Community Outreach / Safe Harbor
Central's Community Outreach Program reaches out to local community needs including reaching out to the homeless and others facing challenges by providing services, weekly meals and shelter at various times throughout the year. more info
Creation Stewards / Our Neighbors' Garden
This group explores the role of the church in relation to the environment. Activities (at least on per month) include education, nature hikes and service projects at the church or in the community. For more information contact, John Flesher. Our Neighbors' Garden, a sub-group of Creation Stewards, has a garden which provides fresh produce to local food pantries and Outreach programs.
Dann's House
Dann's house started in 2013 providing a residential environment for up to 8 men who were previously experiencing chronic homelessness and alcohol dependency. 24/7 supervision by trained staff and volunteers provides a safe home, companionship and encouragement. Alcohol consumption is permitted, just like a normal home, but excesses are dramatically reduced as are contact with emergency services and law enforcement, a 95% reduction. To learn more and volunteer, contact Staton Lorenz 231-492-2121.
Dolly Parton Imagination Library
Dolly Parton has started a program to provide a book each month for children from birth to age 5. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library opens new worlds for children and fosters a lifelong love of reading. Learn how we’re working to provide free books to children in our area through this program. For more information or to register your child visit the Imagination Library website. To help sponsor a child, Donate Now. A local Grand Traverse area website will be coming in the near future. Local contact, Nancy Grote.
Habitat for Humanity
Central joins with other churches to partner with families and build affordable housing. Currently the Depot Project is providing homes and community for low income families. more info
Hunger Committee
The Hunger Committee plays a key role in Central's outreach to the less fortunate in our own community and the broader world. They participate in a variety of activities including CROP walk, hymn sings, food collections, souper bowl, adopt-a-family and Noah's Ark bank. more info
Kids Hope
Central Church is affiliated with KIDS HOPE USA, a national program that mentors at-risk children in local elementary schools. Our congregation is currently serving Willow Hill Elementary School. Kids Hope is a great way to make a difference in the life of a child. Read more on their history.
Youth Mission Teams
Each year, High School Mission Team travel to a mission site to complete a designated project. The funds for these trips are raised by the High School youth and the Mission Ministry team gives them support. The Kyle Sonnemann Scholarship is also used to help youth that need financial aid for the mission work. The "Mission Possible" Inter-Generational Team challenges our church to be more involved in hands-on mission serving in-state and out-of-state. Projects range from 1 to 7 days. Contact, Dave Thomas.
Local Ministry Partners
Goodwill Inn
The Goodwill Inn provides emergency shelter and access to donated food and other necessities to homeless men, women and families in Northern Michigan. more info
House of Hope
House of Hope is a christian interdenominational boarding school with an emphasis on restoring teens and their families. more info
K.A.I.R. (Kalkaska Area Interfaith Resources)
K.A.I.R. is an "interfaith, community-based, volunteer program that provides assistance to the qualified elderly, frail, disabled, isolated and needy". It receives its financial support from participating churches and service organizations and through private donations.
Love, Inc: Love "In the Name of Christ
Love INC. uses a referral networking approach with governmental and non-profit agencies to provide a quick response to people in need and help eliminate duplication of services. Central is a supporting church of Love INC and provides our members an opportunity to use their gifts and talents to make a difference locally. Find out more about Love, Inc. Traverse. Central's involvement includes, an Emergency Fund, Northport & Kewadin Indian Mission, Mission Possible and Pine Rest Clinic. more info