"Thank you!"  I'm finishing up my last day in the office (Monday) and thinking of how to say a final (for the foreseeable future) goodbye, and "Thank You."  It is so hard to finally bring to a close sixteen years of relationships and ministry together with this church family.
   Yesterday was especially hard as Shannon and I hugged several young people that I have watched grow up from babies to outstanding young men and women.  In sixteen years of hospital visits, church activities, and ministries together, I have shared so much with so many of you.  Yesterday was difficult.
   Today I visited Lillus Mace and Margaret Sunderland in the hospital.  I have spent a lot of time with both of them over the years.  Lillus and Roby have always been so supportive of me, and my ministry.  And Margaret and I have shared many a visit over the years.  As I visited with them today, both conversations turned to our shared trust in God, and that we are all in God's hands.  So I could say to both of them, "I know I can leave now, because you are in God's hands.  And that's a good place to be."
   I guess that's what Shannon and I want to say to all of you in our church family at Central Christian Church.  It is hard to leave so much behind.  But we know we carry much with us: your thoughts and prayers, and many wonderful memories.  We know that we will miss so much, being away from you: children growing up, new leaders emerging, new ministries, new directions and growth in this church.  But, we know too that you are all in God's hands, as are Shannon and I.  "And that's a good place to be."
   As we go, we both say "Thank you!" to each of you for all that you mean to us.  But, we es

pecially say "Thank you God!" for bringing us into this church family and blessing us so richly through all of you.  May God bless you and keep you, "in God's hands."
     Love,
     Kevin and Shannon

   The Northwest Center for Behaviorial Health Outpatient Services is in need of non-perishable food items and new toys or gifts for clients with special needs.  Gifts of money will be spent on items which food stamps will not purchase and then these items will also be given as gifts.
   Donations may be delivered to the Northwest Center for Behavioral Health at 702 N. Grand.

   Secret Santa Sponsors are needed again this year for the developmentally disabled.  You can select a Secret Santa for one or more individuals from the Secret Santa tree.  You can then go out and purchase at least one gift of their choice.  Mentor Network is asking that you only spend $10-$20 per individual.  This gives each individual at least one or two gifts to put under their tree.  If you prefer not to purchase a gift you can donate money and the Mentor Network will purchase the gift.  Please contact David Dell at 233-0042 if you would like to buy a gift or donate money.

   Central would like to thank all those individuals and members who donated toward the purchase of new Christmas trees and new tree decorations for the sanctuary.  Thank you to Glenn and Linda Crabbs, Frank and Vera Sue Bunch, John and Maxine Ireland, Shirley West, and Wanda Floyd in memory of her husband George.