If you are a first time visitor or have visited many times, our goal is that you feel at home at Central. Whether it is on a Sunday morning or another day during the week, we want you to know what to expect before walking through the doors.
How should I dress?
Dress in whatever makes you feel comfortable. On a typical Sunday morning you'll see folks in dresses and suits, shorts and t-shirts, and everything in between.
Our Sunday morning worship service follows a traditional pattern of United Methodist order. It begins at 10:30am Sunday and lasts about an hour. Music is led by our chancel choir and we typically sing from the UMC hymnal. Keeping with our Wesleyan/Methodist heritage, messages center around faith of the heart coupled with faith in action.
Where can I park?
We have 3 parking lots around our buildings for easy access; two of them are accessed from Jackson St. (to the south and east sides of the buildings), and one from Grant St. (to the west side).
Where do my kids go during worship?
We offer a nursery staffed with multiple, trained and vetted, personnel for our younger guests who may not want or need to attend the worship service. For the easiest path there, enter from the (south side) Jackson St. doors, turn to the right and go through the double doors at the top of the ramp. Children's ministry workers will be there to greet you and get everyone settled in.
Am I expected to give money?
As our guest, we don’t expect any money from you. We have an offering time during worship, but we encourage you to let the opportunity to give pass you by. The offering is a way for the Central Church family to respond to God and join the mission of the church. If you’re new, we don’t expect you to give. Our time of worship is a gift to you.
We believe that money follows mission and so we'll never be shy to ask for money destined to help people. Whether that’s helping fund our community service partners, our in-house Good Samaritan Fund, assisting with schools around our city, or contributing to special holiday or emergency needs, you'll have a chance to be a part of ministry as you become more familiar with the Central family.
If you do consider Central your church home, thank you for prayerfully considering a regular contribution. You can give by check or cash during weekend worship, or you can set up an online giving account on our Giving Page.
What Else Happens On Sunday Mornings?
Sunday school classes for all ages, and a variety of learning styles, begin at either 9:15 or 9:30am (see ///class list-link////). Most of our adults have found out its best to visit several classes, and see what each is like, before deciding on just one.
We have fun and vibrant programs for children (same hall as nursery) and youth (third floor) also starting at 9:30 on Sunday mornings.
We celebrate communion in Worship once a month (usually 1st Sunday) and during special services. A brief, communion-only service is also offered in the chapel (2nd floor, just to the right after exiting the elevator) on the 3rd Sunday of each month at 9am. Everyone, no matter your church membership, denominational affiliation, or connection to Central, is welcome to receive communion any time it is offered.
Other questions?
Visit our Contact Page for a map and general call number or take a look through our Team Page to find and email the department you need.
We're located in Decatur, AL, on the corner of Jackson St. and 6th Avenue (which is also Hwy 31), 1/2 mile from the Tennessee River bridge.