Happy Friday, friends!


Check out the sermon preview below from Pastor Mary and Maggie Christy for a preview of what's in store this Sunday and we hope you'll join us Sunday for worship at 10AM, online or in person.


We'll see you there!

 

Sunday Parking Reminder 🚗


As you arrive for worship on Sunday, please help us make the best use of our parking spaces by parking in the designated areas.


If you're unsure where to park, please refer to the parking information here: Central UMC Parking.


Thank you for helping us keep parking safe, organized, and welcoming for everyone!


Stories from Central


Download a copy of the November 2026 Stories from Central here.

 


Check out our latest ministry updates!

 

Peace Lights for Maureen Carr Memorial UWF Scholarship

November 8th, 15th and 22nd


Once again during this Advent and Christmas season, United Women in Faith will be placing a Peace Tree in the Memorial Garden in front of the Fellowship Hall. We invite you to participate by remembering or honoring a loved one. For each $5 donation, a light will be placed on the Peace Tree. Net proceeds will go toward the Maureen Carr Memorial UWF Scholarship Fund. UWF will award two scholarships to Central’s high school seniors or college students in the spring.

 

Members of UWF will be collecting submissions outside the sanctuary before and after services on November 8, 15, and 22. You may also find a submission form on the church website under “UWF.” Please submit your donation to the church office by Sunday, November 22.

 

A list of all those who are being remembered or honored will be handed out at the worship service on December 6. 


For further information, please contact Alexandra Holland alexandra@wncnature.com.


Upcoming United Women in Faith Meetings


Eve Circle Meeting

Eve Circle will meet in the church parlor on Tuesday, November 10 at 10:00 am. The program on World Thank Offering will be given by members Peggy Pressley and Libby Flowers.  Come share in fellowship and service. Everyone is welcome. Christmas is coming are you looking for a nice gift to give? The “Christmas Hope Sale” of Ugandan paper bead jewelry will be Sundays, December 6 and 13. Contact dlballandy45@gmail.com or sandracwells@gmail.com for more information.


Deborah Circle Meeting

Deborah Circle will meet on November 10, at 10:00 AM in a member’s home. We continue to research opportunities for learning and service using the guidance of the United Women in Faith program book. We will especially be planning special projects for assisting others during the holidays. All are welcome. Any questions may be directed to Susan Snell at ssnell123@bellsouth.net.  

 

Angel Tree Gift Collection

November 8th through December 6th


This year’s Christmas gift collection will run from Nov. 8th through Dec. 6th.  We have the opportunity to provide Christmas gifts for 30 local children living in foster care.  Please come learn more about this year’s children and sign up outside of the sanctuary before or after worship each Sunday in November.


There will also be online signups available for those unable to do so in person.  Please use the QR code for access.


Gifts can be dropped off UNWRAPPED and LABELED in “Angel Tree” bins throughout the church until Sunday, December 6th.


Contact Jill Dudley at jmd0530@yahoo.com for help signing up or with any questions.

Tour Curbie Recycling Center with Creation Care Ministry

November 11th at 10AM



Central's Creation Care Committee is sponsoring another tour of Curbside Management's (“Curbie”) recycling facility in Woodfin. A few of the things we will learn are which items can and can't be recycled, why they can't, and where Curbie sends the recycled items.


The tour is Wednesday, November 11th, 2026 at 10am. The tour lasts about an hour. Participants must be able to walk up stairs and be on your feet for an hour.  


We will meet near Curbie and carpool to its facility. If you are interested, you can sign up by contacting Ellen Furney via email at efurney08@gmail.com.

Premiere Screening of

A House United

November 14th, 2-4PM


Braver Angels WNC will host a free premiere screening of the one-hour documentary A House United on November 14, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.at the Skyland/South Buncombe Public Library.


The documentary highlights everyday citizens, journalists, and leaders working to bring people together across political differences.


The post-screening discussion will explore ways local groups and Braver Angels can collaborate to help build a more united community. 


Register at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/jojofilm/2466626.

Children's Sabbath

Sunday, November 15th


🌟 Join Us Sunday, November 15th for Children’s Sabbath! 🌟


Come celebrate the joy, faith, and amazing gifts of our children! 💖 It will be a special time of worship, inspiration, and fellowship as we recognize the importance of our children and the beautiful role they play in our church and community, as they lead us in worship. Bring your family, invite a friend, and come ready to be blessed by our little ones as they share their hearts, talents, and love for God. You don’t want to miss it! 🙏🏽✨


We can’t wait to see you there! 💕

FriendsGIVING IS BACK! Join the fun!

November 19th, 5:30PM at Highland Brewing


Want to be a sponsor? Contact Bill Haynes at 

bleehaynes@aol.com.


Want to donate a silent or live auction item? Contact 

Jonathan Meadows at Jonathanlmeadows@gmail.com or Vicki Leeds at vsueleeds@gmail.com. 


SAVE THE DATE! 

  • Friday 10/30 from 5-7pm: Spooktacular Organ Crawl & Fall Festival 
  • Thursday, 11/19 5:30pm: friendsGIVING at Highland Brewing 

Creation Care Eco-tip

Holiday Gathering Turn Down the Heat. If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, turn down the thermostat before your guests arrive.


The extra body heat will keep things warm and can ensure no one gets overheated. Who would have guessed? Holiday gatherings save energy!

 

Mark Your Calendar for these Upcoming Ministry Dates


  • Charge Conference and Administrative Board Meeting:  Sunday 11/22 at 11:15AM in the Fellowship Hall
  • Children’s Sunday on 11/15 at 10:00AM
  • Children’s Day Out on 12/5
  • Christmas Eve: 3PM, 5:30PM, 8PM
  • Wilderness Trail: July 12-18, 2027


We are putting together a team to serve in El Salvador, January 30-February 6!


We will help build a home; but more importantly, we will build relationships and experience how God is working in another part of the world. Central UMC Missions will cover the cost of the mission trip; participants are responsible for flights, travel insurance, and personal snacks/food (roughly $1,200).  Space is limited; deadline to register is October 31st. 


Email Brenda Boyd with questions or to sign on! brendarenae@gmail.com.

ABCCM Needs You!


Here's an update about ABCCM’s Crisis Ministry:


The last several weeks there has been little or nothing in the Donation box and I don’t want folks to forget about ABCCM when the need is so great! I know with gas over $4/gal, the crunch is real for everyone and groceries are SO expensive. Our donations have really fallen off from everywhere at ABCCM. The pantry has gotten short on so many items, and it has become difficult to supply even basic food items to folks living on the margins. -- George Pettus 


We are in need of for the ABCCM Clothes Room:

  • Men's jeans/slacks, particularly waist 32-36
  • Men's shoes, particularly 9-11 sizes
  • Hoodie sweatshirts, Men's M-XXL


Thank you for your support!

From the first loop to the final fringe, each shawl is infused with blessings for the person who receives it. If you would like a prayer shawl for someone, please contact Pastor Lisa.

Central continues its care for people as they grieve a loved one’s death. Our Bereavement Care Ministry works compassionately with families and the pastors to provide a reception after a funeral if desired.


Please contact Pastor Mary for this support.

If you are interested in serving within these care ministries, please contact Pastor Lisa for more information.

The Social Principles Planning Team of Central UMC


"I was a stranger and you welcomed me". 

(Matthew 25:35)


"We affirm the dignity, worth and rights of migrants, immigrants and refugees, including displaced and stateless people." "We recognize that displaced people are particularly vulnerable...and open to exploitation, violence and abuse." "We oppose all laws and policies that attempt to criminalize, dehumanize or punish displaced individuals and families based on their status as migrants, immigrants or refugees."


From the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church, 2025-2028, page 54: The Political Community, Basic Rights and Freedoms, G. Migrants, Immigrants and Refugees.  


For more information, or to get involved, contact Jim Barrett at:  jim.barrett@gmail.com

C4C Reading Buddies


Do you have a couple of hours per week to volunteer as a Reading Buddy? C4C is sponsoring a Reading Buddy program at Emma Elementary, beginning in late September.


Reading Buddies meet one on one with a child once a week to listen, encourage and help strengthen reading skills. Training and materials are provided.


If you are interested or have questions, please reach out to: C4C@centralumc.org. 

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E-newsletter #674