Discovering Central

By Cheryl Troxell

Often in Scripture we see Jesus going to a quiet place to pray or escape a demanding crowd. He often took his disciples away with him so that they too could have a time of refreshment and teaching. In Luke 9, we hear Jesus saying to his disciples, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest," but people were drawn to Jesus and a crowd followed, running after them. When Jesus saw this large crowd, he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. He welcomed them and began teaching, healing, and feeding them.

As people come to Central, we want to model Jesus by doing the same. After welcoming our guests, we desire to show compassion by providing a shepherd, a member of Central, who can walk alongside and encourage them, as Jesus does for us as our Shepherd. One special attribute of a new course beginning today, called Discovering Central, will include current members who will serve as hosts to those participating in the class. These member hosts will be available to encourage those who have come to the class and help them in discovering their next steps of continued growth and service.

Discovering Central is designed for both those new to Central or those who are contemplating the possibility of joining. This class will be held for four consecutive Sundays. It will offer a chance to reflect upon personal spiritual journeys and time to discern where God may be moving in each person's spiritual walk.

This course will be a prerequisite for membership and along with Discovering Central, Part II, will replace the New Member's Exploration Class that has been held in the past. It will be a next step for those that are interested in exploring more about the Christian walk and Central's vision for moving people closer to Christ. There will be fellowship and small group experiences, time for questions, teachings on how to grow in a relationship with Christ, and a look at how God creates and equips us for different purposes.

Discovering Central will offer a Sunday morning opportunity while people are already at church. It will also provide for those with children by offering childcare. The current class is being held from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm but will be offered at various times later in the year. The follow up class, Discovering Central, Part II is scheduled for Saturday, April 12th, from 8:30 am - 12:00 pm for those who decide joining the church is one of their next steps.

If you would be interested in becoming a member host or perhaps enrolling in one of the next classes, please contact Cheryl Troxell (Cheryl@centralpc.org).