June 4, 2026

Dear Central Church,

Have you ever noticed how some people leave you feeling encouraged, hopeful, and full of life after even a short conversation? Others can leave you drained and discouraged. A simple phrase captures the difference well: are we “bucket fillers” or “bucket dumpers”?

In 1 Peter 3:15, Peter reminds believers to “always be prepared to give an answer…for the hope that you have.” The hope of Jesus is never meant to stay contained within us. It overflows. Through kindness, encouragement, compassion, and gentleness, God uses us to fill the lives of others with hope.

Peter also understands that life can leave us feeling empty. Difficult seasons, criticism, disappointment, and suffering can drain the soul. Yet in the middle of it all, Peter points us back to Jesus Christ — the One who emptied himself for us so that we might be filled with the life and love of God.

As God’s holy people, we are not called to manufacture hope on our own. We receive it from Christ, and then we share it freely with others. His love is not limited, scarce, or fragile. It is abundant enough to overflow into every relationship and every conversation.

Join us this Sunday as we continue our series, Holy God…Holy People. We will also gather around the Lord’s Table for Communion Sunday as we remember the One who gave himself for the life of the world.

With Resurrection Hope,
Pastor Mark