This Sunday, we're diving into what the Bible teaches about being truly welcoming. Hospitality isn't just about opening our doors - it's about opening our hearts.

Come join us this Sunday at 10am and learn how we can reflect Christ's love by the way we welcome others!

We hope to see you there!

Check out our latest ministry updates!

Whether you are in a care facility or just not able to get out and about, we want to visit you and keep you connected to our Church family. Please let Pastor Lisa know so she can arrange for one of our warm and friendly members to visit with you on a monthly basis.

During times of a family death, the "arrangements" can be daunting. If a reception following the funeral at our church is needed, please consider letting our Bereavement Care Ministry help you by contacting Pastor Mary.

Old Testament 101

Wednesdays, September 3 - December 17 @ 5:30pm

Ever wished you knew the Bible better? This fall, Rev. Mary Brown and Rick Kuenning will co-lead a 12-week in-person group study titled Old Testament 101.

Whether you're new to the Bible or simply looking to deepen your understanding, this accessible overview will help you become more confident in reading and interpreting the Old Testament.

Each week, participants will explore key themes, historical context, and how these ancient scriptures continue to speak into our lives today. Participants should plan to spend approximately 30 minutes per day reading and preparing for discussion.

Choir members are welcome to participate and may step out after the first hour if needed.

Space is limited to 35 participants. Cost: $15 (scholarships available)

To register, please contact Jan Griffin.

Children and Youth Fall Kickoff

Sunday, September 7

Youth Choir & Kids Club - 11:15AM

Children's Choir - 11:45AM

🍂 Celebrate the start of Fall Programming! We’re launching the new ministry year with a full day of connection, celebration, and community! Join us for Fall Kickoff Sunday and help us welcome a new season of children and youth discipleship at Central.

After Worship, join us for our Table 2 Table all-church meal provided by Equal Plates Project.

Suggested donation: $10 per person. Kids 4 and under eat free. Max family cost: $30. Everyone is welcome—whether you can cover the meal or not. Plus, Kona Ice will be on site for a sweet treat!

🎶 Program Kickoff Times:

Youth Choir & Kids Club – 11:15 AM

Children’s Choir – 11:45 AM

🌭 Youth Group and Cookout with Maggie Christy |

SUN, SEP 7 5:00 PM

All middle and high school students-and their families-are invited to Haw Creek for an evening of youth group fun, food, and fellowship as we kick off the year and welcome our new Director of Children & Youth Discipleship, Maggie!

Central Creation Care: Eco-Tip

Run-off fertilizer causes water harm, algal blooms, oxygen depletion for fish, and other harms. Be sure to use any fertilizer carefully and properly, with no run-off to a water source.

Updates from

United Women in Faith

Eve Circle Meeting

Tuesday, September 2 - 10:00AM

Eve Circle will resume monthly meetings on Sept. 2 (10:00 am, first Tues.) in the Parlor at Central.

The program will be provided by members who volunteer to report on a book read from the 2025 UWF list. Summer service projects included providing meals at Haywood Street Congregation and collecting supplies for Homeward Bound for those moving into housing.

Contact skleduc@prodigy.net if you are interested or have questions.

Deborah Circle Gathering

Tuesday, September 9 - 10:00AM

Deborah Circle will meet at the home of a member on Monday, September 9 at 10:00 AM.

We’ll enjoy fellowship after our summer break and plan our programs and service projects for the year, with a special focus on addressing food swamps and food deserts in our area—especially in the aftermath of the hurricane.

All are welcome! For more information, contact Susan Snell at ssnell123@bellsouth.net.

Workshop for Faith Communities: Fighting for Immigration Justice in the Face of ICE Attacks

Saturday, September 6 - 3:00-6:00PM @ St. John's Episcopal Church, Parish Hall 290 ; Old Haw Creek Rd, Asheville

ICE is stepping up its attacks against immigrants, and raids may soon come to Asheville. There was a confirmed abduction last week. Faith Communities for Immigration Justice is bringing together faith groups to support our immigrant family and neighbors and to be prepared for any increase in ICE activity locally.

This workshop will include a mini Know Your Rights training for congregations and faith groups with steps we can take to prepare for possible ICE activity, including establishing congregational protocols. We will also present on and solicit volunteers to help local Asheville businesses safeguard their employees and customers against illegal raids.

Please RSVP at https://forms.gle/esGuS6GmvJDv29m7A and note your faith community affiliation and if you need childcare.

*Note - this workshop is geared toward faith communities which may experience or be witness to ICE activity. While it will cover some basic rights that apply to everyone regardless of immigration status, it is not meant to serve as a know your rights training for immigrant families who may be targeted by ICE - that goes beyond what will be covered.

image credit: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/peace-is-more-than-wars-absence-and-new-research-explains-how-to-build-it/

Hosted by: Central UMC Asheville United Women in Faith & Allies for Equity

📅 Saturday, September 13, 2025

🕘 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM

(Film screening and facilitated discussion from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM)

📍 Central United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall

Join us for a powerful morning of learning and reflection as we screen Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools, a feature-length documentary that explores the educational, judicial, and societal disparities facing Black girls in the United States.

Inspired by the groundbreaking book by Dr. Monique W. Morris, this film sheds light on how deeply entrenched biases and misperceptions of Black girlhood often lead to excessive punitive discipline—disrupting their education and lives in lasting ways.

Following the screening, we will hold a facilitated discussion to reflect on the film, examine local realities, and consider how we as individuals and a faith community can respond with justice, compassion, and action.

🎥 Watch the preview here: https://youtu.be/nWPayvrHkEM

This event is free and open to the public. All are welcome.

✏️ More details and RSVP information coming soon.

Support for Our College Students 🎓💌

As a church family, we want our college students to know they’re loved and remembered while they’re away from home. Central’s College Student Ministry sends quarterly mailings that include a handwritten note, a brief devotional, and a gift card for a small treat.

If you have a student heading off to college this fall, we’d love to include them! Please send their current college address to Jan Griffin at jgriffin@centralumc.org. The first mailing goes out in October, so be sure to send addresses soon.

Let’s remind our students they’re always part of the Central family—no matter where they are!

E-newsletter #613