As Jesus was preparing his disciples for his departure he shared with them some of what was about to happen to him. It must have been difficult for them to comprehend it. The Gospels tell us he shared this with them three different times. They still couldn’t believe what was happening when it did happen. Maybe it was just incomprehensible. Maybe it was too difficult for them. For whatever reason they seemed totally off guard when he was arrested and crucified and totally surprised when he rose up from the dead.

It is difficult for us often to comprehend God’s plan or to see the bigger picture. Sometimes it is because it seems too painful. Maybe it is too hard to see how something bigger could be at work. It takes great faith and trust in God’s power and love to look beyond our present circumstances and see with eyes of faith what we cannot see with our physical eyes.

This Sunday we will celebrate Angie & Brett Queen’s ministry and life together with us at Central for many years. The whole family has been involved in just about everything over the years. God has blessed our church in many ways through their love and service here. Join us in the Family Life Center for a drop-in reception between 9:45 and 10:45.

This Sunday we will also celebrate five young men and women who will be making public professions of their faith and officially joining the church. Our confirmands this year are Ian Billips, Benjamin Clauser, Jonathan Jarrett, Samantha Kauffman and Molly Wells. This will take place at the 11:00 service.

Don’t forget the Relay for Life celebration on Saturday. This year it will be downtown and at Bicentennial Park. The celebration takes place from 4:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. Thanks to Renee Voncannon and Ruby Hunter for co-chairing the fundraising effort at Central. Thanks to everyone for very generous support.

God’s plan is always the best plan. God’s plan involves his church and all of us. Continue to pray for the unfolding of God’s plan and that God would show us how we fit into his plan.

~ Pastor Mark