Tom Matte
“I have an affectionate but complex relationship with life in New York City. My wife, Debbie, and I enjoy walking its streets and subway platforms, lined with varied styles of art and architecture and crowded with all sorts of people. Occasionally serendipity brings happy encounters with friends, but in general, almost everyone we pass is a stranger to us. At times the seemingly chaotic interactions between people, vehicles, and even social factions can become troubling. Rarely (but still too often), danger and violence manifest in ugly ways.
I’m grateful that Central is a refuge from this frenetic city life. It’s where I hear the gospel preached, see skeptics and believers welcomed, and feel shepherded and strengthened to love and serve our city and world.
At Central, I’ve connected with so many new people through volunteer opportunities, Community Group meetings, Bible studies, social gatherings, and worship services. They come from all parts of the world and a variety of faith backgrounds. Quickly (and somewhat surprisingly), many have become friends. We share stories: of successes and trials, of what brought us to Central, and about whatever waystations we’ve reached along our faith journeys. Suddenly, city life seems less random. In hindsight, I’ve seen that it is not blind chance that has brought us together, that has bridged barriers of age and culture. Rather, the loving hand of a gracious God has been shaping our paths while the Holy Spirit is continually changing our hearts.”
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.