November 27, 2025
Dear Central Church,
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope today finds you enjoying the warmth of friends and family gathered around a bountiful spread. Wherever and however you are spending this holiday, I pray you take a moment to give thanks for God’s faithfulness and provision in your life.
When we moved to Kansas City three years ago, I learned quickly that this is the City of Fountains. I hadn’t noticed them before, but as a new resident exploring a new home, I began to see the fountains scattered throughout our city—each one beautiful in its own way. They always remind me of this hymn:
Come Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
God’s grace truly is a fountain—overflowing with good gifts for His people. In this season of gratitude, what a powerful image of all that God has done for us.
How has God’s grace been an overflowing fountain in your life? How has His mercy flowed through your days like a stream that never runs dry? Sometime today—in the middle of carving turkeys, watching parades and football, hearing wild stories from your long-lost cousin, and watching even more football—pause and give thanks for the fountain of grace at work in your life.
Youth Auction Report
A huge thank-you to everyone who participated in our Youth Auction! Together, we raised $14,713 for youth ministry activities and programming—our second-highest total ever for this event. Thank you for your incredible generosity!
Advent 2025
Advent begins this Sunday, and I’m excited to share a new resource created by our pastoral team and volunteers. It’s called “Surprise,” a devotional guide with daily readings for the Advent journey. The readings begin Sunday, so be sure to pick up your copy if you haven’t already. (You can also order one by clicking here.)
We return to our regular schedule this Sunday, with worship and Life Groups meeting at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m.
By the way, you won’t want to be late during the next few weeks—our orchestra and band will be opening every service with a Christmas jazz instrumental!
Have a wonderful weekend, and I look forward to seeing you Sunday!
Until He’s Finished,
Pastor Mark