Central Women
Central Women (FKA Women’s Studies Group) was formed in the early 1980s to provide a vehicle for exploring issues and topics of particular interest to women. It is an intergenerational group, which brings together not only Central members but also women from throughout the community.
The members begin their time of fellowship by sharing a meal before moving on to the evening’s main topic of discussion. With the help of books, articles, and guest speakers, the Women’s Studies Group has discussed issues as diverse as women’s health, the civil rights movement, women’s role in the political process, artistic interpretations, and women in the Bible. The group meets in members’ homes on the third Thursday of the month, September through May (excluding December).
How to Join
Women’s Studies at Central is open to any woman who would like to attend. We are a very informal group. Dinner is served at 7 p.m. and different members sign up ahead of time to bring the pot luck dinner. It’s fun to cook, but also a treat to come and eat and enjoy the cooking of others.
Central Men
Men’s Dinner | 7 p.m. third Monday of the month
Men of every age are invited to gather together at Dakota Blue in Grant Park, aka the “Eagle’s Nest.” Each month, Brian Bishop and friends host Central’s men to learn, share, pray, and serve together. This is not an evening presentation to sit through, but rather a time to make and deepen friendships in Christ.
First Sunday Men’s Breakfast | 8 a.m. first Sunday each month
After his resurrection, Jesus prepared breakfast on the beach for his friends. Like those disciples, we sometimes unexpectedly encounter Jesus and are lovingly nourished. We men gather because we have called each other friend. Breakfast is just a vehicle. Location varies.
Rebekah Circle
The Rebekah Circle meets monthly on the second Monday from September through June, primarily at members’ homes. These women engage in Bible study, usually the Presbyterian Women’s Horizons‘ study, support various Presbyterian projects, discuss congregational cares and concerns, and enjoy fellowship during lunch, for which everyone brings a sandwich.
A Presbyterian Women’s Circle is a local congregational group dedicated to nurturing the faith and spiritual growth of women in the church and helping women develop church leadership skills.
Each church’s circle groups are part of the larger, nationwide effort, Presbyterian Women in the Congregation, which provides guidance, support and expanded opportunities.
Central Church has one circle, the Rebekah Circle.
Bookworms
The Bookworms group is for all Centralites and friends who love to read and talk about what they have read. We meet evenings, in members’ homes, on the fourth Tuesday of the month, September through May. At our meetings, we discuss a book—fiction or nonfiction—previously selected. Our meetings are very informal, with discussion often branching out into diverse areas suggested by comments about the book. Discussion is followed by refreshments and individual conversations; we enjoy each other’s company.
We Bookworms welcome newcomers. Becoming a member of the group is easy: Simply show up at the next meeting, no formal registration required, no application form to battle. Anyone interested in getting meeting reminder notices may request to be put on on the Bookworms e-mail list, managed by Jean Ellen Jones.
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The Bookworms 2017-2018 schedule may be viewed below.
Hungry Hearts
The Hungry Hearts is made up of women and men who come together to support each other in our spiritual journeys as well as to explore and learn about various aspects of Christian spirituality.
Our time is spent in centering prayer, group spiritual direction, and discussion of books or topics that we choose to explore. Although this might sound like an intense gathering, the truth is that the hours are also interspersed with good food along with laughter and debates and the sharing of our joys and concerns and we try very hard to contain the meeting within the hours of 7-9 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month (that is not easy to do!). We welcome all who would like to join us.
Our leader and artist, Ellen Phillips, has a certificate in Spiritual Development from Columbia Theological Seminary. Starting September 18, and meets in a different member’s home at 7 p.m. For more information or to participate email Ellen Phillips at info@ellenphillipsart.com.
Central Young Adults
This small group is a growing and vibrant new ministry of Central, offered to people in their early 20s-to-early-30s. Central Young Adults gather once a month for some fellowship, food, and faithful conversation. All are welcome!
For more information, contact Anna Traynham.
Spiritual Gifts
Frederick Buechner says, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”
One aspect of a spiritual journey is to uncover your gifts in order to nourish that “deep gladness” and to establish God’s vision for the world through life-giving ways. Our hope is that your experience with one of the spirituality small groups will help you discern your gifts, build relationships, and nourish your soul. Come and join members of your Central family as we embark on this life-giving journey. For more information, contact Anne Sciaronne at anne@annearchitecture.com or Kip Ladd at kipladd@yahoo.com