From the Senior Pastor

John E. Schmidt

It is not the way anyone would have planned it. No one would have willingly chosen for this congregation to go through so long a period of transition between pastors, yet that is what God did. I, for one, am glad! For had you not, I would not have gotten the privilege of being your pastor!

And what a privilege it is! I find myself waking up each morning to the joy of working together with an incredible group of Christians. We have a strong staff, a flexible, visionary Session, dedicated Deacons, serious prayer warriors, gifted leaders in every corner, and countless others willing to share their time and energy to serve. In October we had our first "Filling Station," an equipping time for our leaders. About 80 people were there, and our best estimates are that only half of our current leaders were represented! God has truly blessed this congregation. With this blessing comes a mission straight from the heart of God-to reach those who do not yet know His love.

The Session has taken this to heart, and has been working hard to draw the ideas, changes, and heartfelt burdens of the past few years into a coherent vision for the future. They have even been working Saturday mornings, along with the staff, to pray and plan. Piece by piece it is coming together. We are starting to get an idea of what it means to be "A Church Without Walls," being a community of faith that can't be pinned down to one piece of property or one set of buildings, but one that permeates our homes and workplaces across the city. You will be hearing a lot more about this as the New Year progresses. Much of it will be familiar, because in many ways we are already living out this vision!

Our vision for the future is possible because of the vision and faithfulness of the generations that served God before us. Perhaps that is one of the greatest blessings of being here: the firm foundation that exists at Central Presbyterian Church because of the faith, prayers and wisdom of so many who have served God with their whole hearts across the years. As we begin what promises to be an exciting year, let us thank God again for their faithfulness, and more than that, His faithfulness that gives us solid hope for the future!