ANGELS THRU OUR LENS
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A few weeks ago a surprise phone call came
into The Craddock Center. The voice was that of Katie Brown
saying, “A photography buddy of mine, Sara Linkdrantz, and I
have found a way to put our lenses to a different kind of use.
We have partnered to create Angels Thru Our Lens. Our mission is
to provide a free keepsake portrait to every family in the Head
Start/Pre-K schools served by The Craddock Center. We
passionately believe that a portrait encourages a child to
appreciate the individuality and uniqueness; that a portrait |
helps a child build self-awareness and
self-esteem; and that a portrait is a testament to themselves, their
families and their communities that this child is a special and
beautiful blessing to be cherished. What do you think about our idea?”
I responded, “I think I've just heard from two more angels.” And so this
project is underway. Thank you, Katie and Sara. — TLS
"The test of the morality of a society is
what it does for its children” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I STOPPED THE OTHER DAY FOR
A TRAIN
It was at the Maxwell Road crossing. I was on my
way home. As you know, I live across the tracks.
I was in no hurry. I grow impatient with automobiles, and with
pedestrians, but not with trains. Trains take precedence not only by
size but also by seniority. And by respect. Trains were here long before
automobiles. Trains don’t cut corners, dart in front of you, cut you
off, jay walk, or stand like a statue in the middle of the street.
Trains stay on track.
I have never seen an obscene gesture by a train
engineer or by a brakeman. Train workers wave, even to children,
especially to children. I didn’t get a wave from the engineer the other
day; the engine was already 50 yards down the track when I arrived at
the crossing. And no wave from the brakeman on the caboose; there was no
caboose. I was saddened by no caboose; the train seemed incomplete.
Maybe it is the recession. I hope not. Let the recession hit business,
builders, and banks, but not take the caboose. I spent my childhood in
the Great Depression and every train kept its caboose.
Some are saying trains are making a comeback. If
so, I hope it is not in a flurried hurry. If in a hurry, trains will
probably carry passengers; in other words, riding pedestrians with an
attitude. And probably haul automobiles, arrogant and rude. Then I will
probably lose my temper and try to cross ahead of the train, and be
killed by the train.
I don’t want that on my marker: “Killed by a
train:. By a rude motorist maybe; by an irate pedestrian maybe. But not
by a train. I love the train. — FBC
CRADDOCK CENTER PREPARES TO WELCOME FIRST INTERN
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Kristin Burrow, a Masters of Divinity student at Brite Divinity School in Fort
Worth, Texas, will arrive May 20 in Cherry Log.
After graduating from seminary in 2010 Kristin plans to seek ordination in the
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The Board of The Craddock Center is
pleased to have this opportunity to participate in Kristin’s training and
discernment process for ministry. Having served as an intern in parish
ministry, working with the outreach ministry of The Craddock Center will
give her an opportunity to see the network of care offered by the non-profit
agencies and churches in the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
Kristin’s husband and three children will be joining her for part of the time
she is with us. Welcome, Kristin! — TLS
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WHERE’S FRED?
Dr. Craddock will be teaching Sunday School at
Cherry Log Christian Church August 9—August 30.
“Studying Around the Table” - exploration and discussion of the New
Testament resources (Gospels, Acts, Paul) for the service variously
called the Eucharist, the Lord’s Supper, the Sacrament, Mass, Communion,
the Table.
WHAT ARE THE ODDS?
That That was the question put to the trainer of Mine That Bird, a bay
gelding from New Mexico, now stalled at Churchill Downs, and waiting.
“I don’t think in terms of odds.”
“But you must be aware that your horse is a long shot.”
“Yes, but as long as we have a shot.”
“The numbers I am hearing are 50 to 1.”
“All we ask is a chance to compete”
- - - - - - - - - - -
What are the odds?
That was the question asked as we stood outside the door of the Head
Start school.
“I don’t think in terms of odds.”
“But you must be aware that these children are a long shot to survive
their social and economic disadvantages, stay in school, and become
productive citizens.”
“Yes, but as long as they have a shot.”
“The numbers I am hearing are 50 to 1.”
Just then a young woman full of energy, good cheer, and love for
children entered the room. Faces lit up as the children gathered for
their good morning hugs. Then they listened, sang, danced, and sat in a
circle to hear their names and receive a book, a new book of their very
own.
“What were the numbers you heard?”
“50 to 1.”
“Oh, you must be thinking about horses, not these children.” — FBC
REFLECTIONS ON MY CALL TO PREACH
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Dr. Craddock’s new book will be available for purchase June 1, 2009.
Reflections on My Call to Preach gives insight into his life as a young
boy and what led him to his calling as a preacher.
Pre-orders can be purchased at www.amazon.com or www.chalicepress.com.
The Craddock Center will also have the book available at upcoming
events.
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THE STORY OF A MAN AND HIS DREAM
We are pleased to make available this new DVD telling
the story of Dr. Craddock’s vision for The Craddock Center.
Email, write or call the Center for your copy. A
donation of $5.00 to cover the cost of reproducing and mailing will be
appreciated.
We hope you will share it with your church, civic
group, or anyone who may be interested in partnering with The Craddock
Center.
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Children’s Enrichment Program of The Craddock Center
I will give _______ scholarships of $140.00 per year for 3 years.
I will pay this pledge _____ monthly, _____ semiannually,
_____ annually
Signed ________________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________________
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