Announcements

A Note of Deep Thanks

Dear Central Church,

Words seem insufficient as I strive to express my deep gratitude for your graciousness and generous welcome as I begin our mutual chapter of life together. It can be dangerous to try to name all the names and specific actions of kindness and hospitality. Yet, this daring gal will mention some of them as best my brain can manage now.

First of all, let me formally thank the search committee members for their work – discernment is not easy. I exhorted them to do what was appropriate for the church, no matter what. Your hospitality for my on-site visit in late January was superlative! Truly, I am honored to be the one to serve alongside Central.

A second big thank you goes to my husband for opening his heart to share me with you as we navigate being in the sandwich zone of life with parents in other places. Eric has also been a fantastic helper in getting the household move accomplished.

Thirdly, I am grateful for the clergy ministry team: Michael and Vicky. Michael’s discernment that I would be a good fit for CCC meant that my original understanding of a dream ministry call actually has become reality!  I am still in awe of this call - to be the one tapped to focus for adult spiritual formation and pastoral care. Vicky possesses the gift of hospitality in multiple ways too numerous to name and I am very appreciative! I look forward to our work together, Michael and Vicky!

A special honorable mention to the ones who helped me move my boxes in local storage over to the condominium AND cleaned floors, shelves, garage, etc.

One special honorable mention to the Monday Prayer Group Ladies – for your prayers AND the lovely tulip bouquet!

For the installation meal – I am still getting to know who is who. If you had anything to do with set up, meal prep and cooking, cleaning, etc, please know that I appreciate all your efforts. To each of you, deep thanks! The food was delicious and the fellowship mighty fine!

And I have not yet named the great help and welcome from Yvonne Boyd, Kathleen Dudley and Carl Fuerstenberg in the office arena! Thanks also to our caretakers – Andrew, Jim, and Sam.

Plus, the genuine words of welcome from all of the congregation after services have impressed me greatly. I so look forward to serving alongside you.

With gratitude and joy,

Rev. Melinda

Together Life: Working with One Another in Community

Rev. Melinda is delighted to begin our life together with a course on what it means to be community and how best to function as co-listeners to God and each other.  The book, LIFE TOGETHER, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer is highly recommended for our three-week course beginning  Tuesday evening, 4/30, 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm. We will have Communion our last   session.  Come, even if you don't have a book, please. We have ordered ten copies for the church.  Or you can purchase your own copy on Amazon.  You may need to bring your own journals, but session outlines for each  session will be given.  Please sign up with your name, email address, and phone number in the Welcome Center/Great Hall.  Or you may email Melinda directly at:  Please indicate if you will order the book on your own or want to purchase one of the books the church has purchased.

Hello from Melinda!

 Hello, Friends!

A year ago, I had no idea that I would be here – at Central – getting to serve God alongside you all (note I say you all, not y’all even though I hail from the South. I had no idea that my dream ministry position would ever come my way – to be an associate pastor for spiritual formation and pastoral care.

But what I did know, then and now… God calls us to new life in Christ – every day, not just in one season, but for all the seasons of our lives. The question is: will we be open and respond to that new life?

I am impressed with how God’s Spirit has shown up in my life, time and time again. The fact that I am getting to be with you, beginning in the Easter season, the season of New Life, is fitting for all of us.

Jesus has called us friends… from John 15:15, we hear, ¹⁵ I do not call you    servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is  doing, but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father.

I love people, I love sharing good things with people, and I love nurturing others. And, once you are in my heart, it is for always. I hope you will consider me your friend!

                           - Rev. Melinda