Social Principles Class Series

Sundays thru March 29 | 11:15 AM

The United Methodist Church Social Principles give us a framework to discuss difficult societal issues and listen for how God might call us to action. We look forward to seeing how the Holy Spirit speaks to us through these sessions.

Join us Sundays after worship.

Class Schedule:

· MAR 8: The Social Community, Part 1 – Peter Barrett and Assistant

· MAR 15: The Social Community, Part 2 – Peter Barrett and Assistant

· MAR 22: The Political Community – Rev. Dr. Mary Brown

· MAR 29: Our Social Creed: Putting Faith into Action – Rev. Dr. Mary Brown

Have questions contact Dianna Pierce at dianna.w.pierce@gmail.com, Sharon LeDuc at skleduc@prodigy.net, or Peter Barrett peterbarrett@comcast.net.

Sundays in Lent

• March 8th (3rd Sunday of Lent): Social Principles: Economic Community
• March 15th (4th Sunday of Lent): Social Principles: Social Community
• March 22nd (5th Sunday of Lent): Social Principles: Political Community with special guest preacher Rev. Jennifer Copeland

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 Us Stay Connected - On Your Terms

We’re updating our church records to help us better care for one another and stay connected as a community. Please take a moment to complete our short contact update form:

https://onrealm.org/centralumc/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=YWRlZjZmYTctMjAzMC00ZWRlLWExM2UtYjNlOTAwZmM5MGJh

You can:

• Update your contact information

• Choose whether to opt in to the Realm church directory

• Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter

The Realm directory is available only to Central members who use Realm, and your information will only appear if you choose to opt in.

Your preferences matter—you are always in control of what is shared. All information is secure and never shared outside of Central UMC.

Thank you for helping us stay connected!

Eco Tip: Gardening 🌎

Ps 65:9-13 As we wait in Lent, we also wait for Spring and warmer weather. Gardeners make plans for raising vegetables and ornamental plants. Photographers look for early blooming “ephemerals.”

These, and other native plants, are beneficial for all living creatures. God’s plan of faithful seasons is in play. Praise be to God!

United Women in Faith Meetings



Deborah Circle | TUE, MAR 10 | 10:00 AM

Deborah Circle meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 10:00 AM in a member’s home. All are welcome!

On March 10, we will continue using the United Women in Faith program book, Mapping Our Way Forward in Times of Change and Uncertainty. Together, we will explore the history of our organization, reflect on its growth and change over the years, and remain grounded in our shared purpose of serving women, children, and youth in need.

On April 14, we will study our annual theme, Seeds of Hope, with a special focus on climate justice. We will use Jane Goodall’s The Book of Hope as a resource for discussion and reflection.

For more information, please contact Susan Snell at ssnell123@bellsouth.net.

UWF Mission Giving

Did you know that United Women in Faith has many projects and mission areas that are supported by designated giving from our circles and anonymous gifts? One way of giving is A Call to Prayer and Self-Denial. This offering is received each year by UWF as part of a special observance where one-half of what is received is used for programs in the US and one-half for prorams in other countries, all related to the theme of the year. This year’s theme is The Future is Now: Invest in Our Children.

This year’s offerings will be used to support vulnerable children through the work of National Mission Institutions (NMIs). These organizations help children through low-cost early childhood education, after-school programs, enrichment programs, mental health support, guidance for the transition to adulthood, reunification with families, and more.

There are five NMIs in North Carolina: Bennett College (Greensboro, NC), Bethlehem Community Center (Winston-Salem, NC), Pfeiffer University (Misenheimer, NC), Alliance Center for Education (Charlotte, NC), and Partners in Ministry (Laurinburg, NC).

If you’d like to learn more about UWF Mission Giving, reach out to one of our circle leaders, or to me (kathleencleftwich@gmail.com). Kathy Leftwich, Central United Women in Faith Unit President

Hearts United for Literacy

Right now in our community, more than 80 adults and 100 children are ready to learn — but they’re waiting for a tutor.

Hearts United for Literacy, a campaign of Literacy Together, is inviting new volunteers to step forward and make a difference.

Tutors can choose to work with:

• Youth who are struggling with reading or learning English
• Adults building basic literacy or math skills
• Adults learning English
• Adults preparing for their GED

Tutors commit to 2 hours per week for one year, but scheduling is flexible. Online tutoring is available, and brief travel absences can be accommodated. No teaching experience or second-language knowledge is required — training and materials are provided.

If you’ve ever wondered how you could directly change someone’s future, this is a meaningful way to do it.

Upcoming Zoom Orientation Dates

• March 17 at 6:00 PM
• March 20 at 10:00 PM

Orientation meetings last about 45–60 minutes.

For more information or to sign up go to https://lit-together.org/volunteer-roles-literacy-together/become-a-volunteer/

If none of these dates work for you, email Volunteers@lit-together.org to schedule a one-on-one orientation.



Help a student discover the joy — and power — of reading.

The Hubbub with Equal Plates Project

Saturday, March 21, 2026, 7-11pm

You’re invited! Join Equal Plates Project and other food hubs at The Hubbub on Saturday, March 21 at Highland Brewing for WNC Food Coalition’s inaugural

benefit supporting small farms and the food hubs that buy, sell, and distribute fresh, local, charitable food across Western North Carolina.

Proceeds support local organizations addressing food access. Purchase your tickets here!

🎶Jordan Speece Senior Voice Recital

Sunday, March 22, 2026, 1pm

Join us for an exciting event! Jordan Speece, Soprano and Central Chancel Choir Student Intern will present her Senior Voice Recital at Central, in the sanctuary. A reception will follow in the church Parlor. Jordan has been our Soprano music intern for four years. We are thrilled to host her senior recital. It is free and open to everyone. We hope you will join us for this recital of outstanding vocal music!

Reach out to Linda Haggard at lhaggard@CentralUMC.org with questions.

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.