Wednesday Evening Program

Young Adults of Central and Beyond 

The First Wedensday of the month

7:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Leader:  Aaron Edick

This group consists of 18-25 year olds that come from different backgrounds and faith histories that share the common thread of trying to make their way in a world that promises much but sometimes fails to deliver. The group is encouraged to share life experiences and to build relationships that are positive and inclusive. They meet in the evening on the first Wednesday of the month usually at Horizon Book Store in downtown Traverse City.  For more information, or to be added to the group list for upcoming meetings, please contact Aaron Edick

Financial Peace University

January 18 - April 18 (No class March 28)  

Preview sessions January 4 at 6:30 and January 8 at 12:30 in the chapel

6:30 - 8:30 in the chapel

Leader:  Keith Gillings

Dave Ramsey’s financial class that teaches how to manage your money in order to pay off debt, start or increase a savings account and budget to give money to your church and community.

Class members purchase a kit for $93, including a workbook, CDs and Dave Ramsay’s best selling book.  Sign up in the church office.

Why? Making Sense of God’s Will

February 29 - March 21

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Room 305

Leader:  Pastor Dale

Using the book Why? by author Adam Hamilton, this class will address those persistent “God questions” that disturb us when problems and suffering come. Topics include, “Where is God when my prayers go unanswered?” “Why is God so hard to understand?” “Where is God when the innocent suffer?” When easy answers fail us and long held beliefs have left us empty, Hamilton’s thoughts will lead us to find God’s presence and help.

Like Meets Like -- Progressive Christians Dialog

April 4 - May 9

6:30 - 7:30 in room 305

Leader:  Karen Mars

This class provides a chance for Progressive Christians to talk about our beliefs in a comfortable environment.  Some subjects to be shared are Resurrection, Divinity of Jesus, Jesus' Main Message, Atonement, Salvation and more.

Serve God, Save the Planet

May 2 - May23

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Room 305

Leaders:  John Flesher and Darcy Dewling

This June, we will welcome author Matthew Sleeth to our church and community.  In preparation for his visit, join the Creation Stewards for this class based on one of Sleeth’s books.  In Serve God, Save the Planet, we learn about how our own personal responsibility, living simply and taking care of God’s Creation, can go a long way towards making positive change in our environment.  This class is sure to provide, hopeful, inspirational discussion and practical strategies we as the church can use as we work together to heal God’s word.     

Point your kids in the right direction—when they’re old, they won’t be lost.  Proverbs 22:6

Don’t you wish you had some help living out this timeless proverb?  At Central, we hope to provide support to parents of children at home, through classes, discussions and activities.  Come to connect with other parents and talk through some of parenting’s biggest questions.

Kid Unique

January 11 - February 15

6:15 - 7:45 in room 106

Leaders:  Beth Footh and Dori Gillings

Are you a parent of children in middle and high school?  The Kid Unique program equips parents to help their children to grow into who God made them to be.  Cost of the class is $15/person or $20/couple to cover the cost of the materials.  Call 946-5191or email Alline for more information.  Check out their flyer!

Parenting is a Journey

February 20 - May 23 (No class on March 28)

6:30 - 7:30 in room 105

These Wednesday evening discussions will focus on a variety of topics that are helpful to parents of children at home.  This will be a great follow up to the Becoming a Love and Logic Parent class, as some of the resources we will use are from the Love and Logic Institute, though the class is not a pre-requisite.  Join us for this new opportunity to be in conversation with other parents facing similar joys and challenges as you.  Contact Alline with questions or call 946-5191.

Becoming a Love and Logic Parent

April 4 - May 23

6:15 - 7:45 p.m.

Room 106

Leaders:  Kelly and Matt Johnston

Come away from this class with some specific strategies and practical suggestions to lower stress and make parenting more enjoyable.  Class size is limited, please call the church office to sign up.  A fee of $12/person or $20/couple is charged to offset the cost of materials.  Financial assistance is available.

Wednesday Evening Presentations 2012

Family Love Letters

January 25 and February 1

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Church Lounge

Leaders:  Vicki L. Beam and Matt Breimayer, Representatives of Fortitude Wealth Planners, LLC

The Family Love Letter booklet is a lasting and important gift to your family, all the vital information your loved ones need in the event of your death or incapacitation.  Come to this two part program and you will be well on your way through the process of creating this important file.  This is great step to take before or after you’ve done the 5 Wishes Workshop.  

Estate Planning: Following your life through General Estate Planning- Assisted Living- & Long-term care planning

February 8

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Church Lounge

Leader:  Jeffrey Wingfield, Elder Law Attorney

Estate planning is something important for all of us, but is one of those things that seems to always be put off for another time.  Jeff Wingfield gives us important information about getting this process started or updating what we have in place.  For those in our congregation who attend the presentation, Jeff is offering free will drafting.

Boardman River Restoration Project

February 29

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Church Lounge

Leader:  Frank Dituri, Project Manager for the Boardman River Restoration Project

Come to learn about the Boardman Dam removal and the restoration of the Boardman River Watershed.

Transaction Coaching

March 7

6:30 - 7:30

Church Lounge

Leader:  Grant Porteous, Pine Rest

Come for a fun, interactive evening and learn how to make major changes in your life one small step at a time!  Using tools and principles from the fields of Life and Executive Coaching, this workshop will teach you to: Rank the key areas of your life right now; clarify changes you would like to begin making; and identify steps to start taking your life from the ordinary to the extraordinary!

Justice For Our Neighbors

March 14

6:30 - 7:30

Church Lounge

From Leviticus 19: 33-34 “Any immigrant who lives with you must be treated as if they were one of your citizens.  You must love them as yourself, because you were immigrants in the land of Egypt; I am the Lord you God.”  Join us as we continue to explore the possibility of starting a ministry at Central Church, providing immigration assistance to our neighbors from other countries.  Bring your questions and come hear from a representative of Justice For Our Neighbors. 

Protecting yourself from potential scams

March 21

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Church Lounge

Leader:  Detective Sgt Derek Sutherin

Unsolicited phone calls asking for money can be hard to refuse. Learn from Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Department Detective Sgt Derek Sutherin how to handle such calls and other potential scams common in the Traverse City area.

Residential Tree Care

April 4

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Church Lounge

Leader:  Tom Deering, Certified Arborist

This presentation will give home owners information about taking care of the trees on our property.  Come to hear specifics pertaining to trimming and removal, storm damage repair, tree health care, fertilizer, insect and disease control, and tree transplanting.  Tom also has information about using mulch products and compost.

What Has Formed Me:  Interview about Faith and Life

April 25 and May 23

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Church Lounge

We have all been influenced by our life experiences.  Each of us has important stories to tell.  Join us on these two Wednesdays as we hear the stories that have shaped the faith of a few friends in our congregation.  

When and how to use the Emergency Room

May 16

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Church Lounge

Leader:  Dr. Blum

When you are sick or hurt, do you ever wonder if you should go to the emergency room or wait to see your family doctor?  This discussion will describe the conditions and situations where an emergency room is the facility that can make an important difference in the outcome of different illnesses and injuries.  The reasons for not utilizing the emergency room for less urgent medical needs will also be discussed as well as alternative choices to obtain this level of care.