Sermon for December 11th: “There’s Room in the Manger”
Dec 13th, 2011 |
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What's Happening At Central?
The Last Word…
Dec 8th, 2011 |
I think it’s safe to say that Mary received the news of Jesus’ coming birth with great joy. Almost like a Broadway musical, she breaks into song – “My soul magnifies the Lord!” On the other hand, a certain King Herod also responded to the news of Jesus’ birth. I don’t think anyone would have accused Herod of not taking Jesus’ birth seriously – but joy was certainly not a part of the equation.
Sermon for December 4th: “Suffering Through Christmas”
Dec 6th, 2011 |
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The Last Word…
Dec 2nd, 2011 |
The more I learn about both the Bible – and human history – the more I am convinced of God’s providential hand at work in the midst of everything. That Isaiah would prophesy the birth of a messiah – a Prince of Peace – and later describe a “suffering servant” who takes away the sins of the world – is more than just coincidence. These texts existed hundreds of years before Mary and Joseph went to the Bethlehem for Caesar’s census. There was no conspiracy – no re-writing of history. The Gospel writers were very aware of how thoroughly the stage had already been set. They wanted us to understand God’s revelation through the Prophets didn’t end with the last pages of the Old Testament, but continued in the life and teachings of Jesus. It truly is ONE STORY from beginning to end.
Sermon for November 20th: “Thanks for No-Thing”
Nov 22nd, 2011 |
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The Last Word…
Nov 17th, 2011 |
Whenever Thanksgiving rolls around I find my heart turning towards home and family. For many years we were able to all gather around a common table – usually my mother’s or grandmother’s. More recently, we get together in clumps – some of us in Iowa – some in Indiana or Ohio. But it doesn’t really matter where we meet, because “home” is always wherever we happen to be.
Sermon for November 13th: “The End is Near!(And I Feel Fine)”
Nov 17th, 2011 |
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The Last Word…
Nov 10th, 2011 |
I think there is some irony in the fact that being a follower of Jesus is considered “typical” and “normal” in our culture. During Jesus’ ministry and in the early church, being a disciple of Christ put a person at odds with the world – oftentimes in ways that put believers at serious risk. Jesus, who was never afraid to speak truth to power, inspired his disciples to live lives contrary to the values of the world.
Upcoming Retreats And Camps
| Advance Conference Spring Retreat | April 15-17, 2011 |
| Men's Spring Mission Retreat | May 20-21, 2011 |
| Adult Conference | June 27-July 1, 2011 |
| Wilmington CYF Conference | July 31-Aug 6, 2011 |
| Miami Chi Rho Camp | August 7-13, 2011 |
| Advance Conference | August 14-21, 2011 |
| Women's Fall Retreat | September 9-11, 2011 |
| Men's Fall Retreat | September 16-18, 2011 |
| X-treme Faith Bold Action Gathering of Men @ Bethany College |
July 13-15, 2012 |
