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Happy Friday, Friends of Central!
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." - Psalm 118:24
But what do we do when it's hard to say those words - much less believe them?
Today, Pastor Mary joins members of our church family at a Habitat for Humanity build, serving others and helping create a fresh start - one wall, one prayer, one act of love at a time. In the middle of the sawdust and service, check out her preview of this Sunday's message rooted in Psalm 118, reminding us that even on the hardest days, God is still building something good.
Whether you're in a season of celebration or struggle, we invite you to join us this Sunday as we talk about what it really means to rejoice - even when it's hard.
Come be encouraged this Sunday at 10AM!
All are welcome and we hope to see you there!
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Dear Friends,
We have a beautiful opportunity to support our neighbors at Haywood Street Respite by providing dinner and joining in fellowship and evening activities.
We’re partnering with Central UMC and Mother Grove Temple to make this a meaningful and sustainable ministry — and we’d love for you to be part of it.
Here’s what’s involved:
- One Monday evening per month
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Dinner for 15 people (respite residents, guests, and volunteers who stay to help)
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Volunteers are encouraged to stay for dinner and help with clean-up and connection
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You’ll receive clear instructions upon arrival — no prior experience necessary!
As soon as we know how many folks are interested, we’ll post a rotating schedule and organize the menu so it’s a shared and manageable effort.
👉 If you’re interested, please email Deacon Michael at michael.ashmore@allsoulscathedral.org
or sign up in person on Sunday at church.
Additionally, if you feel called to deepen your involvement, Haywood Street Respite is also seeking respite companions to serve in 4-hour shifts throughout the week. Let me know if that speaks to you, and I’ll send you the link to the official sign-up sheet.
Thank you for considering this important work of presence, hospitality, and care.
| | Check out our latest ministry updates! | | |
Shakespeare In The Park
Saturday, July 26 @ 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.
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Call for Contributors:
Stories from Central -
The Jot and Tittle
We invite you to be a contributing part of Stories from Central: The Jot and Tittle, Central UMC’s every-other-month newsletter.
We are forming a Newsletter Team to assist with gathering, writing, and assembling each issue. If you enjoy storytelling, writing, photography, or behind-the-scenes tasks, we welcome your involvement. Opportunities to participate include:
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Writers & Content Contributors – Assist with writing articles, collecting stories, and highlighting the life and ministries of Central.
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Photographers – Share meaningful images that capture our church community in action.
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Assembly Volunteers – Help with printing, folding, and preparing newsletters for mailing.
Our first team issue will be September/October, followed by a November/December edition.
We also welcome article submissions from anyone who wishes to contribute a ministry update, volunteer highlight, reflection on an event, or other meaningful content.
*Please note that all submissions will be subject to editorial review for clarity, length, and alignment with the mission and values of Central UMC.
To volunteer or submit material, please contact Michelle Hausler, or fill out our online interest form: Click Here.
Together, let us continue to tell the stories that connect, inspire, and reflect the heart of Central.
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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
| | This event has been canceled! | | |
Old Testament 101
Wednesdays, September 3 - December 17 @ 5:30pm
Ever wished you knew the Bible better? This fall, Rev. Mary Brown and Rick Kuenning will co-lead a 12-week in-person group study titled Old Testament 101.
Whether you're new to the Bible or simply looking to deepen your understanding, this accessible overview will help you become more confident in reading and interpreting the Old Testament.
Each week, participants will explore key themes, historical context, and how these ancient scriptures continue to speak into our lives today. Participants should plan to spend approximately 30 minutes per day reading and preparing for discussion.
Choir members are welcome to participate and may step out after the first hour if needed.
Space is limited to 35 participants. Cost: $15 (scholarships available)
To register, please contact Jan Griffin.
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A Service of Remembrance for Hurricane Helene
Friday, September 26 @ 4:00pm, Central UMC Sanctuary (27 Church St., Asheville)
On September 27, 2024, our community experienced the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. In the days that followed, we came together—neighbor to neighbor—to survive, recover, and begin to rebuild.
Now, one year later, we invite you to gather once again for A Service of Remembrance, a joint offering from First Presbyterian Church, Trinity Episcopal Church, and Central United Methodist Church.
Through prayer, Scripture, and song, we will grieve what was lost, remember what we endured, and find hope in what still unites us.
| | | 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.
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