ADULT CONNECTIONS
Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all classes and groups are currently meeting via ZOOM. For more information on any of the opportunities listed, email Donna Olendorf, Adult Education Director, or Nan Horstman, Connection Team Leader.
These classes & groups are have currently suspended in-person meetings until further notice.
Education/Spiritual Growth Groups (see also GROW)
FOR MORE INFO CONTACT: Donna Olendorf, Adult Education Director
Wonderful Wednesdays - We begin with a family meal at 5:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall, September through May in the Fellowship Hall. Please join us as we offer the chance to be spiritually recharged in the middle of the week. Every week a service group prepares a menu and meal of their choice. A free-will offering is taken to cover the cost of the dinner and the money raised is donated to a mission program within the church. After dinner, join us for children, youth and adult programming.
Classes & Group Studies - To grow at Central means going deeper, centering on Christ through Christian Education. Grow in your faith, discover opportunities that will enrich your life and make a difference in the lives of others. Whether you are new to faith or been in faith your whole life, our groups will challenge and strengthen you in your spiritual journey.
Wednesday Lecture Series - A one-time informational or instructional lecture about current and relevant topics will be provided on Wednesdays evenings at 6:15 pm.
The Men’s Room - Two Thursday evenings each month, join in conversation on being good men. Men, young and old, are invited to come for friendship, challenge and inspiration.
FaithLink - This group meets on Sunday morning to discuss topics of current interest. The group is open to all who want to apply their United Methodist beliefs to current faith issues and world events.
Parents’ Night Out - Once a month, children enjoy dinner, activities and fellowship while parents have an evening on their own. An anticipated night for both parents and kids. Parents are encouraged to connect with others from the church family to enjoy a little time to get to know one another outside the church walls.
Social/Support Groups
FOR MORE INFO CONTACT: Donna Olendorf, Adult Education Director
Building Better Moms - This is a support network of moms who “get it” and will grow with you as a mom, woman, and friend!
Book Women: Reading Beyond Our Doors - All women are welcome. This is a diverse group. Members read a book and meet to discuss the content.
Bridge Group - Enjoy a day playing bridge at church twice a month.
Covenant Disciples Group - This group listens without fixing, encourages without prescribing, and hold each other accountable without judging. They meet on Friday morning in the Columbarium.
Golf Groups - Two co-ed golfing groups meet from June through September. The Monday afternoon group plays 18 holes, and the Friday group plays 9 holes.
Knit One, Crochet Too. - Participants enjoy knitting, crocheting, quilting, and fellowship. This group has a number of ongoing service projects, including prayer shawls, as well as special and individual projects. Experienced, as well as inexperienced, "stitchers" are welcome.
Memory Keepers - Those who have lost someone dear to them are invited to join with others who have experienced loss by sharing memories, support, and friendship.
Men’s Breakfast Group - This fellowship group meets monthly.
Softball Team - The Mighty Methodists play in the YMCA co-ed recreational league in the summer. All adult players are welcome.
Music Ministry
FOR MORE INFO CONTACT: Jeffrey Cobb, Director of Music
Chancel Choir - The fifty-voice Chancel Choir sings at the 11:00 a.m. service most Sundays from September through June. The choir is open to all singers 7th grade through adult and sings music of varying styles, ranging from Renaissance motets to spirituals. Weekly rehearsals are Wednesdays 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. and Sundays 9:45 to 10:45 a.m.
Handbell Choir - The Adult Handbell Choir rehearses Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. We perform throughout the year for Sunday services and enjoy making great music and the fellowship that this group offers. We are a very supportive and patient group - new ringers are encouraged to join us!
The Well Music Team - The Well Music Team leads music at the 9:00 a.m. service most Sundays from September through June. We have a wonderful core of musicians, but we’re always looking to expand our team.
Messiah Sing - What started as a kitchen-table conversation three decades ago, has become a cherished tradition for Central and the Traverse City Area. The Messiah Sing, under the direction of Jeffrey Cobb, is a joyous beginning to the Christmas season, taking place each year in the beginning of December. All are welcome!
Worship Support
FOR MORE INFO CONTACT: Rev. Dale Ostema, Senior Pastor
Liturgist - A liturgist reads scripture during the 11 am service.
Sound/Video Equipment Operators - Our technology-savvy team assures each important event at the church is recorded and/or streamed online.
Drama Team - This team provides periodic drama presentations to support the service message.
Communion Servers - Join this team who serves communion once a month.
Congregational Support (see also SERVE)
FOR MORE INFO CONTACT: Nan Horstman, Connections Team Leader
Building and Grounds Care - This team maintains the gardens around the church, and assists the custodial staff with general building and grounds repair and maintenance.
Central Image - Image members photograph worship services, events, visitors, staff portraits and other activities as requested by Central’s various ministries. Our images help communicate the many facets of Central through publication on our website and other Central Church publications, as well as, in local, state and global church and public media. You can request photo coverage by filling out an online form.
Health Ministry - The Health Ministry Team works closely with the Parish Nurse to support the health and wellness needs of the congregation.
Kitchen Krew - The Kitchen Krew is a group of volunteers who work together to provide hospitality and kitchen support for events like funeral meals and Wonderful Wednesdays.
Library Committee - This committee maintains the collection in the church library, as well as assists ordering materials.
Meal Ministry - Using our online meal scheduling program, our community signs-up to provide a healthy meal for a church family member during their time of need.
Parish Visitors - A group of caring individuals maintain personal contact with those congregants unable to attend services regularly, mostly homebound seniors.
Prayer Chain and Circles - This prayer warrior community uses the phone and email to spread and receive prayer requests.
Stephen Ministry - Pastors are always the front lines of care, but this nationwide program allows for lay Christians to be selected, trained and supervised in providing confidential one-on-one care for those persons hurting or finding life decisions difficult.
Transportation Team - Volunteers on this team provide transportation for and assist members of the congregation to medical appointments.
Van Ministry - Using the church vans, drivers pick up and deliver those unable to drive to the 11 a.m. Sunday worship service.
Hospitality Support (see also SERVE)
FOR MORE INFO CONTACT: Carol Evans, Hospitality Team Leader
Cookie Baking Team - Cookie Bakers meet once a month in the church’s kitchen to bake cookies for the hospitality time after Sunday services and socialize. They meet either the 1st Tuesdays from 1-4 p.m. or 3rd Thursdays from 6-9 p.m. Volunteers for each time are needed.
Connection Team - This group looks for ways to help people become involved and to make the connection to others who are traveling the journey of faith at Central.
Funeral Luncheons - Work with a team to prep and serve a meal following funeral services.
Greeters - Welcome folks at the church entrance doors on Sunday mornings.
Sunday Refreshment Table - Serve beverages and cookies after Sunday worship.
Ushers - Welcome worshipers as they enter the sanctuary while distributing bulletins, and collecting offerings.
Welcome Team - Our Welcome Center and Welcome Table hosts greet guests to our church with a smile, information and a gift bag.
Administrative Support (see also SERVE)
FOR MORE INFO CONTACT: Rev. Dale Ostema, Senior Pastor
Board of Trustees - The Trustees are responsible for the inventory, inspection and maintenance of all church property. You don’t have to be “handy with a hammer” to join the trustees; you just need a genuine interest in seeing our church’s property be its best.
Church Archives Committee - Collects and maintains the church’s historical record. If you are interested in history, creating displays, labeling documents or doing oral interviews, this is a good fit for you.
Columbarium Committee - Charged with the administration and care of the church columbarium located next to the church chapel. Team members work with the Pastors to help families through the process of internment.
Finance Committee - This group is responsible for raising, managing, and distributing the financial resources of the church. If you are interested in helping our church’s stewardship of finances, this is a ministry for you.
Nominations/Lay Leadership - This group seeks to match and equip potential leaders for ministry in and through the church. If you are interested in helping connect people in ministry positions, this role is for you.
Office Assistants - The church office staff members rely on volunteers to help carry out many daily administrative tasks of the church. Tasks include answering phones to stuffing envelopes, filing, sorting mail, inputting membership information in the computer database, to recording attendance in worship and classes.
Pastor Parish Relations Committee - This committee serves a key role in establishing the focus of the pastors, staff, and congregation’s ministry. Members interested in working with the pastors and staff in developing a healthy congregation will appreciate this team’s work.
Way Forward Task Force - At this time, because of Centrals Church’s tradition of championing social justice and sharing a message of love and acceptance of all, we stand in opposition to our denomination which is telling gay members and friends that they can't be gay and be Methodist. As the Global United Methodist Church navigates the denomination’s decision on the inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community, this committee exists to insure that Central Church’s position on inclusivity is honored. For more information, (https://rmnetwork.org/).
Wills and Memorials Committee - This committee receives and manages memorial donations given to the church. It oversees the church endowment fund and distributes grants to fund ministry projects. Committee members work to promote endowments within the congregation.
Worship Committee - Charged with supporting the worship ministries of the church, this team cares for the many important tasks that make a meaningful worship experience possible.
Community Engagement/Missions (see also SERVE)
FOR MORE INFO CONTACT: Ginna Beckett, Community Engagement Coordinator
Community Outreach
Creation Stewards
Dolly Parton Imagination Library
Serve Saturday
Safe Harbor
Kid’s Hope Team
Habitat For Humanity
