Central Christian Church

Feeling the chill in the early morning air? It's time to think about those who might not have the same warmth and comfort we will enjoy this winter. Let's come together to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors in need.

Join us in our annual winter clothing drive as we partner with CAM to collect essential items for those facing the cold. Let's fill the donation table area with warmth and hope!

Here's what we're collecting:

• Hats
• Gloves
• Scarves
• Hand warmers
• Coats (all sizes)
• Men's jeans (all sizes)
• Sweatshirts
• Fleece tops

Your donations will make a real impact. By providing these essential items, we can help ensure that everyone in our community stays safe and comfortable during the colder months.

How to Donate:
Drop off your donations from October 20th to November 3rd in the church office or put on the donation table across from the office..

Every donation counts. Let's show our San Antonio community that we care and make a difference together.

Our Fall Fellowship luncheon was a great success! We were thrilled to see so many members of our community come together for a day of fun, fellowship, and good food. The laughter, face painting, games, and camaraderie was a joy to see. It was a heartwarming reminder of the spirit of Central Christian Church and the happiness we find in connecting with one another.

Calling all Central Christian Church members!
We're looking for photos of YOU to share the joy and community spirit of our church. Did you capture a heartwarming moment with fellow church members at a recent event, maybe over coffee and cookies at fellowship? Celebrate a special birthday or another milestone at home? Or maybe you have some adorable pics of your child at the Childcare Center? We want to see them all! From volunteer moments to selfies with your favorite church buddies or staff, share the photos that showcase the heart of Central Christian Church.

Here's how to submit: 

• Message your photos directly to us on Facebook, including the names of the people in the photo and a brief description of what’s happening.

• Send them via email to secretary@cccsa.org, with the names and description included.

Let's celebrate the incredible people who make Central Christian Church so special!
 

Grandparents Day was a blast at Central Christian Church’s Childhood Center! The little ones had a wonderful time spending quality time with their loved ones. It was a day filled with joy and laughter. Thank you to all the grandparents who joined us for this special event! 

The Dirty River Jazz Band will be in worship on All Saints Sunday, November 3, 2024 to help us celebrate all the Saints in our lives
with rousing, joyful, celebratory musical praise to God.

Invite family, friends, and neighbors to help them celebrate the Saints in their lives.

Our Blessing of the Backpacks was a beautiful start to the school year! We loved seeing all the excited students and their families. Wishing everyone a fantastic school year filled with learning and growth. Click below to see slideshow.

Join Central Christian Church in congratulating Faye, a graduate of Alamo Heights High School!

Faye has been a beloved member of our church family since she was born. We were honored to host her parents' wedding here, and it brings us immense joy to celebrate this special achievement with her.

Throughout her high school years, Faye balanced academic excellence – being part of both the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society – with a passion for sports. She dominated the basketball court for three years and played polo for the San Antonio Polo Club HS team all four years, earning well-deserved sportsmanship awards along the way.

Faye's dedication and commitment are truly inspiring.  Her journey continues this fall at Texas A&M University, and we have no doubt she'll continue to shine brightly. We congratulate Faye and share our best wishes for her future!

Did you know? Central Christian Church's carillon, crafted in 1953 by Petit & Fritsen, is the only belled 🔔 carillon in San Antonio! Hear its majestic chimes and connect with history. A carillon is a musical instrument made up of at least 23 bells that are tuned to play a Western scale and are played using a keyboard. 

• The original carillon of 47 bells was a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Lester A. Nordan and family. It has a four-octave range and sounds in D, one whole step higher than concert pitch. 
   
• The bells vary in weight from 3,850 pounds to 19 pounds, totaling nearly ten tons. In memory of her husband, who died in 1969 at the age of 73, Mrs. Nordan added a 48th bell (low E flat) to the carillon. In 1983, Richard Strauss designed and built for Central Christian Church new playing and practice keyboards, which have become the North American standard. 
   
• During the 100th anniversary of the founding of Central Christian Church, the keyboards were used at the Annual Congress of The Guild of Carillonneurs of North America meeting in San Antonio. As a result of Mrs. Nordan’s continuing interest, the San Antonio Carillon Book of Christmas Music from Central Christian Church was published and distributed to Guild Members who attended the Congress. The book, compiled and edited by Ronald Barnes, was dedicated to Mrs. Nordan. In the introduction of the book, Barnes explains, “Since the carillon at Central Christian Church was first heard on Christmas Eve, and since bells and Christmas are as inseparable here as elsewhere around the world, the idea for this Christmas Carillon Book came naturally.” The music is now available from American Carillon Music Editions. Mrs. Nordan died in 1994 at age 98.
   
• During the 50th anniversary celebration of the installation of the Nordan Memorial Carillon in 2003, a carillon recital series began on November 23. George R. Gregory, Central Christian Church carillonneur, played Alborada by Ronald Barnes. This composition, completed in 1987, the year following the installation of the new 48th bell, was written in honor of, and dedicated to Mrs. Lester Nordan. The new bell was used many times in the composition. Five carillonneurs from throughout the United States came to San Antonio to play each Sunday during Advent and on Christmas Eve. New carillon compositions by Alice Gomez and John Courter were commissioned for the concerts. The concerts and commissioned music were made possible by the support of Anita Nordan Lindsay, daughter of the carillon donors, Mr. and Mrs. Lester Nordan. Unfortunately Mrs. Lindsay died November 11, 2003, at age 82, just 12 days before the start of the recital series.
   
• The carillon is located in the tower of the church. The bells do not move, but are struck by clappers connected by cables to a keyboard located just below the belfry. The keyboard is struck with half closed, gloved hands. 
   
• In addition to the keys for the hands there are also foot pedals. 
   

To see the carillon in person join us at one of our carillon services or call the church office at (210) 227 5273 to visit.

Central Christian Church celebrated Pentecost with a joyful service. The Holy Spirit's presence was felt throughout, symbolized by the beautiful red attire worn by many attendees and the choirs' stoles. 

Michael's stole and Bill Napper's inspiring hanging in the baptistry offered a powerful visual representation of the Holy Spirit descending as a dove with tongues of flame. Red balloons were let go in the courtyard afterwards. 

The celebration extended beyond Pentecost, as we also recognized four outstanding members graduating high school (pictured below from left to right):

• Faye Bettis, graduating from Alamo Heights High School, will be continuing her journey at Texas A&M.
   
• Alyssa Villarreal, graduating from Oliver Wendell Holmes High School, will be attending UIW.
   
• Michelle Ester, a valued member of our choir, graduates from Texas Lutheran University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, ready to share her gift with the world.
   
• Raphael Moembo, graduating from UTSA, will be pursuing his legal aspirations at St. Mary's University Law School. Congratulations to all our graduates!

We are immensely proud of your accomplishments and eager to see what the future holds for you.

For over a century, the Benevolent Sewing Group of Central Christian Church has utilized their needle and thread skills to create stunning handmade items such as baby quilts, bibs, and kids' clothing. These heartfelt creations are then distributed to the children at Inman Christian Center, our childcare center, and our Church Community. By keeping the #Ministry vibrant and alive through their #SewingForGood efforts, the Benevolent Sewing Group has been an integral part of Central Christian Church for 104 years. How cool is that?

 

 

 

 

 

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Make sure we have your most up-to-date contact info by calling (210) 227-5273 or emailing secretary@cccsa.org.