Christmas at Central

Christmas is that unmatched celebration that God came among us in the vulnerable baby Jesus. At Central we celebrate his coming in worship with joyful singing, children dressed in costume, & hushed candlelight filling the sanctuary. Come be part of it all!

Nobody Does Christmas like Central United Methodist Church

Sundays of Advent 2017 are December 3, December 10, December 17 and December 24.  Sermon Series, "Hope is on the Way."

Hanging of the Greens - Saturday, November 25
10:00 a.m. in the Gathering Place

Help beautify our church for the Christmas season. We meet in the gathering place and there will be light refreshments available. All supplies and directions are available. We hope you'll join us for this fun project. For more information contact Linda Button.

Jazzy Christmas Concert - November 26
3:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary

A concert of Vocal and Instrumental Favorites featuring Voices 4, featuring Central members Candice Wallace, Amy Wallace-Cork, Sashey, The Trillium Singers and the Central Christmas Jazz Combo.  They have delighted audiences each year with their unique jazz arrangements for this special non-profit outreach concert.  See flyer.   See 9 & 10 news 2017 broadcast.

Advent Night - Wednesday, November 29

UMW Cookie Walk Starting at 4:00 p.m. in the Cass Street Lobby. All proceeds go to the UMW mission projects. Cookie bakers/contributors are asked to have cookies in the Fellowship Hall by noon.  A celebration of the Christmas Season 5:30 p.m. Wednesday Meal 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. activities throughout the church.

Christmas Open House - Friday, December 1

Join us from 5-8 p.m. as we welcome the Traverse City Community inside our doors during the Annual Downtown TC Christmas Celebration! While you're waiting for parade come inside to warm up with free hot chocolate and cookies.  Children can enjoy board games, decorating bags, coloring and choosing a costume to take a picture in our Nativity-themed photo booth!   See Flyer.

Messiah Sing - Sunday, December 3
2:45 p.m. rehearsal for those who want to sing
4:00 p.m. performance

Central presents the 39th Annual Central United Methodist Church Messiah Sing under the very capable baton of Byron Hanson and Jeffrey Cobb.  The presentation includes professional soloists and a live orchestra.  Featured soloists are Laura Osgood Brown, John Bragle and Jeffery Norris and the Central's Chamber Orchestra.  Choruses to be prepared: And The Glory Of The Lord; O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings To Zion; For Unto Us A Child Is Born; Glory To God; Behold The Lamb Of God; Since By Man Came Death; Worthy Is The Lamb; and the Hallelujah Chorus.  The public is invited. Vocal scores that may be checked out, and those who wish to borrow one should arrive earlier yet to pick up their score. Donations are part of our huge success each year, find out more about donations.  Come join us for a joyful afternoon of music!

• Radio Rebroadcast:
  • Saturday, December 24
    6 p.m.—WCCW-FM 107.5
  • Sunday, December 25
    9 a.m.—WTCM-AM 580
  • 12 noon—WCCW-FM 107.5

Blue Christmas Services

Saturday, December 9 - 5:00 p.m  at a Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Sunday, December 10 - 5:00 p.m. at Central Church in the Sanctuary

Not feeling in the Christmas spirit this time around? For many, the holidays are not joyful, for a variety of reasons Come to this simple service of song and word. Listen to the cello & piano as a lead. Find God in the quiet. Depart with a gift of the heart. Central has partnered with Traverse Bay Church to celebrate our Savior's birth in a in a slightly more solemn and contemplative manner.  See Flyer.

Christmas Tea - December 12
1:00 p.m. in Gathering Place

United Methodist Women would like to invite you to join them for tea and finger foods. Special performance by Choral Aires from Central High School.  Accepting items for the Baby Pantry (unwrapped) for Christmas donations.

Christmas for Children / PNO - Friday, December 15
5:30 - 8:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall

Pre-Registration is a must! No drop-ins.

This is a special evening where parents drop their children off and the kids are able to shop for gifts for their family in our “store” and then wrap the gifts. The children have a fantastic time shopping for others and are proud to present thoughtful gifts to their families. The event takes places during our Parents Night Out Program and is free but pre-registration is needed for planning. Register here or call the church office.  Donated gifts or free will donations are appreciated.  See flyer (coming soon) for donation list and where to drop off donations.

Music Sunday - Sunday, December 17
During 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Sanctuary Services

You won’t want to miss this Sunday morning of beautiful Christmas music. During The Well Worship service we’ll feature jazzed-up versions of the classics, led by our talented brass musicians. And, for our Traditional worship service, we’re bringing in talent from the community to create a truly unforgettable Christmas experience!

Winter Solstice Gathering - Thursday, December 21
6:00 p.m. at De Young Barns (parking lot by barns at 9709 Cherry Bend Rd.) 

On the shortest day of the year, we will live by God's promises that darkness has a light of its own in the light of Christ, and God's universal light shines in all things.  We will take a short 10 minute walk to the edge of Cedar Lake, light a candle, and pray to our God who carries us through the darkest days.  This is part of the Leelanau TART Trail.  

"De-Greening" - January 
10:00 a.m.

Taking the church decorations down & putting everything away.