Central Crossings will offer an “urban sampler of Christian spirituality”
—a new effort at being a public church
An annual series of events proposed by the 2009 Worship Task Force of the Congregation Council that “would have great outreach potential and would be a catalyst for focus of growth of new members, particularly those who are not currently attending any worship service” is set to launch on All Saints Sunday, November 7.
“Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson reminds the ELCA that we must be a public church,” said the Rev. D. Foy Christopherson (“Pastor C”), Central’s associate pastor for worship and the arts, hospitality and pastoral care. “This new gift from Central Lutheran Church is just that, an effort at being a public church, offering prayer and worship opportunities (spiritual events) in a landmark setting for the sake of the city.”
Pastor C said this series of spiritual events are designed to share Central’s landmark building and our best gifts—our musical instruments, cantors (artists) and pastors with the community and to be “a welcoming sampler of spiritual events from the church’s tradition, all on a large, urban, cathedral-like scale.
“The curious and the spiritually hungry are especially welcome. Guests are expected with no further obligation. Friends of Central are also invited,” he said.”
Currently seven Central Crossings offerings are planned for the 2010-2011 program year, beginning with “A Hymn Festival for All Saints” on Sunday, November 7 featuring the choirs of Central and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Saint Paul, with organists/composers Mark Sedio, Robert Buckley Farlee and Timothy Strand. The series also moves Central’s annual “Service of Blessing on Christmas Eve” (4:00 p.m.) into the category of a more-public event, offering families of all types individual blessings.
Other events being planned include an Advent prayer vigil (December), Evensong for the Baptism of Our Lord (January), a jazz Evensong (February), “In Memoriam—A Time of Quiet Remembrance,” an hour of readings and music including “Requiem” by Gabriel Fauré (March), and Central’s annual Good Friday Tre Ore Service. This traditional, three-hour service centers on Christ’s seven last words from the cross, with brief homilies, choral anthems and instrumental music—all culminating in a moving cross procession.
Promotion of Central Crossings will be included in Central’s strategic marketing plan for the coming year and promoted to an ever-widening audience through a variety of media. Special hospitality efforts will also be appropriately planned around each event. Watch for more details to come about this exciting new gift from Central to the City!
—a new effort at being a public church
August 20, 2010
An annual series of events proposed by the 2009 Worship Task Force of the Congregation Council that “would have great outreach potential and would be a catalyst for focus of growth of new members, particularly those who are not currently attending any worship service” is set to launch on All Saints Sunday, November 7.
“Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson reminds the ELCA that we must be a public church,” said the Rev. D. Foy Christopherson (“Pastor C”), Central’s associate pastor for worship and the arts, hospitality and pastoral care. “This new gift from Central Lutheran Church is just that, an effort at being a public church, offering prayer and worship opportunities (spiritual events) in a landmark setting for the sake of the city.”
Pastor C said this series of spiritual events are designed to share Central’s landmark building and our best gifts—our musical instruments, cantors (artists) and pastors with the community and to be “a welcoming sampler of spiritual events from the church’s tradition, all on a large, urban, cathedral-like scale.“The curious and the spiritually hungry are especially welcome. Guests are expected with no further obligation. Friends of Central are also invited,” he said.”
Currently seven Central Crossings offerings are planned for the 2010-2011 program year, beginning with “A Hymn Festival for All Saints” on Sunday, November 7 featuring the choirs of Central and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Saint Paul, with organists/composers Mark Sedio, Robert Buckley Farlee and Timothy Strand. The series also moves Central’s annual “Service of Blessing on Christmas Eve” (4:00 p.m.) into the category of a more-public event, offering families of all types individual blessings.
Other events being planned include an Advent prayer vigil (December), Evensong for the Baptism of Our Lord (January), a jazz Evensong (February), “In Memoriam—A Time of Quiet Remembrance,” an hour of readings and music including “Requiem” by Gabriel Fauré (March), and Central’s annual Good Friday Tre Ore Service. This traditional, three-hour service centers on Christ’s seven last words from the cross, with brief homilies, choral anthems and instrumental music—all culminating in a moving cross procession.
Promotion of Central Crossings will be included in Central’s strategic marketing plan for the coming year and promoted to an ever-widening audience through a variety of media. Special hospitality efforts will also be appropriately planned around each event. Watch for more details to come about this exciting new gift from Central to the City!
333 South Twelfth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-870-4416