narrative budget 2013
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Funding a Faithful Future - Narrative Budget 2013TRANSCRIPT
Funding a Faithful Future
(A Narrative Budget)
2013
Letter from the Stewardship and Finance Ministry 1
Proclaiming the Good News 2
Raising Our Voices in Praise 3
From Our Door Step 4
To the Ends of the Earth 5
Caring for the Flock 6
Growing in Faith 7
Faith Seeking Understanding 8
Sharing the Story 9
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September 20, 2013
Dear Central Member:
Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.” Matthew 14:16-21
The story of ministry at Central Christian Church is at the core of our souls and serves the corners of our local and global community. One aspect of our ministry together is about our financial gifts and how these gifts are shared. A responsive and thriving ministry requires consistent generous dollar contributions. Our gifts touch hearts, feed hungry mouths, and nourish spirits. We do this in joyous response to God’s love. But ministry goes far beyond a mere balance sheet. God magnifies our gifts and increases the outcome through shared ministry. We multiply our work when we do it together as a body of believers. Surprises are inside! Our faith community is active in love and creative in service. We celebrate what we do when our actions match our hearts. Where are YOU in our story? We are grateful for each contribution of dollars, volunteer hours, and donated skills. The surprise for you will be the blessings you receive through your gifts. Look inside and learn about all we do. Even long time members may see our ministries anew. If you view this document on line or on email, control+ click the underlined words for more information. Then join us. Recommit to our shared devotion and response to God's grace. You'll find contact information to connect and be a part of these ministry opportunities. Like the story of loaves and fishes, we need you to share your gifts. God promises to increase them because we are joined together in ministry through Central Christian Church. Thank you for all you do. Every member counts! Stewardship & Finance Committee Jake Graves, Chairman, [email protected] John Bridwell, Vice Chairman, [email protected] Ruth Lawton, Director of Finance, [email protected]
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Proclaiming the good news (Worship) At the heart of the life of Central Christian Church is the community gathered to worship. In worship you will see deacons serving communion, elders praying, children gathering, choir members offering music, youth lighting candles, and skilled leaders preaching.
We provide worship events that reach out to the community beyond Sunday morning: Christmas Eve services, Lenten Luncheons, Ash Wednesday Service, Maundy Thursday Service, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Service. In worship we are inspired, challenged, and equipped to do the work that God is calling us to do. In the ancient Greek, “liturgy” literally means the work of the people. In worship we are inspired, challenged, and equipped to do the work that God is calling us to do. In the ancient Greek, “liturgy” literally means the work of the people. Central takes this work seriously. But worship is not just work. It is also praise, thanksgiving, petition, comfort, singing, hugging, greeting, and listening. When we gather, we are led in worship by persons who have been carefully trained and prepared to preach, teach, and pray on behalf of the whole community. For these persons, leading the church in worship is central to their calling. When we gather to worship, we bring our whole selves and the gospel inspires us not only to receive God’s abundant grace, but also to share it with others. It is important to note that the Church’s time of giving happens in worship. Our faithful stewardship provides both a place to gather and the leaders for our worship. Our generosity allows us to offer our prayers and praise of God in a way that is rich and life giving. It all starts with worship! Yes, the heart of Central is worship. For more information about worship contact: Michael Mooty, Sr. Minister, [email protected] Jerry Sumney, Elder Chairman, [email protected] Gail Kennedy, Deacon Chairman, [email protected]
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Raising Our Voices in Praise (Music) It is through music that we express our worship of God, build and enhance our faith, teach our children and youth, strengthen each other through small group communities, reach out in mission and service,
and bring people into the life of Central. Music involves every single person in the church. The Chancel Choir is a part of every Sunday morning service at 11 a.m. supporting congregational singing and providing anthems and service music. Beginning with a two day retreat, the
Choir rehearses every Thursday evening in preparation for Sunday services. Major works are presented during the Advent and Easter seasons. KidsSING is a choral group for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. TeenSing is a choral group for middle and high school youth. In the past few years they have been honored to perform on local radio and television shows. The Central Adult Handbells Ensemble performs at special worship occasions. Central is blessed with extraordinary quality in musical instruments, Holtkamp pipe organ, Steinway and other grand pianos, harpsichord, handbells, Orff instruments, and electronic keyboard. Central’s instruments are used continuously to provide meaningful music during worship services, weddings and funerals. Central’s facilities and instruments are used frequently by the community to provide a suitable venue for piano and other recitals, rehearsal space for bagpipes, and a community handbells ensemble. Our music ministry is ably orchestrated by Michael Rintamaa, our full time Director of Music and assisted by Linda Reeb, Susie Jones, Burton Joyner, Beth Goins and Dr. Sherri Phelps. Yes, we are a joyous musical congregation! If you are interested in knowing more about the music program contact: Michael Rintamaa, Director of Music, [email protected] Pam Hammonds, Music Ministry Chairman, [email protected]
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From Our Door Step (Property)
Central has been richly blessed by our spiritual ancestors. In 1894, they built a magnificent space in which generations of the faithful have gathered. This elegant sanctuary with stained glass windows offers an inspiring place of worship. We are now the stewards of this gift, and it is our responsibility to care for it and preserve it for generations to come. We light it, heat and cool it, and tend to its structural integrity to preserve this space which calls us to faith. Our newly constructed wing for children and youth provides spacious areas for education and activities. The multi-purpose Commons Area is used for community and church meetings, fellowship activities Lunch Bunch and Teas. Our fellowship center is a welcoming area for receptions, all church meals and Lions Club lunches. The Watkins Building houses the church administrative offices, Short Street Café, Gods Pantry, Thrift Shop, Juvenile Restorative Justice and meeting space for NA, AA, jobs training, and immigrant relocation. The Windstream Building on the north corner of our campus provides shelter for the homeless during winter months and other services for the homeless provided by Room In the Inn. The Central Christian Church Childcare Center located in the Little Building on the southeast corner of Short and Dewees Streets provides quality daycare for approximately 100 infants and preschool age children. The Wombwell Building on the northeast corner of our campus houses the Central Music Academy which provides free or nearly free private music lessons to talented children from the local community. The maintenance of our properties is overseen by a crew of five who dust, sweep, wash, vacuum, polish, prune, trim, paint and repair to keep our facilities clean and inviting both inside and out. All church clean up days provides extra support to the maintenance staff.
Yes, we are faithful stewards of our inheritance! For more information about property contact: Kelly Henderson, Property Committee Chairman, [email protected] Mark Comley, Property Manager, [email protected]
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To The Ends of The Earth (Outreach) Central Christian Church is committed to serving our local and global neighbors, especially those who lack sufficient resources and organizations which advocate for them. We believe that by sharing our time, energy, and resources with others, we are sharing these things with Jesus Christ.
Central members travel every year to engage in mission work outside of Lexington on our annual Adult Mission Trip. Other members get involved with the annual Disciples/Habitat for Humanity build while others volunteer at Central’s branch of God’s Pantry, the Thrift Shop, or host Room in the Inn. Our Crisis Care Discernment Fund provides emergency financial assistance to those in need, usually through requests sent to us by Resource Office for Social Ministry (ROSM). Outreach funds go to support a variety of outstanding organizations, including Cane Ridge Meeting House, Black Church Coalition, Luther Luckett Christian Church, Disciples’ Mission Fund, Christian Care Communities, Kentucky Council of Churches, St. James Place, Mother to Mother, and Building a United Interfaith Lexington through Direct Action (BUILD). Annual special offerings raise funds for organizations
like Week of Compassion, Habitat for Humanity, Kentucky Refugee Ministries, and Bread for the World. We provide scholarship funds to the Central Christian Church Childcare Center and support James Lane Allen School with back to school supplies, winter clothing needs and teacher appreciation support. We make our facilities accessible to the community by providing affordable or free space for Jobs Training Program, Immigrant Relocation Program, Juvenile Restorative Justice Program, BUILD, Central KY Council for Peace and Justice, reading programs, health and
fitness programs, and AA and NA meetings. A Korean Methodist Church congregation worships in our Chapel and Shalom Room. Central’s annual Alternative Giving Fair provides support for numerous justice efforts outside of the church such as the Heifer Project, Fair Trade arts and crafts, the Central Music Academy and many others. Our members’ generous giving of their time and money to Outreach provides tremendous encouragement, hope, and opportunity to God’s people here in Lexington and abroad. Yes, we are a generous, supportive, congregation! For more information on the Outreach Ministry Team contact: Lynn Gray, Outreach Coordinator, [email protected] Vicki Batzka, Outreach Ministry Chairman, [email protected]
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Caring for the Flock (Pastoral Care) We, the members of Central are a caring people indeed! As a congregation, we engage in numerous activities and actions to care for our members. Our members greet worshipers and visitors as we share the peace of Christ to all who pass through our doors. Our welcoming statement invites all people to join our community. Our church responds to our pastoral needs; baptisms, weddings, dedications, family illnesses, memorials, funerals, celebrations, and many other life events of our members. Elders visit the homebound to serve the Lord’s Supper as well as offer words of encouragement, prayer, and support to those not able to attend worship. Stephen Ministers and Parish Nurses tend to the emotional and physical needs of our church community and the new Shepherding Ministry will work directly with new members to encourage their involvement in church community.
Salt & Pepper Fellowship Groups offer a chance for new and older
members to get to know one another over a series of four dinners in
the homes of various members. New groups form each year near
the time of Pentecost.
Our ministry team provides a bereavement ministry, prayer chains, card ministry, Telecare, and transportation to church and medical appointments. Our Disciples Women and bible study groups pray for and care for the spiritual wellbeing of our members. Our Ministerial team offers counseling for a variety of areas including premarital, marital, crisis, bereavement, and more in the lives of members and family. They provide information through the Chimes, the church website, and other media communications. Our staff members care in many ways for our congregation and our congregation cares for the
dedication, commitment, and work of our staff. Yes, we are a caring congregation! For more information on Pastorial Care contact: Elizabeth McLaughlin, Minister of Pastorial Care, [email protected] Dan Chase, Pastorial Care Ministry Chairman, [email protected] 7%
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Growing in Faith (Children and Youth) Central’s ministry with youth, children, and their parents strives to create a safe place where all people can discover the unconditional love of Jesus Christ. The new Children’s Center provides a spacious, bright and secure place for child learning, play and worship Youth programs stress faith discovery and formation in the context of daily life. Sunday morning activities include Youth Church School, Worship and Wonder and KidsCentral for children, toddlers through fifth grade. Biblical faith stories come to life in interactive theater productions in our exciting children’s program. Children’s Vacation Bible School, which meets annually for a week at the beginning of summer, ministers to approximately 100 children and 50 volunteers. Youth programs stress faith discovery and formation in the context of daily life. Our new Youth Center on the second floor provides classroom and activity space for middle school and high school students. Chi Rho and CYF groups meet Sunday evenings for fun and fellowship.
In addition our youth participate in mission trips, retreats, summer camp, conferences and Regional youth events. While young people are encouraged to pay for some of their own expenses, the Church provides scholarships, sponsors/chaperones, and other associated expenses. Our ministry with families provides support, teaching and encouragement as they try to live out their lives faithfully. Yes, our youth and children are nourished and prepared for a life of active faith!
To learn more about children and youth programs contact:
Chad Snellgrove, Minister of Children and Youth, [email protected] Laura Santana, KidsCentral Director, [email protected] Kathy Phillips, Children’s Ministry Chairman, [email protected] Brian Hughes, Youth Ministry Chairman, [email protected]
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Faith Seeking Understanding (Adult Faith Formation) Our ministry is committed to creating a hospitable learning community where adults can explore spirituality and engage the in the critical questions of faith, society and culture. Our scriptural basis is: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2.
We offer eight adult : Disciple Class, Forum Class, Pathfinders, Progressive Sunday School Classes
Christianity, Taking the Bible Seriously, Top of the Hill Class, Women’s Group, Wellness ChristCare
Group, and Parents of Young Children.
Sunday School attendance remains strong, and that is testament to the quality offerings provided. There
is energy and interest in our new offerings, Wellness ChristCare Group begun in 2012, and our Parenting
Class which is beginning September, 2013.
From time to time we organize guest speaker events which not only let regular teachers take a break but
also provide learning and opportunity for fellowship with other adults.
The Adult Faith Formation Ministry continues to look for new and innovative opportunities for learning.
Lisa Mass, certified in the Art of Spiritual Direction challenges us to think in new ways. Our Tai Chi class
was so popular with church members it has been opened to the community.
Learning is highly valued at Central. We believe the faith life is enhanced when persons are given
challenging information and encouraged to think critically and theologically for themselves.
Yes, we are a congregation eager to learn!
To know more about classes at Central contact:
Stephanie McCormick, Minister of Discipleship,
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Sharing the Story (Communication)
As members of Central Christian Church we are connected to each other, the neighborhood, and the community through a variety of ways. The Chimes newsletter, published twice a month and available on the website, tells about the events and happenings around the church and in the lives of our members. Central Life, our email newsletter, keeps us up to date with the most current schedule
of events and activities at the church on a bi-weekly basis. We have an updated website, www.centralchristianlex.org to provide members with current events, pictures, and discussion, and provide prospective visitors and new members a look at who we are and what it is like to worship at First Christian. We have a Facebook page, Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), which shows pictures and activities of recent events. Central’s worship service is broadcast live on WSNE-AM every Sunday at 11 a.m. Sunday morning sermons are recorded and can be listened to or downloaded from the website. Our lending Library provides extensive reading and research materials for adults and children. We communicated through our Listening Committee and anxiously await the release of our new updated vision plan, Visioning for a Faithful Future (soon to be available on our website). We communicate through fellowship events, picnics, pot luck dinners, and Lunch Bunch. We communicate by greeting visitors and members alike.
Yes, most of all, we communicate by being a welcoming and inviting congregation!
To know more about Communications contact: Lynn Gray, Administrative Assistant, [email protected] Demethra Sanders, Assistant Finance Director, [email protected] Beth Goins, Web Master, [email protected]
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