October 16
Dear Central Church,
Young people matter at our church!
Last night, I had the chance to hang out with our Kids Ministry at the Fun Family Fall Fest! We ate pizza, played games, and had a great time together. In case you’re wondering, 935 pieces of candy corn fit in a gallon-sized jar. Kudos to Kennedy Martin who guessed correctly—I was way off!
When it comes to Kids Ministry at Central, however, our team is spot on! I read a survey by the Barna Group this week that said 66% of people who come to faith in Christ do so before the age of 18. Another 11% report coming to Christ before the age of 30. Investing in ministry to kids, families, and youth is one of the best uses of our resources.
October is Clergy Appreciation Month, and I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for those who minister to our young disciples:
Pastor Bethany Tibbs leads our Kids Ministry, and she has an amazing team that includes Mrs. Heidi Holmes, our Preschool Ministry Director.
Pastor Bethany Acre and Pastor Tyler Zehr lead our Youth Ministry, supported by a dedicated team of volunteers who pour into the lives of students every week
Pastor Jonathan Acre serves as our pastor to young adults and college students. This group is passionate about the Lord and is leading the way in what it looks like to love and serve Jesus.
Let’s continue to pray for and encourage these leaders in the vital work God has called them to.
Faith Promise Update – Praise the Lord!
Our goal for Faith Promise was $192,400, and I’m delighted to report that we have received $213,000 in commitments and anticipated giving! This reflects our church’s historic heart for missions. It’s going to be an exciting year of ministry as we support the World Evangelism Fund, send mission teams around the world, provide resources to those in need through our Food Pantry, and so much more! Keep these global and local mission endeavors in your prayers!
This Sunday at Central
Join us as we continue the Keep Calm series by looking at Christ’s letter to the church at Laodicea (Revelation 3:14–22). We don’t feel like a lukewarm church, but there’s one way to make sure we don’t become one: “Listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.” Join us Sunday as we Keep Calm and Listen On.
Until He’s Finished,
Pastor Mark