September 7, 2023
Dear Central Church,
Over the last few weeks, we’ve discovered how we can be “fully alive” in Christ! As we have journeyed through the book of Colossians, we have heard this good news that transforms individuals and communities. We’ll be finishing the series this Sunday in Colossians 4 that calls the “fully alive” to prayer. Prayer is an essential practice of our faith and sustains us in the ups and downs of life. Don’t miss the conclusion to this series!
This truly is an incredibly exciting season in the life of Central Church. I want to share with you three life-giving events on the horizon that you are invited to participate in.
Celebration Sunday - September 24
In this special service, we will celebrate the spiritual milestones of baptism, baby dedications, and church membership. Each one marks a particular season in our lives and represents God’s grace at work. I especially want to encourage you to consider baptism if you have never taken this step in your walk with God. It’s an “outward sign of an inward grace.” Let others know what God is doing in your life and allow your church family to celebrate that with you. For more information about baptism or any of these spiritual milestones, click here.
Engage Day - October 7
Jesus said in John 21, “As the Father has sent me, so am I sending you.” We are a “sent” people, and we are called to engage our world with the good news of Jesus. Engage Day is when we come together and extend to others the life-giving community we have experienced from God. It’s filled with meaningful service projects that impact our community for Christ. We have several different ministry partners in the greater Kansas City area that are eager to partner with us. Engage Day is October 7 and begins at the church at 8:30 AM with breakfast and devotional time. We are then sent to our various projects, most of which will conclude around 2 PM. To see a list of available projects and to sign up, click here.
We are especially encouraging formation groups to sign up together for a project. Groups that serve together, grow together!
Faith Promise Sunday - October 8
Being a “sent people” also means that we engage our world! By participating with Nazarene missionaries around the world, we are connected to what God is doing in places we could never go. On Faith Promise Sunday, we’ll hear from Rev. Astrid Camacaro, who is the regional coordinator of compassionate ministries for the South American Region. She will share how our support of the World Evangelism Fund enables local churches in global contexts to transform their communities through ministries of compassion and justice.
Through this annual emphasis on the global and local mission of the church, we have the opportunity to participate in what God is doing around the world. We call it “Faith Promise” because we are challenged to make a financial promise in faith to support these efforts. Please begin thinking and praying about what God would have you do over and above your regular tithes and offerings to support the His mission at home and around the world.
Please keep our new Pastor to Children and Families in your prayers. Pastor Bethany Tibbs will be moving to Kansas this week. We are excited to welcome Bethany, Travis, and Charlie to the Central Church Family. Their first Sunday will be September 17. We’ll have a reception for them in between services. Plan now to bring them a welcome card and let’s shower them with gift cards as they begin their new life here.
Until He’s Finished,
Pastor Mark
