“This church is where we want to be”, is a sentiment I heard from a young couple who in recent months began attending
worship and programming at Central. It’s a work of the Spirit that persons are finding their way to us and our vision,
despite the pandemic. Or maybe even because of it. Surveys show that for many the disruption of the past 30 months
has clarified their intention to live a meaningful life. Finding a faith community can be part of that clarifying. When I
spoke with that couple, I was delighted to tell them some of what is unfolding at Central Church in this fall season. It’s a
new dance.

There is the fine little book “The Walk” for congregational read and group offerings beginning the week of September 11.
This will complement our preaching series, “5 Ways to Stay Spiritually Fit”, happening the same time. Other groups will
be launching through the fall, both for in-person and hybrid zoom discussion times. Each offering is excellent. You’ll find
all the descriptions on our website as well as at the display in the Gathering Place. And it all begins September 14 with
our famous whitefish fundraiser dinner hosted by Our Neighbors Garden ministry group (take-out dinners may be pre-ordered).

We are also excited that gifted persons have joined our ministry staff, as we offer spiritual formation for all ages. Erica
Kozlowski has expanded her role to be Director over all age ministries from nursery thru teens. Serving under her will be
Tara DeGroot as Youth Ministry Coordinator for 8th thru 12th grades. Tara has vast experience working with youth from
many backgrounds. Jessica Rokos will coordinate 4th thru 7th grades. And we are blessed to retain Cindy Armbruster who
leads young Heroes, and Lucy DeKorne who leads Nursery. Steve Roobol-Triggs joins us as Director of Adult Ministries.
Steve brings gifts having served in several ministry settings downstate.

We have learned a lot about pivoting and adapting as a church these past 30 months, dancing a new dance. We have
had to learn new ways to watch over one another, to serve our city, and to grow together in the way of Jesus. As leaders
we are aligning people and resources to make a difference in the life of your family, and other families in the coming
year. You spoke loud and clear in last Spring’s CAT survey that the top two goals you see for Central are:

1. To create more opportunities for people to form meaningful relationships (for example, small groups, nurtured
   friendships, shared meals, etc).
2. To develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to reach new people and incorporate them into the life of
   the church, especially families with children and youth.

Now we ask you to make an effort to joyfully enter group life with us, to make a priority of showing up.

“It would be easy to keep distant and detached, since that’s what we are used to.
But I ask you to enter in to all the good that awaits us.”

No different than the dance floor at a wedding reception, when the music starts and the crowd gets out of their chairs, onto
the floor, that is when joy fills the air. That is when it feels like community. That is when memories are made. That is
when we are together in Christ, reaching beyond our doors.

The band is playing. Come dance!

Chris