March 19, 2026

Dear Central Church,

One of my favorite images for leadership is that of a steward or caretaker. Jesus returns to this idea often in His parables describing the Kingdom of God—servants entrusted with resources, responsibility, and influence that ultimately belong to the Master. The message is clear: we don’t own the Kingdom, but we are given the profound privilege of helping steward it.

The Apostle Paul reflects this same truth when describing his role in the Corinthian church:

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:10–11)

Paul took joy in the role God gave him, but he also understood his limits. The work wasn’t his to own. Its future depended on others who would build faithfully upon the same foundation—Jesus Christ.

Central Church is more than 85 years old. We are part of a movement God has used to introduce people to Jesus and transform lives across generations. In recent days, we’ve been reminded of that legacy through the passing of Norma Jean Snyder—a woman who, along with her husband Carl, helped shape the very fabric of our church.

I first met Norma Jean when I was installed as pastor and had the opportunity to visit her at Westchester Village. Even as she faced cognitive challenges, she spoke with clarity about what God had done through Central Church—and with genuine hope for what was still to come.

Since then, many of you have shared “Carl and Norma Jean” stories with me. As a couple in their 60s, they faithfully led a newly married Sunday School class, investing deeply in younger couples. Norma Jean was also a gifted musician who often played without music, relying instead on her ear and the leading of the Spirit. Across every story, one theme remains constant: they were willing to do whatever God asked of them.

I look forward to celebrating her life this Wednesday, and I have no doubt we’ll hear many more of those stories—likely more than time allows. 

Their lives remind us that we are all stewards. As I reflect on my role as pastor, I’m reminded that this church represents a story, a people, and a mission far bigger than any one person. It predates us, and—until Christ returns—it will continue beyond us.

Can you imagine if every follower of Jesus had just a portion of the faithfulness seen in Carl and Norma Jean Snyder? I pray that God will continue to raise up steward-leaders like them in our church.

If you’re reading this today, God is inviting you into that same kind of faithfulness. The question is simple: will you say yes?

Until He’s Finished,
Pastor Mark