Who We Are
On behalf of the entire church family, we warmly welcome you to Central St. Matthew UCC. We are proudly affiliated with the United Church of Christ (UCC) an inclusive and ecumenical denomination where persons of all backgrounds are warmly received. At Central St Matthew you will find an inter-generational community, with programs and activities for all ages. The hospitality is warm and the people are friendly. Here we believe that building community is far more important than religiosity. So, come be challenged and refreshed, and find a place where YOU can make a difference in the world. You'll be glad ...
Church Staff and Leaders
Rev. Chris Mereschuk, Pastor Dr. Lucian Zidaru, Minister of Music Ms. Lisa McKnight, Church Adminstrator Mr. Mike Duplessis, Sexton
Covenant Agreement
Recitals This 18th day of October, 2009, Central Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, New Orleans, Louisiana (hereinafter "Central UCC") and St. Matthew United Church of Christ, New Orleans, Louisiana (hereinafter "St. Matthew UCC") as member churches of the New Orleans Association and the South Central Conference of the United Church of Christ, enter into the following New Covenant to replace the previous Covenant Agreement dated September 16, 2007, and to further recognize, formalize, strengthen and cooperatively enhance their joint ministries as a covenanted community for a term of at least seven (7) years from the date hereof. Introduction After the devastation and ...
Music
Central St. Matthew's music program is varied and a integral part of our Sunday services. Music styles range from traditional to contemporary and from classical to African American spirituals. From September through June choir practices are held Wednesday evening from 7:30 to 8:30 and from 9 till 10 on Sunday mornings. All are welcome to join us with their voice or instrumental talent in our offerings to the worship service. As of September 1, 2010, we are pleased to introduce and welcome Dr. Lucian Zidaru as our new Minister of Music. Dr. Z, as he is fondly called by his students, ...
Good Friday Worship and Fish Fry 2011 Photos
Photographs from Good Friday, 2011 with worship service and fish fry held at the Bienville Campus of Central St Matthew UCC. Photos by Rachel Ricks
Help Rebuild New Orleans
Katrina Recovery Ministry At Central St. Matthew UCC in New Orleans and a partnership with the churches of Pennsylvania Southeast Conference and United Church of Christ Disaster Ministries On August 29 Hurricane Katrina made landfall in New Orleans, bringing about one of the worst natural disasters our country has known. Soon 80% of the city was under water. Thousands of residents died or were unaccounted for, and over 240,000 homes were destroyed or left uninhabitable. Schools, hospitals and stores were closed; no electricity or drinkable water was available in much of the city. Within days a majority of city residents were evacuated. Today, ...
Church History
The Histories Of St Matthew UCC and Central Congregational UCC St. Matthew was organized in 1849 as the German Evangelical Church of Carrollton. The young community of Carrollton, where our present church is located, was a Original St. Matthew Picturesmall town adjacent to the growing city of New Orleans. When the original church was built (right), an ornamental rooster was placed on the top of the steeple as part of a weathervane. Because of this, the church became popularly known as “The Rooster Church”. This weathervane is displayed in a glass case in the church lobby. The original 144 members of the ...
Evangelism and Fellowship
Evangelism Team (or the E-Team as we like to call ourselves!) Let's face it...for the UCC, the term "Evangelism" usually conjures up some pretty uneasy thoughts for many of us. Therefore, at Central St. Matthew we call ourselves the "E-Team". But make no mistake, we see our mission, our job, our vision at CSM is to develop events that will serve as easy ways to invite friends and neighbors to come and visit with our members whether it is for a Sunday church service or for a different fun event during the week. While in attendance, we hope that our guests ...
Vacation Bible School
Central St. Matthew is pleased to offer Vacation Bible School twice each year — in the summer and during Christmas vacation. Our enthusiastic group of teachers and resource persons look forward to an exciting time of learning and exploration with your children. Please watch this website or contact the church office at 504-861-8196 for more specific information about Central St. Matthew Vacation Bible School. Our 2009 Summer Vacation Bible School was held on August 3-7. The theme was Cruisin' the Amazing Amazon. [caption id="attachment_482" align="aligncenter" width="588" caption="Cruisin' The Amazing Amazon"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_483" align="aligncenter" width="588" caption="Fun in the sun"][/caption]
Sermons
“Oikos”
“In my Father’s house there are many rooms” - - just how many...
“A Testament of Hope”
Rev. Dr Martin Luther King Jr.’s message was, at its heart, a proclamation...
“Home By Another Road”
Sometimes the journey changes the destination. Podcast Powered By Podbean Read More →
Read More Posts From This CategoryOur Newsletter
December 2011 Newsletter Read More →
November 2011 Newsletter
October 2011 Newsletter
October Newsletter Read More →
Read More Posts From This CategoryCSM News and Events
A two-day Christmas Bible School will be held at Central St. Matthew United Church of Christ on Wednesday and Thursday, December 21 and 22 from 9am until 3:15pm. The children will also participate in a living Nativity presentation Thursday evening, December 22 at 7pm. Children now enrolled in Kindergarten through sixth grade are invited to attend. The... [Read more of this article]
Christmas Caroling in Palmer Park!
CAN Caroling in Palmer Park 2011 Read More →
Musical Podcast: Pipe Organ Concert
In this musical episode, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the dedication of our Hook & Hastings 1905 pipe organ. Performances by Dr. Lucian Zidaru, Mr. Ryan Celestin, Mr. Norman Maunz, and Ms. Rachelen Lien. Podcast Powered By Podbean Read More →
Advent & Christmas @ CSM
Advent and Christmas 2011 Flyer Read More →
Totenfest & Thanksgiving Sunday
Sunday, November 20 @ 10am Join us this Sunday as we observe the German Evangelical tradition of Totenfest. On this last Sunday of the church year, we will lift in prayer loved ones who have passed away this year. We will also offer our thanksgiving for the saints that have come before us and for those still living in our midst. Altar communion will... [Read more of this article]
Memorial Organ Concert
November 20, 2011 @ 3pm Join us for the 30th anniversary of the pipe organ dedication! Organ Concert Flyer - 11-20-11 Read More →
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We have worshiped together at 1333 S. Carrollton Avenue since Hurricane Katrina. Our doors are open and God's spirit of hope and new life is alive! Come join us in a loving, caring community of faith as we support one another and work together to rebuild our lives and our city!