Central Christian Church

We're overwhelmed with gratitude for your  incredible generosity shown during our recent underwear and sock 🧦 donation drive for Christian Assistance Ministries! Thanks to your incredible support, we collected a staggering:

✅ 322 pairs of underwear
✅ 351 pairs of socks 
✅ 10 bras 

These essential items will make a world of difference in the lives of those in need. Your kindness and compassion will bring warmth and comfort to so many. 🤗 

 Huge SHOUT OUT to Arianna and Brianna Moembo! They joined 44 other awesome kids for the last week of camp at Disciple Oaks during the week of the 4th of July! They ended the camp season STRONG at Chi Rho (for 5th-7th graders). Arianna described it as an “amazing week” – and you know that's big coming from a middle schooler! Central Christian Church youth (and adults) love spending time at “Camp Gonzo”! 

What a fantastic experience church members Lilah and Colt Dow had at Eighter's Camp, also known as 'Created To Be Me' Camp! This camp offers a unique Christian curriculum that dives into spirituality and sexuality. Check out their joyful faces in these pictures! 

Our Child Development Center was a sea of smiles and giggles at our epic summer bubble party! From chasing colorful spheres to creating giant masterpieces, the joy was boundless. Grateful for these beautiful moments that make our childcare center a special place. Here’s to more sunny days and happy memories!

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.