Dear friends,
Greetings in Christ’s name! I pray you and yours are participating in the grace and peace of our God. I give thanks for our Lord’s provision and steady presence as the world we have known changes before our eyes. We are hemmed in, but our light still shines brightly. I have been blessed to hear of stories of Central members reaching out to neighbors, seeking out ways to serve those on the margins, and rekindling old relationships. I have been humbled at how our staff has stepped up again and again to take on the ever arising challenges of ministry under social distancing guidelines. I am hopeful for the good news of Jesus and His love to spread through Central’s love in the coming weeks.
With these constant changes continuing to pile up, we wanted to update you on the happenings here at Central:
With the new restrictions imposed by the state, we have clarified we are an essential entity and will be at the building for emergencies as they arise. We are encouraging people to call into the office from 9-1 or email us for communication. We will continue in serving from 1425 Main, in our homes, and in the community.
- To this end, if you are feeling called to assume the risk and serve in these times, we are asking for servants to staff the Food Pantry. We have been able to be a part of opening back up this vital resource to our neighbors. This will involve either isolated shifts inside the building of 3-4 people to sort and bag groceries or curbside service. Please call Dave Shaw (765) 966-2770) to sign-up.
- We have many ways to gather online via Facebook, Google Hangouts, and Zoom. Several small groups are continuing to meet. If you are interested in hosting or joining a study or small group, please contact the office. Here are Central’s regular online gatherings in the coming weeks.
- Sunday – Worship – 10am, TRIBE with Sheri on Zoom @ 5
- Monday – Bible in One Year study with Pastor Joseph on Zoom@ 1:30
- Tuesday – Morning Worship with Madeleine @ 10am
- Wednesday – Midweek Connection with Staff @ Noon
- Thursday – Afternoon Worship with Madeleine @ 2 pm, Thoughtful Thursdays @ 8pm with Pastor Jen and guest
Please continue to lift one another up in prayer. I am asking we all take a minute at 7:00pm (19:00 for Covid-19) each night to join the world in prayer for our response to Covid-19. Let us pray for those suffering, those without access to medical care, those who have lost their jobs, those who don’t know how to find resources, the heroes in the medical field, those serving in essential services, families spending more time together than ever before, families divided by quarantine, those feeling alone, those not regarding guidelines, those risking all to serve the least of these, and those on your heart each day. We are together in this fight.
May you find God’s love in every breath today.
Shalom,
Pastor Joseph
Thank you for this. As Joel Olstein Also said Sunday morning, he was live which two other pastors werent, have faith, GREATER THINGS ARE COMING, He said that several times during his sermon. I never believed that i would see something like this happen to my country. Even with the polio epidemic wasn’t this bad. I had a family member die from polio, and funeral was out side on porch from where he laid in a room at funeral home because we might still get it from him. We all just refrained from going to swimming places, it was a hot summer I recall. People were scared then but not like now.
Your updates are much appreciated by Nancy and I. Absolutely love the world in prayer concept. We will pray with you and the rest f the world at 7:00 pm every night. This too shall pass.
Pastor Joseph-THANKS to you the way you continue to “reach down and reach out” to us, reminding us to remember to “reach up” for HIS strength and guidance during these difficult times.
I met with Dave Shaw of the Community Food Pantry yesterday. As of now, he said that I was the only one to respond from our church. I told him that I would help to arrange for volunteers to help on March31, April 1 and 2. Counting me, I have five at this time.
Dave said that the NEED is so great, because the pantry has been closed for two weeks.
If you know some other church members you think might be willing to help, send me their contact information. Or, you can reach out to some and have them contact me. I have found the “personal appeal” works better than the “shotgun approach.”
Take time to take care of yourself.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”-Gandhi