December 2 - Central's Community Holiday Parade

December 3 - Advent Fair & Chili Cook-Off

Important Notice to Members, Friends, and Guests of Central United Methodist Church:  On Monday night, October 16, the Administrative Council voted to change the Sunday morning worship schedule to one combined service beginning October 29. Service time will be 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary, with the Sunday School hour moved to 9:00. Adult Sunday School classes have the option to meet after worship at 11:00, should they choose. The feeling of the Council was that this would be a good season within the life of our church to gather together to worship God. We are aiming for a blended worship service that will include traditional as well as some contemporary elements. I hope you will embrace the schedule change for the opportunity it will afford. It is not “set in stone” forever and will, of course, be assessed down the road when our needs change.

Ann Broyles, an author and retired United Methodist pastor, writes about her experience in seventh grade when she was torn between the popular crowd and a longtime friend that the other kids considered dorky. As you might imagine, the popular girls were cute, well-dressed, and bragged about fabulous parties; they also felt free to pick on anyone they didn’t like.

Ann’s friend proved an easy mark: frizzy hair, thick glasses, low self-esteem. Ann navigated between the group and her friend until one day the popular girls’ leader told her she had to choose: them or her. From where she stood, Ann could see her friend standing alone with no one to protect her from the mean girls. With longing, she considered all the parties she would not be invited to - and then chose her friend. 

The overarching theme of the Bible is love (1 John 3: 4-7), particularly the love of brothers and sisters. The children of God do not pursue the way of lawlessness; they choose to do what is right. There have always been people who pick on others. As you know, bullies use emotional or physical intimidation and act in person or on the internet. It follows that hate crimes of all kinds are on the rise. On the other hand, the anti-bullying movement encourages kids and adults to be “upstanders,” reaching out to anyone who seems bullied, offering support, and speaking up when necessary. From the Christian perspective, the children of God are also upstanders, those who do what is right. 

“My dear children, don't let anyone divert you from the truth. It's the person who acts right who is right, just as we see it lived out in our righteous Messiah” (The Message). It follows as clearly as night follows day that we are called by God to be upstanders, even when no one else sees our good works, or when it takes courage to speak truth to situations that demean others. It is all of a piece with being a person who seeks to do right (Micah 6:8).

Have a blessed November, 

Rick