“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  Galatians 6:9

Dear Central Church Family,

I think you might agree that the past 8 months have felt like some kind of “time warp.” The COVID pandemic has left us feeling like time has stalled and that we are stuck in the muddle of life that is out of balance. Can you relate?

Thankfully, time is moving on (albeit slowly) and a new season is firmly upon us. The predictability of the seasons is a reminder of the faithfulness of God the Spirit who is always “doing a new thing” in our world. You and I as the church bear witness to this. With worship and prayer we claim it every day, and through deeds of loving-kindness we let it shine out from our lives.  In these ways we find new rhythm and balance. What’s new in your walk with Christ? How are you living your faith during these days of restrictions and waiting. I’d love to hear from you.

In the midst of challenging days, there’s good news to be shared. Central Church continues to show signs of life in familiar and new ways:

• Classes and groups are “Zooming” as leaders and participants embrace technology and connect as virtual community.
• Technology upgrades have helped us improve our online worship and Christian education offerings.
• Staff and committed church members are serving as guides and helping our congregation get in and out of worship safely each Sunday.
• Porch Fairies (retired school teachers) are leaving bag of gifts on the porches of parents with young children.
• Our Trunk-or-Treat event will not happen in our parking lot, but “Boo Fairies” will distribute Happy Halloween blessing bags to over 40 families.
• Serve Saturday has restarted after a 7-month hiatus with nearly 30 participants going out to five locations in effort to bless our community.
• Our Outreach breakfast may not be happening in our fellowship hall, but our Outreach Team will soon preparing breakfast for Safe Harbor Shelter five days a week.
• Thanksgiving meal Blessing Bags will be filled by the congregation once again this year and dropped off at church on November 21^st as part of Serve Saturday.
• Our annual Advent Night won’t happen in our building, but take-home Advent bags, with crafts and devotions, are being assembled for families.
• A new member class happened online for the first time. Even during a pandemic, friends want to join in the good things God is doing at Central Church.
•  Our 100+ year old heating system upgrade is soon to be completed with an air conditioning unit and air ionization filters.
• And, your financial generosity has enabled us to carry out these and many more ministries, with strength, during this challenging season.

The scriptures remind us “never to grow weary of doing good.” Christ is with us, and through our faithfulness God is bringing forth a harvest of peace, justice and love. So don’t be discouraged my sisters and brothers! Lean on Christ, reach out to each other, pray for the healing of our world and serve others in the ways you can.

Great is God’s faithfulness,

Pastor Dale