Dear Central Church,
If October is Clergy Appreciation Month, then I hereby declare November to be Congregation Appreciation Month!
On behalf of our entire pastoral staff, THANK YOU! Thank you for your generous gifts, thoughtful cards, encouraging words, and countless expressions of love. In this season of Thanksgiving, Central Church is at the top of our gratitude list!
The Apostle Paul expressed a similar affection for the church in Thessalonica:
"We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thessalonians 1:2–3)
I can certainly relate to Paul's words! When I think about Central, I see a congregation whose faith inspires action, whose love motivates service, and whose hope sustains us through every season.
Our partnership in ministry reflects something important about what we believe concerning ordination and the Christian calling. The call to ministry is both given by God and affirmed by His people, the Church. No pastor—and no follower of Jesus—is called to be a "Lone Ranger." We need one another. We are in this together!
And there are so many reasons to celebrate what God is doing through our partnership:
One Church, Three Congregations! On November 22, our English-speaking, Hispanic, and Brazilian congregations will come together for a combined Thanksgiving worship service. What a wonderful way to begin the holiday season as one church family!
KidCentral Preschool Is Thriving! After two weeks of operation, KidCentral passed a surprise state inspection today! We are fully licensed and excited to continue serving children and families in our community.
Central Cares Christmas! Once again, we have the opportunity to share Christ's love by blessing children at Rising Star Elementary School and families in need within our own congregation. Be sure to see the information in this newsletter about how you can refer someone who could use a little extra love this Christmas.
What a joy it is to be in ministry together! God is doing wonderful things through the faithful partnership of His people, and I am grateful to be part of it. Now and always, I thank God for you. Happy Congregation Appreciation Month!
On the Journey Together,
Pastor Mark
