l i f e at C e n t r a l C h r i s t i a n

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cc: journal

Central Christian 2900 North Rock Road, Wichita Kansas 67226-1198316.688.4400 | mail@ccc.org | www.ccc.org

Saturday evenings | 5:33Sunday mornings | 8:45 n 10:00 n 11:30

contact us

Care Ministries 683.4083 Aaron Scharenberg LCPC, Care/Counseling Pastor We desire to help create caring connections within the church and help others walk through challenging life events.

Central Christian Academies 688.1161 Central Christian Academy : Grades K-8 : David Funk Headmaster

Central Christian Academy Preschool : 2-5 Yrs : Judy Buckert Director

Joyful Noise Academy Daycare : 18 mos & walking : Pam Harrod Director

Central Christian Counseling Center 683.4083 Tallgrass Executive Suites, 8100 E. 22nd St. N., Bldg. 800, Ste. 100 Aaron Scharenberg LCPC, Care/Counseling Pastor

Central Christian Printing 688.4400 David Mann | Debra Roark Smith | Paul Huff | Heidi Johnson

Central Homeschool Family Ministries e: chfm@ccc.org Karen Ryan Executive Director | Susan Warner H.S. Director

Kris Sayler Elem. Director

Legacy Ministries Financial Resource Planning 688.4400 Bob Crew CFA, CFP

Hospital, Homebound & Care Facility Ministries 688.4400 Barb Marchand 619.4775; marchandb@ccc.org Please keep us apprised of those who would like to be visited and/or brought communion while in the hospital or a care facility. Also, if you know of a Central member who is critically ill, homebound, in the hospital or a care facility, please let us know.

His Helping Hands 838.8528 1441 E. 37th St. N. Paul Dohm HHH Executive Director

Media CCCMedia.org Lee Lundgren Creative Arts/Technical Director

Prayer Ministries 688.4400 Emergency Prayer Request Line : Barb Marchand 619.4775

Radio Ministry “Pursuing the Heart of God” with Pastor David Welsh Sundays @ 7 a.m. on Bott 94.3 FM Sundays @ 10 a.m. on KNSS 1330 AM Sundays @ 11 a.m. on KSGL 900 AM

Log onto www.ccc.org for special announcements.visit our website

worship with us

ministries

executive editor : David Welshcreative director : Debra Roark Smithprint production : Paul Huffdistribution : Melanie Pedersen

cc:journal

Sunday evenings | 5:00Central Christian Chapel

casa de luz hispanic church

in this issue | march 2013

n feature :10 Should Non-Jewish Believers Celebrate Passover? : Hubie Shorb

n in every issue :3 Pursuing the Heart of God : Pastor David Welsh

16 Counselor’s Corner – Renew Your Mind : Defeating

Stinkin’ Thinkin’ : Nolanna C. Simon

19 Our Church Family20 Calendar

n ministry news :5 Academies7 Men | Involvement | Sports9 Women12 Central Kids13 Youth16 His Helping Hands

n events :4 Hosanna Path | Resurrection Weekend4 Secret Church14 Ralph Carmichael & The Wichita

Symphony Orchestra : March 22

14 Newsboys “God’s Not Dead” Tour : April 5

8 Women of Faith : April 26–27

11 Passover Seder : March 25our mission

Honoring the heart of Godby following, serving and sharingJesus in our world.

David Welsh senior pastor

I’ve only had two driving tickets in nearly 38 years of operating an automobile. I’m not bragging; I’m just incredibly fortunate. And before you ask, neither one was for speeding! Just saying! (By the way, I won’t mention how many times I’ve been stopped and warned.)

But I did have to pay a fine for the illegal turn and the parking violation. You break man’s laws; there is a price to be paid. When we break God’s laws, there is also a penalty for which payment is due. Unfortunately that crime carries with it the ultimate fine: “The payment for sin is death.” Romans 6:23, ncv

I think you would agree that’s a fairly substantial penalty. Spiritual death. Fortunately, God loves us more than we can ever imagine.

The rest of that verse reads, “But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” nivThat’s what Jesus was doing on the cross.

Paying our fine with His death. Wearing our sins as if they were His own.

Bearing our wrongs against God as if He deserved the punishment.

And in doing so, He opened the doors of heaven for us all. But how do we know His death was enough? “[Jesus] was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power

of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 1:4

The resurrection of Jesus proves once and for all that everything He said on earth is the absolute truth. The Son of God can back up His promises. Trust the one who conquered the grave, and eternal life is yours.

Resurrection weekend is March 30 & 31. Please join our celebration of new life, and new hope in Jesus.

Pursuing the heart of God

s part of our celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus, we invite you to join us on a walk of remembrance. “The Hosanna Path”, formerly known as the Stations of the Cross, is a journey for everyone in all walks of life and all ages. It is an interactive event which provides an experience for you to reflect on the meaning of the last few days of Jesus’ life here on earth, and His conquest of death through the Resurrection. Retrace His steps from the first shouts of “Hosanna” through the pain of the cross to the ultimate accomplishment of His work on earth. Families are invited to join us on Thursday evening any time between 6 and 8pm. A Spanish tour will be given on Friday between 6 and 8pm. We would like to encourage Central members to walk the Hosanna Path on Good Friday or Saturday morning so our visitors can experience it before and after services on the weekend.

Friday–Saturday, March 28–30 | 8am–8pmSunday, March 31 | 8am–2pm

Central Court~

Family Night | Thursday, March 28 | 6–8pmSpanish Night | Friday, March 29 | 6–8pm

Resurrection HolidayPlease invite your friends and family to join us for worship as we

celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior

Saturday, March 30 | 5:33pmSunday, March 31 | 8:45am • 10:00am • 11:30am

Worship Center

A

Central Christian Academy and Central Christian Academy Preschool

Invite Prospective Parents to our

Open HouseMarch 12

April 9

Cultivating hearts and minds for Jesus C

hrist

Celeb

rating 31 Years1982 2013

Psalm 145:4

Crown Room, Central Christian Church at 7:00 pm

Central Christian Academy Preschool Judy Buckert 316.688.1161Central Christian Academy Carrie Jones 316.688.1161

We invite you to visit our website: www.ccalions.org or www.ccapreschool.org

For more information

please call:

outreach :darren mcclintock

What is Secret Church? Several years ago, David Platt, author of Radical and pastor of a church in Birmingham, Alabama, had been traveling extensively

in some very difficult places. As he traveled, he noticed several things: First, the persecution that many Christians around the world suffer is real and severe, and the Church in the western hemisphere as a whole has neither a full understanding of that suffering, nor a burden for their brothers and sisters.

Secondly, David noticed a passion for the Word of God, a passion that led these persecuted Christians to seek out opportunities to hear and grow in the Word, even under the threat of death or imprisonment. They gathered together to devote themselves to prayer and study, often times for hours on end, as the Body of Christ found nourishment in the Bread of Life. It was there in those settings God began

to light a fire in David’s heart to see that depth of devotion for prayer and the Word become more prevalent here in the States. Thus, Secret Church

was born.

Secret Church is an annual time set aside to gather together as the Body of Christ for an extended time of prayer and deep Bible study.

Last year, Central Christian held our first Secret Church simulcast. For six hours, approximately 140 people learned about the Cross

and suffering for the cause of Christ. Many expressed how impacted and challenged they were, and many have expressed a desire to engage

in Secret Church again.

We are excited to share that we will once again host Secret Church on Good Friday, March 29th from 6:00pm to Midnight. This year’s topic is one we are very excited about:

Heaven, Helland the End of the World

We invite you to join us as we gather as a family to pray and study this life-giving message in God’s Word.

For more information and your FREE ticket, please contactDarren McClintock at 688.4400 or visit our table in the Lobby.

6

sports | recreation :

jennifer mccurdy

involvement| men :

tom black

It’s that time of year again! Join us Saturday, April 27th as we work with more than 5,000 volunteers from over 40 churches across the city in the 5th annual LOVE Wichita event of serv-ing. We will have the opportunity to resurrect our city as we clean, paint, touch and transform the place in which we live and encourage the people we encounter in the name of Jesus. It’s an event for the whole family or LifeGroup. You can sign up online at www.lovewichita.org today!

Think like Jesus • Live like Jesus • Love like Jesus

Where will you be on April 28 … when love comes to town?Sign up today!

www.lovewichita.org

Where will you be on April 28 … when love comes to town?Sign up today!

www.lovewichita.orgOn Saturday, April 28, you have the chance to touch the heart of Wichita.

To transform the very core of our city. To LOVE Wichita … one life at a time. God is calling us to “seek the peace and prosperity of the city” (Jeremiah 29:7) and to answer his call, we’ll partner with churches across the city and from different denominations. Together, we’ll clean, paint, touch and transform

the place we live and encourage the people we encounter.

On Saturday, April 28, you have the chance to touch the heart of Wichita. To transform the very core of our city. To LOVE Wichita … one life at a time. God is calling us to “seek the peace and prosperity of the city” (Jeremiah 29:7) and to answer his call, we’ll partner with churches across the city and from different denominations. Together, we’ll clean, paint, touch and transform

the place we live and encourage the people we encounter.

real men.real breakfast.

real topics.

Saturday, March 16Central Court North7:00–8:30am

Breakfast is complimentary

For more info, contact Tom Black at

blackt@ccc.org

Spring BreakSports Camps

Mon–Thurs, March 18–21

Central Sports & Recreation will once again be offering basketball & dodge-ball camps. Online registration starts February 15th. Camps fill up quickly so don’t let your child miss out! Basketball Camp8:30-11:30 • Ages: 5-14Cost: $45 online registration/$50 paper registration Dodgeball CampNoon -3pm • Ages: 6-14Cost: $45 online registration/$50 paper registration 7

Dates, locations, time, and talent subject to change. $2 service fee applies. Women of Faith® events are produced by Live Event Management Inc., a Thomas Nelson company.

1.888.49FAITH (1.888.493.2484) womenoffaith.com

The Women of Faith experience is coming.

We’re branching out into local communities,

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Sheila Walsh

God is here.

And He is MOVING.

Wichita, KSApril 26—27, 2013 Central Christian Church

Friday 7pm—10pm & Saturday 9am—Noon

Live on our stage!

First Place 4 Health: Motivated to WellnessThursdays, 1:00–3:00 pm • Parlor (entrance #4)Cost: $17 (1st time start-up kit including book is $107.50)

This class began February 21st, but it’s not too late to enroll! Good health doesn’t start with healthy eating and regular exercise. The balanced life so many people long for—which includes good nutrition and physical fitness—begins with a change of heart and a transformed mind. Motivated to Wellness, an all-new Bible study from First Place 4 Health, invites you to discover hope and motivation that will sustain you through a lifetime of fitness and good health!

Glory Babies GatheringThursday, March 21 • 7:00–8:30 pm • Parlor (entrance #4)

Glory Babies is a ministry that walks with women through the losses of miscarriage, stillbirths and infertility. You are welcome to bring a friend with you. As always, we’ll have some tasty treats! Contact Melissa at 706-1822 or glorybabies@hotmail.com with any questions, or check out our website at www.glorybabies.blogspot.com.

Women’s Prayer WarriorsLeaders: Kim Welsh & Cindy WhiteEvery Wednesday evening • 6:30–7:30 pmSouth Conference Room (entrance #1)

You are invited to join this group of prayer warriors each week as we present our praises and prayer concerns to our Heavenly Father.

Stitching SistersLeader: Karla SealsMondays, March 11 & 25 • 6:30–9:00 pmChoir Room (entrance #1 up the stairs to the left)

This ministry is for ladies who embroider, cross stitch, needlepoint, knit or crochet. Bring your project and supplies and enjoy a time of stitching and fellowship. Questions? Please contact Karla Seals at karla356@yahoo.com or 687-9888.

women : diana fink

9

Ladies, please drop by the Parlor on March 13th between 6:45–7:45pm for a pleasant evening of getting to know other women in the church. Whether you have been at Central for a short time or many years, this is a great time to learn a little more about our church and its ministries. Carol London and Leann Tucker will be there to welcome you with warm hearts and refreshments! Reservations are not necessary; however, if you wish to let us know you will be there, please call Lynn Eby at 688-4400.

LadiesWelcome Coffee

Join us from 6:45 to 7:45 pmWednesday, March 13 in the Parlor (entrance #4)

Ladies, as you read this, our Women’s Ministries team is tying up the remaining loose ends for our annual retreat to be held here in Wichita March 8 & 9. It is our prayer that those who will be attending will be tremendously blessed by God as He works through our coordinators, our worship leaders, our emcee and speaker. Please keep us in your prayers...that God will be glorified in all we do, that hearts will be touched and lives “repurposed” for His good work.

as a jewish, messianic, follower of Jesus, I am often engaged in conversations with Christians regarding the practice of celebrating God’s appointed times. With the approaching spring season, the discussion turns to Passover and the inevitable question: Is Passover for believers and specifically for Christians?

Historically, both Jewish and Christian leaders have offered considerable objection to believers observing Passover. “Judaism is for Jews, Christianity is for Christians; let’s not blur the lines!”

However, before the doors of the congregation were opened wide to Gentiles at the Jerusalem Council, the vast majority of Messiah’s followers were Jewish people. For them, there was no question as to whether or not non-Jewish people should celebrate Passover; in fact it was expected! Passover was an integral part of the early believer’s biblical heritage and the central celebration recognizing that Yeshua (Jesus) was the fulfillment of the messianic expectation.

With an increasing number of Gentiles coming into the Congregation of God, the pH level of the

believing culture began to change. External, social and political pressures and outside traditions caused the young movement to disassociate itself from Jewish people and all things Jewish. While the body of Messiah experienced e x p l o s i v e g r o w t h , i t simultaneously wrestled with the centrality of Moses’ law in the life of the believer. Was complete observance of the Torah necessary for salvation? The Jerusalem Council clearly reinforced that circumcision of “the heart” was all that was required for salvation; a

heart circumcision that God described to both Moses and Jeremiah centuries earlier. It is faith in Jesus and faith alone that saves.

Paul wrote extensively of the balance between faith and Torah. He condemned anyone who taught that salvation resulted from any man made activity or submission to ritual or law. Yet, nowhere does he discourage the exercise or practice of God’s appointed times.

The seven feasts of our Lord paint the picture of salvation for mankind; a beautiful mosaic; a gift given to all people. Paul understood this. Even so, those who practice the observance of God’s appointed times have been misunderstood, and find themselves at odds with the normative church.

Increasingly, Paul’s balanced position on the relationship of the believer to the law has been set aside, resulting in a progressive, antinomian, posture. The resulting attitude insisted that Christians have nothing to do with anything “Jewish.” Ecclesiastical holy days superseded first century practices and passages such as Colossians 2:16–17 were “loosely” interpreted to reinforce the

Should Non-Jewish Believers

11

notion that all “Jewish” holy days and the Sabbath had been set aside by the church.

As believers begin to question these historical arguments, even rejecting them, we are witnessing a deep spiritual appetite for the Hebraic connections to our faith. “If it was precious to Jesus, the apostles, and the early believers, shouldn’t it be precious to me? Jesus observed Passover, why can’t I?”

The motif of romans 11 is that Gentiles who have come to faith in Jesus are considered by fellow Jewish believers to be grafted into God’s family tree; and share in salvation and the covenant relationship.

Gentile people are naturalized citizens in the Commonwealth of Israel. Ephesians 2:12-13 says, “Remember that you were at that time separated from Messiah, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope without God in the world. But now in Messiah Jesus you who formerly were far off

Jesus Is Our Passover Lamb!Celebrate the Lord’s Provision of Redemption at the

Passover seder dinnerHosted by Central Christian and L’Chaim B’Yeshua Messianic Congregation

Monday evening, March 25th, 6:30pm @ Central Christian

Roasted lamb and turkey will be served along with many other traditional dishes

Adults: $25 (age 13+) • Children: $15 (age 3-12) • Infant on Lap: Free (age 0-2)

Nursery: $5 (age 0-4)

Advance Reservations only available through L’Chaim B’Yeshua Call or click: (316) 263-7272 • www.lchaimbyeshua.com

Reservations must be purchased by March 18th

have been brought near by the blood of Messiah.” Praise God!

Paul clearly teaches that Gentiles by birth are made full partners in the Commonwealth of Israel, including all of the covenantal promises and blessings, through FAITH in Jesus. Therefore, a deep spiritual desire for the Hebraic roots of our faith is understandable.

Should Christians celebrate Passover? When we remain faithful to the Scriptures, and understand the Hebraic context of our faith, the answer is unequivocally: Yes!

i corinthians 5:7–8 “Clean out the old leaven so that you may become a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened.” For Messiah our Passover also has been sacrificed. Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Celebrate Passover?by Hubie Shorb, Congregational Leader, L’Chaim B’Yeshua (To Life in Jesus!)

Parent Child Dedication Our next Parent Child Dedication is coming up sooner than you might think. If you would like your family to be dedicated, we ask that you attend a short class. This hour long class is designed to equip our parents with some solid information and resources about their role as a spiritual leader in the home. To learn more about this special class, call the Central Kids office at 688-4400 or stop by the Check-in Counter in the Lobby.

Parent Child Dedication Classes:• Sunday, April 21 @ 10:15am, Chapel• Tuesday, April 23 @ 6:30pm, Crown Room

Both classes are available for online reservations @ www.ccc.org

Parent Child Dedication Service:• Sunday, May 5 @ 5:00pm, Worship Center

Game Day Outreach: Saturday, March 9 Sparks and T&T clubbers are going to be sharing the love of Jesus through games. We have asked these kids to be praying all year about one friend they could invite to this great event. The goal is for each of these clubbers to bring one person who does not have a relationship with Jesus, or who is not currently part of a church. Then, on this day we will spend the morning playing games, eating lots of pizza, and talking about what God can do in their lives. We are very excited to see what God is going to do through this event and how lives will be impacted for eternity.

If you would like to know more about this event or our AWANA program, please do not hesitate to call us at 688-4400. We also ask that you keep this outreach in your prayers.

children : bryce hutson

Events & Theme NightsMarch 13 • Pajama Night

March 20 • No AWANA (Spring Break)April 10 • Treasure Hunt

April 17 • End of 4th QuarterApril 24 • Lifesaver Night

May 1 • All Club Award Night

Spring Break is Here! Spring Break is the week of March 18th this year and in order to give our staff, volunteers and families a break, we will not be having some of our regular activities during this week. Friendship Cove, our childcare ministry, will be closed. If you are a part of a Bible study, LifeGroup or other ministry that is served by Friendship Cove, please keep this mind. Also, AWANA will not meet on Wednesday, March 20th. However, with the end of the AWANA year drawing near, we do encourage our families to continue to work on their handbooks so they can complete them by April 24th. One thing that won’t change during Spring Break is our regular weekend Central Kids programming.

See page 4 for info on our Hosanna Path Family Night!

youth: matt mcfarren 13

the new youth facility is really coming along and we thought you might like to see some of the photographs we’ve taken of the progress. We are looking forward to finishing this project soon as we get ready to enter into year 3 of our capital campaign. Please continue to pray that God will build this facility as a place for training our students to walk in His steps.

Do you ever find yourself judging someone before you really get a chance to find out who they are? So many times it seems that we make a decision about someone before they even open their mouth. We take one look at their clothes, hair, tattoos or the car being driven and a decision is made. I have to be honest; I sometimes make snap judgments about people before they even have a chance to say anything. I guess I could say that my ten years of experience as a pastor has tainted me a little, but the truth is, I have always made those snap decisions. But, I am learning that what is on the outside may be different than what is on the inside.

I was recently at the gym working out when I noticed a guy working out as well. He was a little bit of a “musclehead” and had that “I work out all the time” kind of look. He was walking around with a serious look, grunting when he

& Tax CollectorsSinners and

Muscleheads,

would lift, and strutting after a big lift like he had just won something big. My first thought was, “This guy could use a few less steroids and a few more brain cells.” I had already made a judgment about him before I even got to

know him. Then the moment came where he talked to me.

Totally unprompted, he walked over and

continued on page 15

Mark 2:15-17 While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and ‘sinners’ were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the ‘sinners’ and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” ...

events :cheryl hurley

BUY TICKETS at www.GenExConcerts.com or call 800-965-9324

SCAN THIS CODEusing your phone’s

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APRIL 5 • 7PMCENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH

2900 North Rock Road, Wichita, KS 67226 • Doors open at 6 p.m.

spring showscoming to Central!

During the cold dreary days of Winter, we have been working on scheduling some fun, unique shows for the Spring here at CCC and we have something for just about everyone!

We kick the line-up off with “An Evening with Ralph Carmichael and the Wichita Symphony,” Friday, March 22nd @ 7:30pm. The concert also features special guests The Archers, Larnelle Harris and Wayne Watson.

Carmichael, often called the “Father of Contemporary Christian Music, composed, arranged and conducted music scores for various Christian films in the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, including those for Billy Graham’s World Wide Pictures. He was the conductor for the highly-successful Young Messiah Tour.

Some fun facts about Ralph Carmichael that you might not know:

He arranged songs for singers from all genres of music, including such legends as Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Bing Crosby, Peggy Lee, Tex Ritter, Rosemary Clooney, Debbie Reynolds, Duke Ellington and Count Basie. He was the music director and/or wrote music cues for TV shows “I Love Lucy,” “The Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Variety Show,” “Red Skelton,” and “Bonanza.”

Next up is one of this season’s most in-demand nights of worship and celebration — Newsboys “God’s Not Dead” Tour,” featuring Britt Nicole on April 5th @ 7:00pm.

Our last show is a very special event for Women — Women of Faith “Up Close” national event is coming LIVE to CCC! We are one of the first cities to get to experience this inspiring event. Special guests include Sheila Walsh, Lysa TerKeurst, Hope Darst and Selah. Join us Friday, April 26th, 7:00–10:00pm and Saturday, April 27th, 9:00am–Noon.

Don’t miss out on the fun this Spring!

asked if I could help him with a lift. Because I am a pastor and to deny this guy help would take a jewel out of my crown, of course I helped him. I helped lift the bar and then spotted him through the lift. When he finished, he introduced himself to me and then asked if I knew Jesus. I laughed. And then I felt bad for laughing. Then I told him that I did and was a youth pastor at Central. He encouraged me and then mentioned that he was interning as a pastor at a church in Derby. We began a pretty decent conversation about Jesus, ministry and life. To say I was humbled when the conversation was done would be an understatement! And then Mark 2 came flooding into my mind.

In Mark 2, Jesus comes across a tax collector named Levi. He calls Levi to be His disciple and then goes to his house to eat. While He is eating with these “tax collectors and sinners,” the Pharisees notice and, of course, say something about it. They have made a judgment about Jesus and the crowd He is hanging with. It only took seconds and didn’t take words, but already they have deemed these tax collectors and sinners unworthy to be addressed, let alone have a meal with. And that’s when Jesus says it. “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Ouch. Jesus came for the sinners… for the sick. He didn’t come for people that already had it all together. He came for the broken.

I think sometimes in the church we can have a dangerous mentality of thinking we are healthy. It’s when we believe we achieve health through showing up and attending church and slipping some money in the plate that we may miss it. That’s not it at all. Instead, it’s about your heart being connected to His and about you and I understanding that we were sick and Jesus healed us. It’s understanding that we had a disease and Jesus cured it when He conquered death and sin. And so in those moments where I look at people and see “sinners and tax collectors,” I need to

understand that is exactly who Jesus came for. And when I start to view myself as healthy and not in need of the Great Physician, that might be the moment when I need God the most.

So, which mentality have you been living with? Are you healthy? Or sick? Do you recognize your need for Christ, or are you good without Him? If you have wrestled with how you see people, it might be to your benefit to maybe look at people the way Jesus did. Instead of seeing “tax collectors and sinners”, maybe we should look at them as people in need of Christ...to see them as loved by God and understand that these are the very people Jesus came to spend time with. Therefore, we might benefit by spending time with them, as well. Let us not look on the outside, but on the inside. And when we see the inside, we see the very thing God looks at. He doesn’t look at the outside. He doesn’t look at the clothes, the tattoos, the piercings, the hair or car. He looks at the heart.

I pray that God would help us all understand that He loves us all and calls us as His disciples to reach the world. There is no question that when Jesus left this earth He called us to go into the world to preach the good news. Since that’s the case, we must get past judgment and begin with love and grace. It’s the very thing that Jesus modeled for us.

May God bless you as you begin to see people the way He does. And who knows what your next conversation might bring with someone you never expected? Love you all and praying that God would continue to work in your lives! n

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. i have not come to call the righteous, but

sinners.” — Jesus of nazareth

muscleheads continued from page 13

Spring Break Mission Trips: New Orleans (HS) March 17–23 • Nashville (MS) March 16–23Summer Mission Trip: Philippines (HS) June 10–20CIY: High schoolers, register online now for CIY camp June 23–29

on the horizon...

15

CornerC

ouns

elor

’sCC

byNolanna C. Simon LCPC

continued on page 1716

Renew Your Mind:Defeating Stinkin’ Thinkin’Most of us will admit that our thought-life is not always positive. If we are really transparent in our admission, we would confess that some of our thoughts are anxious, fearful, and/or toxic in nature. How many times have you thought, “I’m scared to…”, “I’m worried about…”, “I’m not worthy enough to…”, “I’m too fat”, “I’m stupid”, “I feel guilty about…”, “I can’t get past this…”, or even, “I wonder if anyone would miss me if…?”, etc.

As a counselor, I hear these negative thoughts from my clients on a daily basis and it impacts how they feel and interact with others. I submit that this type of thinking does nothing to move us toward the goals and abundant life God has for us. Instead, these negative thoughts tend to paralyze and hinder us…“as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).

The negative thoughts we all struggle with at some point in our lives should not, and cannot, be entertained. Negative thoughts that linger eventually take root. It is not a good idea to let thoughts wander in your mind unchecked, as the bad ones tend to hang around and impact our mood, attitude, and our perception of self and others.

Some have said, “If you think you can’t, you won’t.” Others have expressed it this way…”your attitude (one’s relational mental state connecting a person

his helping hands : paul dohm

Volunteers are the backbone for the work that is performed at His Helping Hands each week. Without their help, our staff could not accomplish all of the work that needs to be done. We are very thankful for all our faithful volunteers!

During 2012 our volunteers contributed an average of 1,075 hours per week. This equates to almost 27 full-time equivalent workers. These hours were logged by an average of 205 volunteers per week. God does establish the work of their hands as they gravitate to various areas of the ministry.

Volunteers come to HHH by various means. Most are individuals or families from Central Christian or other local churches that want to contribute to the cause of helping the poor and needy in our community. Part of the ministry of HHH involves providing meaningful work for these community members, including retired individuals, widows, widowers and those who are presently out of work. In addition to churches, HHH receives volunteer time from schools (elementary – college), employers, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, sports teams, McConnell AFB, youth residences and other various non-profit entities. Some of the groups have been small and some of the groups have been very large. We appreciate each group that spends time working at HHH.

As part of our ministry, we also work with volunteers who come to HHH for other reasons. Some of them have to satisfy community service requirements as part of their consequences for wrong choices in the past. Other volunteers are sent to HHH to undergo a state work assessment or perform work for a back-to-work program for Temporary Work Agencies. Some of these volunteers have turned their lives over to Christ after working at HHH and coming to an understanding of the Gospel. They have made comments such as, “Why is everybody

“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us — yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17

counselor’s corner continued from page 16

to a proposition) determines your altitude.”

Perhaps you may be thinking, “I can’t help how or what my brain thinks.” This is simply not true. On the contrary, we can be proactive in renewing our mind and ridding our thoughts of what I call “stinkin’ thinkin’”. We have the opportunity, and even the duty, to send our mind through mental “boot camp”. This can be done in our devotional or prayer time, or perhaps with the help of a counselor who can teach you how to use negative thought-stopping techniques and replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts. We must refuse negative thoughts, by reading and even speaking something positive aloud (Proverbs 18:21). That “something” should be words or thoughts that are in direct contrast to the negative thoughts. This retraining must be practiced until it becomes habitual and more natural.

The concept of positive thinking and Dr. Daniel Amen’s contention that we can change our life, by changing our brain, are not merely psychological or medical concepts. They are indeed biblical concepts! Instead of just accepting that we have negative or sinful minds, we can use God’s word to daily (sometimes hourly) wash away the “stinkin’ thinkin’” just as we would wash away the dirt from our bodies (Psalms 51:1-3, Psalms 19:12 and 14).

God knows there are blessings of peace attached to renewing our mind with His word. The Bible gives some insight and advice on this matter in Romans 12 and Philippians 4, respectively. God has great plans for us, but we have to let go of negative and fearful thinking and practice getting rid of “stinkin’ thinkin’” to align our thoughts with His awesome word! n

so nice around here?” Or, “Can I come back here to volunteer when my community service is over?” HHH is a beacon of light for their cloudy world.

As the psalmist declared, “May the favor of the Lord rest on them”, that is, the wonderful volunteers who are “His Helping Hands”.

pastorsDavid Welsh Senior Pastor

Roger London Executive/Ministries

Mark Posson Executive/Business

Peter Abood Fine Arts/Worship

Tom Black Involvement/Men

Steve Brummer Worship

Darian Eshelman College-age/Young Singles

David Funk Academy Administration

Paul Goddard Missions

Bryce Hutson Children

Ross Lamp Benevolence

David Mann Communications

Darren McClintock Outreach

Matt McFarren Youth

Edwin Ojedis Hispanic Ministries

Aaron Scharenberg Care/Counseling

Craig Tucker Small Groups/Adult Education

directorsPaul Dohm His Helping Hands Exec

Vicki Ejibe Lower Elementary

Diana Fink Women

Kyle Fleet Middle School

Holly Garner Early Childhood Program

“Griff’ Griffith Promotion/Electronic Media

Rob Hendrix Facilities Op/Safety/Security

Linda Highbarger Finance

Cheryl Hurley Involvement Asst.

Lee Lundgren Creative Arts/Technical

Jennifer McCurdy Sports/Recreation

Robert Nooe Special Needs

Joshua Reed Upper Elementary

Eddie Rivera Information Systems

Jonathan Schlueter Media Presentation

Deb Shelly Health Promotion

Debra Roark Smith Print Production

managersGene Blythe Maintenance/Custodial

Jackie Cooper Kitchen

Steve Crabtree Maintenance/Custodial

Paul Huff Print Shop

Tracey Hunt Childcare

Heidi Johnson Web Design

Nancy Miller Contribution/HR

eldershipRichard Ochs Chairman

Mitch Herren Vice Chairman

Steve Slusher Secretary

Cliff Hartman Treasurer

Jim Andrew • Brian Doom

Bill Blasing • Tom Butz

Robert Noland

our leadership

This class is designed to help you determine your “next step.” It focuses on the vision and mission of Central Christian and what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

If you are interested in membership, or would like to know more about Central, sign up today by calling Silvia at 688-4400 or visiting our website.

Our next classes will be offered

Sunday, March 3rd ~ 11:30am—3:00pmSaturday, April 6th ~ 8:30am—Noon

•CentralChristianVisionStatement:A Church after God’s Heart.

•CentralChristianMissionStatement: Honoring the heart of God by following, serving

and sharing Jesus in our world.

•Vision&MissionValuePoints: FOLLOW—Everyone a Disciple;

SERVE—Everyone a Servant; SHARE—Everyone an Evangelist and a Christ-centered Influence.

Want to know more about Central?

“DirectmyfootstepsaccordingtoYourWord.”Psalm119:133a

We are LIVE-STREAMING our worship services over the internet! Now, when out of town on business or vacation, you can go to c3live.tv or visit our website at ccc.org and follow the link.

Total Donations to Date$2,941,434.45

CCC HOME. IMPROVEMENT.

Remember, it’s...

Attendance: (Casa de Luz; Kenya Missions Team) ”...and the people came...” (acts 2:46-47)

Jan 12-13 ...................................................... $3,138 (162) Jan 19-20 ........................................................ 3,348 (155) Jan 26-27 ........................................................ 3,371 (172) Feb 2-3 ............................................................ 3,447 (145) Central Christian has added 28 new members in 2013. General Budget Income: ”...and the people gave...” (malachi 3:10-12; ii corinthians 9:6-15)

Weekly budgeted goal for fiscal year 2012-13 .................................. $127,150.00 Jan 12-13 ......................................................... $93,880.57 Jan 19-20 ......................................................... $99,790.36 Jan 26-27 ....................................................... $100,419.19 Feb 2-3 ........................................................... $126,427.52His Helping Hands Donations: Jan 12-13 ........................................................... $6,856.09 Jan 19-20 ........................................................... $2,105.00 Jan 26-27 ........................................................... $2,288.00 Feb 2-3 ............................................................... $1,686.00‘bout time Donations: Jan 12-13 ........................................................... $6,322.86 Jan 19-20 ......................................................... $14,870.58 Jan 26-27 ......................................................... $18,649.48 Feb 2-3 ............................................................. $11,271.13

financial stats

Comforting those whose loved ones have passed on

Sandee Dobbs on the passing of her husband and Jeff Dobbs on the passing of his father, our Wes, Bill & Barbara Kice on the passing of Bill’s brother, Margaret Meyer on the passing of her sister-in-law, Nancy Noyes on the passing of her father and Madison Noyes on the passing of her grandfather, Janet Shockley on the passing of her sister, Michael & Gloria Thorne on the passing of both their mothers, and to the family & friends of Randy & Suzy Storms and the family & friends of our Lyle BlankenshipCelebrating the union of husband and wife

Connie Kraus & Kent Miller married Jan 12, 2013Celebrating the birth of each new life

Emily Joyce Snyder born Jan 15, 2013 @ 6 lbs, 15 oz to Andy & Christina, and grandparents Lee & Margaret Snyder and Charleen Gonzales Holly Ann Fetherston born Jan 29, 2013 @ 8 lbs, 8 oz to David & Jennifer

Celebrating the baptisms into new life in Christ (*Casa de Luz) Jenny Beck • Devon Campbell • Laurie Campbell • Quinn Campbell Gemmy Haberman • Katie Hagen • Susan Howell • Carrie Hutto John Hutto • Ayana Reed • Howard “Lou” Scott • Jesse Tilson Helen Turpen • Brianna Weber

Welcoming those who have joined us in membership Aaron Beck • Abbey Castelli • Jacqueline Gooch • Jeremy Gooch Kasey Gooch • Dylan Hagen • Darwin Haring • Jeanne Haring Janelle Jones • Stefani Kelly • Sein Lengeju • Johnie Maida • Lynn Maida Neema Mshana • Randy Neill • Ian Patterson • Terry Rounds Mary Scarmozzi • Lynn Sherwood • Justin Thelen • Rachel Wilkin

our church family 19

Central Christian

2900 N. Rock Road

Wich ita, KS 67226

USA

44

from the mailbag

Dear Central Family,

Thank you for the lovely flowers and the book on grieving.

My mother’s passing was sudden and difficult. Praise to Him

for taking her from a world of suffering to a perfect place with

no pain. My father is experiencing a deep loss after 67 years

of marriage. Please pray for him as you remember and know

I am thanking God for the family here at Central.

Thank you again, Gloria Thorne

I can never express how much I felt your love and support.

Your prayers carried me through the loss of my mother.

I am incredibly blessed to be a part of the family of God.

Thank you so much for the beautiful plant. It reminds me of

you every time I see it. You are all so precious to me.

Love, Cheryl Hurley

Congratulations to Tony Powell who wasrecently appointed by Governor Sam Brownback to the Kansas Court of Appeals. Tony, his wife Betty, who teaches at Central Christian Academy, and family are all members of Central.

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march 2013 3 Next Step, 11:30am–3:00pm

8-9 “Re•Purposed: home • heart • life” Women’s Retreat, Doubletree by Hilton Wichita Airport

8 Mother/Son Wii Bowling for 4-5th grade boys & their moms

9 AWANA Game Day Outreach

10 Daylight Savings Time begins

12 Academy Open House, 7:00pm, CR

16 Men of Issachar Breakfast, 7:00-8:30am, CT

16-23 Middle School Mission Trip: Nashville

17-23 High School Mission Trip: New Orleans

18-22 Spring Break (No AWANA or Friendship Cove)

18-21 Spring Break Sports Camps : Basketball – 8:30-11:30am Dodgeball – Noon-3:00pm

22 An Evening with Ralph Carmichael and the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, 7:30pm, WC

23 BBB (Burgers, Bibles & Blessings) Lunch for the Homeless, 11:30am, RiverWalk Church of Christ

25 Passover Seder, 6:30pm

28-31 The Hosanna Path

29 Secret Church, 6:00-12:00pm

30-31 Resurrection Weekend

april 2013 1 Church office will be closed

5 Newsboys “God’s Not Dead” Tour, 7:00pm, WC

6 Next Step, 8:30am–Noon

9 Academy Open House, 7:00pm, CR

20 Men of Issachar Breakfast, 7:00-8:30am, CT

21 Parent Child Dedication Class, 10:15am, CH

23 Parent Child Dedication Class, 6:30pm, CR

26-27 Women of Faith, Fri 7:00-10:00pm & Sat 9:00am-Noon, WC

27 LOVE Wichita

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Where will you be on April 28 … when love comes to town?Sign up today!

www.lovewichita.org

Where will you be on April 28 … when love comes to town?Sign up today!

www.lovewichita.orgOn Saturday, April 28, you have the chance to touch the heart of Wichita.

To transform the very core of our city. To LOVE Wichita … one life at a time. God is calling us to “seek the peace and prosperity of the city” (Jeremiah 29:7) and to answer his call, we’ll partner with churches across the city and from different denominations. Together, we’ll clean, paint, touch and transform

the place we live and encourage the people we encounter.

On Saturday, April 28, you have the chance to touch the heart of Wichita. To transform the very core of our city. To LOVE Wichita … one life at a time. God is calling us to “seek the peace and prosperity of the city” (Jeremiah 29:7) and to answer his call, we’ll partner with churches across the city and from different denominations. Together, we’ll clean, paint, touch and transform

the place we live and encourage the people we encounter.