Faith & Action

Central is committed to being “in the city for good.” We do that through direct service, advocacy and public witness, and education at the intersection of the Gospel and society.

Current Donation Drives

Over the course of any given year, Central hosts a variety of donation drives to serve the special needs of community programs.  Here’s what’s coming up or happening now:

Central's annual autumn Food Drive begins on November 16 and continues thru November 23.

  • Our giving will help our traditional food shelf partner, Keystone Community Services. Depending on how fully-supported SNAP (food stamps) recipients are for November, we may also direct some contributions to American House, a downtown Beacon facility for single adults who've been chronically homeless. Nearly all of the residents at American House receive SNAP benefits, a big portion of their resources.

  • We’re again focused on financial contributions - which will help purchase food in quantity and get a “bigger bang for the buck.” The Hunger Initiative Fund will match all contributions up to $2000. Checks should be made out to Central, please write “Food Drive” on the memo portion. For giving online, select “Special Offering” then choose “Food Shelf” in the drop-down menu. For cash, use a Special Offering envelope in the pew.

 
Look out of future drives for some of the following:

  • Back-to-school supply drives for students in need with the Department of Indian Work and Project Home.

  • Food donation drives benefitting numerous area food shelves, including Interfaith Action of Greater St. Paul and Keystone Community Services.

  • Hygiene kits and Snack Packs are assembled by our Youth Groups to share with neighbors in need.

St. Paul Opportunity Center

Continuing on the work began that in the community as part of the Hunger Initiative, the Mission & Justice Committee has scheduled volunteer opportunities for Central to serve the Saturday lunch meal at Catholic Charities’ St. Paul Opportunity Center (formerly Mary Hall) multiple times throughout the year. Central’s next volunteer opportunity at the Catholic Charities/St. Paul Opportunity Center is Saturday, November 8th from 11 am -1 pm.  To sign up to volunteer and to see/signup for other upcoming dates , visit our Volunteer Page.

Wednesday Lunch

Each Wednesday, we host a downtown community lunch beginning at 11:45 a.m.. (Buffet line closes at 1:00 p.m.)  All are welcome!  We are becoming well known for healthy and affordable gourmet food and a place for good conversation.  Requested donation is $10, though no one is turned away for lack of funds. To see each week’s menu, visit our home page.

ISAIAH

Central is a partner congregation of ISAIAH, Minnesota’s largest multi-faith organizing group, helping Minnesotans advocate for economic, social, and environmental justice. We participate with a variety of organizing events during the year, from acts of public witness to agenda-setting meetings. Reach out to Pastor Chris if you’re interested in joining!