Last September, we lost one of my favorite authors—Long Island’s own Nelson DeMille. He was a master storyteller, penning blockbuster action-adventure and suspense novels, including The General’s Daughter, Plum Island, Night Fall, and The Charm School. One of the things I loved about his books was his frequent references to places on Long Island—familiar landmarks woven into thrilling narratives.
The first DeMille novel I read remains one of my favorites: The Gold Coast. Often described as The Great Gatsby meets The Godfather, the novel follows John Sutter, a wealthy Wall Street attorney from an old-money family, who finds his world upended when a powerful mob boss, Frank “the Bishop” Bellarosa, buys the estate next door. Sutter initially looks down on Bellarosa, viewing him as uncultured and beneath him.
In one memorable scene, Sutter decides to toy with his new neighbor by leaving behind a calling card—one that bears only his name, John Sutter. He imagines Bellarosa puzzling over the card, expecting the usual business details—titles, phone numbers, addresses—but finding nothing but a name.
The tradition of leaving a calling card with just a name is a hallmark of old-world aristocracy, a quiet yet pointed assertion of status. It suggests that the recipient should already know who the sender is, and if they don’t, perhaps they should. In that moment, Sutter was sending Bellarosa a message—one the mobster might not have fully understood.
How would you react if someone handed you a calling card with just a name? If you were assured it wasn’t a joke or a prank, would you take it as an invitation? Would you answer the call?
We may not receive calling cards from Gold Coast elites, but our heavenly host constantly calls us. Do we recognize the call of our Lord? This Sunday, February 9th, at 9:30 AM, we will hear the call stories of the prophet Isaiah and Jesus’ first disciples.
I’m leaving you my own “business card” as an invitation to join us for worship. No need to bring a calling card of your own—the Lord has already written His call on your heart.
Blessings,
Pastor Marc
