Members and Friends of Central United Methodist, I know many of you listened closely as our denomination met in a special General Conference session earlier this week to discuss and decide a way forward for the UMC regarding our ministry to and with sisters and brothers who are gay. Whether you have been attentive or… Read More »

Changes Ahead for the Global UMC – But No Need to Panic Thoughts by Pastor Chris TC Central Church is part of the worldwide United Methodist Church. We are a huge denomination, but one that has been in transition since its original founder, John Wesley, broke away from London’s Fetter Lane Christian Society to start… Read More »

I turned 60 years old last Saturday. I wasn’t real excited about this milestone, but many of you assured me it will be all right. One of you said, “sixty is the new forty” and others, “the sixties are good years, live into them.” One 88-year-old told me, “you’re just a kid”. That was my… Read More »

I am troubled by today’s headlines, as you too may be. At our nation’s southern border, a caravan of persons from Central American countries are confronted by riot police and tear gas, in an effort to turn them away from attempting to enter our country. They wait in makeshift shelters in Tijuana, Mexico for word… Read More »

Dear Friends, I hear this sentiment a lot lately in regards to the wave of hatred spurred violence that unsurprisingly hits communities around the United States. The recent mass murder at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh is the latest of these disturbing events. Talking with friends I hear the weariness and the worry… Read More »

An odd problem I often notice in myself, is when I’m in the act of acquiring / buying / upgrading my stuff, I’m generally less grateful for what I already have. Consumerism is based, in part, on the idea that what I currently have before me is no longer enough. Oh don’t get me wrong,… Read More »

SYNERGY: A positive force of relationships which work together to accomplish more than can be accomplished independently.  Central Family, O My Goodness! I can’t believe it, fall is almost here. I hope you have enjoyed the graciousness of summer. I also hope you are looking forward to the upcoming rhythm of fall. For some of… Read More »

I am more aware this year than ever that our summer in northern Michigan is a precious and fleeting gift, to be savored at all cost. Neighbors in my neighborhood who hardly greet each other are quick to make conversation on the street about the beauty of these warm verdant days. Church programming slows down… Read More »

Friends, Things have been quieter around my house lately. My Debbie has been in New Hampshire the last month-and-a-half caring for her father who is recovering from illness and surgery. Deb and I will be married 35 years this month. As with all couples who have been together that long, we’ve lived and loved through… Read More »

It was a few years back when our church took a long hard look at our connections to our community neighbors within the few blocks radius of our building, and saw we could be doing a better job. We needed to become more “externally focused” with our vision to love and serve the neighbor. This… Read More »