The purpose of this letter is to announce my resignation as Associate Pastor at Central Baptist Church effective August 25, 2008. I have accepted the call as Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church in Muncie, Indiana. This decision comes with a degree of sadness, yet with some measure of excitement. As many of you know, God has been revealing His call in my life to serve as a senior pastor for some time now. I was first contacted by First Baptist in January, but have been hesitant to leave Central. However, over the past few months, God has clarified this direction for our family.

We believe that God is doing a great work at Central and have been privileged to be a part of that work. In the past nine years, our family has grown spiritually, professionally, and physically, even adding a member. We are grateful for our years in Springfield. We treasure your friendship, your care, and camaraderie.

We move toward this new calling as just that, a calling. It was not something that we sought, yet God has nudged us in this direction. First Baptist is a church that has been through many of the same struggles that we have experienced in the past few years at Central. In many ways, it seems that God has been preparing, equipping, arranging, and orchestrating this transition. Central has many pieces in place now that it did not have just a few years ago, and I am optimistic about your future.

I am extremely grateful for Reg’s support and comradeship during this very difficult decision for us. In our time at Central, I have appreciated his leadership, his mentoring, and preparing me for this step. Christy stated that she has never seen me struggle as much as I have struggled with this decision. It has not been easy. If God were not summoning me for this task, I would not be leaving. We are appreciative for the way in which our time at Central has served as educative. Your openness to allow me to serve in multiple capacities over the years has given me a substantial skill set for ministry. Thank you for loving us, caring for us, and allowing us to live life with you.

We see this separation from you as temporary in the scope of eternity. While we will be serving in a different part of the Kingdom of God, we continue to labor for the same purposes. And one day, we will all celebrate in one place all that God is presently doing in many places. With miles between us, our hearts remain united in the single purpose of expanding the Kingdom of God.

For His Glory,
Wade and Christy Allen
Anna, Dawson and Levi

Note: Sunday, August 24 will be Wade's last Sunday. To celebrate his ministry here at Central, we will meet as one church family at 11 a.m. to say "thank you" and "good-bye" to Wade and his family.

Central Baptist Church will host a "Financial Peace University" course beginning Sunday, August 31. The program is the brain-child of radio host Dave Ramsey, a financial expert listened to nationally by more than 3.5 million every week.

The 13-week course which includes video classes and group discussion has changed lives all across the country. More than 500,000 families have completed the program at their workplace, church, and other locations and are working toward debt freedom and "financial peace."

To introduce the program, we held two preview nights. The response was great and we have about 50 people signed up to attend this 13-week event.

With the economy in the midst of a downturn and energy prices skyrocketing, every family is feeling financial pressure. But there are ways to eliminate mounting debt that is both efficient and biblically based. Financial Peace University is a life-changing program that teaches you how to make the right decisions with your money. You'll be empowered with the practical skills and confidence needed to achieve your financial goals and experience true financial peace. Imagine what the People of God could do for the Kingdom of God if they were debt free!

There is still time to register for "Financial Peace University" here at Central Baptist Church on Sunday evenings, beginning on August 31. Contact Tricia or Erika in the church office (office@CBCspringfield.org or 523-3639) to sign up.

For more information about Financial Peace University, log on to Dave Ramsey's website at www.daveramsey.com/fpu/home/

Eight “Feature Films For Families”
Rich Damron has donated 8 DVDs produced by “Feature Films for Families.” These are films the whole family can enjoy and there is a Parents Guide for Family Discussion on the back of each DVD case. The titles available are:

• Seasons of the Heart (2003), 100 min.
• Friendship’s Field (2003), 84 min.
• No More Baths! (2007), 93 min.
• The Seventh Brother (2003), 76 min.
• Who Stole My Voice? (2007), 99 min.
• The Bellflower Bunnies, Vol 1 (2003), 53 min.
• The Bellflower Bunnies, Vol 2 (2003), 50 min.
• The Night Before Christmas (2003), 47 min.

Thank you, Rich, for your generous gift.

Latest Beverly Lewis Book on CD
The Forbidden (published May 1, 2008) by Beverly Lewis was added last month in book form to the Library. Thanks to a donation from Erika Palsen this book is now available on CD. It may be found in the Audio Section near the Librarian’s Desk.

New DVD Movie for Children
Max Lucado’s Hermie: A Common Caterpillar (2002) has been added to the Video Section of the Library. This DVD was donated by Ed Osuna. This simple story of profound truth gently teaches how God loves you just the way you are…and indeed you are truly special. This film has the voice talents of Don Knotts and Tim Conway.

Jim Filler

On behalf of the Volunteer Library Team

C. S. Lewis Through the Shadowlands

This is the BBC film starring Joss Ackland and Claire Bloom. Winner of over a dozen prestigious awards including the International Emmy for Best Drama and two British Academy Awards.

He cried out, "Where is God when I really need him?" This film is about the agonizing spiritual crisis of C.S. Lewis when his wife died from cancer. The love, grief, pain, and sorrow were so shattering to Lewis that his basic Christian beliefs, magnificently communicated in his many books, were now called into serious doubt.

But he picked up the pieces and moved out of the depressing "shadowlands," realizing that "real life has not even begun yet."

New Beverly Lewis Book in the Library

The Forbidden (published May 1, 2008) by Beverly Lewis has been added to the Library. This is Book #2 in a new series - The Courtship of Nellie Fisher. This book can be found in the New Book Rack in the Library. Book #1, The Parting is also in the Library.

New DVD Movie for Children

Big Idea’s Jonah: A Veggietales Movie (2002) has been added to the Video Section of the Library. This film turns the characters from the biblical story of Jonah into a bunch of talking cucumbers, asparagus, peas, and other vegetables. When God instructs the prophet Jonah to go to the wicked city of Ninevah to spread His word, Jonah balks and tries to flee by ship--only to end up in the belly of a whale. When he finally consents to go to Ninevah, things don't turn out quite the way he expects.

Jim Filler
On behalf of the Volunteer Library Team

There are several summer camps at Lake Springfield Baptist Camp from school age and young adults. Below is a list of these camps, dates, and cost. More information and registration information is available at www.lsbconline.com

Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd grades - May 31, 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. $25

1st & 2nd Grades Slumber Party - June 6, 1 p.m. - June 7, 1 p.m. $35

2nd - 6th Grades Combo - June 8, 4 p.m. - June 13, 10 a.m. $200

6th, 7th, & 8th Grades - June 22, 4 p.m. - June 27, 10 a.m. $200

High School Retreat, 9th - 12th Grades - June 27, 7p.m. - June 28, 10 a.m. $15

2nd, 3rd, & 4th Grades - June 29, 4 p.m. - July 2, 10 a.m. $120

4th, 5th, & 6th Grades - July 6, 4 p.m. - July 11, 10 a.m. $200

6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Wilderness - July 11, 5 p.m. - July 12, 10 a.m. $40

6th, 7th, & 8th Grades - July 13, 4 p.m. - July 18, 10 a.m. $200

Young Adult Retreat, Ages 19-29 - July 18, 5:30 p.m. - July 19, 10a.m. $25

9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th Grades - July 20, 4 p.m - July 26, 10 a.m. $230

4th, 5th, & 6th Grades - July 27, 4 p.m. - August 1, 10 a.m. $200

Kindergarten, 1st, & 2nd Grades - August 2, 9:30 a.m. - August 2 - 4 p.m. $25

2nd, 3rd, & 4th Grades - August 3, 4 p.m - August 6, 10 a.m. $120

Father & Son Wilderness (any age group) August 6, 2 p.m. - August 7, 10 a.m. $40

Worship Camp, 9th-12th Grades - August 8, 4 p.m. - August 10, 2 p.m. $100

It is often commented that it is harder to be a teenager today than it has ever been before in the history of the United States. If you were to do a Google search for statistics related to teenagers, it would take you no time at all to stumble across several sites each with equally disturbing news covering all kinds of topics. Teenagers definitely face some difficult things today and we recognize that parents have an extremely challenging role also. It is no easy task to be a parent today!

The youth mentor team at Central has been thinking of ways in which we can partner with you on this journey called parenting. The mentor team is already blessed with the opportunity to spend time with your children through weekly programs and occasional trips and we would love to have the opportunity to sit down with you and share parenting experiences and learn from one another.

On Sunday, April 6, 2008 at 4 p.m. (during Face 2 Face) we are going to have a gathering time for parents that will include a discussion on the topic of friendship led by Rev. Wade Allen and a time to talk about other questions or areas of concern. The goal is to provide a time and space for parents to support and love one another. At 5:30 p.m., parents and students will unite for a light dinner. We understand that some of you are connected with other churches and we respect that. If this time would be a blessing to you, we would love for you to come. We hope to make these gatherings monthly events.

Please contact Josh Sabo if you have any questions - josh@cbcyouth.org - 217-836-4720

For a printer-friendly version of this information that you pan pass to other parents of teens click here.

Each year, the youth have an opportunity to go to a life-changing youth conference called “Big Stuf” in Florida. The conference consists of great worship and teaching times as well as time for the youth group to meet in small groups with mentors. The mission of Big Stuf is “to creatively communicate the refreshing Spirit of Christ, the truth of His Word, and the difference living for Him can make in our lives. Our desire is to create environments that enhance the opportunities to lead students into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.” To learn more about Big Stuf, log on to their website (www.bigstuf.com).

This year, the trip is scheduled for July 5 - 11. We have seen the lives of youth change because of Big Stuf. You can log on to the Big Stuf page of our website (www.CBCspringfield.org/bigstuf) to read letters from those who took the trip last year.

However, the trip costs $425 per person and not everyone can afford to go. Knowing how important Big Stuf is to the spiritual growth of our youth, the youth area is determined to find the money for them to go. This is done a couple of different ways:

First, fundraisers are scheduled. The next fundraiser is a car wash on Saturday, May 31 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Ace Hardware on Wabash.

Second, we ask our church family, Sunday School classes, and groups to consider giving a monetary gift towards scholarships for students.

If you or your group would like to contribute, or if you have questions, please contact Josh (523-3639, ext. 27 or josh@CBCyouth.org).

Every Sunday at 4 p.m., 20 - 30 youth and their mentors (adult members of Central) meet in Merriam Hall for Face 2 Face. This is a time for Bible study and building relationship with adults and other youth.

Afterwards, the youth and adults enjoy a light meal together. We are looking for volunteers willing to help us with this aspect of the evening. If you, your Sunday School class or small group can sponsor, provide, or cook a meal, it would be a huge blessing to the ministry!

Contact Josh Sabo (523-3639, ext. 27 or josh@CBCspringfield.org) for more information or to let him know you can help.