At The Core for March 7, 2010

“Bill’s Weekly Reflection”

  The Plan is a Good One

One of the most intriguing and unique things about the way Central operates is our Leadership Development Plan.  Several years ago, this congregation voted on and adopted the Leadership Development Plan as a guideline by which church leaders would be chosen and govern their terms of service.  At the time, the congregation was overseen by an ‘Operations Committee’ but had in earlier days experienced leadership by an eldership.  The church had a strong desire to return to the biblical  approach to church leadership but with some safe guards in place to ensure that the eldership did not turn into a dictatorship.  Both Peter and Paul knew and warned future followers about the tendency of power to corrupt even Christian leaders.  If you have never witnessed it, count your lucky stars, but in far too many congregations, longevity in leadership positions leads to a power grab.  While we say that all elders have the same authority, it eventually bears out that one or two of the elders are ruling the roost.  To question them is tantamount to blasphemy.  They won’t step down for the good of the flock and the flock won’t demand their resignation because nobody wants to stir up trouble.

Hence the wisdom of our plan.  The time has come when the first three of the shepherds appointed under the plan have served their two consecutive four year terms and now must step down for a year.  It is easy now to look back and question why we would follow through and require these men to step down.  They are good men, they are not power hungry, but are genuinely concerned about the welfare of this flock.  Bear in mind two things.  First of all, the plan provides a graceful way for men who have grown weary and need a break to step aside, whereas otherwise they might be guilted into ongoing service that could be detrimental to their physical, emotional, or spiritual well-being.  Secondly, it provides a graceful way for the congregation to dismiss men who have lost sight of their responsibility to the overall well-being and spiritual health of the flock.  Maybe they haven’t committed an egregious offense but just no longer fit in the role of Shepherd at Central. 

The plan is not perfect, but it is good.  If you haven’t read it yet, please go to www.central-churchofchrist.com and click on the Leadership Development plan link.

God Bless
BP 

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RECORD FOR FEBRUARY 28, 2010

Click here for our Calendar of Events

Shepherds’ Reconfirmation Vote  

            Immediately following the announcements this Sunday, March 7^th, we will vote to reconfirm Mitch Robertson and Steve Romine as Shepherds of the congregation here at Central.  If reconfirmed, they will continue to serve as Shepherds here at Central with Larry Adams, Garner Ezell, Jimmy Gilliam, and Matt Hammond.

Shepherds, Deacons, and Servant Leader Team Meeting  

            The Shepherds, Deacons, and Servant Leader Team will meet this Saturday, March 6^th, here at the building in Room #138.  Breakfast will be served at 8:00 a.m. and the meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m.  Contact the church office at 232-2014 if you are planning to be present for breakfast so that preparations can be made.

Wednesday Evening Meal  

            We are in need of volunteers to prepare the Wednesday Evening Meal scheduled for this Wednesday, March 10^th.  Please see Bill if you can help with this effort.

Relay for Life Team Fundraisers  

            The Ladies Relay for Life teams has many ongoing and current fundraisers.  You may purchase stars, luminaries, or torches in honor of or in memory of someone who is or has battled cancer, On Demand Bake Sale- several ladies have offered to make some baked goods for a small cost (see Eileen Usery for more info), Purple Change Cups were handed out for everyone to put in their cup holder in their car (Relay buckets are at the building to dump your change in), Car Wash with help from the teens - Saturday, March 27^th, Yard Sale - Saturday, April 10^th, at the Perkins’ home (items are needed for this, you can bring your pre-priced items to the Perkins’ home beginning Monday, March 1^st), Chicken Stew - March or April (more details soon), You can purchase a beautiful Central Ladies T-shirt for $16.00.  

            The ladies are also collecting used electronic items that you don’t want anymore such as cell phones, telephones, digital cameras.  See Elayne Perkins for more information.

“Ladies’ Day Out!”  

            All ladies are invited to “Lunch and a Movie” this Saturday, March 6^th.  Those who want to carpool will leave from the building at 10:30 a.m.  Anyone else is welcome to meet at Red Robin located in Bridge Street at 11:00 a.m.  A movie at Monaco Pictures will follow lunch.  Please sign the list located on the Ladies’ bulletin board if you plan on attending!

Money Tree Baby Shower  

            There will be a “Money Tree Baby Shower” for Shane and Lee Ann (Newby) Toone on Sunday, March 28^th, 1:00-3:00, here at the building in Room #138.  Shane and Lee Ann are the son and daughter-in-law of Linda Toone who attends the congregation here at Central.  They are expecting their first child and Linda’s first grandchild on March 8^th.  Money may be given to Sheena Stewart or Mary Bailey.

Spring Adult Classes  

Sunday Morning Classes  

• Studies in Romans - Room #133 - Garner Ezell  

• What Christian Living Is All About:  Studies in James - Room #136 - Andy Finchum  

• Radical Answers from the Minor Prophets Room #138 - Morris Schrimsher/Scott McFall  

• How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth – Room #215 – Bill Perkins  

• Radical Answers from the Minor Prophets - Room #217 - Perry Scott  

Wednesday Night Classes  

• Praise Class - Auditorium - Morris Schrimsher and David Ezell

• Men’s Ministry Class - Room #133  

• Ladies’ Ministry Class - Room #136  

• A Concise History of the Churches of Christ - Room #138 - Bill Perkins

Easter Egg Hunt  

            Our annual Easter Egg Hunt for children ages 6^th grade and under will be held at the home of Brett and Amanda Speegle on Saturday, March 20^th, 10:00-12:00.  The sign-up sheet is located on the bulletin board.  If you have any questions, contact Becky McFall.

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