The Radiant Colors of Isaiah
On Sunday, we really got into our new series called “Jesus Is”, examining how the Gospel writers (Mark, in this case) want us to understand who Jesus is (hence the title!): as Messiah/Christ – and God in person - he is our King and Lord. I mentioned how the quote that Mark utilizes to point this out from Isaiah is in fact from Malachi, Exodus, and Isaiah…not just from Isaiah. So I wanted to say something more about that. Is Mark wrong here, or what?Kind of, but not
Jesus Speaks!
I’ve been thinking a lot about bible study: how we do it as a church right now, how we should do it as a church, how to lead it, and so on. I’ve been thinking about how, too often, people don’t think they can ‘do’ or ‘lead’ a bible study because they haven’t been to seminary, don’t read commentaries, or don’t have material planned. I’ve been thinking about what a shame that is, and how much I’d love to see more people
Carry Them to Jesus
Yesterday, in our 2025 bible reading plan, we read one of my favorite stories in Mark 2. It’s the story of the paralyzed man – or rather – of the 4 friends of the paralyzed man. They want to bring him to Jesus because they believe that Jesus can heal him. The problem was that when they get to the house that Jesus was teaching in, it’s packed, and so they can’t get in. There was a significant obstacle in their bringing him
The School Year Ahead
A blog by Rebecca DeLucia, Next Generation Pastor In January of this year, we launched The Village, a church wide effort “so that every kid would be seen, heard, known, encouraged and prayed for.” It has been amazing to see relationships bloom and be fostered through this initiative. As I was reflecting and thinking about this back-to-school season, I kept returning to those five words: seen, heard, known, encouraged and prayed for. Please join me in praying this prayer that reflects those 5
Things I Think I Think
The answer to this question might be “0”, but, did any of you read Peter King’s Monday Morning Quarterback column from Sports Illustrated years ago? It’s ok if you didn’t. I don’t think he writes it any longer, but that could be wrong. I used to like reading it…I thought his football insights were pretty interesting, and he’d have some funny anecdotes and stories along the way. If you don’t know who Peter King is, or care at all about
Thank You.
“…it reminds me of Jesus talking outside to the many. It feels easier to join. Just walk in and sit down.” These are the words that someone sent me as they reflected on their experience at the gazebo. And it’s exactly the point of the gazebo services. I’ve said this before – but one of the things I enjoy most about the gazebo services is that they ARE easier to join, easier to check out without the commitment of being stuck
Stop For the Prayer Stop
Last Sunday at St. Paul Baptist was such a great morning – wasn’t it? If you missed it, you missed out (but can check it out here)! It was lively, joyful, inspiring, and if I must say so, delicious (that brisket…). More than anything else, it was good to gather as one body of Christ, with unity in diversity. Towards the end of scripture, Revelation imagines a day where, standing before the throne of God and the Lamb worshipping, there is
Warm is the New Cool
Before I (Rebecca) begin this week, I want to take a moment to pause and express my deep gratitude. First and foremost, I am incredibly thankful for this community—one that I first had the privilege of joining three years ago as a guest speaker, and since then, has become a home for Danny, the boys, and I. Central has become a place where I’ve found not just friendship, but a family, where I’ve felt supported, challenged and encouraged. More than
An Invite for You
We’ve got a big Sunday coming up: our first service at the harbor gazebo! I don’t know about you, but I’m so excited. I love doing our worship service outdoors, I love getting to meet new people, I love the challenges that we’re always provided with (weather, loud cars, who knows?!?), I love being able to talk about Jesus within earshot of people who might have written him off. So far this month, I’ve asked you to pray for the gazebo services
Another Gazebo Challenge
I’m really grateful for where we are as a church today. There’s a lot to do, a lot to work for, a lot of future to build towards – but for today, there’s a lot to be grateful for. Let me tell you about a few such things, briefly.First, I’m thankful that as a church, we voted to approve of removing the ‘trial’ label from the Next Generation Pastor – so that it’s an ongoing position at Central. I’m thankful