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Come find hope with us, this Sunday at Central!
Check out a sermon preview from Pastor Mary, below.
We hope to see you you this Sunday,
online or in-person at 10am.
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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! | |
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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First UMC, Moheto Trip Update from Mary Z. & Marcia Longknight | |
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We’re excited to share a message from Mary Z. and Marcia Longknight, who recently traveled to visit First UMC, Moheto in Kenya. Here’s an update from their trip:
We arrived after a smooth and safe flight and were greeted with a wonderful welcome. Our host home provided a soft transition, delicious meals, and a much-needed day of rest and sleep—all such blessings! We’ll share more updates and photos by email, but here’s a quick note to start. Thank you for your care and prayers!
Stay tuned for more stories and photos from their incredible journey!
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Math Buddies (C4C)
Training in December, TBD
Haw Creek Elementary is looking for Math Buddies to support K-3 students with counting and number recognition through fun activities and games.
Last year the teachers provided us with dice games, activities with manipulatives, card games, and books to use in the small groups (you don't have to be able to do calculus to help these young students!) We would love for you to join us for our 2nd year of building connections with young learners!
Flexible volunteer times are available between 1:00–2:30 pm, Mon-Thur.
Training will be held at Haw Creek Elementary (10 Bethesda Rd., 28805), sometime in December. To participate or learn more, please contact Elizabeth Freeman.
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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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Join the Deborah Circle
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 10AM
Deborah Circle meets the second Tuesday of the month in a member's home at 10am. We will continue our planned theme on available nutrition for all, especially celebrating God's amazing presence in using persons to feed so many hungry individuals during the Helene disaster.
We will also have the opportunity to give to the World Thank Offering. All are welcome. For more information contact Susan Snell.
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Join the Martha Circle!
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 6:30PM at a Member's Home
Wear your favorite Christmas sweater and enjoy dessert as we gather for fellowship under the UWF theme, “Breaking Bread Together.” Looking for a small, caring group to enrich your church experience? Come join us! Contact: Carol Rychly for details.
The next Martha Circle meeting is Tuesday, December 10th, 6:30 PM at a member’s home. We’ll close out our year with fellowship, a short program, and some fun as we share favorite appetizers or desserts. We’d love for you to join us! We welcome any new members of (any age)!
If you'd like more information or to be added to our email list, please be in touch with Laura or Kathy . We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you!
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Rebuild Hope with Habitat for Humanity!
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 8:30AM -12:00PM at a TBD LOCATION
Our theme for Advent is "rebuilding hope," so of course we had to get out on a Habitat work site this December.
Join Pastor Mary and Robin Smith on Friday, December 13th from 8:30am - 12pm at a TBD location. No skills needed!
Register in REALM or by emailing Jan Griffin.
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Children's Musical
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 11:15AM
Join us for a wonderful event. After the performance we will have refreshments after and gifts for all children in attendance.
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Allies for Equity Book Club
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 11:15AM in CUMC Parlor
Our second meeting to discuss The Color of Water by James McBride (Chapters 11-19) will be on Sunday, December 15 from 11:15 to 12:15 in the CUMC Parlor. Please bring your own coffee/water. A small lunch will be provided.
Everyone is invited to participate! Hope to see you there!
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College Christmas Gathering
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 6PM
All students and friends home for the holidays are invited to dinner in downtown Asheville. High school juniors and seniors are welcome too!
RSVP with Pastor Caroline, or at tinyurl.com/CollegeXmas2025
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In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we arrived at our annual stewardship season with our stewardship campaign entitled: Now More Than Ever. We had planned to spend four weeks in October educating and encouraging the congregation in giving as a spiritual discipline and arrived at an important question: could we talk about money after something like Helene?
Quickly we reached the consensus: How could we not talk about giving this year? It's more important now than ever. Learn more about giving and Now More Than Ever, here:
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We are Central, a community for Christ at the center of the city. We are called to love everyone without exception, and we can do that by supporting our #AshevilleStrong home in a variety of ways.
Community organizers have compiled fantastic resources for mutual and direct aid found at the links below.
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