Get Plugged In!

Dear Central Family,

It is hard to believe that summers is almost over!

This means we only have three more Sundays in our Joshua journey.  I will be sharing this Sunday on Joshua 23:1-16 (God's Faithfulness), Sonja will be sharing on August 29 on Joshua 24:1-18 (Choose this Day) and Jeff will be sharing on September 5 on Judges 2:6-15 (After Joshua's Death).  What does the Spirit want to teach us these three Sundays?  I have learned so much from our Joshua journey and I pray that I (and we) will follow the counsel of Joshua;

"Therefore be very steadfast to observe and do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, turning aside from it neither to the right nor to the left, so that you may not............Be very careful, therefore, to love the Lord your God." (Joshua 23:6-11)

As we come together these next few weeks you will be invited to get plugged in to Central in a variety of ways.  Today I want to you consider five ways to get connected.  The first is the most important because without prayer we might as well close our doors!  It is through prayer that we get plugged into the life giving presence of the Spirit!   So here are five ways to get connected and I hope everyone will commit to the first opportunity.

1. 24/7 PRAYER - We are in the midst of asking the members of Central's body to indicate a specific time each day to pray for the work and witness of Central.  Presently we have 141 children, youth and adults who have signed up to pray at a specific time each day.  Right now members of Central are praying 21 hours a day.  We still need people to sign up for midnight, 1:00am and 2:00am.  If you have not yet signed up to pray please do so today! You can respond to this email, call Brenda Shirley at the Church Office, or sign up this Sunday at worship and let us know when you will be praying.  Praying is a ministry for all Christ followers. It is the hidden work of every believer!
2. PHONE INVITATIONS - We are also in the midst of recruiting 100 youth and adults to make 15 phone calls to Central members the week after Labor Day. Right now we have 51 individuals who are on board.  We need 49 more people! The purpose of these phone calls is twofold: invite people to Sunday worship as we begin the journey through the Book of Acts and ask people if they have any specific concerns they would like the staff to be praying about. Pastor Sonja Dixon will be preparing a simple script to assist you.  Once again you can respond to this email, call the office or sign up this Sunday.
3. ALL PAINTS DAYS - On Friday, August 27 from 7:30am to 9:30pm and Saturday, August 28 from 7:30am to finish we will be painting the lobby and halls.  If you are around these two days please get plugged in and help paint.  You can sign up in one of the three ways that has already been identified.
4. 384 CHILDREN AND YOUTH from our sister congregations in Njombe, Tanzania have been identified for scholarship assistance so they can go to school. More information will be forthcoming but be praying about your response to these children in Southern Tanzania.
5. MUSIC MINISTRY - If God has given you a musical gift you will want to plan on being at Central at 7:00pm on Wednesday evenings.  Instrumentalists, vocalists, key board, percussionist, etc.   You will be hearing much more about this from our new Director Of Music, Phil Reesnes and Brian Budahn, our Adult Choir Director.

In closing a special word of thanks to all who stepped forward to financially support the Summer 2010 Building Renovations and Improvements.  179 individuals/families have promised $57,049.00 to support these necessary capital improvements. (A matching gift of $12,811.00 is part of the total).  If you would like to still contribute to this project, please contact Kris Geslin in the Church Office.  In addition THANK YOU to Jeff Knutson for overseeing this project.

C U Sunday!

Paul Johansson