Announcements

Celebrate the End of the School Year!

On Sunday, May 19, during all three worship services, we will recognize all children/youth who are finishing the school year with a small gift during our Time for All God’s Children.

We will also recognize our graduates that day and announce the recipients of the Central continuing education scholarships.

We hope you can join us for worship so we can celebrate with you!

On Sunday, May 19, you are invited to an end of the year cook-out, from 4 - 6pm. It will be hosted by Mike and Gerri Munos, at their home (contact the church office for the address).

All hotdogs, burgers, buns, condiments, drinks, and table service will be provided. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. You can bring some lawn chairs or blankets to sit on.

Please RSVP by noon on May 17 to the church office (217-428-4336) or ( ).  Reach out to David or Pastor Vicky with questions.

Educational Opportunity – Overview of the New Testament

For six (6) weeks from the end of May through the end of June, I will offer a class entitled, Overview of the New Testament.  The class will meet on Thursdays from 5:00 – 6:15 p.m. and will run from May 23 through June 27.  All are welcome!  We will look at such things as:

• The political and economic world in which Jesus’ ministry took place
• What the religious world was like in which Paul spread his message.
• How each of the 4 Gospels represents a distinct point of view
• And so much more!

This will not be a “bible study” class in the traditional sense that we take a  deep-dive into passage after passage.  Rather, we will highlight and read many different scriptures throughout the New Testament as examples of the subject matter we’ll be learning.   This class is designed to help give background and context to the scriptures we cover during worship on Sunday mornings. Sign up at the Welcome Center at the church or by emailing us ( ).

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

Fireside Room Exciting News!

The Décor Committee deeply appreciates all the comments about our new Fireside Room and the groups that are having meetings and gatherings there. The modern furnishings, great lighting, fireplace and big screen TV make a welcoming place for all visitors.

We are excited to share that an original metal sculpture by local artist, Darren Miller, will be installed on the entire north wall by the end of April and we hope that all will be inspired by individual interpretations of the abstract design.

Upcoming Fireside Room special projects include additional seating, a back-lit stained-glass wall hanging and a wallpaper mural of the West Entrance on the east wall, similar to that in the Café.  

We especially appreciate the generous donations from member memorial funds that are funding Fireside Room special projects.  

Thank you ALL!

Décor Committee – Sandy Garver, Jeannie Backes, Donna Dash, Suzie Miller, Mary Jane Oliver, Randy Trei, Mike Kirby and Michael Karunas (ex-officio)