“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.”
Midweek greetings, Centennial Family. I wanted to put a spotlight on Family Gathering Time (FGT) and our youth group (CARPY) leading it this month. As I think about the weekly flow of our church, there are three all-inclusive moments of fellowship: 1) Sunday morning worship, 2) Wednesday night meal and prayer, and 3) Family Gathering Time. Isn’t that an interesting list? We have so many other ministries in which people take part like Sunday Schools, weekly Bible studies, soup kitchen service, committee service, music ministries, and so on. But these are not all-inclusive. Like all the ministries of our church, if you are interested in serving in the capacity presented, you are welcome, but those ministries are not meant for the whole church every week. There are only three of those at Centennial—the ones listed above.
Before I was called as the minister of Centennial, I had the privilege to come and fill the pulpit on two occasions. On both of those occasions, I attended Family Gathering Time beforehand, and it was wonderful! I was able to meet people and learn about them in a low stress environment, and it had a lasting effect. Even in two visits, I felt like I was able to pick out a good many people that I knew when I came through the doors as minister of the church. Even now, I look forward to sitting down with a cup of hot cider from David Wylie’s metal cooler, checking in on everybody’s week, and taking a deep and calming breath within the fellowship of the saints at Centennial.
This month, CARPY has been leading FGT, and it has been really cool. They are leading us in some wonderful songs and owning their place in the church. A huge emphasis of our denomination’s belief system is the young ones’ place in the church due to the covenant. Put in simpler terms, we strongly affirm that CARPY is a part of this church! For our youth ministry and Family Gathering Time to combine as it is this month is quite beautiful. I absolutely love it, and I personally invite each of you to come at 9:30 for sweet fellowship before the 10:00 Sunday School hour. Take advantage of the all-inclusive ministries of our church. I promise, it is worth it! Blessings to each of you,
Jeremiah