February 12, 2026

Dear Central Church,

This Sunday we will conclude our sermon series, Story Tellers, as we look at Jacob’s wrestling match with God in Genesis 32:22–32. It is one of the most mysterious and powerful encounters in all of Scripture. Jacob wrestles through the night and walks away with two things: a new name and a new walk. He is blessed—but he limps.

Wrestling is a fitting picture of the life of faith. Following God is not superficial or sentimental. It is real, personal, and sometimes painful. There are moments when we cling to Him in the dark, refusing to let go until He blesses us. And the good news is this: we have a God who is willing to meet us in the struggle. He does not remain distant. He engages us in real and tangible ways.

Each of us has a story of wrestling—moments where faith was tested, prayers felt costly, obedience required courage. We are called not only to wrestle faithfully, but to share our story of how God has met us there.

This Sunday is also a Celebration Sunday as we rejoice in baptism and welcome new members into the life of our church. Baptism is a visible testimony of an invisible grace—a declaration that someone has encountered the living God. New members remind us that the body of Christ is growing and that God continues to draw people to Himself. There is no greater joy than celebrating transformed lives together.

Then on Wednesday, we gather again for Ash Wednesday as we begin our Lenten journey toward the cross—and ultimately the empty tomb. Lent invites us into reflection, repentance, and renewed devotion. As we enter this season, I will begin a new sermon series on the Lord’s Prayer entitled, Your Kingdom Come. Our desire is not merely to recite these familiar words, but to live them. When we pray, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven,” we are asking God to shape our lives so that His reign becomes visible through us.

From wrestling… to celebrating… to walking the road toward the cross—this is the rhythm of the Christian life.

I look forward to worshipping with you this weekend.

Until He's Finished,
Pastor Mark