We hope you will join us this evening for Good Friday worship at 6PM as we remember the depth of Christ's love, reflect on His sacrifice, and sit in the sacred weight of this holy day.

Come as you are - whether in quiet reflection or seeking renewed hope - and prepare your heart for the promise that is still to come.

Thank You from Michelle Hausler

As I prepare to leave my role at Central, I want to say thank you for the privilege of serving as your Director of Communications. It has been such a joy to help tell the stories of this church, celebrate the ministries and people that make Central so special, and share the many ways God is at work in our congregation and community.

Thank you for your kindness, support, encouragement, and patience over the past two years. I have loved getting to know you, helping bring your events and ministries to life, and working alongside so many wonderful staff members, volunteers, and church members. Central is a truly special place, and I will always be a part of this church family.

Although I will miss Central very much, I am excited to begin a new chapter as Assistant Director of STEM Success at Western Carolina University, where I will have the opportunity to support first-generation and STEM students as they pursue their educational goals.

As we move forward, please send all announcement requests, bulletin items, e-newsletter submissions, and event publicity requests to announcements@centralumc.org or complete the Communications Request Form at https://centralumc.org/communications.

Thank you again for allowing me to be part of your story. Central will always hold a special place in my heart.

With gratitude,

Michelle Hausler

Check out our latest ministry updates!

Flowers for the Cross

Easter, Sunday, April 5th

One of Central’s most beloved Easter traditions is decorating the cross with fresh flowers! Whether you're attending the Sunrise Service, Worship, or both—be sure to take part.

Bring fresh blooms from your yard or a local florist (but maybe skip your neighbor’s yard) and help transform the cross into a beautiful symbol of resurrection and new life.

Let’s celebrate Easter together in full color!

Holy Week Worship

Palm Sunday, March 29th: Meet us on the Church Street lawn at 9:30 for the Donkey Walk, then bring your palm branches into the Sanctuary for 10am worship
Maundy Thursday, April 2nd at 6pm: A somber service to commemorate the last supper and Jesus’ “new commandment” to his disciples
Good Friday, April 3rd at 6pm: This service of “Tenebrae” allows us to keep watch through Jesus’ crucifixion through music, readings, and the gradual extinguishing of candles

Easter Sunday: April 5th

7am, Easter Sunrise: He is risen! Meet on the Church Street lawn in front of the Sanctuary steps and celebrate as the sun rises.
7:30am, Easter Brunch: Gather in the Fellowship Hall to continue the celebration with sweet and savory treats
8:45/9:00am: Join in a Sunday School class to learn more about resurrection
10am: Easter Sunday worship in the Sanctuary with Communion

Sundays in April

April 12th: The Easter celebration continues as we begin a series on 1 Peter, a letter of encouragement and instruction to all Christians
April 19th: 1 Peter 1:17-23 and the joy of being rescued
April 26th: Youth and Confirmation Sunday! Come support our amazing young people and stay after worship for the Children’s Spring Musical

HELP WANTED!

Our church runs on willing hearts and helping hands. Whether you can give one Sunday or one season, there’s a place for you to serve—and you won’t do it alone.

We’re currently looking for volunteer members for our wedding committee, altar guild helpers, and communion preparation.

If you’re interested or just want to learn more, please reach out to Eleanor Campbell Calloway (eleanor.campbell@ymail.com) for information about the Wedding Committee, or Corey Powell (cpowell@centralumc.org) for info regarding the Altar Guild and Communion prep.

We’d love to have you join us!

Creation Care: Ecotip

God continues to bless all of us with new creation!

Easter and springtime testify to God’s love for us, human and non-human. This week, enjoy the beauty of nature and do something to protect and heal our beautiful Earth. Replace one plastic item in your life with a non-plastic substitute: e.g. metal straw, bamboo cutting board, cotton clothing instead of polyester, metal water bottle, etc.

It is hard to admit out loud that we are having trouble handling our life issues by ourselves. But...”asking for help is the bravest thing you can do.” ~C. Mackesy

Consider a confidential care relationship with a Stephen Minister. Contact Pastor Lisa today for more information.

Youth Money Wall Fundraiser for Wilderness Trail

Sundays in April

Help send our youth to Wilderness Trail this summer by participating in our Money Wall fundraiser each Sunday in April!

It’s easy: choose a numbered envelope from the display, place that amount in cash or a check inside, and return it. The number on the envelope is the amount you give.

Choose envelope #5 and give $5. Choose envelope #75 and give $75. Every envelope helps support our youth as they prepare for a week of backpacking, faith, friendship, and discovering God in creation.

Thank you for supporting our students and making this incredible experience possible!

United Women in Faith Meetings

UWF Mission Giving

A Call to Prayer and Self-Denial: United Women in

Faith invites you to participate in this year’s Call to Prayer and Self-Denial offering. One-half of the offering supports programs in the U.S. and one-half supports international programs; all aligned with this year’s theme: “The Future is Now: Invest in Our Children.”

Funds will support vulnerable children through National Mission Institutions, including five in North Carolina that provide education, after-school programs, mental health support, and more.

To learn more, contact a circle leader or Kathy Leftwich at

kathleencleftwich@gmail.com.

Deborah Circle Meeting

Tuesday, April 14 @ 10:00AM

Deborah Circle meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. in a member’s home. Using the United Women in Faith program guide, Mapping Our Way Forward in Times of Change and Uncertainty, the group explores topics of faith, service, and hope. At the April 14 meeting, Deborah Circle will focus on “Seeds of Hope,” exploring climate justice and our efforts to care for creation. The discussion will include insights from Jane Goodall’s The Book of Hope. All are welcome. Questions may be directed to Susan Snell at ssnell123@bellsouth.net.

ABCCM Donations - Thank you!!

Thank you to everyone who donated toilet paper and cat food for ABCCM. Your generosity makes a real difference!

ABCCM’s clothing closet has shared an updated list of current needs. Please place donations in the wooden tub in Fellowship Hall.

Donations are collected every Sunday and delivered to ABCCM Crisis downtown.

Current needs include:

Gently used backpacks. Backpacks are always needed for our unhoused neighbors, who often carry all of their belongings with them.
Men’s athletic shoes and boots. Many pairs are needed, especially size 10, though all sizes are welcome.
Men’s jeans in all sizes, especially waist sizes 32, 34, and 36 with inseams of 32, 34, and 36.
Men’s T-shirts in all sizes. Long-sleeved shirts are especially needed, though short-sleeved shirts are also welcome. The most-needed sizes are L, XL, and 2XL. Please do not donate shirts with alcohol or tobacco logos.

Thank you for helping care for our neighbors in need.

ABCCM Crisis Downtown Ongoing Needs

There is a never-ending list of things needed by ABCCM Crisis downtown. The people who keep up with the needs are greatly appreciated.

Things needed this week are toilet paper and dish soap. The dish soap will be broken down into small units. Toilet paper is given out in single rolls.

There is still a need for dry cat food. If you get a 7.5-pound bag it will be broken down into several smaller bags.

The kitchen needs peanut butter. This is a staple that is often given with food orders.

Please leave donated items in the large wooden tub in Fellowship Hall. It will be picked up each Sunday morning and delivered on Monday.

Thank you.

Nature Hike

Saturday, April 11th | 2:00 PM

Join Alexandra Holland and the Creation Care committee in a nature hike on April 11. We'll enjoy God's creation and signs of new life as the season of spring unfolds.

Please contact Alexandra at alexandra@wncnature.com to reserve a spot. Gathering site will be shared with participants.

Reconciling Ministry Group Meeting

Sunday, April 12th | 11:45AM

The Reconciling Ministry Group will meet in Room 219, near Fellowship Hall. All are welcome to join the conversation as we continue our work of advocacy, inclusion, and support for LGBTQ+ persons in our church and community. We will also share updates about the group’s ongoing support of the Moheto Kenya Scholarship Project. Come learn more, connect with others, and find ways to get involved.

A Conversation on Transsexuality from Lived Experience

Sunday, April 12th | 3:30 PM in room 219

Central UMC's Reconciling Ministries and Church and Society groups invite you to a conversation with Rev. Dr. Phillippa Faye Phanuef, a transsexual clergyperson in the UMC. Phillippa is an ordained elder in the New York Annual Conference, currently serving North Chili UMC in Rochester, NY. During a visit to the area she generously offered this time to share from her own experience, answer questions, and even apply the Wesley Quadrilateral to transsexuality.

Shop for a Cause - Eve Circle

Sunday, April 19th & 26th, 2026 | After worship

On April 19 and 26, the Eve Circle will sell handcrafted paper bead jewelry made by women in Uganda after worship, just outside the Parlor. Proceeds support the Zoe Program for orphan empowerment and scholarships for girls in Moheto, Kenya. Cash or check accepted. Shop, find something beautiful, and help change a life.

Family Life Council Meeting

Sunday, Sunday May 3rd, 2026 @ 11:15AM in Youth Arena

Anyone involved in Family Life at Central United Methodist Church is invited to this open meeting. Grab lunch from Table 2 Table and join us to share ideas and dream together about Family Life Ministries at Central.

Vacation Bible School

June 15 - 19, 2026

Join us for a fun and faith-filled week of Vacation Bible School at Central United Methodist Church Monday, June 15 through Friday, June 19, from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 noon each day.

Children ages 3 through rising 5th grade are invited to step into Bible times and experience God’s Word coming to life through music, crafts, games, and storytelling. It will be a week full of fun, friendship, and faith!

Students in grades 6–12 and adults are invited to volunteer and help make the week special.

There is no fee, and snacks are provided.

To register your children, email mchristy@CentralUMC.org, visit https://centralumc.org/Events.