Report to Charge Conference

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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