pondered this passage this week, one thought I had was of Kramer, who was always suddenly appearing in Jerry Seinfeld’s apartment and asking for something to eat (actually, he just helped himself).  Yes, I know, Kramer was not Christ and Jerry and his pals were not the disciples. 

Taken in the appropriate light, this passage has a lot to say about doors (both closed and open), how we are fed by the good news of the Risen Christ and how we can open our doors to still others so that they can be fed. That will be what we consider together on Sunday morning. There will be a few open seats (so bring a friend!) as about 28 women of Caldwell head off to the mountains this weekend for their retreat. We wish them replenishment and safe travels. We will do our best to carry on without them on Sunday:

* The breakfast crew will provide for Caldwell House – all invited – prep at 7/7:30 and breakfast at 8:30

* Mike Watson will lead a class at 9:45 in the new study on the Beatitudes

I just spoke with Troy Bowles, who is expecting to go home from the hospital today. Rose Greenfield is recuperating from a fall and Jean Leeper from surgery. Please remember them and others in your prayers.

Don’t forget – a week from Sunday on April 29, we’re shifting our worship service out to the Charlotte University Hilton to participate in a large service there. I will say more about that Sunday.

I wish rest and recuperation for all who need it this weekend.

In Christ,

John

New Art in the Narthex: As you come through the main outer doors of the church tomorrow, stop and take in a beautiful donation of original art by member Janet Blanchard. Janet, who works in stained glass as a hobby, has combined the Easter imagery of a colorful empty cross with easter lilies spring forth in "newness of life." The piece is framed in a cross section of a stump from a 133-year old tree (yes, she and Charlie counted the rings). What a beautiful declaration to all who enter here of our claim to be Easter people in all seasons. Thanks Janet!!!

Dear Caldwell,

It’s hard to imagine all the emotions that Jesus’ followers experienced in the days following the resurrection. Hope and mystery connected to the empty tomb. Disbelief and/or euphoria as some reported sightings, conversations and even a fire-roasted fish breakfast on the lakeshore with the Risen Savior. Fear about what the world and the authorities might make of these claims. And on an on.

We call the 50-day season from Easter to Pentecost Eastertide – and that’s an apt description of the rush,ebb and flow of the emotions and thoughts that must have run through the disciples then and which run through us now as we consider the mystery and meaning of the resurrection. Tomorrow, as we consider our “newness in life” on this side of the cross, Liz Wagner will preach a sermon titled “Life Is ….” based on 1 John 1:1-2:2 and John 20:19-31 (the storyof  “doubting Thomas”). If you’re up early, join us for breakfast with Caldwell House at 8:30 (and/or help make breakfast beginning at 7). In Sunday school, we begin a study of the beatitudes – a great time to adopt Sunday school participation as a renewed spiritual discipline.

SEVERAL IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS ABOUT TOMORROW:

* We’ve just learned that the parking lot across 5th street from the church will be closed tomorrow due to some work the hospital is doing (restriping, etc.). You may park on 5th, Travis and in the medical offices’ lot next to the Price Building. You may also park at Elizabeth Elementary School.

* 7th Street between Caswell and Hawthorne is closed this weekend. You can take 5th or Central or Randolph as alterantives.

* Member Linda Matney will present readings from her book Imaging Heaven at 3 pm Sunday at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter (2701 Park Road). I’m sure she’d love to have some Caldwell family there.

* From 2 until 6 p.m. Sunday, Charlotte Family Housing (CFH) will host a benefit in Independence Park – a walk begins at 3 p.m. and a celebration with food, enterntainment and children’s activities begins at 4:30. (You could go to Linda’s reading and then come to the park). CFH is a neighboring non-profit in Elizabeth, a Caldwell ally and the city’s leading agency focused on solutions for homeless families.

ONE MORE IMPORTAT NOTE: As you will read about in the April edition of our newsletter (out tomorrow – grab a copy!), the Session has voted to shift our worship on Sunday, April 29, to the closing worship service at the PCUSA National Mulitcultural Church Conference at the Hilton University at 8:30 a.m. THERE WILL BE NO WORSHIP AT CALDWELL APRIL 29. See my column in the newsletter for more.

In this season of hope, I close with one double-take piece of joyful news. Our worship attendance on Easter was 280, a new high for the new Caldwell and probably more people in regular worship here in well over a decade. Thanks be to God. Happy Eastertide!

In Christ,

John

There is an interesting story in the paper today about what Christ did on Holy Saturday. The bottom line the journalist draws is that there are multiple ideas, none conclusive, all depending on the tradition or denomination one follows. When confronted with what seem to be difficult-to-answer questions, I am reminded of a phrase from the Book of Common Worship that is often used during communion: Great is the mystery of faith.

What  many Christian traditions do hold in common – through the commonality of the Gospel accounts – is the events that led up to the cross. In that spirit, I share two more of the Magic Lantern slides, with accompanying scripture from the Gospel of John. Past generations at Caldwell, probably well before 1950, gathered to view these slides through an old light projector. Here in the 21st century, we can share them through the internet. And, in this, our centennial year, we can share what is timeless about the Passion story with generations past at Caldwell.

Keep the vigil. Until we see each other tomorrow.

Jesus is Crucified

So they took Jesus;¹⁷and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew^* is called Golgotha.¹⁸There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them.¹⁹Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, ‘Jesus of Nazareth,^* the King of the Jews.’²⁰Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew,^* in Latin, and in Greek.²¹Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, ‘Do not write, “The King of the Jews”, but, “This man said, I am King of the Jews.” ’²²Pilate answered, ‘What I have written I have written.’²³When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top.²⁴So they said to one another, ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it.’ This was to fulfil what the scripture says,
‘They divided my clothes among themselves,
and for my clothing they cast lots.’
²⁵And that is what the soldiers did.

Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.²⁶When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’²⁷Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

28 After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfil the scripture), ‘I am thirsty.’²⁹A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth.³⁰When Jesus had received the wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.<!– 31 –>

Jesus’ Side Is Pierced

31 Since it was the day of Preparation, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross during the sabbath, especially because that sabbath was a day of great solemnity. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies removed.³²Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who had been crucified with him.³³But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.³⁴Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out.³⁵(He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows^* that he tells the truth.)³⁶These things occurred so that the scripture might be fulfilled, ‘None of his bones shall be broken.’³⁷And again another passage of scripture says, ‘They will look on the one whom they have pierced.’<!– 38 –>

The Burial of Jesus

38 After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body.³⁹Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds.

⁴⁰They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews.⁴¹Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid.⁴²And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.