♻️ Eco Tip: Gratitude for God's Gifts 🌎

As Christians, we practice gratitude for the gifts God has given to us. One “new” practice is the Mindful Raisin Meditation, in which you are encouraged to be mindful of what (and how) you eat. Even one raisin is a gift from God! Even a small act can remind us of God’s bounty. Practice this mindfulness and gratitude with each meal.

United Women in Faith Meetings

Ruth Circle | TUE, FEB 3 | 10:00 AM

Please join members of the Ruth Circle on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 10:00am in the Library at Central UMC. At our meeting we will using the United Women in Faith program book, Mapping Our Way Forward, to help us set our Circle goals for 2026! Ruth Circle members will be collecting cans of hearty soup for ABCCM.

We look forward to sharing the morning with you! Let’s do this, Let’s be bold, Let’s be unstoppable. Together! For more information about Ruth Circle, please contact Kim Everette at kimeverette525@gmail.com

Eve Circle | TUE, FEB 3 | 10:00 AM

Eve Circle will meet on Feb. 3 at 10:00 a.m. in the Parlor. The program by Sue Mather will be “Who is our Neighbor”, focusing on our UWF mission institutes in North Carolina and how taking care of our “neighbors” puts faith into action. All are welcome! Contact danderson45@charter.net or sandracwells@gmail.com if you are interested or have questions.

Anna Circle | WED, FEB 4 | 10:00 AM

Anna is mentioned only once in the Gospels (Luke 2:36–38). She is the prophet in the Temple who speaks of the infant Jesus to all who are looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. Inspired by her witness, Anna Circle is a supportive fellowship of United Women in Faith women who strive to carry the message of Jesus through mission programs—both local and international—hands-on service projects, spiritual development, and reading programs.

We meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 10:00 AM. Our first meeting of the year will be Wednesday, February 4, at 10:00 AM in the Church Parlor. Newcomers are always welcome—come visit, join us, and help shape the coming year!

Info: Glenda Fuhrmann | fuhrmannglenda@yahoo.com

Deborah Circle | TUE, FEB 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.

At our January 13 meeting, we will introduce the new United Women in Faith program book, Mapping Our Way Forward in Times of Change and Uncertainty. We will explore how to stay grounded and find balance in God’s Word through our history, especially as we prepare to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 19.

Our February 10 meeting will continue the story, with a particular focus on the history of home missioners and deaconesses, as we have members of our circle who have served in these roles.

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

Children's Ministry Winter Care Bags Mission Project

Our children are leading a meaningful mission project to care for our neighbors who may be unhoused or in need this winter. They will be assembling Winter Care Bags filled with practical, comforting items. Families will then take these bags home to share with people they encounter in their daily lives—offering warmth, dignity, and care when it’s needed most.

How You Can Help:

We are collecting donations of the following items:

• Foldable blankets
• Gloves
• Scarves
• Beanies
• Hand warmers
• Instant coffee
• Granola bars
• Small packs of dried fruit
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Small packs of tissues
• Travel-size lotion

Collection Dates: Through February 7

Drop-Off Location: Collection bins outside the Chapel

We have so much, and winter can be especially difficult for those who do not. Thank you for helping our children put faith into action by filling these care bags with love and generosity.

🌿Creation Care Opportunity: Swannanoa River Interfaith Stream Bank Restoration Livestaking with Creation Care Alliance 🌿

People of faith who have a passion for caring for creation are invited to gather for an Interfaith Stream Bank Restoration event with MountainTrue, helping restore the Swannanoa River following the impacts of Hurricane Helene.

Volunteers will participate in live staking, a stream bank restoration method that uses native tree cuttings to revegetate the riparian buffer. This work includes planting trees, shrubs, and grasses along the riverbank—an important practice for protecting stream health, preventing erosion, and supporting long-term resilience.

In addition to hands-on restoration, participants will reflect together on spiritual reasons for creation care, learning ways people of faith honor God through environmental awareness and tree planting (including connections to Tu BiShvat in the Jewish tradition). The gathering will also invite reflection on resilience and what trees teach us about surviving—and thriving—together during challenging times.

📅 Monday, February 16, 2026

⏰ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

📍 John B. Lewis Soccer Fields

98 Azalea Rd E, Asheville, NC 28805

Additional details—including what to expect and how to prepare—are available at the link below. Registration is required to participate.

👉 Sign up & learn more:

https://secure.everyaction.com/d5PbgmD77E-BtwUcZCF4jA2

All are welcome. Thank you for being part of caring for creation and our shared watershed. 🌎💚