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Happy Friday, Central UMC!
Looking ahead to Advent Week Three - may joy meet you right where you are. We hope you'll join us for church this Sunday at 10am.
Check out this message from Pastor Mary for a preview of this Sunday's worship
We hope to see you there!
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Don’t Miss Advent This Year
As the days grow shorter and the lights begin to glow, we invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover the wonder of the season. Advent has a way of slipping past us—crowded calendars, long to-do lists, and the hurried pace of December can make it easy to miss the quiet beauty at the heart of Christmas.
This year, let’s make room for something deeper. Join us for The Gift of Christmas—our Advent sermon series designed to help us reflect, remember, and receive the gifts God offers so generously.
The Gift of Christmas Sermon Series
Sundays, Nov. 30–Dec. 28 | 10:00 AM
- Nov. 30 - The Gift of Christmas: Anticipation
- Dec. 07 - The Gift of Christmas: Making a List
- Dec. 14 - The Gift of Christmas: For Everyone
- Dec. 21 - The Gift of Christmas: Wrapped
- Dec 24 - The Gift of Christmas: What Is It?
- Dec 28 - The Gift of Christmas: Regifting
Come hear familiar stories with fresh eyes. Come find quiet moments of hope and joy. Come be reminded of God’s love that meets us right where we are.
Let’s walk through Advent together—and let’s not miss the gift waiting to be opened.
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Creation Care Eco-Tip:
Greener Gift Giving
Try using less packaging on your gift!
Reuse wrapping paper, ribbons, and cardboard boxes before recycling them.
Choose glitter-free Christmas cards - glitter harms the environment and can't be recycled. Shopping locally helps reduce air and water pollution from long distance shipping.
Simple gifts and simple wrapping are often the most meaningful of all.
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ABCCM's Return to Bethlehem Cast Volunteers
Thursday - Sunday, December 11-14
Roles remain for ABCCM's Return to Bethlehem, where church members from across the community come together to share the story of Jesus' birth with our neighbors.
The event runs from Thursday, December 11th, through Sunday, December 14th. Cast and crew are especially needed for Saturday, the 13th, and Sunday, the 14th.
To learn more and sign up go to abccm.org/return-to-bethlehem/, call (828)398-6618, or email pam.barbee@abccm.org.
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Parents' Morning Out:
Christmas Story Stations Edition
Saturday, December 13 @ 9am
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Take a breather during the busy holiday season! Kids will experience the wonder of Christmas through hands-on, interactive Christmas Story Stations, while parents enjoy a morning to themselves.
- Participants: Children 3rd grade and younger
- Helpers: Students 4th & 5th grade (assistants)
- Leaders: Youth are invited to help guide and lead stations
Register on Realm, or at https://CentralUMC.org/EVENTS. Questions? Contact Maggie at mchristy@CentralUMC.org. It’s a morning of joy, learning, and Christmas fun for our kids—and a little peace for parents, too!
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Longest Night Prayer Service
Thursday, December 18 @ 6:00pm
As the holidays approach, many of us carry grief, stress, or burdens that can feel especially heavy this time of year. Our Longest Night Prayer Service offers a quiet, sacred space to acknowledge that pain and to rest in God’s presence.
Through prayer, reflection, and gentle music, we gather to remember that the light of Christ meets us even in our darkest nights. All are welcome to come, breathe, and be held in community and hope.
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Christmas Caroling at Brooks-Howell
Sunday, December 21 @ 11:15am
Celebrate the joy of the season with your church family! Families, children, youth, and adults of ALL ages are invited to join us for Christmas caroling at Brooks-Howell. We’ll share the gift of music and holiday cheer with the residents — a beautiful way to spread love this season.
After caroling, we’ll head to Asheville Pizza & Brewing for pizza and a Christmas movie! Whether you love to sing, enjoy great food, or just want to spend time together, you are warmly welcome.
If you have questions, contact Maggie at mchristy@CentralUMC.org or Linda at lhaggard@CentralUMC.org.
Come help us make spirits bright – we’d love to see you there!
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Celebrate Christmas Eve at Central
You are invited to gather with us on Christmas Eve as we welcome the light of Christ and celebrate the hope, joy, and wonder of this holy night. Whether you come with family, friends, or on your own, there is a place for you here.
3:00 PM — Family-Friendly Candlelight Worship
A joyful and engaging service perfect for families with children. Come enjoy carols, candlelight, and the wonder of the Christmas story made accessible for all ages.
5:30 PM — Lessons & Carols
Prelude with the Central Brass begins at 5:00 PM
Experience the beauty of scripture and song as we hear the story of Christ’s birth through traditional readings and carols.
Featuring the Chancel Choir.
Nursery is provided.
11:00 PM — Candlelight Communion Worship
A peaceful, reverent service welcoming Christmas with candlelight and Holy Communion as midnight approaches.
Come, let us celebrate the birth of Christ together.
All are welcome.
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Faith Feeds Winter Campaign: Helping Our Neighbors Through the Coldest Months
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