CPC 1998 Annual Report:
Congregational Nurture

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The ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Hour on Sunday mornings got a face-lift this fall, thanks in large part to the new classroom space available in the new addition. In our continuing efforts to provide Centralites with the best opportunities for education and growth, we added a new and significant dimension to many of our classes. Specifically, we started three new ongoing classes. Whereas in the past, most classes were of the elective type that changed every two months, now we have added classes that will meet together throughout the year. These new classes are the Busters, the Boomers & the Multi-Generational Adult Bible Class. The reason for adding these classes was fourfold:

1. Relationship building enhances the learning process for many.
2. Ongoing classes give guests and new members easily identifiable places to "fit in".
3. Ongoing classes have greater opportunity for well-rounded curricula.
4. As classes become communities, pastoral care is broadened.

In addition to these ongoing classes added in November, we have also continued the previous ongoing classes (Abigail and Young Adults), as well as popular electives. The most popular electives this past year were the following: The Letter to the Ephesians; Building Godly Relationships; Christians in a Post-Modern World; The Promises of God; and Spiritual Warfare. As we continue to get settled into our new space and new adult Christian education format, we look forward to even more exciting opportunities for spiritual growth and relationship building in 1999. Don't miss out!

1998 was a very productive and Christ guided year for the CONGREGATIONAL CARE COMMITTEE. Under this session committee, the Paraclete Ministry is moving forward in a strong manner to help those both in and outside of the congregation in their time of need. The Small Group Task Force implemented the plans made over the last eighteen months. As a result, all of the members of the last new members class have joined an existing or new small group. The Small Group Task Force has also been training new potential leaders to facilitate the continual growth of the congregations small group ministry. The new newsletter The Centinel has started its every other month update to the congregation and is well received. More information than can be published is received. Congregational Care now has a web page in the Central Presbyterian web site. A Visitor/New Member Task Force was used to develop plans to be implemented in 1999 to make the Sunday morning experience as positive as possible for those visiting our church for the first time. The New Members class will be moved from the Sunday morning format to a Sunday afternoon format to enable more time for interaction among the people in the class and the potential of the formation of new small groups. Congregational Care thanks all for the support of the past years efforts and looks forward to 1999 with continual growth in the disciplining of the congregation."

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 supports the pastors and 8:30 Worship Team Council in exploring new and effective methods of worship. Using suggestions from the1998 All-Church Worship Survey, we are involved in seasonal theme development, exploring ways to use our youth in worship, and introducing new worship elements. Recently, we facilitated the purchase of the portable sound equipment. Some ongoing responsibilities include: overseeing the interim music ministry, assisting in the maintenance of the sanctuary sound system, and supervising the radio tape ministry.

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 1998 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 are called to serve the congregation with love and compassion and to offer practical assistance as needed. Deacons visit the hospitalized and homebound. We maintain contact with our elderly and shut-in members through regulars phone calls and/or visits. The Diaconate provides a reception or luncheon following a funeral, offers simple home repairs for our elderly or infirm, delivers homemade meals and arranges transportation for doctor appointments. We also prepare the communion elements, recruit Sunday morning greeters and supervise the coffee hospitality time. The Love Loaf Campaign is sponsored by the Diaconate. Medical equipment may be borrowed from our Deacons' Closet.

"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to give you a future and a hope." The PARACLETE MINISTRY exists for trained lay people to "come alongside" those who are hurting and struggling. Certainly God in His grace and mercy has enabled hope to be poured out upon 26 individuals from our own church family who have needed His loving care. Four newly dedicated servants finished the 50-hour training course in February to become Paraclete Ministers and so become more fully equipped to give Christian care: Cheri Pegues, Ed Scoggins, Susan Vetter, and Allison Kinsey. Cheri also took a further step by attending the Stephen Series Leader training held for one week in July, and now shares in the ministry leadership. A new training class just began in November, with four more willing people choosing to be used of God here: Jan Turnbaugh, Ruth Howard, Doug Wolf, and John Davis. In addition to the Stephen's Training, the Paraclete Ministry has expanded to include two new groups: one that serves as a support group for mothers with young children, and one that looks at weight/health issues in the light of God's Word. In February, 1999 there will be a training for those wishing to become Marriage Mentors, and so "come alongside" those newly married or those struggling with certain marital issues. I can only add, "To God be the glory, great things He has done!"

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION at Central is more than just the exciting expansion of our Children's Ministries. It is the continuing development of diverse and challenging Adult Education opportunities that include both elective and ongoing classes which are even now out-growing the new spaces. Additionally, the Audio/Visual Committee was formed this past year to not only repair and maintain the equipment necessary for class rooms and worship, but it is also responsible for selection and purchase of new equipment as needed. The Library at Central is no longer crowded into one small room but has expanded as well. It now consists of an adult collection of books, videos and tapes located in the original space, redecorated with recycled carpet and furniture, There is an office and workroom with its own computer - given in memory of David Swift by his family - for cataloging and processing of all the collections. The children's books, videos and tapes are now in their own reading room with chairs and tables in the appropriate size. Both collections have been increased significantly and the improvements accomplished through the vision and work of the Library Committee formed this past year.

1998 has been a year of finding our way for the CENTRAL LIGHTS, the new ministry for Seniors here at Central. Our first luncheon in June outreached our expectations with nearly 80 in attendance. Followed in July by a packed out picnic at the Stuarts', a successful bus trip to Fort McHenry, lunch at Friendly Farms, we closed out our year with a waiting list for the 45 places on a chartered bus for lunch and the Christmas show at Allenberry Inn. At this point we are self supporting and looking forward to several challenges in 1999 - Reaching out to friends and neighbors to include them in God's love, beginning a service oriented ministry in which we can participate "hands on" and quite frankly, to find enough months for all the program ideas we have. Join us on the second Monday of the month. (Contact Sandy Finch or Jean Stuart for more information on how to become involved.) Grow "young" along with me, the best is yet to be!