Sundays in February

“How to Read Your Bible”

Have you ever wondered how ancient, sacred texts can speak to our modern lives? Join us in February for a new sermon series, "How to Read Your Bible," where we’ll explore practical ways to understand and apply the timeless wisdom found in Scripture.

Together, we’ll uncover the tools to make these ancient documents approachable and meaningful, no matter where you are in your faith journey. Whether you’re a longtime Bible reader or opening its pages for the first time, this series will offer insights for everyone.

Come and discover how the Bible’s teachings can inspire and guide your life!

Check out our latest ministry updates!

First UMC Moheto Bible Dedication

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23 @ 9:00AM

Join us for a special virtual gathering with First UMC Moheto in Kenya! Thanks to the generosity of Central UMC donors, children at First UMC Moheto will receive Bibles as part of this meaningful dedication.

During the Zoom event, the children of FUMC Moheto will share a special performance, followed by a musical offering from Central's Children and Youth Choirs. If you're unable to attend live, don't worry! We'll be recording and sharing it on YouTube and our website so everyone can experience it.

3rd Grade Bible Dedication

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23 DURING WORSHIP

For the past four weeks, our 3rd graders have been participating in the "How to Read Your Bible" class! They've been learning the basics of the Bible - how it works, why it's important, and the incredible stories it holds. Now, as they complete this journey, we invite you to join us in celebrating a special moment!

During worship, Pastor Ann will present each student with a personalized Bible to honor their dedication and growth in faith. Come and support our young people as they take this meaningful step!

image credit: https://www.sewickleyumc.org/announcements/2021/8/1/3rd-grade-bibles

Congregational Care Service Opportunities | Check Out centralumc.org/CARE

There are many ways to serve. We invite you to assess how God may be calling you to serve. Contact Pastor Lisa for more information.

Ongoing Opportunities

•Table to Table helper

•Circle of Prayer

•Children’s Care Ministry

•Homebound Visitor

•Prayer Shawl Ministry

On-call Opportunities

•Be a Meal Train provider

•Be a Worship Buddy

•Set-up & take-down for special

events

•Bereavement Receptions

Save the Date! Join us for the Asheville Faith and Mental Health Summit on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 10 AM at Central United Methodist Church.

Let’s explore the intersection of faith and mental well-being, equipping faith communities to foster resilience and healing.

What an incredible turnout for our last meal - over 100 people joined us! We're so grateful for Equal Plates and their amazing work. Join us after church for Table to Table, where Equal Plates Project will provide a delicious meal. A $10 suggested donation per person helps support this initiative, and children 4 and under eat free. Stay, connect and enjoy a wonderful time of fellowship! Please RSVP ensure we have enough food at centralumc.org/EVENTS.

Eco Tip: When you RSVP for TABLE TO TABLE you help reduce food waste and help Equal Plates Project be good stewards of their resources.

Ash Wednesday

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5TH, 8AM, 12:30PM, & 6PM

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a season of reflection, repentance, and preparation for Easter. We observer Ash Wednesday as a time to turn our hearts toward God, acknowledging our need for His Grace and renewing our commitment to follow Christ. Join us for one of three opportunities for beginning our time of Lent.

8:00AM - Haw Creek Drive-Thru Ashes

12:30PM - Haywood St. Congregation Worship Service

6:00PM - Central Downtown Worship Service

Stories of Faith Lenten Devotional starting March 5

Share your story of faith with the congregation via the devotional email and on our blog.

Tell us something about your faith journey from death to resurrection and everything in between.

Entries can be around 500 words.

Email Pastor Caroline to share your entry and make sure you are signed up for the morning emails.

Telling Stories

WEDNESDAYS, MARCH 12-APRIL 9 AT 10AM

Everyone has a great story - which means everyone has the capability of telling a great story! Ben Sharpton is offering a five-week class this Lent to help you learn and tell a story of your own.

Participants will meet from 10 to 11 AM on Wednesday mornings (in person at Central) starting March 12th. Expect a hands-on experience where you practice what you learn through writing and discussion to produce a story by the end of the five weeks.

Space is available for 10 people.

Youth Spring Retreat

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, MARCH 14-16

Register today for a weekend at Camp Tekoa where youth groups from Western North Carolina will gather for a weekend of faith, fun, and friendship.

This retreat is made by and for sixth through twelfth graders. The theme is Freedom in Forgiveness. Cost is $150 per person.

Scholarships are available upon request.

We Need Your Story!

We need your story!

The Reconciling Ministries Group at Central United Methodist Church is updating our book, Come to Me All.

If you gave us a story for a previous edition we need to know if you would like that story to be reprinted. If you want to update your story, please email it to jonathanlmeadows@gmail.com

*note updated email address above!

If you have a story to tell about yourself or a LGBTQ+ family member that has not been printed before, we would love to have you tell it. We all can grow by sharing our experiences. We are particularly interested in experiences you have had – good or bad – with Central UMC.

If you have questions, contact Maggie Charleton at charletonsasheville@gmail.com.

We need to have our stories ready by the middle of May, so we need your story by April 15, 2025.

UWF Maureen Carr Memorial Scholarship

United Women in Faith is now accepting applications for the Maureen Carr Memorial UWF Scholarship. Two awards of $1000 each will be given to high school seniors and/or college students who are active at Central UMC.

Applications are available on the church website or by emailing Alexandra Holland alexandra@wncnature.com.

The application should be completed and returned by May 1, 2025.