Harry and Chenéy Zimmerman
“Living in New York City means constantly moving through waves of pressure, career expectations, financial demands, and relationship challenges. It’s a city full of opportunity, but also one where priorities can easily slip out of focus and perspectives can become clouded. In the middle of that chaos, I found Central in the summer of 2023, and it felt like the reset my life didn’t even know it needed.
One of my earliest memories is walking by after a Sunday service and seeing families laughing together on the sidewalk, kids running around with cups of lemonade. There was something so simple and pure in that moment, joy that wasn’t manufactured, community that was genuine. It drew me in.
Even more meaningful is the way my wife, who is South African, found Central. When we were searching for churches, she visited alone one Sunday morning, sat down, and by complete coincidence (or providence?), ended up next to another South African. It was one of those small but powerful confirmations that we were meant to be here.
Central has also become woven into our story as a couple. We had a small wedding ceremony at the church, and it’s hard to put into words how special it is to worship every week in the same place where we said our vows. It feels like our marriage is quite literally rooted in the house of God.
Through Central, I’ve also gained mentors who have guided and encouraged me. Their presence in my life has helped reshape my values and refocus on what truly matters. I’m incredibly grateful for that support.
New York City will probably never stop being chaotic, but having a steady moral compass, a grounding community, and a place that continually reminds me of who I want to be has changed everything. Central is more than a church to us; it’s home.”
In 2 Corinthians 8, as Paul speaks on generosity, he interestingly never uses the word "money"; instead, he speaks of "grace." He calls the Corinthians — and by extension, us — to excel in this act of grace. As 2025 comes to a close, consider how you might contribute to stories of grace at Central.
Gifts can be made using the link in our bio, or at centralchurchnyc.org/give.