Dear friends,
Recently I was conversing with my nearly eighty-year-old mother, a fully capable and independent woman, now a widow of twenty years. She mentioned that perhaps the hardest part of living with no family nearby is all the little things for which she has no help: changing a light bulb, getting something out of the attic, clarifying a bank charge, or anything at which she is not particularly skilled, doesn't like, or for reasons of age, really should not do. After twenty years, she's become accustomed to it, but still there are times when it would be nice to have an assistant, a backstop, a helper.
In the opening chapters of Genesis, we read that God creates all kind of things - sea and sky, plants and animals, night and day, and calls everything good. But when it comes to God's human creation, we find the first thing God suggests is not good - for this human to be alone.
This week we'll conclude our sermon series by focusing on the sacred nature of companionship, the gift of life shared, and the challenge to do so well over the course of time.You can prepare by reading Genesis 2:18, 21-25.
In addition, we'll celebrate communion, hear our children's and youth choirs in the sanctuary at 11 a.m.,enjoy great music at all services and pray for the Panthers (!). And, if you'd like to help us beat the Denver churches in our Souper Bowl of Caring competition, you can bring canned goods or give an extra offering after the service on the Circle - all of which will go to local hunger related ministry partners here in Charlotte. Finally, Jen Christianson, our Pastoral Resident for Young Adults and Education, will be preaching in the Chapel.
It will be a great Sunday!
Bob Henderson, senior minister | 
