Giving Thanks

4 I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5 For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— 6 God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 1 Corinthians 1:4-7 

 I love the way Paul begins this letter. Although there are challenges ahead for the readers of his message, he communicates three vital messages: he's thankful for who they are, they have all they need, and God is about to do a great work. Multiple people have asked how I've felt up to this point and I don't think there could be a better response than the wise words written so many years ago. 

First, I'm thankful for who you are as a church. Hard decisions were made but you loved one another well every single step of the way. I was bragging to another pastor this week about how there were no contentious group meetings or angry shouts but only words of love and encouragement. There were no winners and no losers, just the church seeking the heart of God in our community. It's because of who you are that this process was grace filled and inspirational as you worked together and followed the process. 

Secondly, you have all you need as we move forward. Yes, the name will change and yes, we will be in a new denomination. But your heart and gifts will not change. We will continue to worship and minister to the needs of our community as we strive to help young families build their relationship with Jesus. We will be a place where all are welcome and all can receive water that is everlasting from The Well that is Jesus. We have all the gifts, graces, and hope we need and for that I am thankful. 

Finally, God is going to do an amazing work. Honestly, there were times when I didn't know what was going to happen. I would pray to God in my anxiety and ask what we should do. He would continually show a glimpse of the church full of people who are worshiping Jesus and being saved at the altar. Wow! I would hold onto that when I didn't know what else to do or say and I still do. I truly believe, since day 1, that God is going to do even greater works than we have ever seen. People will gather to worship like never before, they will come to know Jesus, and the community will be changed because of what He is about to do with his people. I hold fast to the vision and pray we get to participate in some small way as Christ is Glorified in Centerville. 

You are an amazing people and we are truly blessed to serve you. The next few weeks are going to be filled with lots of work and heavy lifting but I know God will sustain us as we move forward into our new realities. I would ask that you continue to pray for your admin council, our worship services, and your pastoral families as we navigate this time of transition. Keep the Faith, Pastor Tommy 

 Bible Reading Plan Week of March 26th 

Sunday...…….. Hebrews 13 

Monday….......... James 1 

Tuesday……...... James 2 

Wednesday…… James 3 

Thursday...……. James 4 

Friday………..... James 5 

Saturday…........ Genesis 39 

 Holy Week Happenings 

➢ Palm Sunday, April 2, Chancel Choir Cantata “A Living Hope” at 10:30a, one service only 

➢ Monday-Wednesday, April 3-5, 11a-1p Church will be open for prayer and communion. 

➢ Maundy Thursday service, April 6 at 6p 

➢ Prayer Vigil Thursday, April 6, 7p through Friday, April 7 12noon 

➢ Good Friday Service, April 7 at 12noon 

➢ Easter Sunday, April 7, one service only at 10:30a