June 5, 2025

Dear Central Church, 

Revelation, the last book of the Bible, begins with seven letters to the Church. Each letter contains this simple admonition, “...let them hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church…” (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29, 3:6, 13, 22). It’s a reminder that the Church must always have their ear attuned to what the Spirit is doing among us. 

This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday, in which we will be reminded of that moment the Holy Spirit was given in a “mighty, rushing wind.” This kind of sign is hard to miss. There are those moments the work of God is so obvious. 

I had one of those moments this week, as Lauren and I were able to participate in The Call. This is a week-long retreat for High School students sensing a call from God to full-time Christian service. It’s held on the campus of MidAmerica Nazarene University, and it was incredible to join with more than 80 students hungry for God and seeking direction from Him. It was a “mighty, rushing wind” type of moment that increases my hope and optimism for the future of the Church. 

The more difficult work of discernment that we do most often is when the Spirit speaks in a “still, small voice.” It requires us to be quiet and to listen. These moments demand that we silence the other voices in our lives and focus exclusively on what God is saying to us. 

We are a multicultural church at a moment when the loudest and most extreme voices of the dominant culture are increasingly resistant and suspicious of “the other.” The Holy Spirit continues to speak in the midst of this as a “still, small voice.” Navigating a faithful way forward requires quiet, patient, and wise discernment. What is clear to me in these days is that Central Church is called to be a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy: 

“...my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” (Isaiah 56:7) 

The theme for this year’s Pentecost Sunday is “For All Nations.” We are praying for the Holy Spirit to fall upon us, to purify our hearts, and to bring us together as one people. We speak different languages, we are from different countries, but we are one in Christ. We will welcome new brothers and sisters into church membership, celebrate the baptism of new believers, and experience the presence of the Holy Spirit together. 

Remember: this is a combined service with our Hispanic and Brazilian congregations. There will be one service only at 10:30 am, and Life Groups will not be meeting. TasteFest will follow the service, so make plans to stick around and fellowship together. 

I look forward to seeing you Sunday as we receive this wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit!

Watching and Praying,
Pastor Mark