Coming to Central
Getting to Central Presbyterian Church is pretty easy.  We are centrally located in downtown Terre Haute, Indiana.  Check out our directions for assistance in locating us.

At this particular time, parking is a challenge.  At one time we had access on the weekends to a large surface parking lot owned by Indiana State University and adjacent to our property on the southern and eastern sides.  However, that surface lot is now a huge municipal construction project, as a multi-level parking and transportation facility is being built on the site.  In the future we expect to be able to use that parking facility, which will be extremely convenient for us.  In the meantime, the best place to park on Sunday morning is on the street (but not in areas marked with yellow or in handicap spaces) or in a small surface lot that is just across Larry Bird Avenue from the church on the northern side of the building.  Parking meters are not policed on the weekends, but handicap-designated spaces are.  Members of the Masonic Lodge, which is located north and east of our church building, have graciously made their surface parking lot available to our members and visitors on Sunday mornings (but not at other times).  In the unlikely event someone should have trouble parking on the street or in one of those lots, there is a municipal parking deck a couple of blocks away on Wabash Avenue, just west of Seventh Street, at which Sunday morning parking is available at no charge.

The building is fully wheelchair-accessible via ramps and an elevator. Ushers or members will be glad to help if assistance is needed getting into the building.  The best door for wheelchair accessibility is on the north side of the building, on Larry Bird Avenue .

We welcome all people regardless of age, race, gender, marital status, physical condition, sexual orientation, ethnic background, or economic status.

Sunday Morning Worship at Central
Our worship service starts at 10:30 AM and is basically traditional in format.  It includes a time for children, a sermon, singing, prayers, readings, and sometimes drama.

Before the service starts we have ushers at the entrance to the sanctuary to offer you a bulletin and help you find a seat.  The ushers can also provide large print hymnals, headphones, or assistance with the elevator.

There is plenty of seating available in our sanctuary.  Sit wherever you like, there aren't any reserved seats.  Every once in a while we may mark off a few pews for some special event, but other than that, sit where you are most comfortable.

Our worship service is easy to follow and lasts about an hour.  The order of service is printed in the bulletin. 

One of the first things that happen each Sunday is the "Passing of the Peace".  If you feel comfortable in doing so, please feel free to leave your seat and greet people.  If not, that's fine, members will come to you.  This is a time to meet a few people and know that you are welcome at Central.

Each Sunday we have a "Children's Moment" that gives the children a special time of their own to come down front.  If you have children, they are invited to participate.  Some parents come down with their young children.

Children's Church meets following the children's moment in worship. Children ages 4 years through 1 st grade gather in the room next to the library for their own worship time.

Communion is served the first Sunday of each month, with all Christians invited to participate.  The invitation to the Lord's Supper is extended to all who have been baptized, regardless of denominational affiliation.

As a visitor to our church we won't ask you to stand up or wear a name tag to be recognized.  You may voluntarily fill out the pew registration pad to let us know you came to our service.

We don't expect our visitors to put anything in the offering plate, though you are certainly welcome to do so if you wish.  Central members and regular attendees give freely to support our ministries.

Sunday School Classes
Sunday School meets each week for all ages at 9:30 AM.  Classes are planned for preschool, elementary, middle school, high school, college age/young adults, and adults.  These classes are a great way to meet members and make new friends since they're smaller than the worship service and have lots of relaxed, open discussion. 

Child Care
We have childcare during Sunday school class and worship service with staffed nursery rooms for infants and toddlers.  Please feel free to ask for a tour of the nursery if you have young children.

Fellowship Time
Following worship service coffee, juice, and light refreshments are served in the fellowship hall.  Take this time to visit with members of our congregation and ask about Central.  All visitors receive a special gift and an information package during this fellowship time.

Membership
Church membership is open to those who wish to join.  There are three ways to join: letter of transfer from another church, affirmation of faith in Jesus Christ for first time members, and re-affirmation of faith for those whose Church affiliation has lapsed.  Questions about joining the church should be addressed to the pastor.

There is a place for you here, wherever you are on your spiritual journey.  Take the time to check us out.  Pray about whether the Lord might be drawing you here.  And please, ask us to help you in any way we can.  We'd love to have you seek and serve Jesus Christ along with us!