Dear Church Family,
It is a wonderful blessing to be a part of such a great Church. These have been exciting days here at Center Point as we continue to see a harvest to the Glory of God. As we look back over the last few years, our God has been so very faithful! God had truly blessed us by growing our church family! We have also been blessed by seeing many of the projects we have asked you to give toward being accomplished! The new playground has been in use since June! Also, our old sanctuary has been renovation with the choir, youth, and Sunday school space turned out better than we could have hoped! God has really helped us pay for these important projects through your generosity! Last year we gave to support our dear friends at Bethany Baptist Church in San Mauricio, Guatemala. When we were there in July, they showed us some of the projects they were able to do as a result of that offering, including a new roof over the church kitchen! After I talked with our Homecoming Committee and Stewardship chairs: We are asking that everything you give above our weekly operating expenses on Homecoming Sunday will go to resurface our preschool playground and anything above this cost will go to pay down our debt on the New Sanctuary! Would you please prayerfully consider what God would have you give to this need? Thank you for your faithful support of the ministries of Center Point. We also ask that you continue to pray for God's wisdom as we move forward together. Please join us on September 18th to celebrate our 180th Homecoming! Blessings in Christ Pastor Dear Church Family,
I wanted to take a few moments to share a reminder with you that love makes ALL the difference, especially the love of God being lived out. I believe today if we are ever going to share God’s love with those around us, we first need to experience it in our own lives. As you read the following prayer that the Apostle Paul was offering to God on behalf of the church at Ephesus while he was in prison for preaching the Gospel, may it inspire each of us: “That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height —to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be the glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:17-21 While we may face struggles and challenges in this world, there is something that will keep us through the storms and trials of life, and it is the unending love that God has for each and every one of us, and yes, even for the whole World. God’s desire for us is to know the Love of Christ, and in knowing that Love, we do our part to share it with those around us. He wants to see that love both draw people into the family of God and unite the Church for more effective ministry. But this can only happen if we are faithful to meet together! During the last two years, it has been so easy to make excuses. But if you’re not careful, it will turn into a lifestyle without the church. The truth is, we need each other. We need to start to consider one another more and our personal comforts a little less. “Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another and so much more as we see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 I hope to see you in church Sunday. Love, Pastor Dear Church Family,
It is such a wonderful blessing to be a part of the Family of God. Truly we are living in challenging yet exciting days in which we here at Center Point continue to see a harvest of souls to the Glory of God. But with all this excitement comes much responsibility to continue doing our part to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every nation..." Mark 16:15 Our community is one of the parts that God has called us to reach, and with your help, we are able to do just that... one person at a time. As we look back over the last few years, these have not been easy days, but our God has been so very faithful! God has truly blessed our church financially and with many of the projects we have been asking you give toward being accomplished! The new playground has been ordered and we are awaiting its soon arrival! Also, our Old Sanctuary renovation with Choir, Youth and Sunday School space is nearing completion! God has helped us pay for these important projects through your generosity! So, with all that in mind, I met with our Homecoming Committee and we are asking that everything you give above our weekly operating expenses on Homecoming Sunday will go to Bethany Baptist Church in San Mauricio, Guatemala. As you know, we have been unable to travel since 2019, and they have had many hardships during the pandemic, and we would like to encourage them with a Love Offering! Would you please prayerfully consider what you will give to our Friends in Guatemala at this critical time? Thank you for your faithful support of the Ministries of Center Point, we also ask that you continue to pray for God's wisdom as we move forward in 2021. Please join us on September 26, to celebrate our 179th Homecoming! Blessings in Christ, Pastor Dear Church Family,
Sunday, April 18th has been designated as Staff Appreciation Day! This day has been set aside to say “Thank you” to our amazing staff, that consists of: Drew & Beth Strickland: Minister of Music & Education Steve & Stacie Allred: Youth Pastor & Secretary Robert & Wanda Gamble: Minister of Discipleship & Membership Samantha & Casey McKinley: Secretary We are asking that each individual/family would prepare a card or note for each of our Staff Members. If you feel led, you may want to enclose a monetary gift or gift card. The card drop-off box is available in the church lobby. We are planning a time of recognition during the Sunday morning service on April 18th. During this time, the cards you have prepared will be presented to them. This is only a few Sundays away, so we trust that you will make plans to be with us. As a committee, we count Center Point very blessed to have our Staff. Each of our CPBC Staff works and serves us in many ways to better our church. Please take the time to show your appreciation to Drew, Steve, Stacie, Robert, Samantha, and their families through your cards and love. Looking forward to celebrating together in honor of our faithful Staff, Staff Appreciation Committee *Please note that this is for our Support Staff. Pastor Appreciation will be in October.* Dear Church Family,
We were thrilled to be back together yesterday after two weeks off with Covid!! We are so grateful for all the prayers, meals, text messages and phone calls! We are very blessed to call you our family! I was reminded in Worship yesterday just how much we missed you and need to be together, something we must continue to do as the body of Christ! We need each other... While many of you may not be quite ready to get back to church physically, I would encourage you to stay connected as much as possible, thru Live Stream. We have heard it many times even before, but we are reminded once again… “the church is not a building.” While this is true, there is something very compelling about meeting together. I pray we never get used to this or call it “normal,” especially in light of the scriptures: Hebrews 10:25 “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” We love you and hope to see all of you soon! Blessings, Pastor No doubt, one of the most difficult parts of being a Christian is learning to forgive those who have hurt us. It is especially painful when we are hurt by someone close to us. How should we handle it? David says in Psalm 55, " If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend." Ouch! Worse than the offence is the bitterness that comes when we are not able tot let go. So how does one release it? It's a challenge. So let's look at a few of the really good reasons to forgive.
Colossians 3:13 says: "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone, even as Christ forgave you. " We are commanded to forgive. Also, we don't want to lose friends, "Whoever covers an offence seeks love, but whoever repeats a matter separates friends." Proverbs 17:9 The reasons to forgive are many but forgiving others can still be a hurtful process. So, next time the arrow of insult pierces your heart, consider the source and separate the sin from the friend. This way we can --"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:32 Love you Church, Pastor Dear Church Family,
As all of you know, this has been a very hard and challenging week for our city. We want to start by saying thank you for being so concerned and generous over the past few days. I believe it to be true that character is revealed during hard times and, once again, our church family and our community have shown Godly character! We also want to encourage you to continue to look for ways to give, serve, and help those who are trying to pick up the pieces of a broken life. Let me encourage you with this thought; "God knows where we are in this moment. We must but learn to trust Him, in trusting, we eventually see that God is using our trials and difficulties to bring us to a place of surrender and to glorify our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!" The renewal of all things is the most beautiful, hopeful, and glorious promise ever made in any store, religion, or philosophy. In Christ it is real and it is ours! All praise to the One who will one day make all things new!! Love, David and Penny Dear Church Family,
During this Christmas season I want to take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas! There is a wonderful Scripture found in Isaiah 9:6 "For Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." While there is a lot to unpack in this scripture, I wanted to take a moment to focus on the fact that Jesus came as our Prince of Peace. If there is anything this world needs today, it is the realization that Jesus Christ came yo bring peace. The Bible tell us that there is a peace that passes all understanding in the Philippians 4:7 "...and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Truth is, this kind of peace is what each of us really need. People's lives are filled with much turmoil and tribulation. The peace that we can know as people of God does not necessarily mean the absence of conflict, but it does mean we have confidence even through the storms of life. May God richly bless you and Merry Christmas, From David, Penny, and out Staff Families. Warm Greetings!
My family and I would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest appreciation and thanks for the kindness you have shown to us during this past month, for showing your love and support to us. Your cards, notes, letters, meals, and gifts have been so kind and generous. We also want to say thank you to the Appreciation Committee, you put so much thought and effort into making the night so amazing! The service was so encouraging getting to hear Bro. Dale Haynes and the special music. Overall, it was such an encouraging time for us. Penny and I often express to each other our thanks to the Lord who has called us to be just a small part of what He is doing here at Center Point. It has been our great joy to serve here with you over the last 21 years. We are ever mindful of the honor of being called “Pastor”. We believe it is vitally important that we as God’s servants are always mindful of WHO has called us into this ministry, as well as remembering the reason He called us! Lives are being changed. Souls are being saved and the Kingdom of God is being advanced in this area, and we are thrilled and excited that you have chosen to partner with us as we continue to grow and reach out into the harvest field which is ripe. But to your credit, you have made our ministry more effective because of your love and sacrifice. We look forward to even greater things in the future as God enables us together to impact our community and world for the sake of the Gospel! Again, thank you! Blessings in Christ, David, Penny, and Elijah Dear Church Family,
As we move away for the "lazy, hot days of summer," and begin to focus on the fall season, I wanted to take just a moment to remind all of us the value there is in living lives of service for the Lord. Each of you are an important part of this church. I'd like to encourage you to stay involved or to get involved in an area of ministry! I'm reminded of the time Jesus knelt before 12 pair of feet and washed the as an example of what He was calling his disciples to do. John 13:14-17 "Now that I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." Please be in prayer about how you can get involved in a ministry soon! Blessings in Christ, Pastor |