Central Presbyterian Church Revives Following With 191st Easter Season Celebration

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - Apr 26, 2012) - Central Presbyterian Church, an Upper East Side, New York church in a dynamic phase of renewal, has breathed new life into the historic walls of its landmark Manhattan building with the celebration of its 191^st Easter Season. Reverend Jason Harris presided over the service where 260 attendees from the community gathered to hear Jason's insightful sermon, punctuated by the majestic music of Central's esteemed choir and orchestra.

The church appointed Reverend Jason Harris as Director of Church Renewal in partnership with the New City Commons Foundation on August 15, 2011. The New City Commons Foundation was inspired by James Davison Hunter, author of To Change the World: The Irony, Tragedy, and Possibility of Christianity in the Late Modern World, and seeks to promote the faithful presence of the church in all of society through the thoughtful engagement of faith with the world around us.

Jason commented, "It is a great privilege to serve alongside Doug Webster and our music director, Seth Ward. There is a singleness of heart and purpose to our leadership team, and I could not be more pleased with our collaboration with one another. Together, we are committed to rebuilding a strong and healthy church in an important cultural center that honors Jesus in all aspects of our lives, cares deeply for the spiritual, emotional and material needs of one another, and seeks to contribute to the flourishing of New York City in a thoughtful and transformative way. We are so grateful for the community at Central and the progress that we have made thus far, and we look forward to the future with great expectation."

Previously Jason served as the founding Campus Minister for Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) at Northwestern University. Jason began this ministry in 2005 after receiving his Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. Prior to attending seminary, Jason worked as a sales analyst for Morgan Stanley in New York City after graduating from Princeton University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art and Archaeology in 2000. Jason participates in a number of ministries outside of Central and the New City Commons Foundation and has longstanding relationships with RUF (Reformed University Fellowship), FOCUS (Fellowship of Christians in Universities and Schools), Young Life, and The Veritas Forum.

Jason met his wife, Ashley, at Princeton University where she studied Economics and Japanese and subsequently received a J.D. degree from Columbia University Law School. Jason and Ashley have three young children, Luke, Olivia and Eliza.

"We are extremely grateful that Reverend Harris has joined our leadership team," commented pastor Doug Webster. "Jason is a gifted preacher with a deep love for Christ and a strong commitment to the Word of God. He loves New York and has a singular calling to see a vibrant, Christ-centered household of faith take root at 64th and Park. The best way to describe Jason is with words that come right out of the Bible. He is our 'brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus.' Jason is a true pastor and wonderful co-worker."

About Central Presbyterian Church
Central Presbyterian Church, located at 593 Park Avenue at 64^th Street on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, was established in 1821 in a schoolroom on Mulberry Street. Central's current building was constructed in 1922 as the original home for Park Avenue Baptist Church with funding provided by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Central held its first service at its Park Avenue location on Sunday, September 22, 1929.

Central is committed to building a strong community of faith in Jesus Christ that enables people from diverse backgrounds to experience the transformative power of the gospel through insightful teaching, expressive worship, authentic prayer and meaningful relationships. At the same time, we aim to provide a setting in which people who are undecided about their religious commitments may freely investigate the claims of Christianity. Together, we strive to serve the people of New York in humility and love so that we might have a positive impact on the world around us.

We invite you to explore our church to learn more about our mission. Please visit us at www.centralchurchnyc.org