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 favorite comment.  It’s a blessing to be a part of community that celebrates each others’  joys and carries each others’  hurts.

Central Church turned another year older too. For over 160 years, this “Methodist Ministry” has served as an expression of Christ’s love in Traverse City. There have been many changes over the years, but the unbroken line of Central’s commitment to mission has remained constant.  With the arrival of 2019, we step into a new year of mission and ministry. What does God have in store for us this year? What new initiatives are in the works?  Are there projects needing your support? Here are some things you need to know:

1. A Way Forward: During the last week of February, the World-Wide United Methodist Church will gather in St. Louis, Missouri for a Special General Conference. The purpose of the meeting will be to act on the recommendations from the Commission on A Way Forward, which was authorized to help the denomination work through the current impasse on how we include and are in ministry with gay persons in our churches and communities. Here at Central, we strive to be a welcoming and affirming congregation; and that will not change. However, we are part of a 12.5 million-member church where the understanding of this issue and welcome practices vary.  In parts of our world and parts of our country, gay sisters and brothers are not welcome. How does A Way Forward influence us? A special Wednesday evening program is planned for February 6^th at 6:30 pm to share information and updates.  A February class on the meaning of Christian Hospitality has also been scheduled.
2. Building Project: Over the past decade, Central Church as put over a million dollars into building maintenance and capital improvements. Your generosity has made that possible. There are several projects that we would like to address in the near future: Better rear entrance accessibility (including a covered outdoor entrance and elevator); Completion of our heating system overhaul (including a boiler upgrade); and a safe and more accessible sanctuary chancel area.  The Church Council approved the formation of a Building Committee last year to explore these needs. My hope is to share more information with you in the spring about the possibilities of a campaign to address these needs.
3. External Focus:  Last year we pulled together several focus groups to explore where we need to direct new outreach energy in Traverse City. We understand ourselves to be a neighborhood church that needs to touch the lives of the neighbors around us. In addition to our many current ministries, we want to go deeper in relationship with our county jail, addiction support groups, at-risk children,  parents needing support, the LGBTQ community and the millennial generation.  We are also planning regular “Service Days” to bless and support our neighbors in specific ways.  A team is forming to lead us in this new focus. Interested?
4. Lay Leadership:  Here at Central Church we believe that all our members are called to share gifts of time, talent and treasure. A church is hollow without this, but full of life with it. We will continue to challenge you to engage in your own expression of ministry. Our Discovery Workshop will be offered several times a year to help connect members to ministry.
5. Church in the Park:  This summer our Church in The Park worship service will turn 50 years old! A special picnic event is being planned for June 16.

There is so much good ministry happening here at Central that it is hard to limit my thoughts to these few items. I would, however, like to hear from you.  What are you looking forward to being a part of 2019? What expressions of Christ’s love do you long to see happen here?

Let’s approach 2019 with hope and enthusiasm.  God’s Spirit is on the move and we have been given another year to join in God’s joyful work at Central Church.

Stepping out in Faith with You,

Pastor Dale