06/19/2026
Hello Church Family,
As you know, this Sunday is Father’s Day and for my Friday email I have provided a story of a famous artist. I hope it encourages you.
Justin William Chase, Sr. was a famous artist who lived in the 1800’s. His son, Justin, would often sit on his father’s lap and Justin Sr. would wrap his large hand around his son’s and direct his son’s hand over the canvas. It was no surprise that Justin Jr. later was enrolled in one of the finest art schools in New England. And so the son gained experience but remembered things his father had told him, like “Don’t make fame your goal. Just enjoy the gift God has given you.”
Justin later went to study in Paris where he gained fame among the art experts. People had to stand in line just to buy one of his paintings. But as time went on, Justin began to feel the pressure of all this fame and he was unable to keep up with all the demands. Critics began to question his talent. Justin, Sr. heard about it and sent a letter to his son in Paris, “My son, come home, come home before it’s too late.” When the son received the letter, he thought his father was dying. He caught the next steamship to America. Reaching home, his father said, “I’ve been waiting for you.” The son asked if he was alright & the father said, “Yes, he was fine.” Justin Jr. said “Father, I’m so ashamed after all these years, I have finally realized that I don’t have your gift. I’ll never be the artist that you are.” The father said, “Dear, Justin, I don’t care if you’re famous. I only care that you become all that God intends you to be. Come with me to my easel.”
Justin held the brush and his father wrapped his hand around his son’s hand and guided it across the canvas. When they were finished, the son said “Father look at what you did. After all this time, you’ve only gotten better.” There was a long silence and the father said: “Justin, I can’t see. I am almost blind. I cannot see the canvas. Justin, you did it. All you needed to overcome your fear was to feel my touch and to know my presence and love for you. This is why I wanted you to come home. It wasn’t for my sake, it was for your sake. Give yourself wherever God places you and remember, for as long as He allows, my hand will always be near to guide your placement.
Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Announcements:
1. Our Worship Service begins at 10:30a.m.
2. The Little Lambs Summer program: Suzanne Morris leads this great ministry and has outlined the following dates for this Summer. *; *Keystone Safari: June 30th, *July 7th at John Antoline Park; *Kayaking at Raccoon State Park July 14th; *August 4th at John Antoline Park; *Pool Party at Chapel Valley: August 18th
3. Is God calling you to serve? Is God speaking to your heart to serve God and Centerpoint in some capacity? If so, please contact Pastor Steve.
4. Do you wish to serve as an usher or a greeter? If you would like to serve as an Usher, please see Josh Wilsey. If you would like to serve as a Greeter, please see Sharyn Faulk.
5. We are looking for child-care volunteers. We are looking for child-care workers for Children’s Church for the fall. If interested, please see Stacie Vesolich.
In Christ Together,
Pastor Steve
