Leadership Column: Don't Stay Hidden!

By John Schmidt

Sunday's Dedication Celebration was a great blessing. God has been gracious to us and has blessed us! Let's all remember to thank God for his goodness to us.

I'm still getting responses from a wide variety of people who were touched by the worship services and special events that filled the morning. Peter Nord, Executive Presbyter of Baltimore Presbytery was among those who wrote: "Both Anne and I commented on how well you were able to integrate the old with the new, the past with the future. I also appreciated the approach taken in the sermon and challenge to the congregation to be ready with their lights. So much of what I saw was done with authenticity and excellence - that I am convinced that not only was God very much present - but that future will in fact exceed Central's already outstanding past. Thanks for being Church."

I am not exaggerating when I say that hundreds helped to make it happen. On Sunday alone we had 12 staff and over 110 volunteers serving. (I gave up counting at 110!) That does not count all the volunteers who have served in getting the building itself ready, or who have helped with the financial planning and organization that have allowed us to move forward with these plans. Nor does it include the many other staff who worked right until Sunday to make things ready. Thank you all!

Last of all I want to thank you, the congregation. Thank you for being generous with your time, talent, and money. Thank you for your vision, for your faith, and for your obedience. It is such a great pleasure to serve those who long to serve the Lord! "Thanks for being Church."