A Look Ahead in 2012

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As we launch into this new year of 2012 I am so excited about what God is doing in and through Central.  In Luke 4 Jesus announced the Spirit of the Lord was on Him as He came to proclaim, to liberate, to heal, to restore.  As the Scripture was fulfilled in their hearing more than 2000 years ago so this Scripture is fulfilled in our day and in our hearing.  Jesus still proclaims good news, still liberates, still heals, still restores and now by the power of His Spirit we, the church, are one of the visible expressions of His work in the world.  What a privilege!  What a responsibility!

In an effort to bear more fruit in our work and witness, we want to consider again what it looks like to be mature Christ followers. The worship themes for the next several weeks will be from the Gospel of Luke and will provide a biblical foundation for making disciples of Jesus.  The results of this past year of discerning God’s design for Central have led us to establish pastorates, mid-size groups of 25-35, meeting in homes regularly to study God’s Word and to serve one another.  Will you join me in praying that God’s Spirit will enlist and employ Kingdom workers as we launch six to eight pastorates this winter?

We also recognize that real spiritual growth often happens in the context of a small group, 3-5 men or women in authentic relationships, willing to be accountable to one another for the purpose of maturity in Christ. Will you prayerfully consider connecting to a designed for discipleship (D4D) group?

As I picture life together at Central in the next years I see a buzz of activity, not centered around programs but rather flowing out of relationships.  My hope is that this body of Christ will experience fresh passion to share the love of Christ with our immediate neighbors and coworkers  as well as with our global community.  Opportunities for discipleship and for mission abound.  I pray God’s Spirit will anoint us to be Jesus’ reflection in the world- proclaiming, liberating, healing, restoring.

Anticipating God’s presence and power,

Sonja Dixon