At Central we don't just exist for ourselves - we are serious about using our resources to make a difference in our city.  Central is known for creating effective, innovative, targeted programs that serve the needs of the community. Our programs look different than many church-sponsored community programs - they are efficiently managed by trained professionals, they are constantly evaluated, they make sense. The time and skills of volunteers are respected - volunteers feel they are making a difference. 

View the video of Central Presbyterian Church's
Mission Statement

MISSION COMMITTEE:

newgenesis…  Central Visitation Program…  Metro CareRing…  Were you drawn to worship at Central Church in part because of the meaningful mission opportunities the church is involved in?  Do you wish you were more involved personally in these ministries?  Central supports these three opportunities and many others, and the committee overseeing it all is the mission committee.  The mission committee partners with these organizations to ensure continued outreach to our community.  The committee also organizes the annual mission trip and periodic Habitat work days and determines where our mission dollars are spent.  If you would be interested in joining the mission committee in their efforts, please contact Kirsten Schatz or Jacqueline Decker Vanderpol.

MISSIONARY SIMON PARK:

For the latest news of our missionary Simon Park visit: www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2008/08371 

PRESBYTERIAN DISASTER ASSISTANCE.  OUT OF CHAOS, HOPE. 

www.pcusa.org/pda/

How does Central respond to international disasters, such as cyclone Nargis in Burma or the destructive earthquake in Sichuan  Province, China?  Chiefly through prayer and through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA), the disaster relief ministry of the Presbyterian Church (USA).   PDA is responding in Burma through Action by Churches Together (ACT) International and in China through the Amity Foundation, organizations that are already on the ground locally and ready to act.  PDA’s efforts are funded largely through the One Great Hour of Sharing offering and through designated contributions.  You may donate directly through the PDA website.  Central has collected $2,035.47 for the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering.

CENTRAL ANSWERS MAYOR'S CALL TO END HOMELESSNESS:

In his 2005 State of the City Address, Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper challenged each congregation to embrace at least one homeless family. And that is exactly what Central did with the creation of our first mentoring team last September. Through our participation in the Denver Rescue Mission’s Family and Senior Homeless Initiative (FSHI), Central members are making a difference in the lives of a family struggling to start anew following a very difficult period.  With clear guidance from the Rev. Wayde Henderson, FSHI Church Relations Coordinator, we have completed five of the seven meetings which constitute the 18-week mentoring process.  We are building a wonderful relationship with our mentee through discussions about financial management, parenting, and personal goal setting.  And, that’s not all!  We are strengthening our church family as we come together to live out Christ’s call to care for “the least of these, my Brethren.”  So, it’s a win-win situation and we hope you’ll consider joining us as we form new teams in the coming months.  Are you ready to live out your faith as you answer the Mayor’s call?  If so, please contact Cheryl Fleetwood at cheryl@chris-adams.com.

newgenesis, A TRANSITIONAL COMMUNITY FOR THE HOMELESS:
newgenesis is a 110-bed homeless shelter for working men, located in the basement of the church. Everything is focused on a single goal: to help men leave the streets for permanent housing and a new lease on life. Volunteer opportunities are designed on an individual basis to fit the gifts and schedule of the volunteer. Call 303.831.4910. with questions or check out the web page: www.new-genesis.net

CENTRAL VISITATION PROGRAM:
The Central Children's Visitation Program provides a safe, comfortable environment in which children of low-income families can visit with non-custodial parents. Trained volunteers supervise thousands of visits each year. Weekly commitment with training provided. Call Betsy Sweetland, Executive Director, at 303.839.8701 or CVPDenver@aol.com or check out the web page: www.cvpdenver.org

CENTRAL'S TUTORING PROGRAM:
Central's Tutoring Program pairs adults with children from our local elementary school. In partnership with Denver Public Schools, the program focuses exclusively on reading and writing skills. Weekly commitment, October through May, with training provided. Call Tutoring Director, Nancy Welsh at 303.986.8620.

METRO CARERING:
METRO CareRing serves poor families in the Denver area, and is at the corner of 18th and Downing. There are numerous volunteer opportunities in supportive positions. Call Executive Director Jon Holmer at 303.860.7200.

THE CENTRAL SEWING CIRCLE:
The Central Sewing Circle sews layettes for infants born to indigent parents at Denver Medical Center. Call the church office for more information.  New (or gently used) items needed: Socks, Booties or Shoes. 

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY:
Central Presbyterian Church is part of a coalition of Presbyterian churches building a house with Habitat for Humanity. Numerous opportunities are available to contribute to this "bricks and mortar" project. One-time, weekly and everything in between. Call Joyce Coville, church member and program coordinator, at 303.871.8991.

MILE HIGH CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS:

More than 800 people came to the 5th Annual American Red Cross Breakfast of Champions® on March 7, 2007. Breakfast of Champions® is a celebration of life-saving heroes in Colorado. It’s also a fundraiser for the American Red Cross Mile High Chapter in Denver. All proceeds go to benefit Red Cross programs and services like disaster response, transportation, and preparedness education right here at home.

Heroes, who have saved a life within the last two years, were nominated by their family and friends, co-workers, neighbors and community members in various categories, including adult, youth, professional, military, healthcare lifetime achievement, community, and animal category among others. We celebrated these special individuals who exemplified courage, kindness, and unselfish character through their acts of heroism in our local community.

Central Presbyterian was one of the three community organizations honored by the Red Cross.  We are only the second faith community to be so honored.  In presenting the award the Red Cross said this about Central:

“The Central Presbyterian Church is more than just a house of God. It’s Denver’s secret weapon right in the heart of downtown. At Central they are serious about using their resources to make a difference in Denver and they are known for creating effective, innovative, targeted programs that serve the needs of the community including New Genesis Transitional Homeless Shelter, METRO CareRing, the Central Sewing Circle, Central’s Tutoring Program, and many more. Central is truly a congregation that cares.”