Welcome to this week's online service. If there was ever a week when we needed to reminded of God's good presence with us, this was it. In so many ways the brokenness of our world was on full display. The heavy toll of this pandemic, the killing of yet another black man at the hands of those charged with his safety, and the rioting taking across our nation are evidence that Satan still roams seeking to devour and destroy.
But into this world came the victorious Jesus announcing that a new Kingdom was arriving and inviting us to enter it and live according to its principles. Some will ignore his invitation but others will recognize it for the treasure that it is. We come to worship today to praise the one who conquered death, the one who will once and for all put Satan in his place, and the one promises to come again to usher us into a new Heaven and a new Earth where death and evil have been vanquished. If you are not a regular part of Central we welcome you to our online service and would love to get to know you. Please use the form at the bottom of this page to tell us a little bit about yourself. I wish I could greet you after the service with a warm handshake, but please know that it means a lot to me that you are joining us today. |
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We began the year with a series of messages on issues that would define the 2020's. One of the first messages in the series dealt with the issue of racism. The day after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis I was on Facebook reading the comments of so many of my black friends whose hearts were broken. Not only were black Americans bearing the brunt of COVID-19, they were also once again seeing evidence that their experience here in America is very different than mine.
As I scrolled through Facebook two posts had a special impact on me, a prayer posted by our good friend Eli Williams, a pastor here in Springfield, and a poem written my a gifted young woman named Miyah Byrd who I knew when she was a student at Cedarville. Both are included in the video on the right. I recorded and posted this video because when white pastors fail to address issues like this with their congregation we communicate that racism isn't a spiritual issue that concerns our congregation. Please take a few moments to watch it. I also want to let you know that there are two different groups of churches in town that are working to address racism. I have invited the pastors of both groups to join me at Central on Wednesday morning to talk about what role we might have in making sure that Springfield is place where all people can prosper, and where people of all races have equal access to justice. We talk a lot about our role in making Springfield more like Heaven. This is one way that we can try to bring that to pass. |
Prayer Requests
1 Timothy 2:1-4 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. |
A Story About Forgiveness |
One of Central's traditions is to serve communion each time we gather. The church provided prepackaged communion servings for you to use. If you didn't stop by the church to get one you may want to get a small glass of juice or wine, and a small piece of bread or a cracker, so you can participate.
The Lord's Table is for anyone who has trusted Christ. If you haven't given your life to Christ, now would be a great time to do so. Click here to learn more about how you can do that. |
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. |
Once again our parents will have to be Kid's Jam this Sunday. Jodi and Sarah are working each week to find resources to help you teach your children about God and his love. If they are old enough, be sure to pray with them about the things they are probably picking up about this crisis. Remind them that God is big enough to handle our biggest challenges, and the he's got this under his control.
Here's a great children's video from Saddleback Kids of the passage for today's sermon. |
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Thank you for your generous support for our ministry. Even though we are not meeting, most of our church expenses continue. If you would like to contribute to Central using our Church Center app just click here, text ccspringfield to 84321, or mail your contribution to the church.
We've added two new categories our giving app for your consideration. The first is called Families in Sprngfld with COVID-19. Any money contributed to this fund will go directly to meet the needs of someone in Clark County who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, starting first with several families who attend Emmanuel Iglesia Hispana, a Spanish speaking church here in Springfield that we support. The second new fund is called HOPE Meals. Contributions to this fund will help us to provide a monthly meal for 125-150 children and teens who live near the intersection of Selma and Linden Avenue. |
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. |
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