Central News

May 2026 / Vol. 34, No. 9

JOIN US FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP AT 10:30 AM!

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A Good Word from Patrick

Hey folks. Large language models, which mimic human capacity for thought, creativity, and intelligence through pattern recognition and algorithms, are radically altering our understanding of work, art, the creative process, and general expertise. As I write, I am sitting next to a marketing executive who is on the phone with his partner, reading ChatGPT feedback on code drafted by an employee. The comments are pretty critical.… [Read More]

Central News

April 2026 / Vol. 34, No. 8

IT’S HOLY WEEK!  •  COME WORSHIP WITH US!

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A Good Word from Patrick

Hey folks, We are a people of resurrection. The Christian story is rooted in the fundamental idea that the light of dawn always pushes back the darkness of the most bleak and long night. This is the kind of faith statement that can feel insubstantial or overly simplistic. But, this year, I am really feeling this as good news.

In the simple rhythms of nature, I feel it more strongly this year.… [Read More]

Central News

March 2026 / Vol. 34, No. 7

HOLY WEEK BEGINS MARCH 29  •  COME WORSHIP WITH US!

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A Good Word from Patrick

Hey folks! It took the plows three full days to get to the side streets around the church. I know many of you were in the same situation. It was interesting to see how different people responded to the confining reality. Some folks dutifully shoveled their sidewalks and driveways to create a narrow lane for walking and prepare for the eventual arrival of snow plows.… [Read More]

Central News

February 2026 / Vol. 34, No. 6
Join Us for Sunday Worship at 10:30 am!

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A Good Word from Patrick

Hey folks! As a pastor in Decatur, I had the privilege of serving as a supervisor and mentor to seminary students stepping into their first official roles in local churches. Each of them challenged me with new ideas and expectations of what the church could be. Each brought a fresh perspective on congregational life. Each inspired me to see the world in new and hopeful ways.… [Read More]

Central News

January 2026 / Vol. 34, No. 5

Join Us for Sunday Worship at 10:30 am!

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A Good Word from Patrick

Happy New Year! When I was in college, I had a professor who challenged us to intentionally choose productivity over consumption. His advice came in the early 2000s, when Facebook, YouTube, Netflix, and other social media and streaming services were just launching and cementing the home as a space crafted exclusively for consumption.

Since the Industrial Revolution, homes have increasingly been understood as safe havens from the demands of productivity rather than as places of work themselves.… [Read More]

Central News

December 2025 / Vol. 34, No. 4

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A Good Word from Patrick

Hey folks! At the beginning of the year, our Deacons approved an experiment. We had heard a real desire within the congregation to learn more about the Bible, but many felt that deep, lengthy Bible studies were simply too much of a commitment. So, we decided to host simple, MIDWEEK conversations about the scripture from the previous Sunday’s Worship service.

It has been an incredible success.… [Read More]

Central News

October 2025 / Vol. 34, No. 2
Join Us for Sunday Worship at 10:30 am!

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A Good Word from Patrick

Hey folks. Earlier this month, I was in a meeting with non-profit leaders from across our community. We were hearing reports on the impact of reduced federal funding – how legal battles and the threat of a prolonged government shutdown strain the programs that keep our neighbors housed, fed, and cared for. The information was heavy, but the people were remarkable: clear-eyed, compassionate, and deeply committed to finding ways to make it all work.… [Read More]

Central News

October 2025 / Vol. 34, No. 2

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A Good Word from Patrick

Hey folks, Earlier this month our church leadership gathered for a half-day retreat. We’ve got a lot of committees at Central – each one carrying important pieces of our life together. But they don’t often get to sit in the same room and ask, “How are we really doing?” So we took four hours on a Saturday to do just that.… [Read More]

Central News

September 2025 / Vol. 34, No. 1

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A Good Word from Patrick

Hey folks! What guides your life? What impulses shape your actions or inactions? What content do you consume most habitually? Who do you look to for wisdom? How did you decide they were trustworthy?

In a cultural season where truth is a vague term that can fluctuate depending on the source of “trustworthy” content, it’s worth asking how we are being shaped and influenced by our sources of information, entertainment, and engagement.… [Read More]

Central News

August 2025 / Vol. 33, No. 11

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A Good Word from Patrick

Hey folks, If you’ve missed worship the past few weeks, we’ve been diving into the book of “Revelation” – a book that often intimidates people who only know it by reputation, or who encounter it without good guidance. It’s full of vivid, mythic symbolism and was written to early Christian communities facing real and dangerous challenges to their faith in God’s presence through Christ.… [Read More]