I have been asked to say a few words about the roots from which this church developed.  I speak today about the roots we became aware of beginning with 1969 when we found Central.  We had come out of Southern Baptist Churches which meant a lot to our families and to us; we could not imagine being at home any place else.  But, when we found Central it was like coming home without all the unnecessary baggage of correct thinking and believing.  We found a church with head and heart where we could covenant with folks, "to walk together in all the ways of the Lord known to us and to be made known to us according to our best endeavors, the Lord assisting us."  And, as I have said before, Central was like a breath of fresh air. 

This week, I saw a Facebook posting from Beth Rollings.  Beth and her family came to Central a little bit after we did.  She had posted a picture of the unicorn out in front of the playground.  That unicorn was sculpted by Glen Acree who had also sculpted "The Family," the structure in the reflecting pond.  We think it was in June of 1974 that the Rollings moved from Atlanta to their new home in Gainesville.  Their daughter, Erin, would have been entering the first grade that fall.  On the day of their move, Erin was out riding her bicycle when she was struck and killed by a moving vehicle.  

We had taught Erin in church school when she was 3 and 4 years old.  Joan was her sponsor when all the children of Central had a special friend, a sponsor, who worked with the parents to form a class council to care for and provide nurture for the children of a particular age.  The unicorn, a playful, fantasy-like figure, was sculpted in memory of Erin. 

What is the value of knowing and remembering Erin and other great folks we have known at Central -- Trudy and Carl Sanford, Irl and Barbara Middleton, Betty's Bubba Floyd, Paul and Elfriede Rice, John and Jean Steinhaus, Jim and Ruth Simmons, Elsie's Fred Dresch, Amy Chappell, Lena Werking, Cliff and Elsie Moe, Joyce's Ed Brown, Kwai and Miyo Chang, Ron and Susie Autry, Peggy's Sam Broadnax, Jim and Sara Young, Irene Smith, Franklin Thomas, Harold's Alice Granish, Lennie's Joe Vaux, Harold and Catherine Johnson. These are just a few of the folks we knew who have made Central what it is... and who have helped make us who we are..., though I am not going to blame them for all of it!  

We are touched every time we remember the head and heart of those who have gone before: when we look at the unicorn, when we gaze at the amazingly productive fig tree, when we pass the reflecting pond which we were able to renovate with Memorial Fund gifts, when we ride the elevator, when we make decisions about our outreach programs via our Endowment and the Lena Werking fund, when we see better while saving energy via the LED  bulbs in our ceiling, thanks to the Memorial Fund, when we walk through the memorial garden..., it goes on and on.  

As we remember those folks who have gone before, I am reminded of a passage from the New Testament book of Hebrews: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

We remember our roots because we have a ministry to provide and a future to envision, so when time comes for you to think about your involvement at Central: what you will pledge in time, energy and money in support of Central's ministry, give not until it hurts, but give until it feels good!  You are creating a legacy at Central..., as those who have gone before.