Central Presbyterian Church

Wonderful place to be.
7 years ago (03-03-2018)

Nice place
7 years ago (07-12-2017)

A beautiful church in all aspects. Minister Dr. Clyde Ervine is a kind-spirited man who does an excellent job relating Bible readings to modern life in his sermons. Whether he is giving a sermon, talking with the children at the front of the congregation or even performing a marriage ceremony, he has a fabulous talent for imbedding just a hint of humour, which enhances our engagement and experience. Central has a vibrant and welcoming church community. There are events going on at the church daily and opportunities for everyone of every kind to get involved. Every Sunday after service the congregation heads into the church hall for refreshments and mingling. (Some lucky Sundays there are even sandwiches or pizza or other yummy treats.) There is a nursery for children 0-3years with lots of great toys and two fabulous volunteer care givers. For older children there are newly renovated/redecorated class rooms where they learn about the Presbyterian faith through age-appropriate and fun activities. Children stay with the congregation for the first 10 minutes of service, then (before heading off to Sunday School), they sit on the stairs at the front of the chapel for an age-appropriate chat with Clyde linking current events to Christianity (which always reminds me of an episode of "Kids Say the Darndest Things." We are a newly married couple with a two-year old son. Below I will list why we faithfully find time in our hectic schedule to attend Central. 1. Clyde's sermons always help us find peace in our busy lives. We leave church each Sunday feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. 2. The Church Community welcomed us in with open arms. a) Faith Basics - 6 x 1 hour sessions learning the foundation of Presbyterian Faith and where each of us as individuals falls on the Faith Spectrum. (Clyde does not judge, and welcomes all levels of faith. I myself am VERY science minded.) b) Photo directory (on the wall and in a book to take home) so that you can easily match names to faces and avoid those awkward moments. c) 20-30 Somethings Monthly Events - Bowling or board games. Just fun activities designed to unite members of similar demographics. d) Guess Whose Coming To Dinner - Take turns hosting/attending dinner parties with member living in your area. e) Mom's Coffee Hour = Tuesday mornings - child care provided so that Mom's can just relax, have a hot drink, and chat about things Mom's like to chat about. (Concluded with a Bible Reading) 3. When we were being married, it was extremely important to me that our ceremony used wording that: a) Treated man and woman as equals. (None of that obey or ownership stuff.) b) Did NOT intend that ONLY a man and woman should be married. Clyde was fabulous at finding the perfect wording so that my needs were met, while still staying true to Presbyterianism. In conclusion, I believe that Central is the perfect blend of tradition with hints of modern wants and needs all wrapped up in one of the most esthetically stunning Churches in Hamilton. I highly recommend you check it out. God Bless
11 years ago (22-12-2013)