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.

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

Attention Ladies!!!

The fun continues at our next Ladies Night In (LNI). This is a night for ladies in our church and their gal pals to get together and just enjoy each other. Ladies are welcome to bring along games, scrapbooking, crafting, stamping, cross stitch, or anything else you would like.

One night a month, we will meet in the Merriam Hall to play games, share supplies and ideas, and enjoy friendship. It is a time to be with other women and just enjoy their company. There's really no set agenda - just fellowship and fun.
Bring a snack to share and something to drink. Come prepared to have a great time!

Our next Ladies Night In will be on Friday, June 20 beginning at 6 p.m.. If you have questions, please contact Heather Southwell (787-8405 or heddysue@gmail.com) or Jennie Alt (793-8976 or Jaltkitties@aol.com).

We will see you there!

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

Attention Ladies!!!

We're planning a new and fun ministry - Ladies Night In (LNI). This is a night for ladies in our church and their gal pals to get together and just enjoy each other. Ladies are welcome to bring along games, scrapbooking, crafting, stamping, cross stitch, or anything else you would like.

One night a month, we'll meet in the Merriam Hall to play games, share supplies and ideas, and enjoy friendship. It's a time to be with other women and just enjoy their company. There's really no set agenda - just fellowship and fun.

Our first LNI will be on Friday, May 2, from 6 p.m. until we're too tired to go on! Bring a snack to share and something to drink. Come prepared to have a great time! If you have questions, please contact Heather Southwell (787-8405 or heddysue@gmail.com) or Jennie Alt (793-8976 or Jaltkitties@aol.com).

We’ll see you there!

Recently, Gail Brogdon donated the King James Version of the New Testament on Compact Disc. She asked that we would make it available to lend to homebound members.

Would you benefit from this gift? Do you know someone who would? Please let the church office know. The CDs are kept in the Ministry Services office with Tricia Allen. You may ask ministry staff on Sunday or contact Tricia (523-3639, ext. 17 or tricia@CBCspringfield.org).

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

All women are invited to the American Baptist Women’s Ministries of the Great Rivers Region Annual Conference June 6 - 8 at Lake Williamson Conference Center near Carlinville.

The theme for this year’s conference is “Face Your Fears - Come to the Edge! God Will Go with You Wherever…” The cost for the two-day event is $139 (includes two nights and four meals) or $40 for Saturday only (includes lunch and dinner). Registration deadline is May 24.

Brochures are available online at abc-grr.org/abwm/abw08conferencebrochure.pdf or in the literature rack in the Welcome Center.

Join us on Saturday, May 3 for a prayer vigil. We will meet at 9 a.m. in the Welcome Center. This will be a time of prayer beginning with a devotional.

Following our time together, we will join the First Presbyterian Church (321 South 7th Street) at 11 a.m. for the next in the series of Solemn Assembly Worship Service. After the service, we will walk to a race riot marker and have a brief prayer.

Central Baptist Church will be holding a free concert on Sunday, May 18, at 7:00 pm. The guest artist is River's Edge, a contemporary Southern Gospel group from Auburn, IL. River's Edge will be joining us in worship that morning as well.

River's Edge bio
Based out of the Springfield, Illinois area, River’s Edge is a brand new group to the southern gospel music scene and they are taking the stage by storm. The group is made up of just two guys, Brent Austin and Jeff Willis.

Long time friends, the guys started singing together in the late 90’s but the timing just didn’t seem to be right. Jeff moved to Kansas City, MO to attend graduate school and Brent continued ministering with his parents and at his father’s church (his dad is a pastor).

Now, after several years and both having families of their own, these guys are back and they are sounding better than ever. Whether it is old fashioned southern gospel music you like or contemporary praise and worship, River’s Edge is sure to be a blessing as God uses their gifts to minister to the various needs of HIS children.

River’s Edge is undoubtedly a big part of the future of gospel music. With their combination of rich, tight vocal harmonies, powerful and uplifting worship, humor and life changing testimonies, God is evidently using this group to make an eternal impact in thousands of lives.
The mandate of River’s Edge is simply to provide the absolute best in Christian music that is not only captivating and utmost professional, but more importantly, life changing. Their number one priority is to effectively use their gifts as an avenue to share God's plan of salvation and to encourage the body of Christ.

Check out their Web site: www.riversedgeministries.net. Also, listen to some free samples by clicking the links below!

Right to Pray
Everythng Good
Give it Away