From youth group to college to Wilderness Trail staff - Pastor Mary has caught up with Cooper who was kind enough to read Psalm 13, the focus of this Sunday's message. A powerful reminder that God is with us through every season.

Check out the sermon preview below.

Join us this Sunday for church at 10am!

Worship online here.

Worship in person at:

27 Church St., Asheville NC 28801

We hope to see you there!

Check out our latest ministry updates!

What a blessed time we shared at the 2025 Annual Conference! Through worship, prayer, holy conferencing, and Spirit-led conversation, we felt God’s presence among us. Whether you joined in person or from afar, we invite you to revisit the moments that brought us closer to Christ and to one another.

📖 Click below for worship recordings, session highlights, and all things Annual Conference 2025.

👉 Explore the 2025 Annual Conference Recap

Building Committee Presentation

THIS SUNDAY, June 29th, 11:15am Fellowship Hall

Curious about what’s next for Central’s campus? The Building Committee, formed by Charge Conference in November 2023, has spent the last 18 months exploring the next phase of Central’s physical development.

Join John Pierce (Building Committee Chair) and Chris Smith (Trustees Chair) for an informative presentation outlining the committee’s process and the newly approved Phase 1 plan, endorsed by the Administrative Board on June 8.

Come learn about the vision, the plan, and what’s ahead!

Official Summer Chancel Choir Kick-off & Celebration

THIS SUNDAY, June 29th, 5pm Highland Brewing (12 Old Charlotte Hwy, Asheville 28803)

Chancel Choir, families and friends will gather at Highland Brewery at 5:00pm to celebrate our winter/Spring singing and music ministry.

Everyone is welcome to join our fellowship and fun this Sunday, June 29 from 5:00 - until.

Five of Asheville’s best food trucks will be onsite. We are gathering rain or shine. Outside in the shine or inside if it rains.

Look for Linda Haggard when you pull up and park. She will point you in the right direction!

Don’t miss the fun and fellowship! See you there!

Volunteers to Deliver Needed Gift Cards

Monday, June 30th, 11:00am

Central youth, families, and friends to deliver hospitality gift cards to our downtown Asheville businesses.

We will meet in the choir room at 11:00 AM. Lunch and The Hop ice cream will be provided for all youth volunteers.

Please contact Linda Haggard or Regan Duke with any questions.

We are excited to spread joy and love to our downtown community!

We need your help, please join us on Monday!

Be At Sunday School This Summer

Sundays @ 8:45am

Youth and Children (anyone under 21) will meet together in the Youth Arena (4th Floor) this summer for a study of the Beatitudes.

Beginning June 8, a team of volunteers will offer engaging discussions, refreshments, crafts, and games for all ages, beginning at 9:00 a.m. each Sunday.

Parents are invited to join in!

Youth Ushers Needed This Summer

We're looking for middle and high school youth to serve as ushers during Sunday worship services this summer. This is a great opportunity to get involved and serve the church!

If your youth is interested or would like more information, please contact Perry Fisher at perry@fisherstark.com.

Take a breath. Find your center.

Our Centering Prayer series has become a sacred pause in the middle of our busy lives — a space to slow down, listen deeply, and reconnect with God.

Our children and youth ministry intern, Regan Duke, recently shared a beautiful reflection on her journey with the practice, and we’d love for you to read it. Her words capture the heart of what Centering Prayer can open up in us.

Plus, we’ve gathered a couple of short quotes from others who’ve been showing up week after week — honest, heartfelt glimpses into what’s been stirring in the silence.

📝 Read the full reflection

💬 What people are saying about Centering Prayer:

"My desire is to be in the presence of God. Just be. Listening. Centering (or contemplative) prayer for me is the pathway." - Mike Durr

"Centering prayer provides the opportunity for peace and quiet away from the busy lifestyles most of us have. Try it and you will be blessed. 🙏 -Jim Kuse

Congregational Care Needs

Nursery Volunteers during Sunday School and Worship hours to care for our sweet little ones! For details, contact Pastor Mary, mbrown@centralumc.org.

Women Homebound Volunteers to visit our folks who can no longer get out and about! For details, contact Kim Everette, Kimeverette525@gmail.com.

Supplies for our Prayer Shawl Care Ministry. For details, contact Pat Page, page.patricia@gmail.com or Paula Boyles, boylesrp@gmail.com.

Habitat Build

Friday, July 25th @ 8:30am

Join Pastor Mary and Robin Smith for another Friday morning Habitat build!

We’ll meet at 8:30 AM and finish around noon. Stay for lunch if you can!

No skill needed - just come ready to pitch in however you can.

The purpose of this workshop is to learn about the experiences, feelings, and beliefs of people on both sides of the political divide.

Participants will explore areas of commonality as well as difference. The goal is to gain insights that may help participants—and others—contribute to the depolarization of our communities and nation.

This is not a time to challenge values or attempt to change someone’s opinion. Instead, listening and seeking understanding are key to the success of Braver Angels workshops.

The workshop will be facilitated by two trained volunteers experienced in the Braver Angels Way.

If you’re interested or have questions, please contact Peter Barrett at peterbarrett@comcast.net.

E-newsletter #604