Worship Change

Dear Friends,

I shared with you a few weeks ago that I have been having conversations with people about Central’s Sunday morning schedule.  We adopted our schedule as we emerged from COVID to better fit our congregation’s needs.  I have had many more conversations following my earlier Tidings from Thomas about potentially changing our schedule to better fit our current circumstances. 

I am grateful to have spoken with so many of you, both individually and in groups, to hear your concerns and opinions.  While no schedule will suit every need and preference, the majority opinion seems to favor a return to something more like our pre-COVID schedule.

As such, beginning the first Sunday in January 2026, our Sunday morning schedule will be:

9:00       Chapel service
9:00       The Well service
10:00    Sunday School
11:00    The Sanctuary service

This change is aimed to accomplish three goals:

1)        Increase worship attendance

Altering our schedule to two worship times offers people more options to participate in worship. 

2)        Increase Sunday School attendance

With two worship opportunities before Sunday school, it will make it more likely for those already on campus to stay for Sunday school.  Moving the chapel service to 9:00 also reduces the time people worshipping in the chapel must wait for Sunday school to begin.

3)        Foster unity and connection

More people moving around the campus over a longer period of time increases opportunities for connection.  The new schedule will also make it possible for two pastors to be in the Well and all three pastors to be in the Sanctuary on any given Sunday.  This increases the ability for the clergy and the congregation to connect.

After much prayer, thought, and research, I believe this schedule will help us accomplish these goals.

When we roll out these changes at the beginning of the year, we will also make some updates to the Chapel service, adding music and other elements to make it more like the traditional Sanctuary service. Change can be uncomfortable, but I am convinced that these changes will be to Central’s long-term benefit.  As we move forward together, let us be united in our mission to follow Jesus by loving God and loving our neighbors.  I am blessed to be in ministry with you and look forward to a future of growth and fruitful ministry!

Yours in Christ,

Thomas