Giving: It does the body of Christ good.
We are experiencing a good year together. The stories you will read in the attached brochure will reveal that we have much for which to be glad and grateful. Our professional skills, personal passions, and resources of money, time and influence are being contributed to carry out a diversity of ministries, programs and mission outreach.
Giving ourselves to something greater than we are can bring spiritual as well as tangible benefits. There is good done to us when we do good for others. This is especially true when the good we do is fueled by our glad and grateful hearts.
This stewardship season is the time to make plans for the good we want to deliver in the year ahead. In the coming weeks, you will hear stories on Sunday mornings (and via weekly email) of the impact that our Extravagant Welcome, Justice & Peace Seeking, and Continuing Testament have had on others. We hope these weeks will be a time for you to consider the celebration and commitment you want to share on Sunday, April 13.
With glad and grateful hearts,
The Church Council
Soul Stretch: Lengthening in Lent
Online in Lent
Too often, Lent gets “bad press;” folk ask each other what they have “given up” for 40 days of “purity” or even punishment. Similar to Advent, Lent is a season of preparation. In Advent, we make space for what might be birthed in our lives; in Lent, we prepare to revisit the resurrection. The word “Lent” comes from an Old English word that means “lengthen,” as in the lengthening of days or “spring.” Lent is a time for contemplation and growth, perhaps not a season of penitence. It is a time of renewal, recalibration, and recommitment moving toward resurrection and new life.
To support our annual contemplative season of growth, Rev. Michael will be writing and posting in Lent on three “Cs”: center, compassion, and cleanse. He will post prayers, quotations and spiritual practices on his Facebook page, Central’s Facebook page, and on his blog (www.whereheartandmindmeet.com). Be sure to “like” or “follow” the pages, comment on the posts, and/or share on your own Facebook page.
Calmly Plotting the Resurrection
UCC Lenten Booklets Available
A devotional booklet written by the UCC Stillspeaking Writers’ Group is available. The writers are composed of UCC ministers and authors who collaborate on a wide variety of resources for people in the church, outside the church, and not so sure about the church. Their motto is “Hearing God where you live (and other surprising places.” If you would like a copy of their Lenten Devotional Booklet, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Booklet cost is $3.
Holy Week 2014
Palm Sunday: April 13th
Maundy Thursday: April 17th – Good Friday: April 18th
Easter Sunday: April 20th