Meet CPC’s Seminary Intern

February 7, 2023

Marta Pumroy is in her second year as a Master of Divinity student at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. She comes to us from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A Ruling Elder from 1st Pres in Marion, she is under the care of Presbytery of East Iowa where she has been involved with the peacemaking task force and mission social justice team. She has been serving the PCUSA General Assemblies since 2016 in a variety of capacities. Before Seminary, Marta taught Spanish and world languages to middle schoolers (20 years!) and is a proud parent to Paiton, her daughter, who attends Iowa State University. Marta is looking forward to getting to be a part of the Central Presbyterian this spring and next fall.

Congregational meeting

February 4, 2023

The Annual Meeting of the Congregation Will be Held
February 5, 2023 Immediately after Worship

CLICK HERE to review the agenda and related documents.

As we reflect on the past year and prepare for the next at our annual congregational meeting, we will review the work of our ministry teams in 2022. The 2023 budget will be presented and the pastors’ terms of call will be submitted for the congregation’s approval. Additionally, the congregation will approve the candidates who will serve on our new nominating team. The nominating team is responsible for selecting our next slate of church officers, elders, deacons and one trustee. We hope all of our members can attend. Of course visitors are welcome, but only members can vote.

Sermon on the Mount series

January 27, 2023

A Brief Guide to Heaven on Earth – The Sermon on the Mount

This Sunday (2/12), Pastor Katheryn will finalize a three-week sermon series to explore the Sermon on the Mount. Considered by most theologians to be the best summary of Christ’s teachings, this familiar passage is packed with spiritual practices and instructions to help us build up God’s kingdom on earth. Each week we will discover divine treasures that God longs for us to celebrate and share.

Week One, Jan 29: Matthew 5:1-12, Blessings Upon Arrival. Christ begins his sermon by telling people who seemed to be the most poor, broken down souls in the world, that they were blessed. Willingness to believe we are blessed is the first step to entering God’s kingdom on earth.
Week Two, Feb. 5: Matthew 5:13-20, Enhancing Life’s Flavor. Jesus told a group of downtrodden peasants, “You are the light of the world…You are the salt of the earth.” Did they laugh? Did they sit in stunned silence? Or did the words fall on their parched souls like living water bringing them back to life? God’s light grows brighter within us we when we follow the ways of love even as we encounter hate or fear. As salt does to food, our faith can preserve and enhance the gift of life even when it seems like a bitter pill to swallow.
Week Three, Feb 12: Matthew 5:21-37 Faith, Anger, Action. In this passage, Jesus acknowledges that we will endure frustration, fear, grief, and anger as we travel through this world. But when we are upset, we can choose to respond in ways that enable us to grow in God’s love and grace.

Cleaning out your closets? Donate clothes to CPC

January 27, 2023

Our unhoused neighbors who come to Central Mission on Thursdays have been very appreciative of the clothing that we offer each week.

However, there is a huge ongoing need for men’s clothing and shoes.

Donations can be dropped of at CPC Tuesday-Friday between 9:00 and 2:00. Please call before you come. Thank you for your generosity!

Holiday Collaboration 2022

January 3, 2023

Central Presbyterian Church worked with the Trinity Center and First Church to serve a meal and give gifts to hundreds of our neighbors experiencing homelessness in December. We appreciate the collaboration with our partners downtown and all the volunteers who helped pull this off!