September 24, 2026
Dear Central Church,
There are some moments in Scripture that are so familiar to us that we can forget just how remarkable they are. The parting of the Red Sea is one of those moments.
The Israelites have escaped Egypt, but they haven't yet learned what it means to be free. They are still thinking like slaves. When they see Pharaoh's army approaching, they are terrified. They know the strength of the Egyptians, and they don't yet know the strength of their God.
But then God leads them through the waters.
They enter the sea as slaves and emerge on the other side as God's people.
The Exodus story is not simply about getting Israel out of Egypt. It is about God forming a people who will trust him. The story concludes with Israel putting their trust in the Lord—much like a child learns to trust a loving parent.
And there is a word here for us, too. We don't have to be slaves to our past. The things that have defined us, wounded us, or held us captive do not have to determine who we will become. In Christ, we are reborn as God's sons and daughters.
This Sunday, we'll also celebrate that reality in a particularly tangible way as we receive new members into the life of Central Church. Just as God formed Israel into a people, God continues to form us into a people who belong to one another because we belong to Christ. Church membership is more than putting your name on a list. It is a public commitment to follow Jesus together, to share in the life and mission of this community, and to help one another become more like Christ.
I also want to share some bittersweet news with our Central family. Pastor Jonathan Acre has resigned from his position as our Young Adult Pastor. Jonathan has been an incredible leader, and God has used him in significant ways to shape and strengthen our young adult ministry. We are deeply grateful for the investment he has made in the lives of so many people at Central.
Jonathan has recently accepted a new position as Administrative Director of Nazarene Discipleship International, based here in Lenexa at the Global Ministry Center. While his vocational role is changing, we're grateful that he isn't going very far! Jonathan will continue to be part of the Central family, as Bethany continues her ministry among us as our High School Pastor. Additionally, he still has amazing hair!
There is something beautiful about being part of a church family. We are continually being formed—by God's grace, through one another, and for the sake of God's mission in the world.
I hope you'll join us this Sunday as we celebrate all of it together.
On the Journey Together,
Pastor Mark
