WELCOME

WE’RE GLAD YOUR’RE HERE!
Central is a family church growing in our relationships with
others AND with God. From Kid Depot to Senior adults, there is a place for YOU in the Central Family!

This Weekend’s Lesson
Lesson 3 - The Star
Jon Henninger | Lead Pastor

¹ Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, ² “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” ³ King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. ⁴ He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” ⁵ “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: ⁶ ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.” ⁷ Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. 8 Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” ⁹ After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! ¹¹ They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. ¹² When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.
Matthew 2:1-12

Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
Hebrews 11:6

Give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.
Romans 12:1

I will not present burnt offerings to the Lord my God that have cost me nothing.
David in 2 Samuel 24:24

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says.
James 1:22

⁶ For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ⁷ His government and its peace will never end.
Isaiah 9:6-7

But test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.
1 Thessalonians 5:21

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.
John 3:16

The love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:39

His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us.
Acts 17:27

And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for Him with all their hearts.
Psalm 119:2

‘TIS THE SEASON AT CENTRAL

DECEMEBER GIVING DRIVES..
SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE BEDDING DRIVE
Bring in new twin sized sheets, comforters & pillows or simply just a ‘bed-in-a bag’ for kids ages 3-17. Drop off in the Atrium by Dec 19. We’re helping kids right here in our community.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION BAGS
One more way to help people in need this Christmas season - Pick up a shopping list of needed items & bring the food back to Central by Thursday, Dec 16 for the Distribution on Saturday, Dec 18.

PRAYER NIGHT
Tues, Dec 14 from 5-6:30pm | Worship Center
As a family of believers, we’ll gather to lift up needs of the church and around the world, believing God is going to move in mighty ways. Everyone is welcome for open prayer with music at 6pm. You’re welcome to pray for a couple of minutes or for an extended time.

CHRISTMAS CAROLING
Sat, Dec 18 from 4-6pm | Center (Door 1)
Sing for joy! Join the Central family as we carol together at group homes and in our neighborhoods. We will meet in the Center (Door 1) at 3:45 pm. Sign up and learn more at centralnow.com/caroling

CHRISTMAS AT CENTRAL 2021
Dec 20 - 23 at 6 & 8p | Worship Center
THERE IS A LIGHT - Bring the whole family! No tickets required.
Eight identical services - four incredible nights!

NEW YEAR PRAISE PARTY
Fri, Dec 31 from 11:00pm-12:15am | Worship Center
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Central! At midnight, we’ll shake the foundation of our building as we ring in the new year, as the church family, through a powerful night of worship.

2022 BUDGET & ELDERS
Pick up an information sheet containing elder and budget details in the atrium today.

WAYS TO GIVE
- Text “GIVE” to 517-201-0330
- Visit centralnow.com/give
- Use your credit or debit card at the giving kiosk in the Atrium.
- Place checks/cash in blue boxes in the Worship Center tunnels.

BY THE NUMBERS:
December 3 & 5, 2021
Total Attendance: 3,645
Onsite: 2,170
Online: 1,475
Giving: $58,649
[YTD: 97% of need or -$79,018]