The Review - October 2018
Interested in what's been going on at Central? Our Quarterly Report, The Review, is up on our website! Check it out here and feel free to share with your friends and family!
Central UMC Blog
Note to Self: Crossroads
Central United Methodist Church is 184 years old. Now she is at a crossroads although she may not realize it yet. So she writes a letter to her younger self—about her past and about the possibilities of her future. Can this letter to herself help clarify a path forward? Dear Central...
The Master Plan – Part IV Character, Vision, and Our Future
I was lost in thought this morning, trying to capture in words a vision of our church’s future facilities that would arrest your attention. Maybe I could even help you know something about the members of our church who have been tasked with suggesting a Master Plan for development 15-20...
From Captive to Free
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1 The women’s ministry at Central believes that God has a journey for each one of us. It is led by His Spirit and we respond with daily steps of...
Navigating the Cultural Trend of Same Gender Marriage, Part 2
Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill—Jesus (Matthew 5:17, NRSV).For Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes—The Apostle Paul (Romans 10:4, NRSV). Sometimes when...
When Love Rushes In
When love is present there is light. When love is present there is hope. When love is present there is unity. As I stop and take in all that has happened in our country and in our world recently I am deeply saddened. As I read the responses on various social media platforms my heart breaks...
A New Season is Upon Us
We have a saying around Central that you may have heard a time or two. It is "Making Christ Central to Life." What does this really mean? Mark 16:15 tells us to "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." Well, there is no better place to start sharing the gospel then...
The Master Plan Part 1: Sprouting
Not long ago I spoke with an old friend who had some concerns about her recently purchased hand made wool rug. She had it only three months when little pulls and nubby threads began to appear. She panicked. That rug was beautiful and it meant a lot to her. She was conflicted over leaving it in...
Navigating the Cultural Wave of Same-Gender Marriage, Part 1
Unless you reside on an extremely remote island, you are aware of the Supreme Court’s ruling on same sex marriage. Since that time many have asked, “What does this mean for the church?” Others have asked, “Does this change the way we understand marriage in The United...
OMP Allan Bruner Youth in Mission Award
This award is given every year in honor and memory of Allan Bruner. Allan was instrumental in the development of Ozark Mission Project. Allan had a passion for serving people in need and encouraging youth and adults to understand how important mission work is as a part of Christian life and...