Amarillo Central

01.02.22 - What is your anticipation for the year of 2022? We jump into Acts 2:1-12 today. Let's consider together what God has planned for each of us in this new year as well as all the ways we can turn back to Him. Speaker: Carson Reed

12.19.21 - We enter the text of Luke 2:1-12 for compelling lesson. Whether you are familiar with the birth story of our Lord Jesus Christ, we all can find a personal connection to his Incarnation. Speaker: Wes Crawford

12.15.21 - We are blessed to partner with 5 amazing organizations here in town. You'll hear what they are, how we began working with them, and hear the “why” behind our partnerships. What is God doing through a sack of food or an apartment renovation? How is God at work in people's lives? As you listen, you'll hear how these partnerships are not ours—they're yours! So many of you (we didn't have time to mention all of you) are instrumental in doing this work at Bivins Elementary, Martha's Home, Downtown Women's Center Gratitude House, HopeChoice, and The PARC (Panhandle Adult Rebuilding Center). Speakers: Greg Dowell, Mary McNeill, Mark Love

12.12.21 - We're focusing on joy this morning. But today's passage doesn't seem to be brimming with good news. Read through Luke 3:7-18 and join us as we discover what good news John the Baptist is referencing. Speaker: Wes Crawford

12.09.21 - In today's episode, Mary McNeill, Greg Dowell, and Hannah McNeill lay out 7 outstanding gift options just in time for the holidays. Use the links below to access specific gifts or learn more about them. Speakers: Greg Dowell, Mary McNeill, & Hannah McNeill Links to our 7 Outstanding Gift Ideas for this season: • Art Print—Give the gift of the prayer book “Every Moment Holy” or an art print from the book, complete with an illustration and a worded prayer. https://store.rabbitroom.com/products/liturgy-prints-every-moment-holy?variant=599658266638 $15 • Audio Series—Download Emily P Freeman's “Quiet Collection,” a 10-day audio devotional series (deadline to sign up is December 15). https://www.theschoolforcreativedirection.com/gifts $10 • Movie Night—Buy tickets to see “Christmas With The Chosen,” a Christmas movie by the creators of the series “The Chosen.” (The movie is in theaters through 12/16. After that, be sure to check availability.) https://watch.angelstudios.com/thechosen • Game—Dive into Table Topics to start great conversations with families or friends. An example question: “What music reminds you of childhood?” https://www.tabletopics.com/family-edition-cube $25 • Book—Use “Praying in Color” to discover a different, tangible way to pray. https://www.amazon.com/Praying-Color-Drawing-Expanded-Enhanced/dp/1640601643/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2H1NVG10Z2SE7&keywords=praying+in+color+sybil+macbeth&qid=1638895297&sprefix=praying+in+color%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-2 $20 • Personality Assessment—Use the Strengths Finder assessment tool to discover your personal strengths. https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/253868/popular-cliftonstrengths-assessment-products.aspx $20 • Experience—Gather a group of your people and head to Christmas at Maxwell's. Enjoy the lights, general store, fire pits, and more. https://www.maxwellspumpkinfarm.com/christmas $15.95 per person

12.05.21 - In this second week of Advent, we are focusing on peace. By dwelling in Luke 1:68-79, we will look at the idea of choosing a quiet place in your life that will encourage the growth of your relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. Speaker: Wes Crawford

11.30.21 – The word “Advent” means coming or arrival, and we seek to observe the Advent season and retrain our thoughts on the Incarnation of Jesus by mindfully practicing this season together as a church family. So, what is Advent? How can you participate? Listen in on the conversation between Greg Dowell and Hannah McNeill as they discuss what Advent means for them personally and for us as a church. Speakers: Greg Dowell & Hannah McNeill

11.28.21 - Today we're honored to hear the testimony of Matt Jones. Join us in sharing Matt's journey and dwelling in John 3:14-18. Speaker: Matt Jones

11.21.21 - Looking at Ephesians 2:11-22, we see that Jesus was all about building relationships and tearing down walls. How can we join Jesus in this work--today in our communities and churches and neighborhoods? Speaker: Carson Reed

11.14.21 - We find in the Gospel the most compelling of narratives, and we have our own parts to play within God's story. Consider the words from Ephesians 2:1-10 and the ways in which we can live through our remembered past. Speaker: Carson Reed

11.11.21 – Today Greg Dowell is joined by Hannah McNeill to recap the “Together” Girls Conference hosted at Central last weekend. Building off of past girls' conference experiences for our youth group, a dedicated volunteer team here at Central hosted this event for 75 middle school and high school girls. Together they explored spiritual practices as well as service, mission, and personal faith. Listen to the full episode to hear more about this exciting event. Speakers: Greg Dowell & Hannah McNeill

11.07.21 - This morning we have Dr. Carson Reed from the Siburt Institute bringing us our sermon. Join us in Ephesians 1:3-14 as we consider together what is holding us back from flourishing as God intends. Speaker: Carson Reed

10.31.21 - As we wrap up our Missions Month for 2021, we go to the passages in Isaiah 43:14-21 and Matthew 4:14-16. And we ask ourselves the question: what is the mission that God has set before each of us? Speaker: Wes Crawford

10.24.21 - We center on John 3:16 this morning. Seth Bouchelle joins Wes Crawford to talk through Seth's work in New York City as well as how God's reach extends throughout the world. Speaker: Wes Crawford

10.17.21 - The church has a mission—to love the world as God has loved us. We need to concentrate on those outside the walls of the church building who have not yet experienced the richness of God's love. Join us in 1 Peter 2:9-12 this morning. Speaker: Wes Crawford

10.10.21 - We go to Genesis 12:1-3 today to look at the first chapter of God's redemptive story. When the human community sinned, God initiated a plan to rescue the world. In spite of our many repeated failings, God's love endures. Speaker: Wes Crawford

10.03.21 - It's Missions Month, and we are focusing on The Story of God. His is a love that reaches you and me and the entire world. Join us as we look at God's great love for us and how forms the very foundation of The Story of God. Speaker: Wes Crawford

09.29.21 - Today Mike Robertson joins Greg Dowell to talk about Focus Groups, important dates, and moving forward. Many of you took place in the 1st phase of feedback which was the Church Health Assessment (CHA). The 2nd phase of listening to your feedback about Central as a church begin this Sunday with Focus Groups. These groups are for discussion, and one of the questions we'd like you to answer: What's one of the biggest challenges we face right now as a church? Then on November 7, you'll have a chance during a combined Bible class at 9am to hear the results of this feedback from the entire church. We mention some other important things in this episode you won't want to miss! Speakers: Greg Dowell & Mike Robertson

09.26.21 - Today we jump into 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. What does it really mean to be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ our Lord? Speaker: Carson Reed

09.19.21 - God came to earth and took on our flesh, and in him eternal life appeared. Let's dig into the text of 1 John as we consider how Jesus' incarnational act redeemed humanity. Speaker: John Mark Hicks

09.05.21 - What does it mean to represent Christ? Join us in this message as we consider our lives as followers of Christ. Speaker: Wes Crawford

08.29.21 - Like the Israelites against the Red Sea, God can do his best work in us when we are backed up against an impossible situation. We must learn to stop where we are, drop to our knees and pray, and roll on with the strength that God provides. Speaker: Larry Borger

08.22.21 - We look to Psalm 73 this week as we wrestle with the question, "What's the Use?" Let's consider how we live in this world and the effect it has on the world. Speaker: Jim Martin

08.15.21 - Dr. Jerry Taylor of Abilene Christian University joins us this morning with Scripture from Luke 19:1-17. Let's consider together our call to generosity. Speaker: Jerry Taylor

08.10.21 – In today's conversation, Carson Reed with Siburt Institute joins Mike Robertson and Greg Dowell to discuss church transition. We have a great opportunity for Central as an entire congregation to evaluate where we are and where we are going. How is God at work during times of transition? How do we pursue our mission during this new season? Join us for this important conversation about the next several months at Central. Speakers: Greg Dowell, Carson Reed, & Mike Robertson

08.08.21 - We know that God uses us even in our frailty and weakness. Join us in 2 Corinthians 4 as we consider our lives as "Cracked Pots in the Kitchen of Life." Speaker: Carson Reed

08.05.21 - At the end of August, we're trying something new at Central to build relationships across all ages, classes, and life stages. It's all about people and food—and the element of surprise. Jennifer Dowell and Hannah McNeill join Greg on the episode today to tell you about this upcoming opportunity. Have a listen and sign up to participate at www.amarillocentral.org/right-now. Speakers: Greg Dowell, Jennifer Dowell, & Hannah McNeill

08.04.21 - We are joined today by Kevin Schaffer, Central's Worship Minister, who recently returned from sabbatical. What is a sabbatical? Why is it important? Kevin gives us a look into his time away and tells us how our faithful God ministered to him through this time of rest. Speakers: Greg Dowell & Kevin Schaffer

08.01.21 - Acts 1 leads us into our conversation this Sunday as Dr. Eddie Sharp preaches on "Moving Into God's Preferred Future." Speaker: Eddie Sharp

07.25.21 - Dr. Chris Smith, our guest speaker from Nashville, Tennessee reminds us today of the command repeated many times throughout scripture: "Don't Be Afraid." Speaker: Chris Smith

For today's episode, Greg Dowell interviews the three people we added to our youth staff for the summer. They arrived in May, and Amelia Stanford, Mesa Allison, and Wesley Handwork jumped right in to working with our youth group. In this episode, we get a recap of the summer in the student ministry and how this time has been impactful for both our students and our summer interns. They did an amazing job with our teens, and we're so thankful they spent their summer with us! Speakers: Greg Dowell, Amelia Stanford, Wesley Handwork, & Mesa Allison

07.18.21 - Today we're delving into the words from Acts 3. We see and proclaim the great power in the name of Jesus. How does the power in His great name affect how we live today? Speaker: Art McNeese

07.12.21 – Last week Central sent a group of 7 high school students and 2 adults to Camp Blessing for the week. Camp Blessing exists to give youth and young adults with disabilities a full camp experience. Our team had an amazing week and learned many things about faith—how God loves and hears ALL people, how deep serving is hard but so fulfilling. Listen in on their conversation with Greg Dowell. Speakers: Greg Dowell & Central's Camp Blessing Team

07.11.21 - From the passage in Jeremiah 29:11-14, Dr. Jerry Taylor challenges each of us to consider God's purpose for our lives. Rather than searching for meaning from human sources, we look to our God and seek to know him. Speaker: Jerry Taylor

07.08.21 - This Saturday is our congregational event: Central @ the Koben Puckett Invitational PBR. In preparation for the weekend, Greg Dowell interviews our own Koben Puckett. Hear a little about his story, the basics of bull riding, the journey that brought him to where he is today, and his message of hope. Use these links to find out about the Press On Foundation as well as the Koben Puckett Invitational PBR. https://www.pressonfoundation.org/ https://kobenpuckettpbr.com/ Speakers: Greg Dowell & Koben Puckett

07.04.21 - Please read Matthew 8:23-27 and Psalm 107:23-30 before listening to this lesson from our very own former Youth Minister, now pulpit minister at Crestview Church of Christ in Waco, Texas, Jordan Hubbard. Speaker: Jordan Hubbard

07.01.21 - Why is it important that we celebrate? As a church coming out of the pandemic, we have now had two congregational celebrations, and we're looking forward to a third in September. Why do these matter? Mary McNeill, Children's Minister, joins Greg Dowell, Executive Minister, for a conversation about the practice of “Celebration.” Speakers: Greg Dowell & Mary McNeill

06.27.21 - Preaching this Sunday, June 27, is Dr. Chris Smith. We're excited to hear what he has to share. Please join us here at Central for worship, prayer, communion, and time in God's Word. ​Speaker: Chris Smith

06.24.21 - Mike Robertson, an elder at Central and chair of the transition team, joins Greg Dowell, our Executive Minister, in a conversation about the changes Central is experiencing. How long will we be in a period of transition? How do we manage the uncertainty and the unknown? Take a look with us back at the major shifts at Central both 20 years ago and again 10 years ago. Let's consider together where God will lead us next as a church. If you have questions, Central's leadership wants to hear from you. Speak to them in person or send an email to contacttheelders@amarillocentral.org. Speakers: Greg Dowell & Mike Robertson

06.20.21 - Preaching this morning is Steve Rogers — Steve has been an elder at Central Church of Christ for many years. Listen as he shares his thoughts on this Father's Day about "Joseph - Jesus' Stepfather." Speaker: Steve Rogers

06.13.21 - Please read 2 Corinthians 4:1-18 this week. Then join us at 10:15 this Sunday morning June 13 as Allan delivers his farewell address to Central after serving for ten years as our Senior Minister. Speaker: Allan Stanglin

06.06.21 - David at once inspires us and disgusts us. David is both a man after God's own heart and a king after another man's wife. We have some idea of his greatness and we are also very aware of his flaws. Let's consider David's mafia-style protection racket and God's gracious work through an unlikely source to redeem a difficult situation. Speaker: Allan Stanglin

05.30.21 - David's life is tangled up with women and wars, with family drama and national politics. It's complicated. How can this man who is so driven by his mixed motives and so controlled by his own desires be considered a man after God's own heart? Speaker: Allan Stanglin

05.23.21 - How can a guy who so ruthlessly massacred his enemies and so easily lied to his friends be called a “man after God’s own heart?” How can someone betray his country, commit murder to cover up a sexual affair, run a mafia-style protection racket, and still be “beloved” by so many? Let’s consider together the complex life of David that leads us to careful personal reflection and points us to the enduring love and power of God. Speaker: Allan Stanglin

05.16.21 - No one gets out of this life without enduring some kind of crisis. It's not a matter of "if," it's only "when." When the money runs out, when the spouse runs out, when your health runs out, or, sometimes, when the wine runs out. When the crisis comes, how will you respond? Will you react by instinct, will you fly by the seat of your pants, or will you lean into your relationship with God in Christ? Speaker: Scott McDowell

05.09.21 - Today we look at Mary the mother of Jesus. In many ways, yes, she is the model mom. But in several other ways, she’s less than perfect. Mary made her share of poor decisions she wished she could do over. Not all her interactions with her holy Son were perfect. But God’s grace is sufficient for her and for her children. Just as it is for you and yours. Speaker: Allan Stanglin

04.18.21 - We shouldn’t really begin a Re|Start as a church family until we’ve first reflected on where we’ve been and where we are. Even as individual disciples of Jesus, we can’t really turn the page on something new, something post-pandemic, until we have taken a hard look at what God has done during the pandemic. Speaker: Allan Stanglin

04.18.21 - The resurrection and ascension of Jesus did not end the Gospel practice of eating and drinking with our Lord. Everything Jesus did around the table in Luke – revelation, redemption, relationship – he is still doing today. By the power and mystery of the Holy Spirit, disciples of Christ are still sharing meals with God and with one another. Speaker: Allan Stanglin

04.04.21 - The stories of the resurrection meals in Luke 24 perfectly mirror our experience as Christians. We go through seasons of dismay, frustration, and doubt. Then we take our places at the table and we realize that Christ Jesus himself is with us. He warms our hearts with his truth, he comforts us with his presence, and he assures us with his peace. Jesus’ presence with us at the table is the proof that God’s promises are true. Speaker: Allan Stanglin

03.28.21 - Jesus served a Passover meal to his disciples on the night he was betrayed. And if we’ll look more closely at that Passover context, our weekly communion meals will take on a whole new depth of richness and meaning for our Christian transformation and ministry. Speaker: Allan Stanglin

03.24.21 - Howard Griffin, the Senior Pastor at First Presbyterian Church, joins Allan for a conversation about the upcoming 4Amarillo Maundy Thursday worship service. What does Maundy mean? Why are we serving communion on a Thursday? Why do we leave the service in silence? Allan and Howard break it down in bite-sized chunks on the latest episode of the Central Podcast. Speakers: Allan Stanglin & Howard Griffin