HELP WANTED!

Our church runs on willing hearts and helping hands. Whether you can give one Sunday or one season, there’s a place for you to serve—and you won’t do it alone.

We’re currently looking for volunteer members for our wedding committee, altar guild helpers, and communion preparation.

If you’re interested or just want to learn more, please reach out to Eleanor Campbell Calloway (eleanor.campbell@ymail.com) for information about the Wedding Committee, or Corey Powell (cpowell@centralumc.org) for info regarding the Altar Guild and Communion prep.

We’d love to have you join us!

Creation Care: Ecotip

Psalm 33:4-9 The psalmist praises God for creating, for speaking everything into being. God’s word made the heavens, the waters, the earth. God’s word can still speak, even to us, guiding us in caring for God’s creation. What choices can you make this week to conserve energy usage? To enjoy nature? To reduce harm?

Social Principles Class Series

Sundays thru March 29 | 11:15 AM

The United Methodist Church Social Principles give us a framework to discuss difficult societal issues and listen for how God might call us to action. We look forward to seeing how the Holy Spirit speaks to us through these sessions.

Join us Sundays after worship.

Class Schedule:

· MAR 8: The Social Community, Part 1 – Peter Barrett and Assistant

· MAR 15: The Social Community, Part 2 – Peter Barrett and Assistant

· MAR 22: The Political Community – Rev. Dr. Mary Brown

· MAR 29: Our Social Creed: Putting Faith into Action – Rev. Dr. Mary Brown

Have questions contact Dianna Pierce at dianna.w.pierce@gmail.com, Sharon LeDuc at skleduc@prodigy.net, or Peter Barrett peterbarrett@comcast.net.

Sundays in Lent

• March 8th (3rd Sunday of Lent): Social Principles: Economic Community
• March 15th (4th Sunday of Lent): Social Principles: Social Community
• March 22nd (5th Sunday of Lent): Social Principles: Political Community with special guest preacher Rev. Jennifer Copeland

Holy Week Worship

• Palm Sunday, March 29th: Meet us on the Church Street lawn at 9:30 for the Donkey Walk, then bring your palm branches into the Sanctuary for 10am worship
• Maundy Thursday, April 2nd at 6pm: A somber service to commemorate the last supper and Jesus’ “new commandment” to his disciples
• Good Friday, April 3rd at 6pm: This service of “Tenebrae” allows us to keep watch through Jesus’ crucifixion through music, readings, and the gradual extinguishing of candles

Easter Sunday: April 5th

• 7am, Easter Sunrise: He is risen! Meet on the Church Street lawn in front of the Sanctuary steps and celebrate as the sun rises.
• 7:30am, Easter Brunch: Gather in the Fellowship Hall to continue the celebration with sweet and savory treats
• 8:45/9:00am: Join in a Sunday School class to learn more about resurrection
• 10am: Easter Sunday worship in the Sanctuary with Communion

Sundays in April

• April 12th: The Easter celebration continues as we begin a series on 1 Peter, a letter of encouragement and instruction to all Christians
• April 19th: 1 Peter 1:17-23 and the joy of being rescued
• April 26th: Youth and Confirmation Sunday! Come support our amazing young people and stay after worship for the Children’s Spring Musical

Help Us Stay Connected - On Your Terms

We’re updating our church records to help us better care for one another and stay connected as a community. Please take a moment to complete our short contact update form:

https://onrealm.org/centralumc/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=YWRlZjZmYTctMjAzMC00ZWRlLWExM2UtYjNlOTAwZmM5MGJh

You can:

• Update your contact information

• Choose whether to opt in to the Realm church directory

• Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter

The Realm directory is available only to Central members who use Realm, and your information will only appear if you choose to opt in.

Your preferences matter—you are always in control of what is shared. All information is secure and never shared outside of Central UMC.

Thank you for helping us stay connected!

Eco Tip: Gardening 🌎

Psalm 104 As you read Psalm 104, take note that very few verses mention humans. We humans are but a part of the whole creation. God created animals, plants, moon and stars and sun, waters, birds, mountains- the list is long. As you care for creation this week, you are expressing your love for God your Creator.

United Women in Faith Meetings



UWF Mission Giving

A Call to Prayer and Self-Denial: United Women in 

Faith invites you to participate in this year’s Call to Prayer and Self-Denial offering. One-half of the offering supports programs in the U.S. and one-half supports international programs; all aligned with this year’s theme: “The Future is Now: Invest in Our Children.”

Funds will support vulnerable children through National Mission Institutions, including five in North Carolina that provide education, after-school programs, mental health support, and more.

To learn more, contact a circle leader or Kathy Leftwich at 

kathleencleftwich@gmail.com.

The Hubbub with Equal Plates Project

Saturday, March 21, 2026, 7-11pm

You’re invited! Join Equal Plates Project and other food hubs at The Hubbub on Saturday, March 21 at Highland Brewing for WNC Food Coalition’s inaugural

benefit supporting small farms and the food hubs that buy, sell, and distribute fresh, local, charitable food across Western North Carolina.

Proceeds support local organizations addressing food access. Purchase your tickets here!

🎶Jordan Speece Senior Voice Recital

Sunday, March 22, 2026, 1pm

Join us for an exciting event! Jordan Speece, Soprano and Central Chancel Choir Student Intern will present her Senior Voice Recital at Central, in the sanctuary. A reception will follow in the church Parlor. Jordan has been our Soprano music intern for four years. We are thrilled to host her senior recital. It is free and open to everyone. We hope you will join us for this recital of outstanding vocal music!

Reach out to Linda Haggard at lhaggard@CentralUMC.org with questions.

Flowers for the Cross

Easter, Sunday, April 5th

One of Central’s most beloved Easter traditions is decorating the cross with fresh flowers! Whether you're attending the Sunrise Service, Worship, or both—be sure to take part.

Bring fresh blooms from your yard or a local florist (but maybe skip your neighbor’s yard) and help transform the cross into a beautiful symbol of resurrection and new life.

Let’s celebrate Easter together in full color!

Nature Hike

Saturday, April 11th | 2:00 PM

Join Alexandra Holland and the Creation Care committee in a nature hike on April 11. We'll enjoy God's creation and signs of new life as the season of spring unfolds. Please contact Alexandra at alexandra@wncnature.com to reserve a spot. Gathering site will be shared with participants.

Shop for a Cause - Eve Circle

Sunday, April 19th & 26th, 2026 | After worship

On April 19 and 26, the Eve Circle will sell handcrafted paper bead jewelry made by women in Uganda after worship, just outside the Parlor. Proceeds support the Zoe Program for orphan empowerment and scholarships for girls in Moheto, Kenya. Cash or check accepted. Shop, find something beautiful, and help change a life.