Siempre Para Los Ninos

This morning's message on YouTube - check it out!

I Will Remain Faithful- 4 Life Changing Decisions - 7-21-24 - Pastor Eric Denton, Central Community

A beautiful message of gratitude from one of the many children who found love and family at Siempre Para Los Ninos - because of so many of you.

Thanks so very much for believing in the crazy love of God.

too sweet a note not to share - I guess some of them were listening all those Wednesday afternoons...

they've filled our lives with more love than we ever could have given -

The note - translated:

"It all began with a dream and a word "ALWAYS"....

Pastor Eric, a young servant of God, decided to listen and follow God's work in 2004, where they would support children and young people in the city of Tijuana, Mexico.

Today I thank God for his life and for the life of every person who has visited SIEMPRE and has made every child happy, I was part of those children and I have great memories....

Every time Pastor Eric told the story of how it all began, I didn't understand why "Always".

Today I understood why it was the word ALWAYS

Always God our refuge.

Always we find peace

We always had a plate of food on the table.

We always had a home

We were always a family

We always had love.

Thank you for sharing your family's love and dedication to the children who need it most..... Blessings.

Imagine if Amazon Prime Day was every Wednesday - and everything was free... - I'm guessing it would be crowded.

That's what's been happening at Central Community Christian Fellowship for the last 4 years - every Wednesday - and all the food a family needs for the week to come is free.

Because of so many good people like you.

Thank you is never enough but thanks just the same.

Jackets for Jesus, Siempre Para Los Ninos, Central Thanksgiving... and so much more... if you know someone ready to step into the challenge of a lifetime, let them know there's an opening coming up at Central Community.

You're Invited!

Don't miss your miracle!

Thank You- What an Amazing Difference You’ve Made - Thank You Food Giveaway at Central Community- July 17, 2024

I'm preaching on one the most important "Life Changing Choices" we can make this weekend - "I Will Remain Faithful." - from the parable of The Prodigal Son - Gospel of Luke, chapter 15

We'll share in communion one more time together...

Decided to ask one of my artificial intelligence applications for a breakdown of the parable as it relates to homelessness in America today. Couple of great testimonials listed and then this:

from Chatgpt 40

"Themes of Redemption and Forgiveness

These stories highlight the same themes found in the parable of the Prodigal Son:

Repentance: Individuals realize their mistakes and seek to turn their lives around.

Forgiveness: Families and support systems offer forgiveness and a chance for a fresh start.

Reconciliation: The estranged individuals often find their way back to their families, much like the prodigal son returning home.

Conclusion
The narrative of the Prodigal Son is not just a biblical story but a living reality for many people, especially among the homeless. Organizations like the Midnight Mission and the Denver Rescue Mission play crucial roles in these modern-day stories of redemption-
illustrating that
no one is beyond forgiveness and a chance at a new beginning."

Nothing artificial about that.

Hope you'll join us at Central Community Christian Fellowship, live online or in person, this weekend.

Our next to last Sunday before my retirement. You're Invited!

Free Food Giveaway at Central Community Christian Fellowship - Happening Now!

I pray for our Pastoral Search Committee as they evaluate applications in search for a viable candidate to step into the role of Lead Pastor in the months to come.

Not an easy job.

The precedent of serving in love - for decades - set by the people of Central Community makes the task seem a bit more foreboding.

But so much good work is in place with incredible people taking giving their best week in and week out - a passionate pastor, with a heart to build the church and reach our community - could step into a position others have spent years preparing for this moment.

If you're interested, check out today's food giveaway, then contact the church office. Pastor Ken can connect you to all the right people with the Search Committee.

Whatever you do, don't miss your miracle. I can last a lifetime.

Hot! Hot! Hot! Free Food- Because of You Central Community’s food distribution working together through the blazing heat this week. You’re invited to pray, serve or support with all of us.Come and ...

this morning's message on YouTube.

check it out!

4 Life Changing Decisions - I Will Put God First - Eric Denton, pastor, Central Community- 7-7-24

Weeks away from my 70th birthday. Weeks away from retirement. The same questions are asked of me daily; from the dentist office to our daughter - "What are you going to do?"

My life has been guided by the vision for God's church for so very many years and directed to more places, projects and people than I ever imagined... even now... I find myself as I write my final sermons - thinking about what's next or does there need to be a "next."

People have gotten frustrated with me across the years for many reasons but primary among those reasons was that I was always jumping to some new need that opened up before us. Skidrow. Russia. Mexico. Africa. Disaster relief. Food distribution... sometimes people actually said it out loud:
"What about us?"

Sunday morning I begin my final series of messages at Central Community. 4 Life Changing Choices. I want to invite you to be with us in person or live online - at the webpage, YouTube or here on Central Community Christian Fellowship's fb page. My prayer is that by the end of July each of us will know where we're going, why and be motivated to keep God first through it all.

I'm not certain what retirement holds for us. But I am certain that God's held us every step of the way and I'm not afraid to turn the page. I believe God's got great things out ahead of us in the days, weeks, months and years to come - together at Central Community as we search out new pastoral leadership - and together to wherever God might want us to go in the days to come.

I'm hoping that none of us will be afraid in these of transition, but instead excited and ready to turn the page - one more time.

God is good and I'm excited for the next chapter... even when I'm not quite certain what it may be. Join me in this faith walk to whatever's waiting to be written.

I can't wait!

4th of July Food Giveaway - Happening Now at Central Community.

You're Invited to share the miracle of your life with others. Come celebrate being part of the team.

It's already HOT and getting HOTTER! Stay safe out there. Think I'll go to Siempre.

How to Keep Your Community Fed in a Hungry World 4 years of weekly food giveaways at Central Community. You can do it in your neighborhood as well and we can teach you how.www.centralcommunity.com

Thanks to everyone who traveled, gave and worked to build the beautiful home for Moises and Mireya back in 2017.

Church groups from Santa Barbara, California, Redmond, Washington and Riverside gave generously, worked hard and served selflessly and they've honored your service by building a beautiful family together.

It all burned down on Saturday, June 22, as a fire in the canyon swept up and took several homes. Firefighters from Tijuana stood in the gap or Siempre Para Los Ninos would've been lost as well.

Moises grew up at Siempre. Met Mireya in the church youth group at Siempre - they went on to marry and build a beautiful family. The two of them are incredibly hard workers and deserve our continued support.

Pastor Ken and I will be there Wednesday. If you'd like to send a gift for them, bring it by the church today or in the morning. To donate your financial support go to the website of Central Community Christian Fellowship or Siempre Para Los Ninos and mark your gift "fire support." That will get it there.

We can help as they strive to rebuild their lives. Please keep them in your prayers.

a video of our original build in 2017. you may be in it
https://youtu.be/QJ9o01yBNmM?si=lJZL-R9ilx2sVoFM

Group Photo at Siempre Para Los Ninos, June, 2005 - the week after our first addition to the original house, built in 2004

Don't be confused. The photo's a 4 year throwback.

The picture's from our very first food giveaway. July, 2020. Almost everything was still locked down. The first week began for "mature adults..." The next week? Pastor Ken moved whatever we had to the parking lot and opened it to any and everybody.

Most of you know the rest of the story.

Many of you have helped create it.

Cleaning my desk in the office. Throwing stuff away that I've held onto for years: giving records, financial reports, encouraging notes from many of you...

I found an essay I'd written in the first month of the pandemic - early April, 2020 - when the government said they were going to try to insure that everyone was fed. It's pages long and simply titled:

"Logistics: Let it Be Me"

And I outline the challenges Central Community's faced feeding at Thanksgiving, Siempre, Jackets for Jesus and we're just one little church. How would the federal, state and local governments take on so great a task?

This was BEFORE we had our Food Distribution for the community.

The essay closes with these words:

"When people are being fed it’s not about politics or religion, it’s about loving people and it’s a lovely thing.

If you’re going to pray – let it be about logistics. The thousands who have made Thanksgiving at Central Community possible know what an impossible adventure it feels like as we begin. Let’s pray that God puts all the right people in all the right places and if you know for certain you could be one of them, whisper this simple, yet frightening prayer:

“Let it be me.”

God will hear you.

If the answer is unexpected, will you say “Yes” and give thanks?

We’re going to survive this storm. I promise."

So many of you must've prayed, said "Yes!" when God spoke to your heart and got to work - and have stuck with it these past 4 years.

Through those impossible days of loss, into this morning, when a team assembled food from our USDA grant, we're now approaching 2.5 MILLION pounds of food supplied to our community as they've needed us most.

Too many of you lost a loved one and felt as if the security that would be with your family to the end - came to an end far too soon. Those are losses that can never be undone. But through it all, we're invited out of grief and back into growth - sometimes when getting back up is the last thing we want to do.

Going through papers that represent our lifetime's of service together, I'm reminded that not only have we survived this storm, but God has built and blessed us and I can't help but give thanks for each of you.

4 years ago I didn't know what a pallet jack was, had never operated a forklift and had no idea how many pallets a box truck or semi trailer held. Now I'm pretty familiar with all of that stuff... and give thanks.

People need us, now, more than ever. I believe God is ready to do whatever's next with new pastoral leadership at Central Community and just like 4 years ago - I'm praying - and working to do all we can together to meet the need.

You're Invited to these share these incredible moments.

Don't miss your miracle

Imagine there was a place you could send anyone who was hungry and they would be given food for the week to come.

There is! Every Wednesday morning at Central Community and everyone is welcome. No questions asked. Happening now.

Don't miss your miracle!

Free Food to Help You Make it Through the Week Central Community- more information at www.central community.com

This afternoon's group photo at the fiesta for Siempre Para Los Ninos. So blessed

If you need food, never hesitate to ask.

Fiesta at Siempre Para Los Ninos this Saturday afternoon and All Church Picnic at Central Community this Sunday after Second Service.

Now? The multitude is being fed. Ken said car's were already in line when he arrived before 5am.

Thanks for your love and help as we feed those who need us most. So many "mature adults..." whisper a prayer.

Free Food Enough to Celebrate- Don’t Miss Your Miracle!

Mom shared Bob Benson with us across the years. He was one of her favorite authors.

When we started having "All Church Picnics" at Central Community, back in 1988, she started putting this poem in my hands each year - until it became almost tradition in our program on picnic week.

The All Church Picnic is this Sunday at Central Community, in our park, at the church. You're Invited!

Whether you bring a bologna sandwich or a picnic table covered in love and good food, you are welcome.

Sunday night Jackets for Jesus takes Picnic to the Streets and the guys are looking forward to it.

Come and celebrate this opportunity to be together. Sunday morning, immediately following our 10am service, in the church park.

Paper products and soda will be provided - Main Dish is in your hands. Take it to the fellowship hall and it'll be set up potluck style.

Fried chicken, cheese enchiladas, chocolate pie, watermelon... all good choices when it comes to a church picnic.

Don't miss your miracle!

potato salad... deviled eggs... and if you don't have anything to cook - give us a call - we've got lot's of food at the church that you can do wonders with to celebrate together!

Remember, people will come to a picnic that'll never come to church. Invite your family and friends. It's supposed to be sunny and warm!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Fathers Day 2024

Debi tipped me off to this via text message - Staple's has School Supplies on Sale - in store only

Crayons - .50 cents
Notebook paper - .35 cents
Pencils - 8 pack - .50 cents

and on and on.

Tried it online and you have can order and pick up at your local store but not for delivery. Great pick up for your kids, grandkids or even the kids at Siempre Para Los Ninos.

Buy them now and I'll take them down next week!

And hey! You Can't Beat That!

Thanks Debi

If ordering online with free shipping works for you - let us know in the comments below. thanks!

https://www.staples.com/crayola-crayons-assorted-colors-24-box-523024/product_299198

This morning's free food giveaway at Central Community - now over 2.3 MILLION Pounds of food given away on Wednesday mornings!

Perspective - that's more than 1,155 full pallets or 192 full loads in our truck or one load per week for 3 years and 7 months, without missing a week!

That's awe inspiring!

Most importantly - it's put food on the tables of 225,395 people - from little old Central Community.

Can you and your church make a difference in your community? If we can, You Can!

God has good beyond measure and those who've volunteered through it all have been amazing.

Whether it's our Thanksgiving Dinner, Jackets for Jesus, Siempre Para Los Ninos or our weekly free food distribution - I'm inspired by all those we have the opportunity to serve alongside.

You can share every element of this good work; in prayer, volunteering to prepare, distribute or donate. You make this possible. God is using every day people to do extraordinary work and I want you to have the opportunity to experience the moments... that become our lifetimes.

Don't miss your miracle

2.3 MILLION Pounds of food to 225,395 people! Thank You ❤️ Astonishing numbers. We never expected all this. You can support this incredible work at www.14JC.comMuch love and thanksgiving from everyone at Central Co...

Thinking about our work together - and the 25 years of serving in Mexico - I've come to realize that whether we were building houses to give away, a church to serve the community or Siempre Para Los Ninos, it's always been about the promise of new beginnings.

New hope for a family that needed shelter. Love for a colonia that needed a church to celebrate together and worship. A family and a home for children who'd lost every person - so much more than every thing - and needed to believe there was a place of new beginnings.

It's the best of what we've been about these past 25 years and we've been humbled to share in the success of families who made the most of their home, churches who've become beacons of Hope in their colonia and children who've grown up and become adults who would make any parent proud.

Our work together has been a gift and when we're in the middle of it all it's easy to overlook the miracle that takes shape daily because people like you simply saw the need and decided to do something to make a difference.

Thank you.

I look at this picture from 19 years ago, remembering the excitement as Debi brought down new Easter dresses for all the girls, and reflect that it was one step of love, one moment of making a difference that's added up to a lifetime of growth and maturity for so very many.

Thank you.

Saturday, June 22, 1pm at Siempre Para Los Ninos we're celebrating 25 years of work in Mexico with Central Community Christian Fellowship and you're invited.

I've got no clue who'll be there or how it'll come about and that's always a challenge for me... but my prayer is that it's a day we can say thanks for all the great beginnings that've taken place across the decades.

I believe it'll be another beginning in the continued growth of Siempre Para Los Ninos and the work of so many of you who've lovingly shared the Miracle in Mexico.

It's going to be a great day! I can't wait.

Don't miss your miracle!

What a great gift for Father's Day! Sunday, June 16, at 8:45 & 10am, Jean Helbling Shackleton will be sharing in both services.

How amazing is Jean on the piano? When I told Bobby and Marty that she would be here, they immediately arranged to have that beautiful piano tuned!

I've known the Shackleton family my entire life. Central Community Christian Fellowship was blessed to have Jean's Father-in-Law, Dr. Fred Shackleton, as our worship leader for a year or two in our early work.

This is a family that's had a profound impact on the church around the world and we're so very blessed to have Jean come and share with us.

She'll be playing for ten minutes - so we can still get in our live streaming service and the message - and even though it's just a "mini concert," I know it'll have a maximum impact in each of our lives. Jean's gift goes well beyond her priceless talent at the piano and you'll want to be here on Sunday, June 16, to experience it.

You may want to stay for BOTH services! We don't have guests come in often and this moment is too good to pass up. I know everyone will be blessed as God uses her in our midst.

Invite a friend. If your Dad's still around, the Father's Day message will be love filled and life changing.

Come and share the day with friends.

What a great time to be alive and celebrate with Central Community!

We're going to celebrate our 25th Anniversary of working in Mexico and You're Invited!

All our former children and staff are invited - and being contacted from Siempre Para Los Ninos, in Spanish - along with everyone who's ever visited, served, built, donated, prayed or was just curious about Siempre Para Los Ninos... it's going to be a BIG Fiesta, an open house and a great time to come and share the love.

This is YOUR INVITATION!

I wouldn't miss it for the world! I realize it's a Saturday, summer... barely... and the day before Central Community Christian Fellowship's All Church Picnic... but why not come and make a day of it?

How often do you get an invite to a fiesta in TJ? You've got one now!

25 years... that happened fast

Wednesday morning miracle - happening now - don't sleep through yours ;-)

Love in Action - Free Food Giveaway- You’re Invited! www.14JC.com

Today's Debi's Birthday... Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

Woke up an hour or two before Debi - went out and bought croissants and roses - and a song kept going through my head:

"I knew you were waiting, I knew you were waiting for me."

Love this picture with my siblings from 25 or 30 years ago. Love the note from mom on the back. Love even more that Debi's smiling in the picture... even off to the side.

Marrying into our family was no small task. Each of us with BIG dreams and goals... and parents who built a family unit for us to embrace... and that must've meant letting go of quite a bit for everyone who married into our tribe.

Debi's never complained. She fit from the start... and maybe, in some ways, has missed mom and dad more than I have. She loved them like her own.

I've gone so many directions, countries, missions, ministries, hobbies, personal pursuits... and whether I was in Siberia, on a long hill of a hard spot during a marathon, late home from Mexico or dtla or any of the many other things that seemed so vital to me in the moment - that song that's been stuck in my head all day - fits.

"I knew you were waiting. I knew you were waiting for me."

Debi deserves to be in the middle of every picture - but she married into the "Denton's," and often she's been off to the side - hasn't complained at all... not once that I can recall...

This photo shows it - she's out of frame, assume Mom took the picture - and Debi's smiling... celebrating with us all.

That's Debi.

Happy Birthday and thanks for always being there, for giving me encouragement to go, I went so many times because:

"I knew you were waiting. I knew you were waiting for me."

Much love, today and always. Thanks for being perfectly you and for making the "Denton tribe" all the better because of your part in it.

Happy Birthday!