CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
REPORT TO THE CHARGE
CONFERENCE
December 9, 2012
By Reverend Mark M. Nakagawa
As
we come to the end of this year, I look back and marvel at the transformations
that are taking place in and among the congregation.
While
we face the stark reality of seeing longtime, established members riding off
into the eternal sunset, we are excited to greet the new persons who are
entering through our doors and giving new life to the congregation.
Our
program and outreach ministries are described in the detailed reports contained
herein, and they speak to the individual and congregational transformations
that I am privileged to witness through the lens of the Pastor. These
transformations aren’t just of human making; they are witness to the Holy
Spirit moving throughout the people who gather here for worship and ministry
throughout the year.
While
our ministry is strong and vibrant, it is not without its challenges. The
generational transitions taking place also bring different attitudes and expectations.
A corollary to this is competing demands for existing resources and a healthy,
objective questioning of long-held assumptions and values.
At
the same time, I believe that challenges always present new opportunities, and
there is no hurdle too high for God’s faithful! Our faith tells us of a God who
liberates slaves, makes the hungry full, gives direction to lives that are lost
and new life to those who once were dead! This faith is alive and well here at
Centenary, and it gives me hope at time when so many congregations are simply
satisfied to settle for what happened in their past, and not visioning what
they can become in the present and the future.
It
is a privilege to be in ministry at Centenary United Methodist Church. I thank
God for this privilege, and to the people here for allowing me to be a part of
this exciting ministry!
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