Event to be Held on Friday June 8th at 7:30 PM

Contact: Jason Harris, Central Presbyterian Church, 212-838-0808, jharris@centralchurchnyc.org

NEW YORK, June 8, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Central Presbyterian Church, an Upper East Side, New York church in a dynamic phase of renewal, today announced their upcoming Hymn Sing, a special evening of participatory hymn singing featuring Sandra McCracken and Derek Webb. The celebratory musical event will be held Today, June 8th beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET at Central Presbyterian Church located at 593 Park Avenue at 64th Street.

Tickets to the event can be purchased in advance at: www.centralchurchnyc.org. General admission is $20. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Seth Ward, music director of Central Presbyterian Church, said, "Sandra and Derek share a deep love for hymns and the gospel these hymns present. Their unique talent as accomplished singer-songwriters influenced by the life and message of Jesus Christ are an inspiration. We welcome Derek and Sandra to Central and look forward to sharing their hymn renditions, both old and new, with our growing congregation, and we enthusiastically invite our friends and neighbors in New York to join us for this special night of profoundly moving and worshipful music."

"We value all forms of sacred music at Central," said Reverend Jason Harris, "but there is something special about the hymns that Derek and Sandra have written, arranged and performed in terms of their lyrical artistry, theological depth, emotional honesty and dynamic energy. Songs like these hold the power to draw us into a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Christian story. As a result, this music can truly shape our lives by providing us with a fuller sense of what it means to follow Christ in an often complex and challenging world."

"This event marks yet another great opportunity to introduce new people to the exciting developments taking place at Central. In fact, it's the perfect occasion to invite friends who might be somewhat curious or on the fence about the Christian faith to come and experience the heartfelt worship and authentic community that many of us have come to love at Central. This is sure to be a memorable night that you will not forget," concluded Jason.

About Derek Webb and Sandra McCracken:
A former member of the Houston, Texas-based Caedmon's Call, singer-songwriter Derek Webb has seen career sales approaching one million records, 10 Dove Award nominations, a Billboard Music Video Award nod and six No.1 radio hits. Webb's innovative music marketing and distribution strategies have received national news coverage in USA Today and the Los Angeles Times. In 2003, Webb left Caedmon's Call to pursue a solo career. Since his departure, he has released six studio albums (his latest being instrumental), a live album, two compilation albums, a covers project, two DVDs and an EP (with his wife, Sandra McCracken).

Sandra McCracken is an independent singer-songwriter whose smart, soulful blend of folk and gospel is as progressive as it is timeless. In the past 13 years, McCracken has released seven studio albums and two duo EPs with her husband Derek Webb; most recently, she has teamed up with a side band, Rain for Roots, to record and produce an album of children's songs. She is a founding contributor of the Indelible Grace hymn project, and her re-tuned hymns are sung in congregations across the country.

For more information and for music from Sandra McCracken and Derek Webb, please visit: www.sandramccracken.com and www.derekwebb.com.

About Central Presbyterian Church:
Central Presbyterian Church, located at 593 Park Avenue at 64th 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.