Happy Friday Central UMC!

We hope you'll join us for worship this Sunday morning! We have a lot of new improvements to share with you and hope we will be able to meet in person. With a winter storm in the forecast, we're keeping a close eye on conditions and will continue to keep you posted.

Our hope is to gather in person at 10AM - but if weather makes that unsafe, we'll pivot and worship online together from home. Either way, we'll make sure you have the information you need.

Stay tuned here for updates, and know that however we gather, you're always welcome.

New Sermon Series: 3 Simple Rules

Beginning January 11, we’ll journey together through John Wesley’s Three Simple Rules—a timeless guide for faithful living rooted in Scripture and love of neighbor.

Over three weeks, we’ll explore what it means to Do No Harm, Do Good, and Stay in Love with God, grounding these practices in worship. Together, we’ll reflect on how these simple—but powerful—rules shape our discipleship, our congregational care, and the way we live out our faith in the world.

Join us as we seek a faith that is thoughtful, active, and deeply connected to God and one another.

Check out our latest ministry updates!

February 1, 2026!

🛠️ Habitat Work Day

FRI, JAN 30th, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Join us for a meaningful morning of service with Habitat for Humanity on Friday, January 30, from 8:30 AM to noon. This Habitat Work Day is a wonderful opportunity to put faith into action by helping build safe, affordable housing right here in our community. No construction experience is necessary—volunteers of all skill levels are welcome, and tasks will be provided for everyone who is willing to serve.

Come ready to work alongside others, build community, and be part of a project that offers hope and stability to families. To sign up or to learn more, please contact Pastor Mary. We would love to have you join us for this impactful morning of service.

Help the Chicks!

Central UMC’s Chick Project has already sent more than $700 to Moheto. That helped get the chicks off the ground.

Here are two of them with two of the Moheto women who care for them.

Helen is on the left. Lydia is on the right.

Their chicks need company. They need friends.

Donating is easy. Drop your pocket change (paper money works, too) in the big plastic bottle on the windowsill on the stairs between the third floor and the second floor.

Please donate today.

Central’s Circle of Prayer group meets on Thursday mornings both In-Person and by Zoom. A ministry of caring, concerns and joys submitted are prayed over and followed-up upon.

If you feel called to care for people in this way, please contact Pastor Lisa and join this dedicated group of prayers.

If you need prayerful support, please make your request by clicking on the Prayer Request Prompt on Central’s website or by filling out a pew card. YOU are important to us!

Well-Being Community Resource List:

Looking for a community well-vetted community resource?

Visit Central’s website for Congregational Care Ministries!

Scroll down to Well-Being Community Resource List to find information about community agencies under 12 categories.

Brief summaries of services and contact information are provided!

📬♻️ Eco Tip: Stop Junk Mail! 🌎🌳

Junk mail invades our lives to the tune of 41 pounds per person per year. Eighty to 100 million trees lose their lives each year to print junk mail, and much of it ends up in the landfill. Stop junk mail!

To stop junk mail from the USPS, use the DMAchoice.org service for general marketing mail, optoutprescreen.com for credit/insurance offers, and Catalog Choice for catalogs, plus write "Refused" on mail and return it, or contact senders directly to get off their lists for a major reduction in unsolicited offers.

Learn more by accessing the QR Code:

United Women in Faith Meetings

Ruth Circle | TUE, FEB 3 | 10:00 AM

Please join members of the Ruth Circle on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 10:00am in the Library at Central UMC. At our meeting we will using the United Women in Faith program book, Mapping Our Way Forward, to help us set our Circle goals for 2026! Ruth Circle members will be collecting cans of hearty soup for ABCCM.

We look forward to sharing the morning with you! Let’s do this, Let’s be bold, Let’s be unstoppable. Together! For more information about Ruth Circle, please contact Kim Everette at kimeverette525@gmail.com

Eve Circle | TUE, FEB 3 | 10:00 AM

Eve Circle will meet on Feb. 3 at 10:00 a.m. in the Parlor. The program by Sue Mather will be “Who is our Neighbor”, focusing on our UWF mission institutes in North Carolina and how taking care of our “neighbors” puts faith into action. All are welcome! Contact danderson45@charter.net or sandracwells@gmail.com if you are interested or have questions.

Anna Circle | WED, FEB 4 | 10:00 AM

Anna is mentioned only once in the Gospels (Luke 2:36–38). She is the prophet in the Temple who speaks of the infant Jesus to all who are looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. Inspired by her witness, Anna Circle is a supportive fellowship of United Women in Faith women who strive to carry the message of Jesus through mission programs—both local and international—hands-on service projects, spiritual development, and reading programs.

We meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 10:00 AM. Our first meeting of the year will be Wednesday, February 4, at 10:00 AM in the Church Parlor. Newcomers are always welcome—come visit, join us, and help shape the coming year!

Info: Glenda Fuhrmann | fuhrmannglenda@yahoo.com

Deborah Circle | TUE, FEB 10 | 10:00 AM

Deborah Circle meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 10:00 AM in a member’s home. All are welcome.

At our January 13 meeting, we will introduce the new United Women in Faith program book, Mapping Our Way Forward in Times of Change and Uncertainty. We will explore how to stay grounded and find balance in God’s Word through our history, especially as we prepare to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 19.

Our February 10 meeting will continue the story, with a particular focus on the history of home missioners and deaconesses, as we have members of our circle who have served in these roles.

For questions, please contact Susan Snell at ssnell123@bellsouth.net.

Children's Ministry Winter Care Bags Mission Project

Our children are leading a meaningful mission project to care for our neighbors who may be unhoused or in need this winter. They will be assembling Winter Care Bags filled with practical, comforting items. Families will then take these bags home to share with people they encounter in their daily lives—offering warmth, dignity, and care when it’s needed most.

How You Can Help:

We are collecting donations of the following items:

Foldable blankets
Gloves
Scarves
Beanies
Hand warmers
Instant coffee
Granola bars
Small packs of dried fruit
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Small packs of tissues
Travel-size lotion

Collection Dates: Through January 31

Drop-Off Location: Collection bins outside the Chapel

We have so much, and winter can be especially difficult for those who do not. Thank you for helping our children put faith into action by filling these care bags with love and generosity.

Valentine's Parents' Evening Out | FRI, FEB 13 | 4:30-7:30PM

Parents, enjoy a night out while we take care of the kids! Children 3rd grade and below are invited to join us for a fun, safe, and love-filled evening of activities while parents enjoy a Valentine’s break.

Students in 4th and 5th grade are invited to assist, and youth and adults are welcome to help make the evening special.

This is a great opportunity for families to enjoy some time together—or parents enjoy a date night! 💕 More details and sign-ups coming soon. Contact Maggie for questions.

E-newsletter #634