By Shana LiVIGNI

Mission statement: “We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s table as God has welcomed us.” Central Christian Church is an open and affirming place, where everyone is welcome. The church family is made up of people from all over the world, with a wide variety of lifestyles and viewpoints, yet all are united in dependence upon God and love for Christ Jesus. At Central Christian friendship, worship, service, diversity, tolerance and working for social justice are dominant elements in the life of the church community.
Community care is one of the highest priorities for this church. After entering the huge parking lot through the small alley, the property looks like a retreat with an amazing view of the city below and Verdugo hills. There is a large shaded grassy area used for outdoor weddings and a play area for the kids and a full-on baptismal pool where people can receive the sacrament from Pastor Greg. Inside, there is a large well-equipped kitchen that is constantly being used to serve the community.
“This is one of the most used part of the facilities here – the kitchen,” explained Pastor Greg Davis, the sole pastor for the church. “We cook for after church on Sundays, fellowship meals for the youth groups and we make snack suppers for Bible study and prayer time. We also have dinners for the evenings so we use the kitchen a lot during the week and it’s fun because everyone enjoys cooking and it’s a homey atmosphere. We have an outdoor barbeque that we use a lot. The church buys the food since so many people can’t afford to donate and it’s a nice way to make sure that everyone’s physical needs are cared for while they are in the building.
The large fellowship hall can be used for indoor weddings and also houses tables and chairs, a big screen TV for anyone, especially the youth, to enjoy movies, sports and video games – all monitored by the church.  In a small attached room is the lab containing several computers set up with Internet access. “We have a filter that I put in myself,” said Pastor Greg. “After church, people come in and play video games and we’ve actually had people network, get jobs and find places to live on the Internet. It’s an interesting place.” Young adults 18-30 years of age are an important part of the congregation. They take part in different outings during the year including trips to movies, bowling, activities and dinners out.  Each Sunday young adults and youth enjoy playing sports, and riding the dirt bike the church purchased.
“Central Christian is an active and  growing congregation made up of people from many different backgrounds.  We celebrate our common faith and respect theological diversity at Central Christian Church. Come and visit and be a part of our hard working, intimate, and loving congregation,” invited Pastor Greg. “I want to invite you to be a part of this church for today in Glendale. Central Christian Church is a small ethnically and theologically diverse congregation, which is very active in sharing God’s love through Christ Jesus. We major in love and acceptance at Central! You are invited to share our vision as we seek to serve Christ and neighbor.”
Central Christian was founded in 1908 in Glendale and met at the corner of Colorado and Louise for many years. In the 1970s the congregation moved to 1479 E. Broadway across the street from Glendale High School. The new facility is located at 5027 N. New York Ave. in La Crescenta. For more information on the new hours of worship and its ministries, call (818) 957-7820 or visit them at www.glendalechristian.com.

  Central Christian Church