Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. Lent comes from the Anglo Saxon word lencten, meaning “lengthen” and refers to the lengthening days of spring. The forty days represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan and preparing to begin his ministry. Lent is a time of repentance, fasting and preparation for the coming of Easter. It is a time of self-examination and reflection. In the early church, Lent began as a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by new converts and then became a time of penance by all Christians. Today, Christians focus on relationship with God, growing as disciples and extending ourselves, often choosing to give up something or to volunteer and give of ourselves for others.

COVID SAFETY NOTICE:  Our governor and health authorities continue to keep us updated on coronavirus infections across the country, and in our region. We share your concern about the health of our community. Let’s show our care by keeping one another safe. Out of an abundance of caution, we continue re-evaluate our options for in-person gatherings on a monthly basis and will provide updates on changes as we do. Until then, worship leaders and the production team will be the only ones present for livestreaming all of our worship services.

Please join us for ONLINE WORSHIP in one of the following ways:

Click Here to Watch LIVE on Facebook 
Click Here to Watch LIVE on the Church Website
Listen LIVE on the Radio WCCW 1310AM (11:00 am Sundays only)
Our weekly radio broadcast is generously sponsored by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City.

 

Sundays of Lent 2021 are February 21, 28, March 7, 14 and 21. Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, March 28.  Easter Sunday is April 4.

Lenten Theme: "Grappling with Grace in a Grumpy World" - How God's unmerited Favor never lets us go.  We'll use characters from Victor Hugo's Les Miserables to illustrate how the power of the human spirit, filled with God's Grace, can lead us through our struggles toward a path of peace.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!  We've designed a special "Journey through Lent & Easter" kit in a bag just for you!  Limited quantities are available, suggested donation of $10/bag.  CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR BAG NOW.

DRIVE-THRU -Marking of The Ashes - Wednesday, February 17
Central Church Parking Lot (enter from the alley)
9am - 9:30 am
12noon - 12:30 pm
5-5:30 pm
Pastors Dale and Chris will offer COVID-safe anointing of ashes in the church parking lot. Please remain in your vehicle, as proceed through the line as indicated.

LIVESTREAM - Ash Wednesday Worship- February 17
6:30 p.m. via the Central Church Facebook Page and Church Website.
Join us for this simple service including traditional readings, a pastoral meditation and music from Central's Chancel Choir.

Palm Sunday - March 28
LIVESTREAM via the Central Church Facebook Page and Church Website.

9:00 a.m.       The Well Worship Service - The Well offers an engaging worship experience and welcomes seekers of all ages looking for a alternative worship format different from the traditional service.

11:00 a.m.     Traditional Worship Service - Experience a familiar pattern of liturgy with prayers, hymns and an encouraging message.

LIVESTREAM - Good Friday Community Worship - March 2
12 noon - 3:00 p.m. via the Central Church Facebook Page and Church Website.
Join together in this Ecumenical Service of remembering the hours of Jesus' suffering and crucifixion.  Area pastors will tell the story through powerful messages as reflect on The Seven Last Words of Christ.

Easter Sunday Worship - April 4
LIVESTREAM via the Central Church Facebook Page and Church Website.
Join us as we celebrate the Joy of Easter morning

7:00 a.m. Sunrise Service - Location TBD. A brief service celebrating the Easter message in word and song and a sunrise over Grand Traverse Bay.
9:00 a.m. Well Worship Service Upbeat and Casual style worship with band lead music, an Easter message and a great take away for living as Easter people.
11:00 a.m. Traditional Easter Service Traditional worship with an Easter message and children’s time; along with powerful hymns, a Chancel choir anthem and brass ensemble.