Dear CPC Family and Friends,
Thank you for welcoming Beverly and me with such warmth and sincerity. Our first Sunday at Central was overflowing with joy in the Lord and the promise of wonderful days ahead. The musical offerings were stimulating to the mind and spirit, and the call for all of us to “Trust in the Lord” was loud and clear.
My enthusiasm for the ministry and mission of Central has been increased as I have met with elders, deacons, Stephen Ministers, and members of your staff. Everywhere I have turned I have met persons who are ready to offer faithful service to the Lord and to assist this congregation to move forward into the future with hope.
This Sunday, September 23, the theme of our worship will be “Peace.” How is your relationship with God? Would you be able to honestly say to the Lord that you have found peace with God? You may wish to prepare for worship this week by reading Romans 5:1-11. The Apostle Paul declares, “Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ . . . .” We will reflect on the meaning of peace as it applies to both the eternal and the temporal aspects of life.
An interesting twist to the sermon this week involves our youth. I have asked them to find three images that express what peace means to them. Emily and I will see these for the first time during worship – and we will do our best to interpret them. I am very interested in what our youth think!
We hope to see you on Sunday. May we all feel what the Psalmist felt, “I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” – Psalm 122:1.
Blessings,
Pastor Bill
