Central Presbyterian Church

a caring, inquiring, inclusive community

Central Presbyterian Church Mission Statement

Central Presbyterian Church is
            a caring, inquiring, inclusive community
            worshiping God, pursuing the way of Christ,
                        serving neighbors near and far
                        with hearts, hands, and minds.
                                    (adopted by the Session 5/18/05)

Theological Rationale of Central Presbyterian Church, June 1999
Christ is the head of the Church and our highest authority. The Church is the exhibition of God's love and hope for the world. Central Presbyterian Church is a community of Christ, serving Christ daily and hearing his voice corporately and individually. We are a family of Christ rejoicing in our fellowship and worship of God: supporting and teaching each other; creating, praying, praising, and breaking bread together. We challenge members to promote social justice, grow in understanding of God's Word, and fulfill God's calling. We are an inclusive church, embracing diversity and struggling to live a holy life. Called to be peacemakers, we seek reconciliation with God and with each other.

Our Vision for 2015

WORSHIP:

Challenges our minds, fills our hearts
Reflects our common faith but celebrates different expressions of it
Welcoming sacred space that enlivens worship

MISSION AND SERVICE:

Work for justice and peace in witness to God’s promises
Aid the homeless and hungry; spread Christ’s love in community and world
Mission and service projects that engage the young, old, and the in between

OUTREACH:

Project being an inclusive, friendly, and caring church
Welcome children, youth, and young families through worship, program, and outreach
Reach out to University students, faculty and staff

PROGRAM:

An Intergenerational ministry that is pervasive
Strong Adult Education Program encourages thoughtful inquiry; takes the Bible seriously, but not literally
Pastoral Ministry: emphasis on seniors, involves more than the pastor and deacons
Social opportunities promote community among members and friends of all ages

COMMUNICATION:

Open and honest communication
Opportunity for discussion and dialog on church and social issues
Able to debate and disagree without losing sight of our common faith

CHURCH FACILITIES:

Used also for the benefit of the community and activities that complement our mission focus
Facilities that are safe and accessible to all

The History of Central

Central Presbyterian Church traces its history to the founding of the First Presbyterian Church on May 5, 1855. On that date, Rev Robert Robe and five charter members worshiped under an oak tree at what is now 10^th and Willamette. Eugene was also home to the Morrow congregation of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church founded in 1853. These two congregations united in 1906 to form Central Presbyterian Church. The congregation of Central Presbyterian Church began worshipping in its present building in 1956. Many of the stained glass windows from the previous building (like the anchor cross) have been preserved in the chapel and narthex of the present Central Church.
By 1962, average Sunday worship attendance reached an apex of 695; at the end of 2002 the average was 230. In the 1960's the congregation began its practice of opening the building for community use and later became socially active in housing issues. This outreach continues in support of the Interfaith Homeless Shelter each fall.
Members and friends at Central Presbyterian Church have big hearts and are generous with their time, skills and money. Our congregation gives cash contributions to the worldwide mission of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and to our local community through the Annual Fund, Deacons, Presbyterian Women, Central Foundation, special offerings and fundraisers. Funds went to organizations that serve the homeless, hungry, victims of abuse, disaster relief efforts, Latinos, school children, college students, medical needs of the poor and the unchurched around the world
In recent years the congregation has worked through the issues of inclusive language and the ordination of gays and lesbians as it seeks to be an inclusive church. Central became a self-sustaining church in 1899 and currently enjoys financial stability and growth.

Central Presbyterian Church 555 East 15th Avenue, Eugene, Oregon 97401 Phone: (541) 345-8724

E-mail: centralpresbyterianchurch@att.net

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