July 27, 2023
Dear Central Church,
Last Sunday we celebrated a significant milestone for our church: three of our staff pastors were ordained! Bethany Acre (Middle School/Discipleship), Jonathan Acre (Young Adults), and Chad McAdory (Worship) were ordained in a beautiful service of consecration at the Kansas City District Assembly.
Ordination is the convergence of two things in a person’s life: the call of God and the call of the church. A person who is feeling called by God to serve the church in vocational ministry goes through a process where the church recognizes and affirms this call. It’s a process of discernment, discovery, and mentorship.
I had the chance to renew my own calling last week as our district superintendent handed the ordinands their certificate and simply said, “You are called to make Christ-like disciples.”
This is our shared mission, and it is only accomplished through a beautiful partnership between laity and clergy. No one can do it alone. Ministry is the “work of the people.” All of us are called in some way to participate in the mission of making Christ-like disciples.
As we transition from the summer, where things can feel a little scattered and out of rhythm, I want us to think about fresh opportunities to advance our shared mission.
Heaventrain. Every Saturday through October, we load up 2 buses and minister to the children and families of the Carlyle Apartments. We bring food, games, music, and Bible lessons to these families as a way to make friends with our neighbors. Our interim director of Heaventrain is Jessica Kyle, and she would love to have you on her team.
Lunch on Us. If you’re reading this, chances are you are already a member or regular attender of Central Church. Lunch On Us is still for you! This is an easy way for YOU to invite someone to church and accompany them to this special meal we have prepared for those who are new to our church. We used to call this “Friend Day,” but we decided everyday should be friend day! Lunch on Us is an intentional way to introduce someone to Jesus and Central Church. The next Lunch on Us is August 27.
Back to School Backpacks. We have a community partnership with Rising Star Elementary school in Lenexa. We want to bless students in need with a backpack with everything they need to start the year. Rather than shop for all these things yourself, you can give $15 and our team will put it together and deliver them to the school counselors at Rising Star. We also hope to give kids connected to our Heaventrain ministry these supplies as well.
These are just a few ways the mission of God is going forward at Central Church. As we begin a new school year, I look forward to partnering together to see lives transformed among us.
Hey, Central Church, YOU are called to make Christ-like disciples!
Until He’s Finished,
Pastor Mark
