CPC 1997 Annual Report:
Congregational Nurture

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Our Adult Christian Education Ministry continued to offer a diversity of classes for Christian growth in 1997. The most popular classes this past year were: Putting God at the Center; Simplicity; and Contemporary Issues; Hebrews; and Garden to Grave to Glory. Our greatest challenges were again finding space in the building and in the schedule for all the great courses. In the coming year as we continue through the construction of our new facility we will seek to be creative in our use of resources. God has blessed Central with a wide variety of excellent teachers, and we draw upon them for the diversity of topics and formats that find such acclaim during the Adult Sunday School hour. Whether you want a deeper grounding in your faith and the Bible, want to learn how to be a better parent, or want to explore specific issues, you can find these and more. If you haven't come lately, you may want to join the growing number of Centralites who were surprised to find that "Sunday School is for adults, too!"

1997 has been a year when Central Church's giving heart has made a real difference out in the "highways and byways" for Jesus Christ! Through the Social Action Committee Central supports a number of on-going ministries. In March, September and at Thanksgiving, our congregation responded with over 200 bags of groceries to be distributed by the Assistance Center of Towson Churches. In June and July, Centralites manned "blitz" weeks at Sandtown Habitat to re-hab and beautify a house that became an affordable home for a needy family. During the Christmas season we adopted a family suggested by Social Service. Because of your generosity, a mother and five children were able to buy new winter coats and some Christmas presents on a combined lunch and shopping trip. We also participated in Love and Action's Christmas Cheer and Teddy Bear project, contributing to the 560 bags distributed. But the giving did not end! Right before Christmas the home of one of our custodians was destroyed by fire resulting in the loss of furniture, clothing and Christmas presents. You responded on one Sunday with an unbelievable $1700. The children had gifts for Christmas and the channels of communication remain open for wise use of the rest of the money for needs as the family reestablishes their home. Ongoing, is your support of the Christian Community Center and the Turnbaughs' ministry. Because some of you have responded in faith to the nudge the Lord has given you, several successful work days have helped to paint and fix up their buildings. Food, clothing and toys have been brought in all year, but best of all, some Centralites are volunteering regularly to help out at the Center. We covet your prayers for our Committee as we prayerfully consider where best we can apply the funds for which we are responsible so that the "cup of water" will not only be administered where it is most needed, but that it will always be given in His name!

Presbyterian Women seeks to build and strengthen a caring community of women at Central as well as to provide a loving Christ-centered presence in PW at the Presbytery level. The diverse schedules of our six circles active in 1997 allowed approximately 125 women to enjoy prayer sharing, Bible Study and fellowship on a weekly to monthly basis. We have also nurtured our faith through two Central Gatherings of PW and our participation in Presbytery-wide PW events. We seek to show Christ's love through support of our missionaries as well as to our local community in a variety of ways. Presbyterian Women provides a place for spiritual growth and encouragement for women of all ages.

The Diaconate is composed of 15 active members, each serving a 3-year term. We strive to serve our congregation with understanding, compassion and consideration. Our intent is to reach out to those at Central and beyond in emergency situations or when assistance is needed. Our duties are varied, but some services we regularly provide are visiting those who are hospitalized or homebound, transportation for doctor appointments, providing a reception or luncheon following a funeral, simple home repairs for our elderly or infirm, and delivering homemade meals to our shut- ins. We have initiated a Senior Tea for the ladies of Central and their friends which has met with considerable success. We prepare snacks and beverages for the Coffee Time Fellowship, and make contact with our elder and shut-in members with regular phone calls. The new Parish Nurse Ministry falls under the auspices of the Diaconate. Close to 80 people received flu shots in the first outreach sponsored by this new ministry. The Diaconate's purpose is to offer help to those in crisis, befriend our visitors, show mercy and comfort to those in need, and serve where we are called.

The mission of the Congregational Care & Discipleship Committee is to make Central a loving community that evangelizes, encourages, equips and supports. The committee is entrusted with a host of activities revolving around the life of Central. Some 1997 activities included: establishment of a Small Groups Task Force that will encourage the growth of small groups in and around Central, continued support of the Paraclete Lay Care Ministry, assimilating new members into the Body at Central and preparations for a review of the Mission Statement and Ministries of Central at an upcoming Staff/Diaconate/Session Retreat.

The King of Kings is worthy of our praise and worship! The Worship Committee seeks to serve the congregation by making worship a truly meaningful experience for everyone. This committee is a support group for the pastors and 8:30 Worship Team in helping them to explore new and effective methods of worship and in encouraging spiritual growth among the members of the congregation. With the aid of an All-Church Worship Survey this year, we hope to gather suggestions for sermons, favorite hymns, and new worship elements to try. Currently, we are involved in usher recruitment and training; assessing the needs of visitors; researching a new hymnal; reviving the tape ministry; working on seasonal theme development; exploring ways to use our youth in worship; and consdering new ideas for the music program.

Paraclete Lay Care Ministry had a busy year in 1997! We started off with the 50-hour training for nine new Paraclete Ministers, using the Stephen Series Training manuals. These new ministers were commissioned in June: Bob Gamble, Elaine Hale, Jeanne Paynter, Sally Guiles, Dottie Davis, Griz Gifford, Sandy Burrier, Karen Maddox and Barbara Ellingson. A tenth minister, Pete Penno, joined us in the Fall after being trained in another congregation. All 10 ministers are now fulfilling their calling and serving with those struggling with life issues. In addition, four new Paraclete ministers began their training in September, and will be commissioned in February of 1998. Thus far we have served 15 members of Central who needed someone to "come alongside" in a time of crisis or other need. We are seeking to "bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." May we all seek to care for those around us in Christian love and fellowship. Look for both youth and marriage mentoring in 1998!