The detour signs are gone, so take a few minutes to visit our beautifully renovated lower level. The new paint, ceiling, lighting, carpet and vinyl, fireplace and tile surround have come together to offer a modern and welcoming setting for the entire church.
Trimble Construction has completed our Phase I renovation on schedule, and we look forward to moving forward to add furnishings and artwork that will make the area a gathering place for all.
Rev. Zach Martin, ordained at Central on Saturday, August 26, has officially begun his ministry at Central Woodward Christian Church in Troy, MI. Here is Zach, wearing one of the stoles gifted him by our congregation here. Blessings on your ministry Zach!
Good morning! I’m representing the Stewardship team to announce the kickoff of our fall campaign to fund the 2024 operations budget. What we estimate we’ll give during this campaign will support the day-to-day operations of the church in 2024. Contributions fund ministries such as Christian Education, youth programs, our choir and praise band, and local not for profit organizations such as DOVE, the Oasis Day Center and the Good Samaritan Inn. We also pay the salaries of our ministers and staff along with recurring bills such as insurance and utilities. This is not to be confused with the capital campaign, which occurs every three years.
The theme of our campaign is A GIVING FAITH. There are plenty of worthwhile organizations you could support with your gifts. Yet, you share yours with this church. What motivates you to donate your time and money to Central Christian? Maybe it’s our talented pastors and directors who each week offer thought provoking sermons, imaginative children’s moments, or beautiful music. Or the opportunity to gather and worship in this wonderful, well-maintained building with enough space to host any event. Or knowing your gifts are shared with various organizations who help provide the least of us with food and shelter. My husband Brian and I give because we believe this church truly lives out God’s message to love each other. We know our donations fund many things - local organizations, the startup of new Disciple churches, fellowship meals and neighborhood events – the list goes on and on. Each gift we give blesses someone else in some way. What better way is there to live out our faith?
Here’s what to expect during the campaign – this week you’ll receive a letter and an estimate of giving card in the mail. We ask you prayerfully consider your gift, complete the card, and return it in the envelope provided. You can also submit your estimate of giving online by going to cccdisciples.org and clicking on Stewardship Pledge 2024. Over the next two weeks, we’ll hear from special speakers who will share their stories. Our campaign will conclude October 15th with refreshments after third service. On behalf of the Stewardship team, thank you all for your generous support.
-Kim Maple
Children in 3rd – 5th grades and their parents/grandparents are invited to join us for our first session of Faith Builders on Sunday, October 15, from 4-5:30pm. We will meet downstairs in the Disciples Room (near the Great Hall). We will spend time getting to know one another as well as doing some hands-on faith activities.
We hope you will join us! Please let us know if you are interested and will be there on October 15. Please RSVP by calling the church office (217-428-4336) by October 9. If you are unable to come on October 15 and are interested in Faith Builders, please reach out to Pastor Vicky.