Over $1500 Raised for Missions at this Year's Church Picnic

Last Sunday, we had a great time at our annual church picnic.  We had great food, wonderful fellowship, and a successful dessert auction where we raised over $1,500 for medical missions.

Resources for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

No More (Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Resources)
nomore.org
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) 

800-656-HOPE (4673)

rainn.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Deborah Alexander Photography Exhibit at EKU

Photography from the career of our own Deborah Alexander will be on exhibit at EKU's Fred Parker Giles Gallery throughout October. The exhibit, titled “Surviving War, Building Peace: The Grace of Places,” comprises photos from her journey working with Mother Teresa through her work with the State Department in Bosnia, Afghanistan and beyond.

Reimagining Earth as a Beloved Community -by Aaron

Last week I was in Dayton for the Alliance of Baptists Gathering. And I must say, as an Alliance congregation, I think we're in good company.  From challenging speakers and thoughtful presenters to gracious and welcoming hosts, the Alliance continues to surprise me with it's ever-widening welcome and it's dedication to issues of justice for all people.

Prayers of the People 2-25-18 -by Crystal

Rev. Crystal Shepherd shared this prayer this past Sunday with the congregation.  Please join us as we pray for people both near and far.  

Prayer of Hope and Healing -by Crystal

This prayer, written by Rev. Crystal Shepherd and offered during our Service of Hope & Healing, invites us to remember the suffering in the world around us while remembering that God is always near, bringing hope and light.

Recommended Reading from the Minister's Class

The following is a list of books recommended by folks from Central Baptist Church as formative and meaningful in their Christian journey.  Please speak with the appropriate person if you would like more information about any of the following books.

Questioning White Heritage

As a predominately white descendent of 19th Century Irish and English immigrants to the United States, I am confused by the term “white heritage.”  My mother tells me of an Native American grandmother somewhere down branch on the family tree.  It wouldn't surprise me to find a smattering of other ethnicities in the bloodline, those with stories too shameful to get past the filter of our acceptable family narratives.

2017 Lenten Theme: Unlearn Fear + Hate

This year, we will focus our Lenten journey on the process of “unlearning.”  Unlearning starts with the recognition that we have, over time, developed very specific biases in the course of our lives.  These perspectives have served us well, but they are not universal.  Everyone has their own set of discriminations. The Christian practice of Lent is a purposed and discipline plan of letting go, of changing our patterns, of seeking to approach our life from a fresh angle. It may require a different pattern of behavior or response.  It may seek to undo old and more familiar ways before new connections and pathways can be made.

I Pledge

In response to many in our congregation who were seeking a "word" at the end of a long and tumultuous election season, our church staff planned a service of hope, songs and prayers on Wednesday evening, November 9th.   The following is a pledge I presented at this service.