July 30, 2026
Dear Central Church,
Some of my favorite Sundays are the ones where we simply get to celebrate what God is doing.
This week, we'll hear from several of our children and students who encountered God in remarkable ways this summer. Whether at church camp, Nazarene Youth Conference, or on a mission trip, each of them has a story of God's faithfulness to share. These moments remind us that faith isn't reserved for adults with years of experience. Jesus taught that child-like faith is at the very heart of following him, and I have a feeling we'll all be encouraged as we listen to what God has been doing in the lives of our youngest disciples.
We'll also continue our Watch and Pray series by exploring what it means to pray faithfully in seasons of waiting.
If you've ever prayed and wondered why God seemed silent, you're not alone. Waiting can be one of the hardest parts of the Christian life. Yet Scripture reminds us that God's silence is never the same as God's absence. When Paul pleaded with the Lord to remove his "thorn in the flesh," God's answer wasn't immediate deliverance but a greater promise: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Perhaps you're in a season where answers haven't come as quickly as you hoped. Maybe you're waiting for healing, direction, restoration, or simply a sense of God's nearness. This Sunday, we'll discover together that our weakness often becomes the very place where God's strength is most clearly revealed. His grace is enough, his presence is real, and he is faithfully at work—even in the waiting.
Speaking of waiting…
Thank you for continuing to pray for KidCentral Preschool. The building renovation is moving forward, and we're excited that the new playground is scheduled to be installed this month. While we've had to delay the start of school due to some regulatory issues beyond our control, we remain confident that God is leading every step of this journey. Our new “first day of school” is September 21. Thank you for your patience, encouragement, and prayers. We are committed to launching this ministry in a way that honors Christ, serves families with excellence, and creates a place where children will experience the love of Jesus for years to come.
See you Sunday!
Always Hopeful,
Pastor Mark