Keeping the faith at Edgewater

EDGEWATER — Retired minister and author Dr. Bruce Pullen and his wife Judy have been helping their Edgewater neighbors enrich their spiritual lives through the CAFÉ group since 2007.

An acronym for Christian Adult Fellowship at Edgewater, CAFÉ offers the opportunity for Christians of various denominations and walks of life to come together within the Edgewater community to share, explore, and celebrate their faith.

Dr. Bruce Pullen and his wife Judy formed the Christian Adult Fellowship at Edgewater in
2007. The Pullens’ extensive home library includes the book Bruce authored — “Discovering
Celtic Christianity.” (Glynn Wade/Sun Day Photo)

The group, which numbers around 18, meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 7 p.m. in the Craft Room at Creekside Lodge. Meetings include a DVD presentation featuring a noted inspirational author followed by discussion and refreshments. A course of programs averages five to eight sessions, and CAFÉ participants have a voice in choosing the topics they’ll pursue.

Previous sessions have focused on filmed presentations by John Ortberg (“God Is Closer Than You Think,” “If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat,” “Life You Have Al¬ways Wanted”); Rick Warren, author of “The Purpose-Driv¬en Life” and “God’s Answers to Difficult Questions;” Philip Yancey (“What’s So Amazing About Grace?” “Prayer – Does It Make a Difference?”); noted theologian Tom Wright (“Exploring the Essentials of Christianity”); and Ken Curtis of the Christian History Foundation (“The Reformation”).

Some CAFÉ programs have also centered on various books of the Bible. Last year, the group undertook a series from Timothy Keller entitled “The Prodigal God” and this year focused on his “Gospel in Life – Grace Changes Everything.” CAFÉ participants also enjoy occasional social events together.
CAFÉ leader Dr. Pullen served as a minister for more than 35 years. His pastorates have included American Baptist Churches in New Jersey, Iowa, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

“I went where I was called,” he explained.

In addition to providing years of helpful support as a minister’s wife, Judy Pullen is musically talented and has enjoyed playing hand bells and singing in the choirs of churches her husband served.

Members of the CAFÉ group enjoy fun and fellowship at a holiday party. The group meets twice a month to discuss topics in Christianity.(Photo Provided)

Now she’s actively involved in the CAFÉ group. The couple first met in a church setting during high school, but they were parted by her family’s relocation to another state. Correspondence kept their relationship alive, and their longtime marriage and loving family attest to a match made in heaven.

Dr. Pullen is a graduate of Rutgers University, Colgate Rochester Divinity School, and both Princeton and Eastern Baptist Theological Seminaries. Before entering the ministry, he was a practicing chiropractic physician. He is the author of two books: “Profiles of Faith — Discovering Baptist Beginnings” and “Discovering Celtic Christianity.”

To explore those Celtic origins, the Pullens traveled to the British Isles, visiting churches and cathedrals in Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and England.

This fall, the CAFÉ group will begin an in-depth look at Luke’s Acts of the Apostles using the Life Application Bible Study Guide. Thirteen sessions are planned, with seven before Christmas and six in the spring. During the winter months, the group will discuss John Ortberg’s series, “Who is this Man?” Newcomers are invited to join in.

Asked what he thinks motivates Christians of retirement age to focus on their faith through study, Dr. Pullen quipped, “We’re boning up for final exams.” On a more thoughtful note, he added, “Life can be a journey of hope, no matter what your life has been so far. You are invited to explore this journey with us through CAFÉ.”

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