This Winter

Connect and Grow this Winter


How was your 2023? Did your carefully constructed goals for the year make it past Lent? Or did everything go pretty much as planned? Even in the best of years, things have a tendency to get away from us. Regardless of how well we plan or how hard we try—especially during the holidays and the end of year madness—something tends to slip. But no matter how far from God you may feel, He is always ready to draw near to you! All you have to do is take a step toward Him and you'll find He is waiting there to meet you. 

Whether you've been in a Bible study every year since you became a Christian or this is your first time in Sunday School—today is a great day to start!


Consider joining or rejoining a class or study in 2024; you can drop-in to any class or group to try it out or email the ministry leaders listed below for personalized recommendations!

Have an unpredictable schedule? We also have suggestions for independent study below.

Connect and Grow on Sundays

In our Services and Sunday School

 

On Sunday, January 7, we start a new chapter of our Life by Design series!

In the Fall, our Life by Design series focused on how our faith intersects our daily lives—at home, work, and school. This winter we will delve into the Ten Commandments as a practical guide for how to live.

If you missed the Fall series, don't worry! It's not required reading for the Winter series. Want to check it out anyway? You can find it all on our sermons podcast.

 

Communities for adults during the 10am Sunday School Hour

Looking to try out or join a Sunday school community? We have lots of options, each with their own unique personality and focus. Some were originally started for a specific age group, like Gleaners or Growing Together, but ultimately we've found them all being more intergenerational.

Try them all until you find your perfect fit or contact Pastor Mike Farley for a personal recommendation. 

 

STUDENTS (Grades 6-12)

In Sunday School this semester we will be exploring the Ten Commandments and what it looks like to interact with and live out God’s law. Sunday mornings from 10:00-11:00AM (Student Center Doors open at 9:45). Questions? Contact Taylor Bruce, Director of Student Ministries.

KIDS (K-Grade 5)

Using the Gospel Project curriculum, which takes the students through the books of the Bible. Our time together also includes elements of worship, Scripture memory, and Catechism. Younger classes do a craft, while the older students spend time in small groups discussing the lesson and praying for each other. Questions? Contact Becky Hall, Elementary Coordinator.

PRESCHOOL

The 3’s and 4’s Sunday school class resumes on Sunday, January 14. We meet in the Elephant Room at 10 a.m. We will continue going through the Old Testament. Questions? Contact Jenny Smith, KidCentral Ministry Assistant.

NURSERY
(open during both services and Sunday School hour)

In the nursery from January through May, your child will be learning how God helps them and all living things grow, that Jesus and their family loves them, and that people at church help them learn more about Jesus. Questions? Contact Jenny Smith, KidCentral Ministry Assistant.

Grow and Connect on Weekdays

In our classes and bible studies

 

 

Join us on Wednesday nights for EquipU!

Bring the family and enjoy dinner at 5pm and activities starting at 6pm. Classes and service opportunities for adults:

 

STUDENTS (Grades 6-12)

Large Group – 6-7pm
This Semester we’ll be doing a series entitled, “A Holy Imagination: A Student’s Guide to That Crazy Book at the End of the Bible”. We’ll be exploring the book of Revelation and how once we understand the images that Pastor John wrote down we will be equipped with a better grasp on everything in the world that seems so out of control. And of course we’ll be playing crazy games as well.

Small Groups – 7-8pm
If you haven’t joined up with your small group yet, make this the semester you do so! Questions? Contact Taylor Bruce, Director of Student Ministries.

KIDS (Grades 2- 5)
Using the Gospel Project curriculum, which takes the students through the books of the Bible. Our time together also includes elements of worship, Scripture memory, and Catechism. Younger classes do a craft, while the older students spend time in small groups discussing the lesson and praying for each other. Questions? Contact Becky Hall, Elementary Coordinator.

PRESCHOOL-1st Grade
The Preschool/Kindergarten/1st Grade EquipU class resumes on Wednesday, January 17. We meet in the Elephant room from 6 to 7 p.m. We will complete our last fruit of the spirit lessons, then learn about Jesus’ life as we lead up to Easter. Questions? Contact Jenny Smith, KidCentral Ministry Assistant.

NURSERY
Our Nursery is available on Wednesday nights for children 8 weeks through 3 years of age. Questions? Contact Jenny Smith, KidCentral Ministry Assistant.

 



Men's Bible Studies
We have two men's Bible studies every week—one on Wednesday nights from 6-7pm and one on Friday mornings from 6-7:30am.

Authentic Manhood
How we follow Jesus as men of God? One way to learn is to join men from Central in studying the Authentic Manhood video series together. This series begins Thursday, January 18 in the Parlor.



Women's Bible Studies
The women of Central have been studying the Book of Revelation since August, jumping into that midway through would be daunting for anyone, but that doesn't mean you can't participate! Email Julie Geisz, Women's Ministry Director, who will work with you to find a reading plan and group that works for you and your schedule.

Make connections and go deeper

special events for the whole family

 

Ariel Concert Series Players

Feb 11 | 3PM

Student Winter
Retreat

Feb 16-18

Marriage
Workshop

Feb 24 | 9AM - 1PM

 

Grow your faith at your own pace

There are seasons in our lives when making it to one extra commitment per week may be the straw that breaks the camels back. While we'd always recommend being in a community group, because life is better and easier with others, we understand that isn't always possible. Here are some options to help you...


Book Recommendations

We have a table downstairs by the Fellowship Hall with selections curated by Central's pastors and ministry directors. Stop by to find your next great read or study guide.

RightNow Media

Did you know your myCentral login means you get access to RightNow Media? Home to thousands of Bible studies, devotionals, talks, and topical deep-dives, RightNow Media provides engaging and edifying content for the whole family and it's available 24/7 on demand. Email Mike Farley, Pastor of Spiritual Formation to get your RightNow Media login.

The Bible App

One of the best free apps you can download is the Bible app. Not only can you save your preferred Bible translations straight to your phone so you can read offline, you can also listen to different audio recordings of the Bible, as well as finding daily reading plans and devotionals that fit your needs!

Life in Christ

This is a set of helpful resources for spiritual growth in many dimensions of human life: knowledge of God and his word, worship & daily relationship with God, emotions & character, the body, relationships, work & service, and wealth. This can be a great tool to use as you study at your own pace.