Honoring Alan Gibson

Central Family, you should have received a letter announcing the retirement of our church administrator, Alan Gibson. 

For thirty years he has worked diligently and faithfully behind the scenes to make sure Central’s operations run smoothly. True to Alan’s nature, he does not want a big send-off. If you would like, you may send a note to him at the church. 

For those of you who would like to thank Alan with a tangible gift, we will be collecting a love offering for him. 

Please mark your check with “Love Offering” in the memo line, or if you’re donating online, please choose the “Love Offering” option from the pull-down menu on the “Give” page.

B.E.A.R. Closet Manger Gifts

DECEMBER 24, 29 & JANUARY 5TH

Each year, from Christmas Eve to Epiphany Sunday, we collect Manger gifts for the "Abernethy UMC Baby Equipment And Resources (B.E.A.R.) Closet." This year, they are asking for new children’s socks (infant to youth size 6) & children’s underwear (2T, 3T, 4T, 5, 6).

On Christmas Eve we will collect those under the Christmas trees in the Sanctuary during the 3 pm worship, and before or after during 5:30 and 11 pm. We will also collect items under the Christmas Trees before/after worship on Dec. 29 & Jan. 5. Reach out to Pastor Ann with questions.

Church & Society Commitee Mission Moment

JANUARY 5TH

We hope you will join us on Sunday, January 5th for church at Central. Peter Barrett with the Church & Society Committee will be providing us with a Mission Moment from the Church & Society Committee and Allies for Equity.

The Church & Society Committee and Allies for Equity would like to share a notice with us:

From The Church & Society Committee and Allies For Equity

Racism, Ethnocentrism and Tribalism

"We condemn racism, ethnocentrism, tribalism, and any ideology or social practice based on false and misleading beliefs or ideologies that one group of human beings is superior to all other groups of human beings. Additionally, we utterly reject laws, policies and social practices that marginalize, discriminate and/or encourage the use of violence against individuals, communities or other social groups based on perceived racial, ethnic or tribal differences."

"We call on congregations and on pastors, bishops, and other church authorities to educate themselves about the root causes and manifestations of racism, ethnocentrism, and tribalism within communities of faith and to develop strategies for overcoming these kinds of social divisions. We likewise urge governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to renounce statements, policies, and actions aimed at promoting exclusion, discrimination and violence."

                      - from the UMC Social Principles, 2020

Downtown Welcome Table

WEDNESDAYS, 10AM - 1PM

Our sister congregation, Haywood St., hosts Downtown Welcome Table, serving lunch family style. Meals begin at designated seating times every half hour. When you arrive on campus, stop by the reservation booth to choose which meal time works best for you. Come share a meal with people you might not otherwise know. You might find a new friend!

Serve at Haywood St. & Worship

(Volunteers Needed)

WEDNESDAYS, 12:30PM

Haywood Street Congregation was birthed out of Central UMC in 2009 with the calling to include the most excluded and put relationship above all else.

Each Wednesday HSC hosts a free Welcome Table meal from 10:00 am – 12:30 pm; it is “a crossroads of diverse community, a gathering of disparate folks, a fork and spoon invitation to prince and pauper alike.”

On Wednesdays 1/8, and 2/12, Central will be providing 4-10 volunteers to assist.

Plan on spending 10:00 am – 12:30 pm volunteering; when we’re done, we’ll join Haywood St. in their 12:30pm worship.

Contact Pastor Mary for more information or sign up at centralumc.org/events.

Haw Creek Community Meal

WEDNESDAYS, 6PM

You're invited! Join Haw Creek Commons & Central Haw Creek every Wednesday night at 6pm for a free community meal at 315 Old Haw Creek Rd, 28806.

We’ll provide a main protein and one side—if you’re able, bring a potluck side to share! All are welcome, and we can't wait to share a meal and connect with you.

(Un)Decorating

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 1:30PM

All the beautiful Christmas decorations that we're enjoying now, need to come down after Epiphany. If you would like to help, please meet in the Sanctuary. If you have any questions, please contact Alexandra Holland or Linda Marshall. A big thank you, as well, to everyone who helped decorate!

Ruth Circle, Meets

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 10:00AM

On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 10:00am in the Library at Central UMC, kick off the New Year with United Women in Faith’s Ruth Circle! We will reflect on the accomplishments of 2024 and set our sights on the exciting opportunities ahead in 2025. 

On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 10:00 in the Library at Central UMC, join us as we welcome Katy Estrada a representative from Equal Plates Project, a local organization dedicated to combating food insecurity. 

All are welcome to attend! We look forward to sharing this special morning with you as we embark on a new year of growth, connection and service. Hope to see you there! 



For more information, please contact Kim Everette.

Anna Circle, Meets

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 10:00AM

The Anna Circle will meet next on January 8 at 10:00 in the church parlor. 

Our program will be about Mary of Bethany as we continue to explore the lives of women from the Bible. We will also choose a book to read together in the new year. If you are a woman interesting in being a part of a dynamic and fun group, please join us! 

For more information,

contact Carol Rychly. 

Martha Circle, Meets

TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 6:30PM

A New Year is with us and we are ready to welcome new friends, and reconnect with old friends in January. Co-Lead by Laura Steil and Kathy Leftwich, Martha Circle is a group of women aged 30s – 60s who meet monthly to enjoy a program, fellowship, and a service project or two (or three!). We welcome any new members (of any age) who are interested in joining us for fellowship as we seek to hear God’s word for our lives.

In the new year, we’ll meet January 14th, 6:30 PM as we welcome in the New Year with our Annual Soup Supper. We will enjoy lots of homemade soup, bread, and desserts. Keep your eye on the Sunday Bulletin and our Friday e-News for more information.

Martha Circle meets on the second Tuesday of each month in the Church library or at a member’s home. Come and join us! Want more information? Please contact Laura Steil or Kathy Leftwich.

Congregational Care Ministries

Holidays stir up family memories. These can be warm and cozy times OR stressful and painful. Stephen Ministers understand in a nonjudgemental way and are available to listen, empathize, and encourage you in a confidential manner. Let us be there for you!

Contact Pastor Lisa or fill out a referral on line: centralumc.org/congregational-care/stephenministry

Our pastors are available to support you if you are homebound, facing surgery, and or other medical treatments. Please let our Pastors know so that phone calls, visits, and Communion can be arranged. You are not alone!