Friends,

 

In Isaiah 43:19, God says, "Look, I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?" As we look into 2025 at Central United Methodist Church, I hold this scripture in my heart. As followers of Jesus, what a joy it is that we don't have to wait for January 1 of a new year to start anew. Each day is an opportunity to see God do new things and bring new life.

 

I want to celebrate something with each of you. On December 22, we announced in our worship services that we were $200,000 away from reaching our 2024 financial goal. We asked the congregation to remember Central as they made their final 2024 gifts. Between that Sunday and December 31, we received a total of $365.000, pushing us past our goal and preparing us well for this new year with all the new things Christ is calling us to. Each time we send out the call, this congregation responds. Your generosity is overwhelming. Thank you!

 

I also want to celebrate all that we accomplished In 2024 at Central! To highlight a few: We welcomed 83 new members. We celebrated 18 baptisms. We served 9,100 neighbors at Community Meals. We passed out water and refreshments for three community events on Dickson. We hosted 500 children and their families at our Trunk or Treat. We expanded our Good Sam Family ministry to include back-to-school supplies for the 2024-2025 school year and provided Christmas joy for a record-breaking 80 families. And every week, we saw people of all ages come to faith in Jesus or return to faith after being pushed away. Some of these highlights were new things. Others have been a part of the Central legacy for decades. Looking back at all this, I feel proud to be one of your pastors. This 2025, I expectantly pray that God will open doors to expand our impact even more. Will you join me?

 

Grace and Peace,