What's Your Story?

By Jennifer Pearson

"My story is important, not because it is mine, God knows, but because if I tell it anything like right, the chances are you will recognize that in many ways it is also yours. Maybe nothing is more important than we keep track, you and I, of these stories of who we are and where we have come from and the people we have met along the way because it is precisely through these stories and all their particularity, as I have long believed and often said, that God makes himself known to each of us most powerfully and personally. If this is true, it means that to lose track of our stories is to be profoundly impoverished not only humanly, but also spiritually."
Frederick Buechner in Telling Secrets

So, I begin with an invitation to all the members and friends of Central to share their stories and their experiences. The specific goal is to map the history of Central through the lives and recollections of its members. Below is a brief sampling of some of the stories that have already been shared.

Murray Smoot, the Pastor Emeritus at Central, who passed away at the end of August, spoke in June about the sense of community he felt at this church. "I still go almost every Sunday. One of the main attractions is the dozens and dozens and dozens of old timers that wish me well, kiss me, hug me, and I know that I have meant very much to them."

Ron Scates, the Senior Pastor that followed Murray's tenure, spoke about how God makes himself "conspicuous through His silence... you and I don't miss and long for what is not real-unicorns for instance, so that is why His silence is not only so painful, but also confirming of His reality."

Helen Dance, a member of Central's second New Member Class recalled how the gestures of people at Central helped her to become a Christian. "We went to church at Easter and we liked it. Then, when my 4th son was born in June, it became difficult to go. But when they had Vacation Bible School, my sister-in-law offered to take my 2 oldest and brought them home during her lunch hour. That was a great witness." Helen's sister-in-law even asked if there was anything else she could do. Helen's husband, Shearman, mentioned he would like an apple pie, "so she got up at 5 in the morning to bake that pie; that really impressed me."

Dr. and Mrs. Goshorn spoke openly about how Central ministered to their family following the death of their daughter. On Christmas Day, Central members asked the Goshorns to be home at 6:00 pm with a tablecloth on the dining room table. The Goshorns remember people pouring in with food and drinks and ministering to them. They shared that 'people obviously cut short their Christmas to do this for us. That was the Body of Christ supporting us. It was all generations supporting us."

So, now it is your turn. Enclosed in the News & Views is an insert that provides a guideline to help you tell your story. There will be a box at the Welcome Center where completed stories can be left.

We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,
his power, and the wonders he has done.
Psalm 77:4

Update: Use our online collection storybook to share your favorite memory, story or thoughts.