honoring the tradition in a new age

Join us Wednesday, December 31st, for Central's virtual Watch Night Service "2025 A Year in Review!" at 6:00 p.m.

The tradition of Watch Night traces its roots to Freedom’s Eve—the night of December 31, 1862—when enslaved and free Blacks gathered in churches, homes and slave quarters, watching and waiting for the promise of freedom.

Earlier that year, President Abraham Lincoln declared that the enslaved people in this country would be legally free at midnight on January 1, 1863. And so, our ancestors prayed, sang, and hoped—trusting God for deliverance.

At midnight, the Emancipation Proclamation became law. Freedom had come. And our ancestors called it Watch Night.

What is Baptism of the Lord Sunday?

Each year, Baptism of the Lord Sunday is the day we commemorate Jesus's baptism by John the Baptizer. It is also a time for us to remember our own baptism and to invite others to be baptized if they have not been. It is generally the second Sunday in January and follows Epiphany Sunday.

We honor this tradition at Central by encouraging those who have never been baptized to become baptized believers and joining the family of God. You may recall a sermon preached in October, titled "One Baptism" where Pastor Tillman preached about baptism being like our initiation into the family of God--and God claiming us as God's own (see link to sermon below).

If you have never been baptized, we encourage you to register and a pastor will make contact with you.

Welcome to Central United Methodist Church!

THE CHURCH AT THE HEART OF THE CITY WITH THE CITY AT HEART

CUMC (FP) 2025 HOLIDAY CALENDAR

A Christ-Centered Community in Atlanta, GA

“A Christ-Centered, Radically Inclusive, Intergenerational congregation that uses its Spiritual Gifts to meet the needs of our unique surrounding Community.”

CENTRAL "LIVE" WORSHIP EXPERIENCES AVAILABLE ON:

"Worship is not an escape from the world, but a place where we are edified and equipped to live as the people of God in the world."

sundayS AT CENTRAL!

Join us each Sunday for a time of praise, Word and spiritual fellowship. Our worship experiences are broadcast live on our YouTube channel and live-streamed on our Facebook page.

At Central, we practice the "Six Marks of Discipleship:" daily prayer, Bible reading, weekly worship, Christian service, relationships that encourage spiritual growth, and giving in the spirit of generosity.

We look forward to seeing you weekly in worship!

Sunday's Lectionary

AT CENTRAL & BEYOND

CENTRAL ON PURPOSE

Exalt the Lord

Great is the Lord and Most Worthy of Praise

Access recent sermons and worship experiences

CUMC Website Exalt the Lord
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Equip the Saints

equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ

Find a ministry that's right for you

REV. DR. BRIAN A. TILLMAN, SENIOR PASTOR

Pastor Tillman Preaching
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EMBRACE THE COMMUNITY

do not forget to do good and to share with others

Join in Mission & Outreach

Tillman Family in Selma
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Two women holding signs that say " black lives matter ".
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