Central Congregational United Church of Christ

Central Worship

Worship at Central is a corporate expression of our three core values: extravagant welcome, continuing testament, and changing lives.  The two weekly worship services have both common elements and their individual flavor.

Communion: we practice an "open table" (no one is turned away). We receive the elements by intinction: worshippers come forward, receive a piece of bread and dip it in a common chalice of juice. A gluten-free option is available and the celebrant will bring the elements to those in the pews who need it brought to them. We celebrate Communion every week at the 8:30 Service and the first Sunday of the month at the 11:00 Service.

Preaching: we believe that God has yet more Truth and Light to break forth from God's Holy Word; as such, we strive in our liturgy and preaching to find an integration of heart and mind. Most of the members at Central take the Bible "seriously, but not literally," even as we wrestle with the wisdom literature and seek to put our faith into action.

Sanctuary: the entire campus, especially the sanctuary, nourishes the soul of many who come to Central. Through the magnificent clear-glass windows we look out in the forest and watch the cycle of the seasons. Indeed, the space is a "sanctuary" to look "outward" and "inward," to celebrate awe and mystery, and to prayerfully consider faith-in-action in the world.

Nursery and Childcare:  on Sunday mornings, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Nursery care is available in Rooms 201 and 202 for children ages birth up to three years. During our 11:00 a.m. worship, we have Extended Care for three and four year olds. The three and four year olds begin with their families in worship and then go to Room 205 in the Christian Education Wing.

8:30 Meditative Service with Communion

Worship at 8:30 AM is always a celebration of the Word and of the Table. All are welcome to the Holy Communion. In the "early service," the rhythm of the seasons is even more dramatic in the changes in the sunlight illuminating the sanctuary. Sometimes the light is bright, even blinding for a few moments; sometimes is casts shadows. Its patterns can reflect our own spiritual journeys. Each act of the liturgy has its own "breathing" space. Silence is widely used and appreciated in this service. Music at this service is supported on our Steinway piano and on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month by guitars and other instruments (frequently including a large, crystal singing bowl).

11:00 Worship Service (Communion on the first Sunday)

Our 11:00 AM worship is a service of the Word accompanied by the Sanctuary Choir which provides several choral offerings throughout the service. On first Sundays, we celebrate Holy Communion. Our table is open to all who would like to receive the bread and the cup. 

Nursery and Childcare

On Sunday mornings, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Nursery and Toddler care is available in Rooms 201 and 202 for children ages birth up to three years. During our 11:00 a.m. worship, we have Extended Care for three and four year olds. The three and four year olds begin with their families in worship. They are then invited to Children's Chapel. Afterwards they go to Room 205 in the Christian Education wing .