Sunday School
     Central has an active Sunday School that meets every Sunday from September to May at 9:30 a.m. The biblically based curriculum for children offers age appropriate Bible stories and activities. Children gather at the beginning of each session for group singing.
     Youth curriculum applies biblical principles to issues affecting today's youth, opening the door for relaxed discussion and problem solving.
     Our children and youth participate on a regular basis in the worship service, further cementing their place in this church family.
     Adults also meet to discuss family, vocational, and recreational issues in a biblical context.
     On Sundays in June and July, when Worship begins at 9:30, the younger children can participate in our summer program which begins after the pastor presents the Children's Sermon.
     Led by dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers, our Sunday School offers love, friendship, and a spirit of togetherness to all who enter.

Confirmation Class
     A confirmation class for junior high school youth usually runs from the fall until Easter every other year or so, at which time students are presented to the Session for membership to Central Presbyterian Church. During the year, students obtain a strong Christian foundation and learn about the structure and beliefs of Presbyterianism.

Meeting God for Breakfast
     This early morning study group meets at the "Bean Counter" every other Tuesday at 6:30 a.m. The group is challenged to read and analyze specific books that provide a better understanding of how our Triune God works in our everyday lives.  Lively, faith-filled discussions always result, and anyone and everyone is always encouraged to participate!

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Mary-Martha Bible Study/Presbyterian Women's Association
     This monthly Bible study consists of members of the Presbyterian Women's Association. Bible studies are held the second Wednesday of each month; regional meetings and conferences with other women's groups in the Presbytery are held at various times of the year.

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Women's Retreat/Support Group
     This group of women formed in the mid-1980's out of a need for a support system within the church. An annual overnight retreat is held each spring at someone's home for fun and fellowship, to discuss life in general, and to review an assigned book. Other meetings and get-togethers are held as needed during the year. Members can call upon one another at any time for prayer and support in complete confidence. At the spring retreat, each is assigned a new secret "prayer pal" for the next year.

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Organists, Pianists
     Featuring Emma Lou Denton on the Wicks pipe organ, beautiful, breathtaking music can be heard at every worship service at Central. Joined by Rich Ford, Julia Territo, and others on piano, we think Central has the best, most professional-sounding musicians in the county.

Chancel Choir
     Central has always had some kind of adult choir. The purpose of the Chancel Choir is to add to and enhance worship services at Central. Anyone who can carry a tune, is willing to get better, and has a commitment to rehearsals and Sunday performances is welcome to join. Beautiful cantatas at Christmas and Easter highlight the year's performances. There are currently about 25 members.
     If you would like to join or for more information, please contact director Rich Ford at 632-3791 or ford@fgi.net.

Handbell Choir
     Approximately 12 people are needed to play our three octave set of handbells. A typical ringer has some musical experience, but a sense of timing is the most essential element. With handbells (unlike most instruments or singing) you only ring your bell when your note appears in the music. Visualize a piano keyboard with different people playing several keys.
     The purpose of the choir is obviously to enhance our church music program and lead us in our praise of God. Besides being featured once a month, handbells are used in combination with piano and organ or vocal music. Handbells hold additional appeal because of their unique beauty and because they can be played both by people who love to sing, or cannot sing. New members are always welcome.
     The Handbell Choir was started by Judy Boutelle, who also directed it for many years. This was the third handbell choir Judy started "from scratch." Besides being an avid ringer herself, Judy attended directors training conferences throughout Illinois and national conventions in Florida.
     This year Rich Ford is our very capable Handbell Choir director. Please contact him if you would like to help "ring those bells."

Special Music Enhancements
     In the summertime, when the regular choirs take a break for a few months, special music with a lighter flair is featured by small groups or soloists with voice or instruments such as piano, guitar, violin, flute, harp, etc. Performers usually consist of Central members, but often we attract folks from other churches or New Salem or just friends to take part in this worship enhancement. The music is always very special.

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Bringing HOPE
     This is a special intergenerational mission program which helps provide assistance to victims of natural disasters and to other individuals and causes that could benefit from mission and ministry.  Bringing Hope Mission trips have been organized following major flooding along the Mississippi River and following tornadoes that ravaged nearby communities. In addition to mobilizing volunteers to help with cleanup efforts, Bringing Hope contributions from the congregation and community have resulted in the purchase of cleaning materials, building supplies and home repairs.

Caring Angels
     Members who serve as Caring Angels stay in regular contact with our members who are homebound or who have other special needs.   Caring Angels stay in touch by making visits, sending cards, making phone calls, running errands, or by simply providing a listening and caring ear.

COATS    
Generous donations from the congregation make it possible for numerous teen-aged students in Menard County to go on a special shopping trip, giving them an opportunity to purchase coats and other needed clothing items.       

Care Packages
     Twice a year, care packages are sent to the congregation’s college students and to its members who are deployed in military service.

Countryside Estate Birthday Party
     This annual celebration is an intergenerational activity held at an assisted living facility in the community.  Youth and adults from the congregation provide music for the residents, and all enjoy ice cream and birthday cake.

Home Communion
     On the Monday after the first Sunday of each month, Home Communion is delivered by the minister and an Elder of the church to shut-ins and nursing home residents. Anyone wishing to receive this service may contact the church office to make arrangements.

Hunger Walk
     Held annually, the Hunger Walk raises funds for Church World Service as well as local food pantries. A joint effort organized by the PORTA Ministerial, funds help families and children around the world live a healthier, safer, better life.

Human Sexuality Class
     Every few years in cooperation with other local churches, a human sexuality class is held for two days over a weekend for teenagers. Ministers, young adult peers and experts in the fields of education, medicine, and psychology teach students about sexuality from a mature, healthy, Christian viewpoint, to help prepare them to live as responsible, informed teens. Parents meet separately in an open discussion of concerns and advice in raising their youth in today's sexually-active world.

Meals on Wheels
     During the month of May, Central volunteers deliver meals to Petersburg residents who participate in the Meals on Wheels Program.

Menard County Convalescent Worship
      The Pastor, adults, and youth lead worship services for Menard County Convalescent Home residents on a regular basis that rotates with other local congregations.  This is coordinated through the PORTA Ministerial Association.

Ministerial Association
     Central Presbyterian Church is an active advocate and participant in the PORTA ministerial association. We believe in cooperation and fellowship with other churches. Some of the important joint ventures of the association include sponsoring the New Salem Park ministry and worship in area nursing homes, the county Hunger Walk, Thanksgiving, Good Friday and Easter Sunrise services, as well as cooperative World Communion services and most recently the Sunday evening "Celebration of Worship and Praise" at New Salem (a local Gospel Sing).   

Parish Nurse
     Established in 2000, our parish nurse is available to all members of the congregation to answer health questions and concerns. Her regular duties include taking blood pressure readings during the Fellowship Hour and writing a monthly column on a health issue for our newsletter, Central Chimes. The parish nurse program is provided through a gift from Presbytery of Great Rivers' Ebersolt Fund.

School Supply Collection
Members of the congregation join with the Menard County Housing Authority, area churches and other community partners in an effort to collect needed school supplies for elementary school students.

Special Offerings

• Christmas Joy
• Menard Food Pantry
• One Great Hour of Sharing
• Presbyterian Women's Offerings
• Thank Offering
• Birthday Offering
• Blanket Sunday

Thrift Shop
For one month during the year, volunteers from Central work at the Thrift Shop in Petersburg.

Use of Building
     As a service to the community, Central's building has been made available to local clubs and organizations for regular meetings, overnight retreats, performances, and music recitals. Our building's fully handicap-accessible features, large kitchen, fellowship hall, classrooms, lounge, and beautiful sanctuary can meet the needs of many groups. Cub Scouts, Tiger Scouts, Girl Scouts, Menard County Singers, Alcoholics Anonymous, Parents without Partners, and Grandparents Raising Grandchildren are just some who have felt at home here over the years. Central has also been the host site for the Menard County Historical Society dinner and program.  Any public service group wishing to reserve our facilities must contact the church office to seek permission from our Session.

Other Community Events/Activities  
Central often hosts events that are open to the entire community. Examples include a St Patrick’s Day luncheon and auction, soup and sandwich supper, and quilt show and luncheon.    The Congregation also seeks to have a community presence whenever possible and participates in such activities at the as the Annual Harvest Fest Parade.

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Central Chimes newsletter
     Our monthly newsletter mailed to church members which includes the Pastor's Pen column, the parish nurse's health column, concerns, membership news, upcoming calendar events, and articles to educate or just lift one's spirit.

These Days
     This bi-monthly Presbyterian devotional magazine includes a daily reading with a Bible verse and prayer. A number of copies are available to individuals on the table in the narthex, or annual subscriptions by mail may be purchased through the church office. A large print version is available.

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Fellowship Sunday
     One Sunday each month is designated a time after Worship for refreshments and fellowship with fellow members and visitors. Our parish nurse will be on hand to take blood pressure readings and answer your health questions.

Annual Church Worship and Picnic in the Park
     On one Sunday each September regular Worship is held outdoors at New Salem Historic Site at the Sangamon Picnic Area, followed by a potluck picnic. This annual event provides for a mix of good old fashioned fun and fellowship with a meaningful worship of God in a natural, relaxed environment.

Annual Wiener Roast
     Held in the fall of each year and sponsored by the Christian Education Committee, the wiener roast is open to the entire congregation and provides an afternoon of food and fun in a park atmosphere.

Promotion Sunday
     One Sunday at the end of the Sunday church school year set aside to call attention to the hard work of the many volunteer teachers and assistants. Their tireless efforts provide students of all ages the guidance needed for daily living in Christ.

Palm Sunday Breakfast
     Before Worship on Palm Sunday each year, the Christian Education Department provides a delicious breakfast to the entire congregation for fellowship and celebration of the start of Holy Week.

Co-op Vacation Bible School
     Held daily during one week each summer, our Bible school is held in conjuction with several nearby churches--United Methodist, Christian Church, and St. Paul's Church of Christ. During the week a specific theme is centered upon as children learn Bible stories, play games, do crafts, and share refreshments. On Friday night the children present a closing program to their families to share what they've learned during the week.

Special Seasonal Sunday Evening Bible Discussions
     Usually held during Lent and/or Advent, these study/discussion sessions are led by members of the church to help better understand the biblical events of the season and how they fit in to modern life, allowing personal reflection and preparation for the weeks ahead.

Men's Lenten Breakfasts & Women's Lenten Bible Studies
     Sponsored by the PORTA Ministerial Association, fellowship meetings are held for men and for women at a different host church in the community each Wednesday morning during the six weeks of Lent. The men are served breakfast, followed by a devotional period, and the women have a coffee and book discussion.

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Regional and National