On August 19, 2025, the Generosity Ministry Team held our annual New Member Happy Hour. During the evening, we connected with each other and this year’s Central’s theme, Stories from Home. Before the event, the housewares drive for the Restoration Center’s Welcome Baskets was announced in the Spirit. The response was, as usual for Central, overwhelming.
As Karen Knox, our Restoration Center and Hospitality Coordinator, said, “God showed up AND showed out as we are experiencing abundance right now. The recipients who will receive the Welcome Baskets have been part of the Central community for some time. They consider Central to be their church home. When they reach this milestone of a new home, this is our way of celebrating with them, like we would with any family member.”
With a big boost from a Thrivent Action Grant, spearheaded by Generosity Team members Tom Edelen and Ken Hardy, the Restoration Center Team expects to make at least twenty-five baskets to bless those new to homes. In addition to Tom and Ken, thank you to the Generosity Team for organizing the event – Seth Peter, John Severtson, Deb Bauknight, Steve and Chris Dalhberg, and Ron Fiscus – and to everyone who contributed to the Welcome Basket appeal.
We are blessed to be a blessing.