Discover a welcoming community at Center Church
No matter where you are in life’s journey, you are warmly invited to join us at Center Church in South Hadley! As an Open and Affirming congregation, we welcome everyone with open arms.
Whether you’re seeking a spiritual home or just passing through South Hadley, we would love to have you join us in the pews for our 10am Sunday service or online using the streaming link on our home page.
Vibrant worship and community
Experience the inclusive and vibrant community at Center Church, where we actively deepen our faith, embrace God’s boundless love and justice, and honor both moments of joy and sorrow as sacred. Upon your arrival, our welcoming ushers provide a bulletin to guide you through our enriching worship service, featuring greetings, communal prayers, uplifting choir-led songs, scripture readings, an insightful homily from our Pastor, Rev. Lori Souder, as well as prayers, songs, and occasional guest speakers or performances, all within an hour. Additionally, we celebrate Communion on the first Sunday of each month, with gluten-free rice cakes available for those with dietary preferences.
Hearing God in Music
Center Church upholds a rich musical tradition integral to our worship services, often noted by visitors as a standout feature. Led by professional musicians and a dedicated volunteer choir, our music program encompasses a diverse range from 15th-century choral works to contemporary compositions, with selections tied to service themes and seasons. Rehearsals, including occasional post-Worship sessions, ensure musical excellence. The Prelude and Postlude pieces, featuring piano, violin, and organ, are seamlessly woven into our services alongside hymns, enhancing the overall worship experience.
“Who are you? Where do you want to journey spiritually? We are here for you to help you engage in the works of God and the teachings of Jesus, and the crazy inspiring life of the Holy Spirit. We are adventurous, not confined by assumptions, we embrace transparency, justice, and open arms to all.”
Frequently asked questions about Center Church
Are You an Open and Affirming Church?
Yes. At Center Church, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning people are fully included in the life and ministry of the church, as are all seekers.
Where Are You Located? Where Can I Park?
Center Church is situated at One Church Street in South Hadley, along Route 116, opposite South Hadley’s Town Common. Parking is accessible around the church, including spaces marked for “Faculty and Staff” of Mt. Holyoke College (available on Sundays) and at the Common. Handicapped spots are located on Church and Park Streets.
Is the Church Handicap Accessible?
Yes! Our elevator is accessible from both the Church Street and Lower Park Street entrances.
What Can I Expect at a Worship Service?
At Center Church in South Hadley, our worship services blend communal prayer, vibrant music from our choir, and insightful homilies by Rev. Lori Souder, fostering spiritual growth and community connection. Commencing with warm greetings, our services encourage a sense of togetherness and reflection.
Our worship embraces scripture, encouraging a deepened faith journey. Rev. Souder’s homilies inspire while occasional guest speakers or performances add diversity. With services lasting about an hour, including Communion on the first Sunday monthly and gluten-free options available, we welcome all to join us for a fulfilling and inclusive worship experience.
Are There Special Accommodations for Families with Children?
Yes, indeed! We cherish children at Center Church and are thrilled to join them on their journey with God. Throughout the school year, most services feature a Children’s Conversation. Afterward, children are invited to participate in activities at our Promised Land school, including games, crafts, scripture readings, and special outreach projects. Our caring Christian education staff guides them with gentle care. On Communion Sundays, children go directly to Promised Land for the entire service. Parents or guardians are welcome to accompany their children to Promised Land. Classes are available from preschool through 8th grade.
Nursery care is provided during worship; please ask an usher for the nursery location. Our experienced and loving caregiver, Deb, warmly welcomes infants through 3-year-olds.
We also have an active Youth Group (6th – 12th grade) that meets during Sunday worship. It is led by an inspiring young woman who is a second-year student at Mount Holyoke.
Do You Socialize After Sunday Service?
Yes! Most Sundays we enjoy coffee and refreshments in our multi-purpose room, directly after service. We would be delighted to have you join us.
Can I Get Involved in the Church Beyond Sunday Worship?
Can you ever! There are many opportunities to become more deeply involved in the life of the church. We gather for community outreach, Bible study, youth group, meditation, exercise, special events planning, and so much more.
Stay connected to our community at Center Church
Explore Center Church’s offerings including weekly bulletins, monthly calendars, newsletters, Sunday service videos, and more!