New Year, New Kind of Prayer
This past Sunday – New Year’s Day – we kicked off a series that kicks us off in looking forward to God’s future for Central Baptist Church. Where is God leading us? What is God calling us to do? What’s next for Central? Or, as Nehemiah puts it, what is God putting on our heart to do for the world around us? As I said on Sunday, God places this ‘vision’ on our hearts, as he did for Nehemiah, when like Nehemiah, what’s broken
Thanksgiving at Christmas
Merry (almost) Christmas! I know that this is a busy time of year for all – including pastors! – so I’ll keep this one short and to the point (actually 2 points). First, last Sunday was such a joy. Wasn’t it? If you missed our Family Christmas Service and Party, then I’m sorry to say, you missed out! We had such a great turnout, such a great time, and the Kids did such a wonderful job with the pageant. I want
A Season of Generosity
Greetings! I hope your Christmas season, thus far, has been (mostly) filled with joy, peace, and hope. I know that for some, this season is a difficult one - between grief, family drama, conflict, and other challenging circumstances. Please let me know how I can be praying for you. During the Christmas season, where we celebrate God emptying himself to be born in human flesh, I am reminded of the great generosity with which He has treated each of us. Remember Paul’s words
The Songs of the Season
Christmas season is in full swing! I don’t know about you, but I just love this season. I think the thing I love most about it is the music. Year after year, I have the experience - at least once - of being in a Lowe’s or Target or whatever, and hearing a line like “Let Earth receive her King, Let every heart prepare Him room” over the store’s sound system. You don’t get those kind of lyrics in January
Light It Up on Saturday!
Christmas season has arrived! Advent is here. On Sunday, we lit the first of the Advent candles – the HOPE candle, and were reminded how Advent begins in the dark, with the light of Christ breaking in.Do you know what the word “Advent” actually means? It’s from the Latin adventus, and literally means “coming” or “arrival”. Advent is Jesus’ “arrival” with us and for us, and as the angels announced on that first Christmas: it is good news of great joy