Central is in the City for Good!
Central sits between the capitol and MPR, between Garrison Keillor’s Lake Wobegon and the Union Gospel Mission. We see ourselves as an important part of our downtown neighborhood and are engaged in city issues. At a crossroads of real life in the city, through our missions and our presence, we try to do good. Like many, many downtown churches with large building facilities, Central has seen decades of significant change. We are in an exciting period, a pivotal time. We will risk becoming the church God needs. We focus on reaching out to new people. We are committed to connecting people with God and with others.
Our building is home to several fantastic and diverse organizations that serve our community in substantial ways. Please explore the following links as you learn how Central is in the city for good!
VocalPoint is an intense choral experience that challenges people through music to build a better world. Hosted by Central Presbyterian Church, VocalPoint is a 70-voice auditioned choir that sings diverse music and whose concerts support the work of non-profits working for peace and justice. Recent concerts featured soloist Maria Jette and DrumHeart drumming ensemble. In addition, portions of the AIDS Quilt were on display.
FIRE: The Foundation for Immigrant Resources and Education offers morning and evening classes in English as a Second Language (ESL), and the General Equivalency Diploma Test (GED).
Wednesday Community Lunch: Each Wednesday, we host a downtown community lunch beginning at 11:45 AM. We are becoming well known for healthy and affordable gourmet food and a place for good conversation. Buffet line closes at 1:00. Click here for this week’s menu.
Project Home: Every night in November Central opens its doors to serve as an overflow shelter for homeless children and their parents. This program is coordinated by the Saint Paul Area Council of Churches for Ramsey County, which does amazing work in many areas.
Martha’s Closet provides free interview and work clothing for low income women in Saint Paul. Martha’s Closet is open from Noon to 2:30 PM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and from 5-7 PM on the second Tuesday of the month. Guests, who have been referred by a social service agency, are invited to stop by during the open hours.
The Presbyterian Coffee Project offers a special link between congregations and 
communities around the world. Central purchases and serves Fair Trade Coffee from Equal Exchange. A warm cup of coffee (or tea) in our hands is perhaps the most tangible daily connection we have with farmers around the world. It represents warmth, hospitality, fellowship, hard work and life’s pleasures both fine and simple. Buying fair trade through the Presbyterian Coffee Project ensures that more of the money we spend on coffee reaches the hardworking farmers who actually grow it.
Alternative Gift Market: Central celebrates the season of Christmas, encouraging members and friends to make gifts that will echo in the lives of others in our community and around the world.
The Giving Tree: Central celebrates Christmas and has long-supported a “Giving Tree.” Working with strong year-round organizations, Central encourages members and friends to pick out gifts for needy families to be distributed anonymously at Christmas.
Weight Watchers meets in Central’s Friendship Room on Tuesdays from 12:00-1 PM, for support in healthy eating and lifestyles. For information on how to get involved in this program call 1-800-651-6000, or go to www.weightwatchers.com.
