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Happy Friday, Central UMC!
This Sunday, we begin the sacred Season of Advent - a time of hopeful waiting, holy anticipation, and preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ.
As we journey together toward Christmas we invite you to pause, reflect, and rediscover the light, peace, joy, and love that God brings into our world.
Join us this Sunday at 10am for worship, as we enter this beautiful season and we ready our hearts for Emmanuel - God with us.
We hope to see you there!
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As we move toward the close of our stewardship season, we invite you to prayerfully consider your 2025 pledge. Your commitment helps Central plan faithfully and boldly for the ministries, missions, and community partnerships that shape our life together.
If you haven’t yet turned in your pledge card, you’re encouraged to submit your pledge online at:
centralumc.org/GIVE by clicking the “Pledge” button or by clicking the button below.
Thank you for your generosity and for all the ways you support the mission and ministry of Central United Methodist Church. Your gifts truly make a difference.
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Alternative Gift Fair - Loaves & Fishes
Sunday, November 30, 10am -1pm (First Presbyterian Church, 40 Church St.)
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Looking for a meaningful Christmas gift? The Loaves & Fishes Alternative Gift Fair provides a way to honor loved ones while supporting Asheville nonprofits making a real difference. This interfaith effort—led by Central UMC, First Presbyterian, and Trinity Episcopal—raises awareness and funding for agencies at the heart of our shared ministries.
You can order online at fpcasheville.org/loaves-fishes and receive a printable PDF for your holiday cards, or choose prepared cards and inserts for pickup during the in-person event. Online orders are open through December 19.
The in-person event will be Sunday, Nov. 30, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian Church (40 Church Street).
Enjoy brunch refreshments and meet representatives from participating nonprofits to learn more about their work in our community.
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🌏 Eco-Tip: 🌿🥕 Check your food pantry and/or refrigerator for foods that need to be used right away. You’ll save on grocery shopping 💵, avoid wasting resources 🌎, and enjoy God’s bounty!
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Don’t Miss Advent This Year
As the days grow shorter and the lights begin to glow, we invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover the wonder of the season. Advent has a way of slipping past us—crowded calendars, long to-do lists, and the hurried pace of December can make it easy to miss the quiet beauty at the heart of Christmas.
This year, let’s make room for something deeper. Join us for The Gift of Christmas—our Advent sermon series designed to help us reflect, remember, and receive the gifts God offers so generously.
The Gift of Christmas Sermon Series
Sundays, Nov. 30–Dec. 28 | 10:00 AM
- Nov. 30 - The Gift of Christmas: Anticipation
- Dec. 07 - The Gift of Christmas: Making a List
- Dec. 14 - The Gift of Christmas: For Everyone
- Dec. 21 - The Gift of Christmas: Wrapped
- Dec 24 - The Gift of Christmas: What Is It?
- Dec 28 - The Gift of Christmas: Regifting
Come hear familiar stories with fresh eyes. Come find quiet moments of hope and joy. Come be reminded of God’s love that meets us right where we are.
Let’s walk through Advent together—and let’s not miss the gift waiting to be opened.
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Hanging of the Greens
Tuesday, December 3 @ 6:00pm
It takes many people to prepare our church for the Advent and Christmas season. If you are interested in helping decorate, please join us for Hanging of the Greens!
Meet in the Sanctuary on Tuesday, December 3rd at 6 pm to help us adorn the church.
Everyone is welcome!
Even if you can’t climb ladders or haul boxes, we’ll have a task for you. If you have questions, please contact Alexandra Holland at alexandra@wncnature.com.
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Table 2 Table: Lite Bites & Children's Christmas Musical
Sunday, December 7 @ 11:00am
Celebrate the season with a joyful morning of food, fellowship, and music!
Start in the Fellowship Hall at 11:00 AM for Table 2 Table: Lite Bites, a festive appetizer and treat potluck. Bring a ready-to-serve appetizer or sweet treat and drop it off with the Bereavement Team in the Fellowship Hall before worship. Enjoy warm conversation and delicious bites as we gather around the table together.
Then, at 11:30 AM, make your way to the Sanctuary for the Children’s Christmas Musical. Our Children’s Choir has been working hard, and they can’t wait to share the joy and wonder of the season through song.
Come for the bites, stay for the music, and help us celebrate the gifts and spirit of our children and our church community!
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Parents' Morning Out: Christmas Story Stations Edition
Saturday, December 13
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Take a breather during the busy holiday season! Kids will experience the wonder of Christmas through hands-on, interactive Christmas Story Stations, while parents enjoy a morning to themselves.
- Participants: Children 3rd grade and younger
- Helpers: Students 4th & 5th grade (assistants)
- Leaders: Youth are invited to help guide and lead stations
Register on Realm, or at https://CentralUMC.org/EVENTS. Questions? Contact Maggie at mchristy@CentralUMC.org. It’s a morning of joy, learning, and Christmas fun for our kids—and a little peace for parents, too!
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Longest Night Prayer Service
Thursday, December 18 @ 6:00pm
As the holidays approach, many of us carry grief, stress, or burdens that can feel especially heavy this time of year. Our Longest Night Prayer Service offers a quiet, sacred space to acknowledge that pain and to rest in God’s presence.
Through prayer, reflection, and gentle music, we gather to remember that the light of Christ meets us even in our darkest nights. All are welcome to come, breathe, and be held in community and hope.
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Help Us Light Up Christmas at Central
Do you have a working pre-lit Christmas tree you’re no longer using? Central is hoping to frugally replace a couple of our current trees that are no longer functioning, and we would love to give your gently-used tree a new home! Ideal size: trees 6 feet or taller are especially helpful for our larger spaces.
If you’re planning to donate a tree or have an extra one tucked away, please reach out to Hayes Brown at hbrown@centralumc.org. Your gift will help brighten our spaces as we celebrate the season together.
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Celebrate Christmas Eve at Central
You are invited to gather with us on Christmas Eve as we welcome the light of Christ and celebrate the hope, joy, and wonder of this holy night. Whether you come with family, friends, or on your own, there is a place for you here.
3:00 PM — Family-Friendly Candlelight Worship
A joyful and engaging service perfect for families with children. Come enjoy carols, candlelight, and the wonder of the Christmas story made accessible for all ages.
5:30 PM — Lessons & Carols
Prelude with the Central Brass begins at 5:00 PM
Experience the beauty of scripture and song as we hear the story of Christ’s birth through traditional readings and carols.
Featuring the Chancel Choir.
Nursery is provided.
11:00 PM — Candlelight Communion Worship
A peaceful, reverent service welcoming Christmas with candlelight and Holy Communion as midnight approaches.
Come, let us celebrate the birth of Christ together.
All are welcome.
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Faith Feeds Winter Campaign: Helping Our Neighbors Through the Coldest Months
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