Since late summer, Central Church has been helping a three-generation Ukrainian family of 12 who settled in Traverse City from Boryspil (17 km from Kyiv). We are able to house the younger portion of the family: mom, Anastasiia, dad, Mike (Mykhailo) Lymarenko, and their four children ages 3 through 9 in the “Mosaic House” on… Read More »
Meet the Leaders 2023 – Carol Evans, Chair – Church Council
Carol Evans and her family moved to Traverse City from Marshall in 1977, and soon after began looking for a church where they could feel at home. They sought a church where they could find a sense of community, where they could experience vibrant worship services with rich and inspiring music, and one that was… Read More »
Soaring Unlimited, Haiti Announces its long-awaited Women’s Health and Birth Center Grand Opening!
Central Church members and friends, through individual support and the support of the Mission Team, have given over $130,000 to this project! You truly are living out the mission and vision of Central Church to “Reach Beyond Our Doors”. Thank you for your generous and ongoing support! Soaring Unlimited Haiti is pleased and proud to… Read More »
Down to Business – Updates from our Finance and Trustees Chairs
Happy New Year from your Finance Committee! I’d like to share with you the happy news that illustrates the generosity that our church family demonstrates through giving. We were concerned with how the continuation of COVID-19 would affect the level of giving during 2022, as it was our hope that our amazing congregation would meet… Read More »
Meet the Leaders 2023 – Glen Lundin, Chair – Board of Trustees
By any definition, Glen Lundin is a hard worker. Twenty-four years ago, Glen retired from a career in the paper manufacturing business, and soon after moved from Minnesota to Traverse City where he and his wife, Diane, acquired and operate a thriving antique shop. Glen works at the shop nearly 60 hours each week and… Read More »
Why Teach Kids About Faith?
When Quinn Lucey takes a walk in the woods with her kids, she loves pointing out all the beauty around them. “Isn’t that deer beautiful?” she might ask. “God created that.” It may be a small thing, but the Rev. Kathy Pittenger says this kind of faith formation is really important for young kids. As… Read More »
Meet the Leaders 2023 – Bob Blackmer, Chair – Finance Team
With nearly 40 years of experience in all aspects of commercial banking, and several years of involvement with Central’s financial management, Bob is well suited to serve as the 2023 chairperson of the church finance committee. The Finance Committee monitors Central’s overall financial health, including oversight of balance sheets, expense, and income reports. The committee… Read More »
Meet the Leaders 2023 – Luana Dueweke, Chair – Missions Team
Luana exemplifies the definition of a lifelong church member. She was baptized at Central as an infant in 1951 and has since been a faithful attendee and willing participant. She calls Central, “a community of lifelong friends.” When asked about her motivation to serve through the years she said, “Central makes people feel loved, wanted,… Read More »
Meet the Leaders 2023 – Wes Bara, Chair – Staff Pastor Parish Relations
Chances are, Wes has welcomed you at Central’s door many Sunday mornings while serving as a greeter. Wes has been actively involved at Central for the past five years after moving to the Grand Traverse area from Lansing, where he retired from a career in medical practices and administration. Wes and his wife, Sue, raised… Read More »
New Year’s Day Worship – A Time to Remember and Reflect on the struggle of individuals experiencing homelessness
Homelessness can take many forms, with people living on the streets, in encampments or shelters, in transitional housing programs, or doubled up with family and friends. While the federal government reports 1.5 million people a year experience homelessness, other estimates find up to twice this number of people are actually without housing in any given… Read More »