Happy Friday, Friends of Central!

After a fun-filled week of Vacation Bible School, we're bringing the joy into worship this Sunday at 10AM!

We'll dive into Psalm 100 and celebrate

with music led by the kids as they "make a joyful noise to the Lord."

Come ready to sing, worship, and be inspired by the voices and hearts of our youngest disciples.

It's a Sunday you won't want to miss!

Worship with us, online or in-person!

We hope to see you there!

Check out our latest ministry updates!

Take a breath. Find your center.

Our Centering Prayer series has become a sacred pause in the middle of our busy lives — a space to slow down, listen deeply, and reconnect with God.

Our children and youth ministry intern, Regan Duke, recently shared a beautiful reflection on her journey with the practice, and we’d love for you to read it. Her words capture the heart of what Centering Prayer can open up in us.

Plus, we’ve gathered a couple of short quotes from others who’ve been showing up week after week — honest, heartfelt glimpses into what’s been stirring in the silence.

📝 Read the full reflection

💬 What people are saying about Centering Prayer:

"My desire is to be in the presence of God. Just be. Listening. Centering (or contemplative) prayer for me is the pathway." - Mike Durr

"Centering prayer provides the opportunity for peace and quiet away from the busy lifestyles most of us have. Try it and you will be blessed. 🙏 -Jim Kuse

Congregational Care Needs

Nursery Volunteers during Sunday School and Worship hours to care for our sweet little ones! For details, contact Pastor Mary, mbrown@centralumc.org.

Women Homebound Volunteers to visit our folks who can no longer get out and about! For details, contact Kim Everette, Kimeverette525@gmail.com.

Supplies for our Prayer Shawl Care Ministry. For details, contact Pat Page, page.patricia@gmail.com or Paula Boyles, boylesrp@gmail.com.

Kid's Ministry Meet Up

Tuesday, July 22nd @ 3:30pm

Bent Creek Community Park @3:30pm: Join our children and their families as we meet up to play and engage in fellowship with one another!

Habitat Build

Friday, July 25th @ 8:30am

Join Pastor Mary and Robin Smith for another Friday morning Habitat build!

We’ll meet at 8:30 AM and finish around noon. Stay for lunch if you can!

No skill needed - just come ready to pitch in however you can.

Shakespeare In The Park

Saturday, July 26th @ 7:30pm (gates open at 6:15pm)

Show starts at 7:30pm, gates open at 6:15; first come, first serve seating.

Join us at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheater to watch the Montford Park Players present their performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Tickets are free but you can rent a lawn chair if you don't want to bring your own. You are more than welcome to bring the whole family.

The purpose of this workshop is to learn about the experiences, feelings, and beliefs of people on both sides of the political divide.

Participants will explore areas of commonality as well as difference. The goal is to gain insights that may help participants—and others—contribute to the depolarization of our communities and nation.

This is not a time to challenge values or attempt to change someone’s opinion. Instead, listening and seeking understanding are key to the success of Braver Angels workshops.

The workshop will be facilitated by two trained volunteers experienced in the Braver Angels Way.

If you’re interested in registering or have questions, please contact Peter Barrett at peterbarrett@comcast.net.

E-newsletter #607