If you are exploring what it means to make a faith commitment to Jesus Christ, or if you are already a Christ-follower and want to make a commitment to belong to this body of believers, come to The Way, a seminar led by Pastor Mike Barris. This class will explore the meaning and implications of faith and life in the body of Christ and will give you the opportunity to consider making a membership commitment to this fellowship. The Way Membership Seminar will be held Sunday, April 25 at Pastor Mike and Debra’s home from 12:30-3:30 pm. Lunch will be served. Please contact Debra Barris in the church office at 925-846-4436 to RSVP or to receive answers to any of your questions.

The Fusion High School Director Search Committee and Board of Elders are delighted to announce that Craig John Ungethiem will join the Centerpointe staff on March 15.

Craig brings an excellent blend of experience and education to this new call as Director of Fusion High School Ministries. He is moving from Indiana, as did our Ignition Middle School Director, Jenni Festa. He shares her passion for the Indianapolis Colts.

He spent the past four years as youth pastor at Suburban Bible Church in Highland. He is passionate about working with students and teaching God’s word to them.

“I know I am called to full-time youth ministry and eagerly look forward to see where the Lord leads me,” Craig told the committee.

Trish Quinn, search team member, wrote, “I was instantly impressed by his confidence and obvious enthusiasm and commitment to youth ministry. I also loved his energy. He is going to be a fantastic role model for our youth.”

Pastor Mike Barris said, “In addition to his ministry experience and skillset, Craig has a wonderful ability to relate to students in a meaningful way. He also brings to our high school ministry strong teaching skills, creative approaches to helping students growth spiritually and an ‘all-in’ attitude for Jesus. I can’t wait to see the spiritual impact he will have.”

Craig graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Religion with a specialty in Youth Ministry. He joined the Suburban Church staff in 2005 and has served there until he accepted the call to Centerpointe. One of his commitments at Suburban was to involve the youth in the mission of the church. “I made it a point to blur the lines between adults and the youth by involving the youth in the big picture of the church. I would emphasize that the youth were not the ‘future of the church’ rather they are the church right now,” he wrote.

At Suburban, he was responsible for the junior and senior high ministries, organizing and running multiple outreach events as well as mission trips, Bible studies, small groups and other activities. He recruited and trained the volunteer staff to help in the ministry. He has a rich background in mission experience, having participated in 15 short-term mission trips around the world. Craig explains, “The (mission trips) are not a statement of how great I am for doing this. Rather, it is a testimony of how God can take a sinner like me, save me, and then use me all over the world to reach his children.”

In his spare time, Craig likes to play just about any sport, but golf is his favorite. An avid sports fan, he roots for the St. Louis Cardinals in addition to the Colts.

Speaking of his goals, Craig said, “The kind of life I desire to live is the kind of life that Christ promised us in John 10:10. I truly believe that a life lived in total surrender and submission to our Lord is the most powerful way to live.”

“This powerful life will undoubtedly change hearts and minds of the people around you. That is my desire - to see the hearts of youth changed by Jesus Christ himself. What an honor it is to be high hands and feet to show the students what it means to be a follower of Christ.”

Sign ups for church league softball have begun.  Men and women 16 and older are welcome.  Cost is $35 per person and the team is limited to 17 players - so sign up early!  Email Gary Wanlin at softball@centerpointeweb.org if you are interested.

During the month of September, Session:

-Heard an inspirational Centerpointe Christian Preschool update from Preschool Director Didi Huckaby. Didi shared stories illustrating the growing sense of community amongst the staff and families who describe it as a place of love where teachers go above and beyond for the students, families, and each other. The preschool enrollment has been excellent, and many classes have a waiting list.

-Learned of exciting new updates to our website including access to sermon podcasts, the start of Pastor Mike’s blog in the near future, and the creation of a detailed calendar of events.

-Received training on how to make Communications and Facilities Requests for all events. Forms are available in the office should you need to schedule a room or create publicity for an upcoming church event. Communication Request forms can be turned in at the church office or sent to communications@centerpointeweb.org and Facilities Request forms can be turned in at the office or sent to chris.lindstrom@centerpointeweb.org. These forms will soon be available on the church web site.

-Reviewed the role of Church Administrator, Steve Zimmerman, who oversees the following areas on a half-time basis: Finance, Buildings and Grounds, Operations, Administration, and Personnel. Many of these responsibilities have been previously handled by Pastor Mike. The Church Administrator position frees our Senior Pastor to focus on ministry and the fresh vision God has laid out for Centerpointe.