Dear Central Church Family,
Belated Happy New Year! I hope the holidays offered you some measure of God’s presence and love. I know I found that goodness in my life in recent weeks. As we move into a new year together, I’m grateful for many things but, most of all, I am thankful for you– That you’re a part of this community of faith and that you offer yourself and your gifts to support Christ’s ministry here. God is with us, calling and encouraging, and because of our response, good news is being shared!
Here are a few recent celebrations that might not have made the headlines, but that I want you to be aware of:
1. As the year wound down, we were able to purchase a newer 15-passenger church bus to replace the previous one which had worn out. Thanks to those who helped to make that possible. Our bus is full every Sunday morning with members and friends from area assisted living facilities and homes.
2. Thanks to your bigheartedness we finished the 2019 financial year strong and in the black. We’re off to a good start in 2020. Because of your generosity we have 275 pledges toward our spending plan totaling $812,000. We need another $40,000 in pledges to come in and expect it will over the coming weeks. If you haven’t already, please get your pledge card in soon.
3. Our Trustees worked hard this year on the upkeep of this beautiful old building. Approximately $156,000 was spent on capital improvements, most of it on replacing our aging heating system. The completion of the HVAC improvements will happen in the spring and include air conditioning for the sanctuary. Our Building Committee has contracted with a local architect to begin work on plans for a safer and more accessible rear entryway and sanctuary chancel. More information will be available in the coming months.
Lastly, I want to highlight an opportunity to deepen your walk with Christ here at Central. Over the coming Sundays we’ll spend a few moments in our worship services sharing ways you can connect and serve in 2020. This is a great time of the year to ask: “What am I missing out on?” “What opportunities are waiting to bless me?” Be open to what the Spirit of Christ is offering you here.
Here at Central Church we name our mission this way: “Together in Christ, Reaching Beyond our Doors.” In our “together times” and in our “reaching beyond times” there are good things for us all. Mostly, we have good news to share with our world: God is reaching out, offering love and forgiveness and abundant life. This year, let’s celebrate that together, offer it to our neighbors, and find joy in the way of Christ.
Walking the Way with You,
Pastor Dale
Donna Olendorf says
What a lovely, affirming message to start the day. Thank you, pastor Dale.