We recently welcomed our new pastor Jeremy Sanderson and his family to Central. Our congregation is energized by his presence, and thankful that he is starting his ministry here. We look forward with anticipation to how we will work together to make disciples and spread God’s word to everyone.
Jeremy was officially accepted as the church’s senior pastor on June 2. He and his family—wife Sarah, children Abby, Josiah, Levi, and Isaac, and Sarah’s brother Abe Williams—moved to their new home in Baltimore on Aug. 11.
The Current asked Pastor Jeremy to reflect on his first few weeks here, and how the future is shaping up.
Q: Welcome, and how are you and your family settling into our community?
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped us settle in. Our refrigerator was stocked when we arrived, and dinners just kept arriving. People have been very helpful in showing us around and making us feel at home.
We hope to thank everyone personally, but we are still very busy trying to get settled. Sarah got the opportunity to teach seventh grade full-time at the Cambridge School, but we were only here a week before she started, so the time to unpack and settle in has been limited. But we were fortunate to buy a house close to the church that meets our needs before we moved here, so we’re getting unpacked and organized.
The transition has been intense, but we have experienced a welcoming and hospitable community.
Q: Any surprises about life in Baltimore?
The traffic—so we’re happy our house is within walking distance of the church and schools, and close to Cambridge School. We appreciate the strong sense of community and loyalty to Baltimore, and how this is a place where people are authentic. That matches our values and is similar to Portland, where we were.
Q: What has impressed you the most about Central?
I’ve gotten a sense of the incredible story God is writing with this congregation. I’ve talked to people who have been here through many eras, and how people have been deeply involved in all stages of Central’s story. People are eager to share with me their testimonials about this church’s mission and deep love of Christ. I’m so looking forward to the next chapter of what God has called us to do.
Q: What has surprised you the most about Central?
This church is full of people who are quietly responding to God’s call to service with passion and focus, and doing amazing things. Our members are working throughout the region with disabled people, refugees, homeless and addicted people, and in the schools. It’s so inspiring to hear how they are living their faith.
Q: What has been your focus in starting your pastoral position at Central?
Right now, I’m learning and listening to absorb the story of Central. We’ve been through a season of transition, and we are thinking about what’s next. This includes thinking through the roles of staff and our operating model. The session is working to envision our priorities and what we should focus on.
Q: What are you looking forward to accomplishing as a church?
We live in a society where people are experiencing isolation, a loss of community, a lack of purpose, and coping with changing demographics and technology. Our opportunity is to model how Jesus enables us to live and come together as a community. We can help people be more connected, more nurturing, and united. I want us to be a blessing to every generation, and strengthen people’s faith in Jesus Christ.
Q: What challenges do you see?
I believe if we are faithful in responding to the call of God, God will see to our needs. Our challenges are discerning how we focus our energies, which includes our programs, activities, and managing our building. So, even as I list the challenges, I’m confident God will see us through them.
PLEASE NOTE:
Pastor Jeremy takes Mondays off to rest and spend time with his family. Tuesday-Friday he has an open-door office policy and is eager to connect with Central members. Calling ahead is always a good idea to ensure he is available. Thank you for helping him honor this weekly rhythm.
