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Our manger scene is almost complete... but there's still someone missing. This Sunday, we'll talk about the things that can block us from fully arriving to Christ, and making our final preparations for Christmas.
Check out a sermon preview from Pastor Mary below.
Join us at 10AM in person or online.
We can't wait to see you there!
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Christmas Eve Offering - A Gift for Global and Local Missions
This Christmas Eve, we invite you to join us in supporting our 2025 Missions’ budget, which enables us to continue making a difference both near and far.
Your generous offering will directly support our partners in ministry, helping to transform lives in our community and around the world.
In 2024, our missions budget helped fund essential services and outreach to a variety of impactful organizations, including:
- Casa de Esperanza
- Habitat for Humanity
- Asheville Buncombe County Christian Ministries
- Creation Care Alliance
- UNCA Wesley Foundation
- Western Carolina Rescue Ministries
- Meals on Wheels
- Pisgah Legal Services
- UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief)
- LEAD
- Ellyn Dubberly (Missionary to El Salvador)
- Homeward Bound
- Haywood Street Congregation
- Kairos Prison Ministries
- Scholarships for students at First UMC in Moheto, Kenya
- Buncombe Literacy Council
These organizations and initiatives are just a few examples of how your gifts are making a lasting impact. As we look toward 2025, we continue to be a light in the world, offering hope and support where it is needed most.
Thank you for your generosity, and for being a part of this beautiful mission of love and service.
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Christmas Eve Parking for Services
Our neighboring businesses have generously allowed us to use their parking lots for Christmas Eve, just as we do on Sundays. Please refer to the map for the designated parking areas near our campus.
For additional details, visit our website: https://centralumc.org/parking
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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.
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Check out our latest ministry updates! | |
This Sunday, don't forget your Advent Bingo cards! Check out the video below from Pastor Ann and friends to learn all about the prizes! | |
Family Life Christmas Caroling
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 11:15AM
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All youth and children’s families are invited to share the Spirit of Christmas through song! We’ll gather at 11:15 AM in the Fellowship Hall before heading to Brooks-Howell Retirement Home, where we’ll spread holiday cheer by singing carols in their dining room at 12:00 PM, led by Ms. Linda.
Afterwards, we’ll celebrate with pizza and a 1:00 PM showing of Mufasa: The Lion King in 3D at Asheville Pizza & Brewing on Merrimon Avenue.
It’s a joyful day of music, food, and fun for all ages—come join us! ❤️✨
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Advent at Haw Creek
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 5:30PM
Join us for Advent at Haw Creek, Sundays at 5:30 PM in December as we take a deeper look at “Hope, Peace, Joy, & Love." If you would like more information, contact Pastor Patrick.
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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.
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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
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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!
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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!
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Haywood St. Worship
WEDNESDAYS, 12:30PM
ALL are welcome to worship in the Haywood St. Sanctuary. Come for lunch and stay for worship.
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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.
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(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!
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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.
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