Trinity of Excellence: Worship & Music, Education and Outreach at First & Central
At First & Central, our goal is to continually strive toward the Trinity of Excellence — a focus on the core tenets of our community: Worship & Music, Education and Outreach.
Education at
First & Central
At First and Central, education is a vital piece of our Trinity of Excellence. Growth, both intellectually and spiritually, leads to unity, peace and balance. Below is a listing of our current educational programs. Click the links below to see all that F&C has to offer in the development of mind, body and spirit!
Children, Youth and Parent Education at F&C
F&C’s child education works to teach and enlighten our most precious gift, the children of the church. Click here to see all classes offered for children, youth and their parents.
Adult Education at F&C
Participate in and help plan and present adult Christian education designed to provoke through and response. Click here to see all our Adult Education offerings.
Outreach at
First & Central
Reaching out to those in need gives our congregants a sense of community and purpose, and for those who benefit — a sense of God’s love and care. F&C is active in a number of community service activities, offering not only financial support but also material and volunteer participation. Click here to learn how F&C is making a difference in our community through its outreach efforts!
Worship and Music at
First & Central
Sunday morning worship, offering inspiring preaching and music, is the highlight of our church week. The service is traditionally Presbyterian, yet with variety and informality. Preaching emphasizes spiritual growth, along with service and justice in the world. If you would like CD recordings of worship services, please contact us.
Click here to see recent sermons.
Elements are added to worship such as dialogue sermons, Taize music, Labyrinth walks, healing and wholeness, and services around religious holidays. F&C is home to Interfaith Services for World AIDS Day and the Habitat for Humanity Unity Build Dedication.
At F&C, children have an active role in worship. Older youth participate through reading a Bible lesson and serving as acolytes or ushers. Services always include a time for children, who are then invited to attend Enrichment class for the balance of the service. Infants through 3 years old are invited to the nursery.
Music at F&C
"My goal for leading music for worship at First & Central is to give those worshipping a fleeting glimpse of the divine through congregational song, choral singing, and organ music."
—David Schelat, Minister of Music
The church offers a variety of musical expressions for both worship and entertainment. Music in worship is varied from majestic anthems to multicultural spirituals, and accompanied by our Gabriel Kney Organ or the Steinway piano, with occasional instrumentalists enhancing the service.
Experience the wealth of musical offerings at F&C!
The Labyrinth at F&C
"I am so enthusiastic about our labyrinth, because it is a powerful tool for personal spiritual practice. This can be a tricky area for church programs to address, since much effort must be devoted to the congregation as a group. As individuals, our spiritual practice is a foundation for our other relationships, so I believe we must have attention and support here, too. I am proud that First & Central attempts to serve both needs."
—Charlene Bradley, Labyrinth Coordinator
Labyrinths have been used for meditation and reflection for more than 4000 years. Walking a labyrinth can often help to clear the mind and give insight. We invite people of all faiths to walk the First & Central labyrinth—especially those in transition or who are struggling to find balance and peace. Learn more about the First & Central Labyrinth.