Why I Love Central - Jane Tatum

During the past 4 decades, as I endured the ridiculous fusses about women’s roles in church (don’t talk, don’t preach, know your place), and the divisive and disruptive actions of hostile takeover of institutions such as seminaries, colleges, missions organizations, churches and families, I was more and more of a mind that being a Baptist was a waste of time.  Being a good Baptist failed to address real-world issues of injustice, economic and social inequality, environmental degradation and just pick one of the topics that confront us daily.  Being a good Baptist, or Pharisaic correctness just seemed irrelevant in trying to follow the Jesus of the Gospels.  Over those decades I assumed that I would ultimately evolve into an Episcopalian, or at least a Presbyterian.

Your Support of the Alliance of Baptists at Work

“The orchestra and the violin changed my life!” That is the testimony of each of these young people photographed above—Wanessa Nicolly, Lucas Guilherme, Anderson Felipe, Larissa Rafaela, Luiz Henrique, Ranyelli Candido, Mauricio José, Anderson Cauan, Gabriel Alexandre and João Victor—all violinists in the Orquestra de Câmara do Alto da Mina (Chamber Orchestra of Alto da Mina), Bultrins, Pernambuco, Brazil.

Why I Love Central - Christi Gabbard

I love Central because it strives to use our strengths for service.  I feel so honored to not only be asked to be a deacon, and then chair, but to be allowed to write and direct our Christmas musical last year, teach Adult Sunday school, and sometimes play the piano in worship and other special services.  I feel that my input and voice is valued, but not in a way where I am asked to do everything, or in a way where my voice is valued more than others...

Everyone Has Something to Give

I have been so pleased with the children’s Sunday school curriculum and program. In fact, a few years ago Aiden would be so disappointed if we didn’t make it to Sunday school for some reason. Aiden loves the opportunities to create and learn in a safe space. As a mom, I love that the curriculum teaches children how to be still and quiet enough that they are able to take in lessons about both the Bible and our church year.

Cultivating and Letting Go

The theme for our observation of Lent this year is “Cultivating and Letting Go.”   It reminds us of the simple arithmetic of spiritual progress.  We move forward upon the challenging path of Christian maturity by the negative forces and habits we are willing to abandon and the positive forces and habits we are determined to put in their place.

A Report from Our Staff Transition Committee

We will be looking at our past and current staffing and visioning what we believe the structure and characteristics of that staff should be in the future. Our recommendations will also include a (doable) path to that vision and suggestions for how we can nurture, grow, challenge and encourage our staff. We will need your input. Be on the lookout for listening sessions in the coming months!

Help Us Make Central a Little More Green

Don't miss the new recycling station in our foyer. From cell phones and tablets to plastic bags and lids, we've got space for those items that can't be recycled in your bins. 

Knit Together

This Summer I started knitting for the very first time.  After some coaching from our fearless leader, Liz McCubbin, I took my needles and yarn home to get to work. In about ten minutes, I managed to mess things up royally.  The next week I brought my tangled mess back to the class, and Liz was able to miraculously resurrect my feeble attempts into something identifiable as knitting.  This pattern continued for several weeks, but each time I managed to work a little longer before things devolved into entropy.  

Over $1500 Raised for Missions at this Year's Church Picnic

Last Sunday, we had a great time at our annual church picnic.  We had great food, wonderful fellowship, and a successful dessert auction where we raised over $1,500 for medical missions.

Resources for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

No More (Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Resources)
nomore.org
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) 

800-656-HOPE (4673)

rainn.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)