November 3, 2022
Dear Central Church,
The Snodgrass family is excited to join the Central Church family! The last few months have been filled with prayers for godly wisdom and discernment, and we believe God has answered those prayers, leading us to join with you in what he is doing to build his Kingdom in Lenexa and beyond. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for praying for us. You were praying for our family when you didn’t even know our names! That is so humbling to us. Thank you!
My first Sunday as your pastor will be November 20, and I love that it’s the Sunday before Thanksgiving. I have so much to be thankful for, and I look forward to celebrating with you the faithfulness and provision of God that has led us to this moment.
In a season of change, it’s easy to be disoriented with all the transitions. Just as Central Church has been in an interim period for a few months now, I’ve been in a season of discernment, asking God if coming to Central is in alignment with his divine will. There have been a lot of questions over the last few months, but in all the ambiguity of this season our identity as the people of God is crystal clear:
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)
My deepest prayer for our ministry together is that we would collectively listen to the Spirit’s voice as he leads us to be this peculiar kind of people at this time and in this place. I pray that in the days ahead, we will join together to declare to a world in darkness the goodness of God who calls us into his wonderful light.
Will you join me in these days leading up to my installation in praying this scripture? Ask the Lord the following questions:
How are we a royal priesthood to the people of our community?
How do we welcome others to be a part of this holy nation?
Who are the dispossessed who God wants to make his special possession?
Where are the dark places in our community that we are uniquely equipped to shine the light of Christ’s presence?
I believe that together we will hear the Spirit answer these questions, and we will move forward together to accomplish the mission of God.
I also wanted to let you know that I am eager to begin my preaching ministry during Advent. We’ll be using our friend Samantha Chambo’s devotional, Let Us Adore Him as our guide. This resource focuses our attention on the anticipation of the Advent season as we prepare our hearts to receive the gift of God’s one and only Son. You may purchase the "Let Us Adore Him" Advent devotional beginning next Sunday, November 13 for $7. Payment options are the ShelbyNext Giving app, online at https://www.shelbygiving.com/app/giving/cent1260220 or by check. Please mark your payment "Advent book". Be sure to get one soon as the first reading begins on the first Sunday of Advent, November 27.
Thank you again for your prayers! We close on both homes next week (prayers appreciated!) and anticipate being moved into our home in Olathe on November 14. I look forward to seeing you in worship on November 20. I believe God is doing something new at Central Church, and I’m honored to be a part of it.
Until He’s Finished,
Pastor Mark
