This Sunday, Pastor Mary will share a special back to school blessing and sermon message reminding us to keep our schools, students, and teachers in prayer as a new school year begins.

Plus, you won't want to miss the chance to officially welcome the newest member of our Central family, Maggie Christy, our Minister of Children and Youth Discipleship, this Sunday at 10AM at Central UMC!

We hope to see you there!

Check out our latest ministry updates!

A Big Day at Central!

THIS Sunday, August 24

Join us for a special day of welcome, celebration, and preparation:

Welcome Breakfast for Maggie Christy @ 8:45 AM

Come meet and greet Maggie Christy, our new Director of Children and Youth Discipleship, during a breakfast in her honor during the Sunday School hour.

Promotion Sunday - During Worship

We’ll celebrate all children and youth moving into new age groups and classes. Families are especially encouraged to attend as we bless our young people and the adults who guide them.

Leadership Central @ 11:15 AM – 3:30 PM

All committee and ministry leaders are invited to this important mini-retreat to connect, plan, and set direction for the coming year.

Lunch provided!

Upper Room Cost Change

The cost of the Upper Room has risen. The new cost going forward, will be $2.00 for regular print and $3.00 for large print

Whether you are in a care facility or just not able to get out and about, we want to visit you and keep you connected to our Church family. Please let Pastor Lisa know so she can arrange for one of our warm and friendly members to visit with you on a monthly basis.

During times of a family death, the "arrangements" can be daunting. If a reception following the funeral at our church is needed, please consider letting our Bereavement Care Ministry help you by contacting Pastor Mary.

Old Testament 101

Wednesdays, September 3 - December 17 @ 5:30pm

Ever wished you knew the Bible better? This fall, Rev. Mary Brown and Rick Kuenning will co-lead a 12-week in-person group study titled Old Testament 101.

Whether you're new to the Bible or simply looking to deepen your understanding, this accessible overview will help you become more confident in reading and interpreting the Old Testament.

Each week, participants will explore key themes, historical context, and how these ancient scriptures continue to speak into our lives today. Participants should plan to spend approximately 30 minutes per day reading and preparing for discussion.

Choir members are welcome to participate and may step out after the first hour if needed.

Space is limited to 35 participants. Cost: $15 (scholarships available)

To register, please contact Jan Griffin.

Children and Youth Fall Kickoff

Sunday, September 7

Youth Choir & Kids Club - 11:15AM

Children's Choir - 11:45AM

🍂 Celebrate the start of Fall Programming! We’re launching the new ministry year with a full day of connection, celebration, and community! Join us for Fall Kickoff Sunday and help us welcome a new season of children and youth discipleship at Central.

After Worship, join us for our Table 2 Table all-church meal provided by Equal Plates Project.

Suggested donation: $10 per person. Kids 4 and under eat free. Max family cost: $30. Everyone is welcome—whether you can cover the meal or not. Plus, Kona Ice will be on site for a sweet treat!

🎶 Program Kickoff Times:

Youth Choir & Kids Club – 11:15 AM

Children’s Choir – 11:45 AM

🌭 Youth Group and Cookout with Maggie Christy |

SUN, SEP 7 5:00 PM

All middle and high school students-and their families-are invited to Haw Creek for an evening of youth group fun, food, and fellowship as we kick off the year and welcome our new Director of Children & Youth Discipleship, Maggie!

Central Creation Care: Eco-Tip

Based on national numbers, Buncombe County residents and tourists use 132 million plastic shopping bags each year: 30 million by tourists, and 100 million by locals. These bags can be turned into decking boards (e.g. Trex) in nearby states, if they are taken to local stores (not in the city recycling bin).

Updates from

United Women in Faith

Eve Circle Meeting

Tuesday, September 2 - 10:00AM

Eve Circle will resume monthly meetings on Sept. 2 (10:00 am, first Tues.) in the Parlor at Central.

The program will be provided by members who volunteer to report on a book read from the 2025 UWF list. Summer service projects included providing meals at Haywood Street Congregation and collecting supplies for Homeward Bound for those moving into housing.

Contact skleduc@prodigy.net if you are interested or have questions.

Deborah Circle Gathering

Tuesday, September 9 - 10:00AM

Deborah Circle will meet at the home of a member on Monday, September 9 at 10:00 AM.

We’ll enjoy fellowship after our summer break and plan our programs and service projects for the year, with a special focus on addressing food swamps and food deserts in our area—especially in the aftermath of the hurricane.

All are welcome! For more information, contact Susan Snell at ssnell123@bellsouth.net.

Hosted by: Central UMC Asheville United Women in Faith & Allies for Equity

📅 Saturday, September 13, 2025

🕘 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM

(Film screening and facilitated discussion from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM)

📍 Central United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall

Join us for a powerful morning of learning and reflection as we screen Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools, a feature-length documentary that explores the educational, judicial, and societal disparities facing Black girls in the United States.

Inspired by the groundbreaking book by Dr. Monique W. Morris, this film sheds light on how deeply entrenched biases and misperceptions of Black girlhood often lead to excessive punitive discipline—disrupting their education and lives in lasting ways.

Following the screening, we will hold a facilitated discussion to reflect on the film, examine local realities, and consider how we as individuals and a faith community can respond with justice, compassion, and action.

🎥 Watch the preview here: https://youtu.be/nWPayvrHkEM

This event is free and open to the public. All are welcome.

✏️ More details and RSVP information coming soon.

Support for Our College Students 🎓💌

As a church family, we want our college students to know they’re loved and remembered while they’re away from home. Central’s College Student Ministry sends quarterly mailings that include a handwritten note, a brief devotional, and a gift card for a small treat.

If you have a student heading off to college this fall, we’d love to include them! Please send their current college address to Jan Griffin at jgriffin@centralumc.org. The first mailing goes out in October, so be sure to send addresses soon.

Let’s remind our students they’re always part of the Central family—no matter where they are!

E-newsletter #612