16
C entral A publication of the Sacramento Central Seventh-day Adventist Church November/December 2014 onnection onnection God’s Leading at Sacramento Church in 2014 God is in control! Pastor Doug Batchelor served as se- nior pastor of the Sacramento Central church for over twenty years prior to leaving this po- sition. Our church members watched his children grow, ex- perienced his ministry devel- op, and some even became baptized members as a result of viewing Pastor Batchelor preach on television. As we learned of the plan for Pastor Batchelor to transition to the Granite Bay church plant, our church members were under- standably concerned regard- ing the various changes that would take place at Sacramen- to Central. However, we have seen that God was not only preparing Sacramento Central for a transition in pastoral lead- ership. He has been and still is preparing us for even greater ministry in the future. As church members gave the church board suggestions for potential pastoral can- didates, concerns were ex- pressed such as: “Who will be able to replace Pastor Doug? By Tyra Taylor/TCC staff Managind Editor In this issue: Meet the new Youth Pastor. Page 13 Join the Year Round Choir Page 5 The Continued on page 12 Pages 8-9 Highlights and Events of 2014 JAN-DEC 2014 IN REVIEW

Connection December 2014

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

The year in review at Sacramento Central church

Citation preview

Page 1: Connection December 2014

C entral

A publication of the Sacramento Central Seventh-day Adventist Church

November/December 2014

onnectiononnection

God’s Leading at Sacramento Church in 2014

God is in control! Pastor Doug Batchelor served as se-nior pastor of the Sacramento Central church for over twenty years prior to leaving this po-sition. Our church members watched his children grow, ex-perienced his ministry devel-op, and some even became baptized members as a result of viewing Pastor Batchelor preach on television. As we learned of the plan for Pastor Batchelor to transition to the Granite Bay church plant, our

church members were under-standably concerned regard-ing the various changes that would take place at Sacramen-to Central. However, we have seen that God was not only preparing Sacramento Central for a transition in pastoral lead-ership. He has been and still is preparing us for even greater ministry in the future.

As church members gave the church board suggestions for potential pastoral can-didates, concerns were ex-pressed such as: “Who will be able to replace Pastor Doug?

By Tyra Taylor/TCC staffManagind Editor

In this issue:

Meet the new Youth Pastor.

Page 13

Join the Year Round ChoirPage 5

Th

e

Continued on page 12

Pages 8-9

Highlights and Events of 2014

JAN-DEC

2014IN REVIEW

Page 2: Connection December 2014

2December 2014 C

Contents

4 Food Closet

5 Church Choir

6 Pathfinders

8- 9 A Year in Review

10 Change

11 Family Retreat

13 Interview

The Central Connection is a publication of the Sacramento Seventh-day Adventist Church

6045 Camellia Avenue Sacramento, 95819www.saccentral.org

Sacramento Central Church

Senior PastorChris Buttery

Associate PastorMike Thompson

Youth/Young Adult Pastor

Michael ButlerHead ElderRay Rengifo

Church SecretaryMelissa Martin

Church Clerk Diana Mitchell

Bible InstructorJe Ann Davis

The Central Connection

Editor-in-ChiefAline Henda

Managing EditorTyra Taylor

Layout and DesignMark Koo

PhotograpersAline Henda

Marilee WalkerCopy Editors

Ruthie FlynnChrystal White

Contributors for this issue

Aline HendaKaya Maldonado

Pastor ChrisPastor WhiteRosie Beavers

Tyra Taylor

E-mail: [email protected]

C entral

TH

E

onnectiononnection

Editorial

contributors

KAYA MALDONADO

All material in this publication is copyrighted. Use by written permission only.

TYRA TAYLOR

ROSIE BEAVERS

Page 8

Page 9

Page 7

Page 4

Page 3: Connection December 2014

3 December 2014 C

It was Mallory’s third and last attempt. Although unsure if he had the strength to do it or if the weather would cooperate, he was determined to try it one more time. On June 8 colleague Noel Odell saw both climbers briefly – two tiny little black spots in the snow. Then they disappeared forever. They were about 800 feet below the summit.

To this day, if they reached the summit before dying remains a mystery that vast research and several expeditions looking for clues haven’t solved. With no proof, the credit for first climbing the highest mountain in the world goes to Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay 29 years later, in 1953.

This story made a big impression on me when I first read it years ago. And what I really liked about it is that, although there is no

proof that they reached the summit, they were last seen “going strong for the top.” It reminds me of Paul’s words when he says “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14).

Sometimes life gives us challenging surprises, difficult changes and trials which can discourage us. Or it just takes us out of our comfort zone, requiring that we adjust to something new, and we are faced with uncertainties. But the past belongs to history and the Bible tells us to forget what is behind us. Our focus now needs to be on the future and on the purpose God has for our lives. And that is truly inspiring – especially knowing about the prize in the end!

P R E S S O N !

Aline HendaEditor-in-Chief

This year Sacramento Central church was faced with a lot of important changes. And in this issue of the Central Connection (yes, we are back!) we have some good memories for you. Milestones that marked Sacramento Central, like the choice of our new senior pastor (front page ) or the success of this year’s Vacation Bible School (page 7). You can also get to know more about our new youth pastor on page 13. After all the transition we have experienced, now we can really look “From this day forward,” as Pastor Chris expresses in his article on page 15.

Yes, 2014 was an eventful year. Let’s be grateful of all God’s blessings and now go ahead, “strong for the top”, to the goal God gives to each one of us. Let’s forget any weariness, let’s face any challenge, let’s press on!

I’ll see you in 2015!

In 1924, British climbers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine were ready to challenge the mountain still

unconquered by men – Everest.

Editorial

[email protected]

Page 4: Connection December 2014

4December 2014 C

Greetings From The White House

I was asked to give a brief account of life after retirement,

since 2014 was the year I officially retired from denominational employment. As you may recall, the main reason for my retirement was due to my wife having a health problem with her lungs. What we read and learned from the doctors at the beginning was not encouraging. But we are pleased to let you know that at her last appointment with her doctor, he told her that

she had definitely not gotten worse. She has had a wonderful summer and we have enjoyed each other’s company immensely.

We did get to see all our children this summer and our one granddaughter, so that was a special highlight for us. Also you may recall that I had started my own non-profit ministry to raise funds for helping support people as Bible Workers. God has helped us get off the ground and running with this ministry.

“We still call Central our home”By Pastor Harold White

We have three people employed part time and hope to add another one this month. Already baptisms have resulted, which of course is the entire purpose for this ministry. Praise the Lord!

We still call Central our home and are overwhelmed with the friendliness of everyone as we are able to worship there. We have visited other churches, but Central stands the highest on our list, thanks to all the wonderful members. Thank you for your prayers and love.

Food Closet Re-opens

There are people in the world around us

who struggle with daily provisions; Central, in another effort to reach out to the community, has re-opened its food closet as of August 20. There have been periods of time when the food closet has been opened and closed, but the most recent occurrence came after Buddy Harper took on the role of manager of the church’s thrift store. There was much to be done to get the store on its feet and ready to open, so

the food closet was shut down so he could focus his efforts there.

The food closet was closed for about six to eight months before the leadership was taken over by Andre Hope, who has re-opened it with the help of a group of volunteers. Andre and the volunteers have worked to rearrange the food closet, organize the registration, and determine new ways of acquiring additional items.

The food closet is open every second and fourth Wednesday in the Youth Chapel. Volunteers

help bring in supplies on Mondays to ensure the stock will be available for the week. Although there are only seven volunteers, the dedicated team has helped immensely and the food closet has been running smoothly ever since it reopened. The food closet serves about 20 people every distribution day and issues approximately 75 to 100 bags of food to those in need.

By Kaya Maldonado Staff Writter

Page 5: Connection December 2014

5 December 2014 C

Over the last few years our choir rehearsals were

limited to those needed for the Christmas program. We thoroughly enjoyed Handerson Pontel’s enthusiastic direction and Debbie Kippel’s fantastic production of the annual Christmas program; however, Debbie Kippel has now transferred to the Granite Bay church, and we have a new choir director, Walter Aldrich. This young man comes to us with a wealth of music and voice education and is polishing our choir to enhance our worship services with songs of praise.Auditions began in September, with rehearsals starting on September 13 and continuing every

other Sabbath afternoon at 2 p.m. Our choir will be singing for the worship service every six weeks and will continue year-round with only a break during the summer months! Choir member turnout has been enthusiastic, and there are approximately 40 to 50 people present at rehearsals.

If you enjoy singing, we are looking for more committed singers and it is not too late to join us!

Please contact Walter Aldrich with any questions via email at: [email protected].

YEAR-ROUND CHOIR STARTS AT SACRAMENTO CENTRAL

Photo by Marilee Walker

Photo: Aline Henda

By Rosie BeaversStaff Writer

Walter Aldrich

Page 6: Connection December 2014

6December 2014 C

At the Pathfinder Induction Ceremony in

June 2014 there were nine youths involved in the group. Since then, the club has grown substantially to thirty-two members, making the upcoming 2015 ceremony a much larger function.

The club, comprised of children grades five through ten (and beyond if they choose to become a Leader In Training), provides a variety of activities for the children to participate in ranging from life skills, such as cooking for the others while on a camping trip, to honors that help them learn more about specific topics.

For 15 year-old Lillian Thai, now in her second year with the club, the trip

to Mendocino on October 2 to 5 for the Northern California Conference (NCC) was quite notable due to the new adventures it offered. The Pathfinders were able to fellowship with other groups from around Northern California while spending time in nature.

“In Pathfinders we’re like family,” says Thai. “We had morning and evening worship together and got to connect with each other. This was my first time going on this trip with other Pathfinder groups, but it was a great experience and I loved every moment.”

This trip had much in store for Pathfinders, old and new. The group took the opportunity to perform community service and clean debris from Lake

Mendocino, which proved beneficial to all as they learned the importance of keeping the world clean.

“To me Pathfinder camping is all about connection. Connections with people, and building relationships with them that can last for eternity,” says club director, Stacey Jaaskela.

Pathfinders, true to their name, is a group that helps youth find the path that God has created for them and assist others onto that path as well.

“God has blessed this club with so many good, caring, and thoughtful youth who I know are going to make an impact on this life and win souls for the kingdom,” stated Ms. Jaaskela.

By Kaya Maldonado Staff Writter

Photo: Aline Henda

Pathfinders’Membership Increases After Trip to NCC

Page 7: Connection December 2014

7 December 2014 C

Vacation Bible School

The little kids, from 0 to 4, were seated in a semi-

circle, all dressed in purple T-shirts and ready to start their first day of Vacation Bible School at SacCentral SDA Church.

“How are my favorite people?” asked Beatrice Dube, her first time teaching a VBS class. This year’s theme was “The Creator is my Friend,” and during the 6 days of the program, from June 23-28, the kids learned about creation in a variety of different activities, crafts, and other projects.

According to Shirley Hope, children’s division Sabbath school superintendent and VBS leader, this year’s attendance was an average of 70 kids from 0-12 years old. They

were grouped into four different classes – each class with their own T-shirt colors. We had about 50 staff members helping as teachers and counselors, as well as people helping with set-ups and in the kitchen.

Each day the opening program began with songs. Then the kids headed to the cafeteria for snacks.From there they were divided by groups into their classes, which rotated through games, crafts, physical activities and Bible lessons. For closing time they all returned to the chapel where they would review what they had learned and sing a few more songs together. Then they enjoyed the last treat of the day – a science experiment demonstration with Cathy Salyer that illustrated a spiritual

lesson.On Sabbath morning

the kids sang two songs they had learned during VBS for the Children’s Story time in the sanctuary.

“That’s the thing I liked most this year,” shared Hope. “I loved to hear the children singing.”

Vacation Bible School has a special place in Hope’s heart because that’s how her family came into the SDA church. After attending VBS when she was a kid, the local church continued with a branch Sabbath School and eventually all her family members were baptized. That’s one thing she envisions SacCentral doing.

“When I plan a Vacation Bible School I’m really careful,” Hope says. “The church, home and school should work together [for children’s education]. We talk about working with the youth, but by the time they are youth it can be too late. We need to reach them while they are developing, while they’re still children.”

By Aline HendaEditor-in-Chief

Photo: Aline Henda

Children’s Choir Highlights The End of Summer VBSPathfinders’Membership Increases After Trip to NCC

Page 8: Connection December 2014

8December 2014 C

Year in ReviewHighlights and events of

Good-byesA farewell program for

Pastors Harold White and Doug Batchelor took place

at Sacramento Central. Pastor White retired and Pastor Doug departed to be the senior pastor for

Granite Bay.

JANUARY

Spring ConcertSolos, duets, quartet, voices and instruments; a medley of the church’s musical talent came together for Sacramento Central’s Spring Concert.

APRIL

MAYWeekly church newslettersChurch members began to receive “Central Happenings”; a weekly e-newsletter that includes Pastor Chris’ blog, information on upcoming events at Central, and news and resources of the Seventh-day Adventist church locally and globally.

JUNE

Ministries Represented at Ministry FairThe annual Ministry Fair and church-wide potluck had 22 ministries represented this year. Many Central members signed up to participate in the various vibrant church ministries. Health Ministries received a

JULY VBSWhat happened during this year’s Vacation Bible School? (See full story on page 13)

special prize for being the most friendly and attractive ministry booth at this year’s fair.

Page 9: Connection December 2014

9 December 2014 C

CentralT

HE

onnectiononnectionYear in Review

AUGUST

End of an EraPastor Doug Batchelor received an acknowledgment plaque during his last Central Study Hour broadcast recording in Sacramento Central Church on August 30. Pastor Batchelor was the church’s senior pastor for 20 years.

Church PicnicThere was lots of food, games, and socializing during the church’s annual picnic held the third Sunday of the month in Howe Community Park. Church family members and visitors turned out for the event.

SEPTEMBER

Omega Emerging Symposium Comes to CentralOn October 17 and 18 Sacramento Central hosted “Omega Emerging Symposium” The event was formed to educate the church on the dangers of the emergent theology that has been gaining momentum in Evangelical circles. A packed church attended the seminar,

OCTOBER

NOVEMBERMedia Ministry Fundraising Reaches Goal in Record TimeOn November 15, Sacramento Central celebrated the

success of the campaign for the Media Ministry. Because of church members’ commitment and sacrifice, the $75,000

goal toward the purchase of the new media equipment was surpassed, raising over $77,000. According to Pastor

DECEMBERThe Central Connection makes its return

After months of inactivity, the church’s magazine re-launched, with its purpose to inform and connect Sacramento Central’s church family. For those who enjoy writing and photography, it’s a great opportunity to get involved in one of the church’s

ministries. The Central Connection will release a new issue every two months.

Chris, it was the fastest fundraiser Sacramento Central Church in recent history. The media ministry provides

Bible-centered TV programming produced by Central and broadcasted on 3ABN Proclaim, Sacramento Faith

TV and Central’s YouTube channel.

which offered eight speakers; among them Steve Wohlberg and Allen Davis. A town hall panel answered questions from the audience that afternoon.

Page 10: Connection December 2014

10December 2014 C

Around the corner from our house Jen

and I recently noticed something we rarely see in sunny California since moving here from the east coast – fall tree colors! The richest colors at this time of year are seen in trees on the east coast such as the Sugar Maple, Bald Cypress, and Serviceberry. Here in Sacramento our local trees including Liquid Amber, Trident Maple, and /birch, are vibrant colors of red, orange, and yellow as well. Changing tree colors signal to us that summer has ended and fall is finally here. They remind us that change has come.

This year we have seen some big changes at Sacramento Central. For twenty-years we have enjoyed the dynamic leadership of Pastor Doug Batchelor and ministry partnership with Amazing

Change

Facts. Together, we have helped thousands of people learn about the everlasting gospel and grow in their walk with Christ. We have had an amazing time working and ministering together.

Because of our joint venture with Amazing Facts, the Granite Bay Church project was born – a vision to plant a church where there has been no Seventh-day Adventist church presence. With a history of raising up new churches around the Sacramento area, Sacramento Central members embraced the new project with vigor. Soon the small group became a church company, and was recently organized as a church.

Due to the ever-expanding enterprises of Amazing Facts and the increasing responsibility that being the senior pastor of two large, thriving

churches inevitably brings, Pastor Doug made the difficult decision early this year to entrust Sacramento Central church leadership to another pastor. He can now dedicate his efforts to the Granite Bay Church project, as well as leading the ministry of Amazing Facts.

Right now the Granite Bay church is getting ready to move into a facility owned by Amazing Facts. With this transition they will be able to grow and develop, and advance the kingdom of God in more meaningful ways. Our prayers continue with them as we anticipate great things being done for the cause of God in their part of the mission field.

While we at Sacramento Central say farewell to one season of ministry, we look forward to the opportunities a new season will bring. Won’t you join us?

FAMILY LIFE RETREAT

By Pastor Chris Buttery

Photo: Aline Henda

Page 11: Connection December 2014

11 December 2014 C

Retreat Focus on Strengthening The Family Relationships

FAMILY LIFE RETREAT

Family Life Ministry hosted its first retreat at Leoni

Meadows during the weekend of April 11-13, 2014. The theme for the weekend, “Restoring God’s Image in Us,” was aimed at equipping individual members of the family unit, such as husbands, wives, or young people with the necessary tools for strengthening their personal relationship with God, and thus strengthen their relationships within the family unit. Our keynote speaker for the weekend was Pastor Arthur Branner but special guest speakers

included Sister Esmie Branner, Elder Adam Patel, Tariq Patel and Elder Timothy Lawson. Seminar topics included: Spiritualism, Overcoming Drug Addiction, Christian Principles for Financial Freedom and Principles of Christian Parenting. “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”

Proverbs 27:17 NKJV The retreat was a

blessed experience that allowed each attendee to have their “iron sharpened.” The Lord used the retreat to fortify and prepare us for what was to come.

We hope each of you can join us for the next retreat scheduled for April 10-12, 2015.

Photo: Aline Henda

Photo: Danny Wongworawat

By Tyra TaylorManaging Editor

Page 12: Connection December 2014

12December 2014 C

Continued from page 1GOD’S LEADING

Whoever takes his place has big shoes to fill.” “We need someone who can preach with power and who has a great televi-sion presence.” Pastor Doug is a beloved pastor and a powerful preacher. However, Christ has promised that if He is lifted up, He will draw all men unto Himself. We realized that we all needed to be praying for God to provide a pastor who would preach “thus saith the Lord,” uphold the pillars of our faith, including the messages in the Spirit of Prophecy, and above all, lift up Christ and allow Him to draw all men unto Himself.

W h e n Pastor Chris Buttery came to Sacramen-to Central, he served as the Family Life pastor. Under normal circumstances, all pastoral staff participate in church board meetings. Once Pastor Chris was iden-tified as a potential candi-date for our senior pastor, he did not attend any church board meetings. Thus he did not participate in any discus-sions regarding the choice of our new senior pastor. This process took months, with our conference leader-ship ultimately responsible for approving placement of pastors at a church. During

this time I never heard Pas-tor Chris complain about the lengthy process. His wife Jennifer and his children al-ways had a joyful smile on their faces.

Although the pastoral se-lection process was difficult for all of us, it does not com-pare with the turbulent times ahead of us. But whatever trials we must endure, and no matter what the enemy does in an attempt to break our faith in God, we must all remember that God will

never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) Even when times get tough and terrible, we who have “this hope that burns within our hearts” can still rejoice.

In June Pastor Chris Buttery was officially voted as the senior pastor of the Sacramento Central church. Almost immediately, import-ant decisions needed to be made. Should we as a church continue with a televi-sion ministry? If so, could we afford to purchase our own camera equipment? The cameras we had been using

belonged to Amazing Facts. Since Pastor Doug is director of Amazing Facts, when he transferred from Sacramento Central, this equipment went with him. A church business meeting was scheduled to determine if we wanted to continue a television minis-try. Those who attended this meeting voted to continue this ministry, and to invest in the equipment needed to continue our media ministry. In the months that have fol-lowed, we have purchased

new cameras, suc-cessfully launched a new church website, and pro-vided the option for individuals to watch our services via live stream.

Now it’s been almost a year since this journey of faith began. In Isaiah 55:9 God

reminds us: “For as the heav-ens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Al-though we deeply appreci-ate the legacy left by Pas-tor Batchelor and Amazing Facts, we know that God’s plans are greater than our plans. In moments when the enemy tries to plant seeds of doubt in our minds, we must always remember that God has been and will continue to be in control of His plan of salvation.

Page 13: Connection December 2014

13 December 2014 C

Tell me a little bit about the path that led to what you’re doing right now. What drew you to the ministry?

It was really led by God, because I was actually fighting the calling to be in ministry. For 2 or 3 years after being baptized I was doing Bible study with friends and I felt the call to do more but I didn’t want to do full-time ministry. So after losing my job God was telling me “I want you to do full time ministry” and I said “Fine. If you want, you have to make it happen. I can’t pay for school because I just lost my job!” A doctor in my church came up to me and said “I was really convicted to pray for you and to help you. I’m willing to pay for

your school.” I had just prayed for [that]! I knew it was the Lord because I didn’t tell anybody. Now I was sure He wanted me to get into ministry, not because I was willing at first but because, I think, to save me. I think if I hadn’t been in ministry I would be in a different place altogether. So I’m thankful for the ministry, partly for my own salvation.

You are just starting in your first church. What do you think is your biggest challenge right now?

I would say it’s really to let God do it because I think it’s in our nature to do things on our own, to try to do it all. You know, I’m the youth pastor and I’ll set up this program and do this…. I think the biggest challenge is to submit this job to Christ so that He can work through

me. If I submit, everything else will go a lot smoother because Christ can really work with somebody that’s willing to give everything they have. It’s really hard to work with someone that thinks they know everything, that they can do it all. I don’t want to be like that.

What are some of the ideas you have planned with the youth? Is there something coming up?

I’m planning social events – the gym once a month [is one of them]. I would like to do things with the young adults, to give them the opportunity to experience what they are learning in a practical sense. I would love to goon mission trips with them, build a church or a well, bring medical supplies…

Michael Butler, 34, is the new youth and adult pastor at Sacramento Central church. Here he talks about his passion and his approach to ministry.

InterviewQ&A with Youth/Young Adult Pastor Michael Butler

Photo: Aline Henda

By Aline HendaEditor-in-Chief

Continued on next page

Page 14: Connection December 2014

14December 2014 C

What is the best thing about being a youth pastor?

Oh, there’re a lot of good things! I get to do a lot of fun things with them! I like just to hang out, socializing, talking, that’s fun for me, you know. I get to know people, I make friends. That’s what I feel a youth pastor is – just like an older brother they can count on. I want them to feel confortable coming to me. I get to play games with them; I would love to teach a painting class. We could play basketball, soccer, baseball… all of this really in a context of relating to them, spending time with them, getting to know them.

Christ’s method is the way that we can reach men and that’s what He did, He met their needs. And when all their needs were met He said, “Now follow Me.” So I look at that as a model for ministry.

How can the congregation support the youth ministry?

They can support in a lot of ways! An obvious way is financially, providing some funds so we can do some things, like a mission trip or things like that. That may bring the kids in, but what will keep them in is their assistance in being an

example to the kids and being a part of their lives, not just me.

Even though I’m paid as a pastor to provide for the kids, the whole church is responsible for [them]. They can provide money and that can help, but more important than money is their time, their effort, and their love for these kids.

What do you think is the biggest challenge for the youth/young adults?

Dealing with the different worlds that they live in. Because the church is a world, maybe at home is way different and then they go to school and it’s another environment. If they go to public school they see all kinds of stuff. So that’s a big challenge for them, I think.

What would you like to say to the youth right now?

The first thing I would say is that I’m here for them. I’m investing my life into this ministry because I care about them. I want them to see Jesus for who He really is. With all the challenges of life, He is the one that can help you.

For the girls, He is the boyfriend that you need during this time. And for guys, He is the Guy that will show you how to really

be a man, because the way He treats his church is so forgiving, so kind, so generous. He doesn’t call His church too late at night. He loves His church, He opens doors, He is a gentleman. He is the One that the boys and the young men need to look at as the example to be a man and to be like in general, because we all are trying to be like Christ.

But for the women also, He is what you need to look for in a man – a man that is like him. And not focusing only on boys and girls or relationships, I’m just saying that He is the One that can help you with anything.

In one word, how would you describe yourself?

I would say probably

“relational” because I like to

build relationships. That’s part

of what I’m doing right now.

I didn’t ask you about your fiancé (Kristine Gemora). Any plans for the wedding?

We are getting married

soon, next year, it’s coming up!

Continued from page 13

Pastor Michael Butler

Page 15: Connection December 2014

15 December 2014 C

There’s no question that it’s been an eventful and busy year. We have had

to cope with transition, adjust to new leadership, and begin rediscovering our identity. We have welcomed new members and said farewell to longtime friends. We have even launched our own media ministry whose programs are already being viewed by thousands locally and all around the world. We can look back and say without a doubt that God has been with us. He has helped us and He has blessed us.

While reflecting on the past can be beneficial, we stand on the threshold of a new year with new opportunities that await us. Christ’s disciples also experienced a lot of change. Their hopes had been dashed when their Lord willingly went to the cross. But then Christ rose from the dead and laid out for them His plan to reach their world for Him – a min-istry they had not previously understood. Then Jesus left them, after encouraging them that they would receive the promise of the Father to them to aid them in their newly appointed work. Talk about adjusting to change!

They were still wrapping their minds around all of it even as Jesus was being taken up into heaven. So the angels standing nearby asked them, “Why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11) In their moment of wondering the angels gave the disciples a promise regarding the return of Christ. And just as they had a work to do before their beloved Saviour would come again, so do we at Sacramento Central.

As we get ready to launch into a new year my hopes and dreams for Sacramento Central church are bright and optimistic. These are several reasons why.

1. We have a loving and dedicated church member-ship who are generous in sharing their time, talents, and treasures to further God’s work.

2. Our ministry leaders are enthusiastic about blessing our church and surrounding community.

3. Our elders, deacons, and deaconesses are poised to serve and nurture our congregation.

4. Our gifted staff is ready to give you their best so Sacramento Central can accomplish its God-given mission.

5. Your pastoral team is eager to continue lifting up Christ from the pulpit and our lives, proclaiming the everlasting gospel to the great city of Sacramento and beyond, and providing opportunities for our mem-bership to discover and grow their spiritual gifts in ministry.

6. Above all, we are promised the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to help us reach our world for God.

With these things in mind, I can’t wait to see what great things God is going to do!

President John F. Kennedy once said, “Change is the law of life. And those who only look to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” Sacramento Central church has a promising future. As we remain faithful to God’s word and focus on being about our Father’s business of winning souls to His kingdom, God will mightily bless our ministry for Him. It is a joy to know that you will be joining us as we continue this journey of faith together.

From This Day Forward

Pastor Chris Buttery

Pastor’s Corner

Page 16: Connection December 2014

MAKE CONNECT IONS!

Would you like to be part of our team? Contribute with a news story or photography? The Central Connection welcomes you! Get in contact

with us: [email protected]

WRIT E FOR US!

Need a gift idea? Give a gift of music! “Seekers

of Your Heart” CD is now on sale. CD’s are limited, so hurry while

they last!

E-mail: [email protected]

Jennifer Buttery