EDITION 01
Church Planting in
Star, Idaho
Welcome!
We are beyond excited to share the very first update from the Center Church plant in Star, Idaho! This newsletter is our way of keeping you connected to the incredible work God is doing as we establish a new church congregation that is Fixed on Jesus.
Each month, we’ll bring you key updates, prayer requests, and stories of God’s faithfulness as we take steps toward launching this church. Our goal is to not only inform but to invite you to continue partnering with us through prayer, encouragement, and support.
Building a Community Fixed on Jesus
Center Church of Star will be planted to glorify God by making disciples in Star and the surrounding area, teaching them to worship and follow Jesus by living all of life fixed on Him.
Our vision will be shaped by our core values: gospel-centered preaching, intentional discipleship, and a strong commitment to community.
Matthew 28:18-20
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
First Families Arrive in Idaho
Joe & Emily Terranova and their two kids relocated to Star, Idaho just before Christmas. Jeff & Barb Palen and their four kids followed a few weeks after.
Words from Joe Terranova
“Well, we've been in Star, Idaho for over 2 months now and boy has the beginning of this chapter been interesting. There have been so many different things that have kept the introduction into a new community, culture (and climate) interesting, including but not limited to real snow, icy roads, a small town feel, and so much more.
One of the unique blessings that Emily and I have experienced so far is experiencing (and the fun and anticipation of) the plans of God come to pass. Being a part of this mission has given us an opportunity to view life through a particular lens to a degree that we may never have done before. It has been a joy to try to anticipate and almost gleefully speculate about the counsel of God. “Why did I run into that cashier at the grocery store twice in a row? Why did God give me a job where I would interact regularly with a few specific people? What role will they play later on down the line and what kind of opportunities will God grant me with them? What skills do Emily and I have and why would they possibly be helpful given the different people who live around us?” This can go on forever and has prompted numerous conversations together, with our kids, and together after the kids go to sleep.
We've been able to meet, and in some cases have dinner with, a majority of our closest neighbors and there is such a variety of different backgrounds and personalities. One particular detail that we are intrigued by is the difference in expectation between who we THOUGHT we would be living next to and who God has placed us with. When you sign up to be part of a church plant, (maybe it's just me) I'd expect that we'd be surrounded by darkness and gospel antagonism. Instead, what we've found in several families so far are believers who love the Lord and have somehow found their way into a community with several other believers. We are also extremely grateful for the ones who do not believe, and look forward to finding ways to serve them and wait for the Lord's guidance, wisdom and providence. A majority of them are also in our age group and have children around the age of our own kids, which has opened a flood of opportunities for my wife to get to know the other families.
This has been a great encouragement to us and keeps us wondering eagerly at the decisions that God has made in this plant so far. Truly, “...he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place.” (Acts 17:26)
While we have our theories, all the purposes of God are not yet evident. We continue to trust that He has purposed the light of His Gospel to conquer the darkness, that His Church will be built up (whatever that looks like in our neighborhood), that the lost will be found, and that He will exercise His reign in Star. We are just blessed to be able to see Him mightily work first-hand and are anxious to see it more and more as His plans unfold.”
From a modern hymn:
For the cause of Christ the King
We give our lives, an offering
’Til all the earth resounds with ceaseless praise to the Son
Words from Jeff Palen
“Our family arrived in Star during the first week of the year. As we arrived, most of our thoughts were on what we had left behind. Arizona was all we had known, and Idaho felt completely different. However, it did not take long before our new house started to feel more like a home, and our street like a neighborhood. Soon, it seemed like every day brought some new sense of God’s care for us as a family. The kids started making friends quickly, and now, two months in, our once-vacant street is packed with dozens of kids playing basketball and riding scooters.
Barb and I continue to meet new people and hear their stories of how they got to Star. Without a doubt, the difficulties have already been eclipsed by the joy of new friendships and the warmth of God’s persistent work in this community. We are grateful for these early blessings and eager to see what He has in store.”
Upcoming Events
Community Bible Class
Jeff Palen is leading a 4-week "Introducing the Bible" class at the Star Library every Saturday in April. This class is open to the community and offers a welcoming opportunity to explore the Bible's message and significance.
Church Send-Off
Join us in Gilbert, Arizona on Sunday June 1st for the official send off of the Star plant. The planting families will return to the Center Church Gilbert congregation for a formal send off celebration.
Stay Tuned
We should be back in your inbox in the coming months, so stay tuned. We are eager to share the Lord’s continued work!
-The Center Church Star Planting Team
