We invite you to join us for Advent season at Central.
Advent, which comes from the Latin word meaning "coming," is a time in the church year in which we celebrate the coming of Christ to earth in humility and weakness as a vulnerable baby, and anticipate Jesus' second coming in power and strength as the risen King.
Advent Schedule
November 30 | First Sunday of Advent, 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., & 5 p.m.
Children’s Worship and nursery will be provided.
December 7 | Second Sunday of Advent, 10 and 11:30 a.m.
Children’s Worship and nursery will be provided.
December 7 | Recent Grads Ministry Christmas Party, 1 p.m.
On Sunday, December 7 our Recent Grads Ministry will have a special Christmas edition of their regular bi-weekly meeting at 1 p.m. on the seventh floor. Don't miss out on this final dual-purpose Bible study / Christmas party event of the year! More details still to come.
December 7 | Children's Christmas Pageant, 5 p.m.
Our children will help us celebrate the Advent season at Central by performing in our annual Christmas pageant. Join us in the sanctuary Sunday, December 7 at 5 p.m. for a special performance and a festive start to the evening. Immediately following the pageant, we will gather on the sidewalk around the church for our Bell Concert and Caroling. If you have any questions, reach out to children@centralchurchnyc.org.
December 7 | Bell Concert and Caroling, 5:45 p.m.
Hear and sing your favorite Christmas carols! Join us Sunday, December 7 at 5:45 p.m. on the sidewalk around the church for a brief bell concert featuring our 50-bell carillon followed by caroling by candlelight.
December 12 | Messiah, 7:30 p.m.
Handel's Messiah has been performed every year since it first debuted in Dublin in 1742. Central Church joined this centuries-long tradition in 2009 and is pleased to present a Christmas season performance of Messiah Friday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m. Regardless of your religious background, we welcome you to join us for this festive event in which we consider and celebrate the cosmic drama of humanity's deliverance by the long-awaited Messiah! Doors open at 6:45 p.m. and the begins at 7:30 p.m., so arrive early for a good seat and be prepared to sing your favorite Christmas carols! General Admission is $25. You can purchase tickets at centralchurchnyc.org/messiah.
December 14 | Third Sunday of Advent, 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., & 5 p.m.
Children’s Worship and nursery will be provided.
*In addition to our regular offering, we will take a special collection during each of the services for our Community Outreach Fund which is used exclusively to benefit the marginalized and disadvantaged through our dedicated ministry partners.
December 14 | Youth Ministry Christmas Party, 6:30 p.m.
In addition to our youth meetings during the day on Sundays, Central offers regular youth group gatherings for middle school and high school students on Sunday evenings from 6:30-8 p.m. On Sunday, December 14 we will wrap up 2025 with a Christmas party. Be sure to wear your ugliest Christmas sweater. There will be prizes for the top three ugliest sweaters among students, and another top three among volunteers. We will also have a white elephant gift exchange, so bring something used or under $10 to participate! As always, there will be dinner. Be sure to invite your friends!
December 21 | Fourth Sunday of Advent, 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., & 5 p.m.
Children’s Worship and nursery will be provided.
December 24 | Lessons and Carols Service, 3 p.m. & 5 p.m.
Central will hold two Christmas Eve lessons and carols services on Wednesday, December 24 at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. There will be no Children’s Worship but nursery will be provided for children ages 6-months to 2-years-old, and crafts will be provided for children in the services.