CPC 2000 Annual Report:
Ministry Updates

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• The Diaconate is made up of a caring group of 15 active deacons each serving a 3 year term. We are the service arm of our congregation. Our duties are many and varied, and mostly behind the scenes, but suffice to say, if you need assistance, we want to be there for you. Deacons visit hospital patients and shut-ins at home, make phone contacts with the elderly and homebound, do simple home repairs, provide transportation for doctors' appointments and prepare a reception or luncheon following a funeral at Central. We also furnish the coffee and snacks at our Coffee Hospitality Center, procure the Sunday morning greeters, and prepare the Communion elements. We sponsor the Love Loaf Campaign and will lend equipment from our Deacon's Closet. On our visits to the elderly, infirm and recuperating members, we take flowers and homemade soup, and also provide Blizzard Boxes as emergency food in case the winter is snowy or icy. Webster describes a servant as a person in the service of those in need with compassion, humility, understanding, kindness and love. Just call if you need us. We want to be there for you.

• The Assimilization & Mobilization committee was formed in the fourth quarter of 2000 in response to the growing need for "on ramps" to becoming involved at Central Church. The purpose of the committee is not to simply help folks meet others or to give new members a job so that they begin to feel a part of things. We believe that God wants people ministering according to their spiritual gifts and living out their calling in every area of their lives. Our committee's job is to build an umbrella of systems and supports that encourage people as they grow in a faith enriched and made real through ministry and Christian fellowship. The ultimate goal of our program is to help individuals mature spiritually by using their God-given gifts to serve each other and the community, so that the whole church can attain the maturity that God intended. Initially, the committee is focusing its efforts on the New Members' Classes and on the E.P.I.C. service while targeting the Adult Christian Education program as a primary vehicle for teaching spiritual gifts discernment.

• Worship Committee - The life of the church is one - worship, witness and service are all inseparable. Christian worship joyfully ascribes glory, praise, and honor to the triune God. The people of God acknowledge His presence and power in the world and in their lives. The Worship Committee seeks to serve the congregation by making worship a truly meaningful experience for everyone. We support the pastors in exploring new and different methods of worship - Biblical symbols, stories, instrumental and vocal music, drama, dance and different cultural elements. We are involved in seasonal theme development and in exploring ways to use our youth in worship. Some of our ongoing responsibilities include maintaining and training of the team of ushers; assisting in the maintenance of the sanctuary sound system; and supervising the radio tape ministry. In July 2001, we will bring to Central an outstanding program of music to be performed by the internationally recognized University of Pretoria Choir from South Africa, winners of the 1999 International Choir Competition for Advent and Christmas Music in Prague.

• Third Service Task Force - The third service is poised to start on February 4th. Its purpose is to enable us to reach more people by reducing the overcrowding at the 8:15a service, and by appealing to the postmodern culture more effectively than our current services do. The Third Service Task Force started work last May and meet weekly until December. We visited contemporary services at other churches. We looked at our demographics. We looked at what the scripture says about worship. And we started planning. The hardest decisions we had to make were determining the best time of the week to conduct the service and then revisiting the Sunday morning schedule. On November 12th, we had a sneak preview service to give the congregation a taste of what we had in mind, to recruit folks to do various jobs, to seed the new service and to allow us to test the feasibility of our ideas. As we prepare to launch this service, we appreciate this congregation's willingness to embrace change in order to enhance our effectiveness in moving people towards Christ.

• College & Career Fellowship - This class was an example that good things come in small packages. We were a rather intimate group for most of the year, the fellowship and desire to grow in faith and numbers is very real. Most of our activity takes place during the Sunday School hour in the form of sharing and teaching moments. Our discussions bring biblical principles and tangibles together with the current culture of those in college life or those working the early years of a career. In addition, this group has enjoyed some outside activities to include picnics by the pool, outreach to teens and even some swing dancing. We cast our vision for 2001, to partner with the third worship service in allowing the Holy Spirit to create a vibrant and energetic fellowship. We trust for much spiritual growth in our new "coffeehouse" format and growth in the number of young adults touched by this ministry focus at Central.

• The Small Group Ministry Team is presently composed of Paul Bender, Kara Bolonda, Norm Burkey, Jill Marbach and John & Joyce Sackett. Our goal is to help everyone at Central find and become a part of an active group. We believe small groups are the key to connecting in a Biblical way to other members at Central. These groups provide a healthy fellowship or community marked by Christian love and oneness. (But not necessarily 'sameness' since small groups are as different as they are many.) Small groups can also help you "grow up" as a disciple of Christ and help you become equipped to better use your unique gifting to fulfill God's purpose for your life.

  We plan to offer leadership training quarterly for both new and seasoned small group leaders, the first one being Feb 24th from 9:00-11:00 am. Also, a first in 2001 is our new Small Group display booth in the concourse, check it regularly for the latest updates and happenings. To join a small group or to become a leader check at the booth, call John Sackett, or contact the church office.

• Central Lights Ministry is an outreach of fellowship, information, and entertainment for Senior citizens in our church and our community. Led by a steering committee of about 15 Central members, 2000 was a successful year of well attended monthly programs. In the spring, two bus trips were planned - one to Ladew Gardens with a box lunch supplied, and one to Annapolis for a tour of the Navel Academy and lunch at the historic Middletown Tavern. In September, we explored the National Cathedral and lunched in Washington, D.C. for our third bus trip. Hello, Hawaii brought out a great crowd in the Concourse for a luau, as we picnicked Hawaiian style. A Strawberry Festival and film, an evening of Barbershop, a very successful Craft Show of our Central Light's talents, and a costume party in October is a sampling of events that entertained an average of 60 seniors. December closed our year with two bus loads traveling to Lancaster's Sight & Sound to capture the true Christmas Spirit with the Miracle of Christmas. Our newest project of 2001 is a service one - contributing to the Christian Community Center's Scholarship Fund. This mission, in Baltimore City, tries to raise finances to provide needy applicants with places in a Christian School (K-High School), as well as helping college bound local youth. We are looking forward to supporting this project individually, and corporately as a ministry of Central. Come join us on the 2nd Monday of the month for lunch or dinner. You won't be sorry! For more information, call Paula Smoot or Jean Stuart.

• Paraclete Ministry once again has had a blessed year of service to the congregation - and beyond - of Central Church. Our Stephen Ministry continues to meet the needs of those going through a difficult transition, spiritual struggle, or life change. Our Stephen Ministers serve faithfully and deserve special mention, as well as your prayers for their many hours spent alongside those who are hurting: Ava Parran, Sandy Finch, Doug Wolf, Mary Burkey, Ruth Turnbaugh, and John Davis. They are truly sharing the burdens of others. The Mom's Support Group is thriving and continues to grow spiritually and prayerfully as they lift up one another through the years of young motherhood. They meet every Wednesday for fellowship, prayer, devotion, and guidance over the rough spots! Many lasting friendships have been formed, yet they are always eager to welcome other new mothers into their midst. The Marriage Mentoring ministry has had a slow start, but will hopefully begin to serve more who yearn for greater closeness in their marriage, or who want to work on the areas of finances, communication, or spiritual issues couple-to couple with others who have been there! Lastly, the Weigh Down Workshop has been discontinued due to its founder, Gwen Shamblin, having turned her back on traditional Christianity. However, we have begun a group called "Breaking Free," which focuses on books and videos by Beth Moore; these take a Biblical look at how we can "break free" from those things that hold us in bondage, whether they be food, computers, money, etc. Our Almighty God is greatly to be praised for continuing His work among us, and allowing us the privilege of serving you. To Him be the glory!

• Presbyterian Women seeks to build and strengthen a caring community of women at Central. The diverse schedules of our six circles active in 2000 allowed many women to enjoy prayer, sharing, Bible Study and fellowship on a weekly to monthly basis. The lack of both moderator and vice-moderator hampered communication and curtailed programs. However, our popular Christmas program featured missionary Karen Duncan as speaker and Christmas readings composed by Olive You (Jean Stuart) written in the 1960's and 70's. Who will step forward this year to answer an urgent need for leadership? Is God calling you?