A Central Thought
(Based on Colossians 2:6-7 NIV)
Twenty members in 1939
Who’d received Jesus Christ as Lord,
From a four week revival
A Church of Christ in San Jose was born.
Founded by Jesus and Mr. William Jessup.
We called him “Brother Bill”.
His down-to-earth kindness and gospel preaching –
The sanctuary, God would fill.
Later meeting at San Jose Bible College,
Then constructing Central Christian Church, which grew.
Believers continue to live in Him.
Many home-grown missionaries, too.
They just keep coming in.
Rooted in Him when the times are tough,
As “Amazing Grace” is still preached.
Built up in Him – when the going gets rough.
Strengthened in a “without borders” faith,
Children and adults including church relatives are taught:
From Hope Christian Church to William Jessup University
The Word of God is caught.
We overflow with thankfulness,
Central Christian Church still thrives.
75 years old now in 2014,
Grateful for how the Lord provides.
— Charles B. Mayes
A Central Thought © 2014 by Charles B. Mayes. All Rights Reserved.
I have been privileged to attend 75th Anniversaries of two congregations in my life.
The first was my home church, where I grew up – First Christian Church, Muskogee, OK (which is now York Street Christian Church). Right before the good successful merger becoming York Street, it was 99 years old!
The second was today at my current home church, Central Christian Church, San Jose, CA. It was a wonderful time of reunion including when former Pastors Don Hinkle and Bryce Jessup spoke.
There is something about a home church that is very important to Christians. It is a place “where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came” * as that old TV show lyrics say. But this is nothing like that show about attempted happiness. It’s a place that you can always feel true joy, being close to God and each other. This is “real fellowship” as Don Hinkle said.
Other poems are available in a chapbook titled, A New Year Resolution and Other Poems (including The Missionaries) by Charles B. Mayes. It contains 22 poems. The foreword is written by Dr. P.T. Mammen, Senior Pastor of San Bruno (CA) International Christian Center.
” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . .” – Dr. P.T. Mammen
If you would like to purchase a copy of the above book, please fill out the form below and I will get back to you with the description, price, payment, and mailing arrangements.
I would love to do Poetry Reading for your group in the San Jose, California area. If you are interested, please fill out the form below.
If you receive these poems by email, to use my form to answer me, just forget the form on the email and go to the bottom left and click on farsails which will take you to my blog. Then choose this poem and you can use the form with the poem.
* “Cheers” lyrics – as used in a past sermon by Don Hinkle.
Thank you!
ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)
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