We are kicking off a new small group this week: The Weekly Recap. It's an open-discussion forum on the previous week's message at Center City Church. We are excited to offer this new group that will help us to dig deeper and hear other perspectives on the messages taught on Sundays. We will be meeting at Mugs Coffee in South Charlotte. Come at 6:45pm to grab a cup of coffee and the discussion will start at 7pm.

Click here to view this week's message from Center City Church: The Story of Esther - Part Four...[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/24698422 w=398&h=224]The story of Esther includes an over-arching theme that God can and will use anyone that avails themselves to him. Our part is to decide if we are willing to be used.

I like to refer to the Proverbs at Old Testament tweets. The writers of the Proverbs can say more in 140 characters or less than we could ever dream to say with such concise clarity. Here's 59 characters of goodness for you that should motivate each one of us to work hard at whatever God puts in front of our path. Proverbs 19:15 - Lazy people sleep soundly, but idleness leaves them hungry.

Click the link below to view this week's message: The Story of Esther - Part Three. [vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/24400180 w=398&h=224]Esther 6 shows us a stark contrast between pride and humility. And the encouragement is to allow God to honor us in His timing.

Yesterday was an unforgettable day in the life of our vision to bring Ebenezers Coffeehouse to Uptown Charlotte. It was so great to have Mark Batterson with us yesterday as we toured this property. We have been discussing this partnership for the past four years. It was surreal to sit there yesterday as we looked across the table from each other realizing both of our dreams could be coming true in this process. God put a dream in Mark's heart years ago that Ebenezers could expand into a franchise that would be replicated all across the country. We are one step closer as the meetings we had...

Esther 5 gives us a vivid portrayal of the pride of Haman - the antagonist in the story of Esther. And we see how pride is one of the most dangerous and undetectable sins. Click the link below to view this week's message from Center City Church: The Story of Esther - Part Two. [vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/24093100 w=398&h=224]

I got a text last night stating that a friend just found out that her best friend has just been given seven months to live. I also just got done having coffee with one of my closest friends that is dealing with the harsh side effects of an eight month journey battling hodgkin's disease. Just two months ago, we just walked with our friends as they grieved through the loss of a parent.All of these situations are absolutely heartbreaking. But all of them are spoken to directly in the Scriptures. If you are walking through something today that is breaking your heart, know that God is fully aware...

We just finished the new logo for our kids ministry - Center City Kids. Thanks to Zach Whiteside and Dara Docusen for the concept and design! I love the variation on the original Center City Church logo!

I am convinced that the creators of the Bachelor stole the concept from the book of Esther. Follow me here, it's pretty obvious. The premise of the Bachelor is that a bunch of beautiful women are whisked away to a luxurious location to compete for the heart and affection of one man. The premise of the first part of the book of Esther is that a bunch of beautiful women are whisked away to the King's palace to compete for the heart and affection of King Xerxes. Esther is given the "red rose" and becomes queen. If you want to get wrapped up on a story of love, scandal, loss and marriage, I'd...

Center City Church and the PTA from Elizabeth Traditional Elementary School combined this weekend on a landscaping service project for the school. Click the video below to see for yourself! We had a lot of fun and so much was accomplished. Huge thanks to John and Ginny Gum for organizing this and working so hard. Great day![vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/23778137 w=398&h=224]