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. 

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

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.

Hard2Recycle

Saturday, September 13, 10:00AM-2:00PM

Asheville Greenworks will hold a Hard 2 Recycle event on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM at North Buncombe High School. Bring your small electronics, Styrofoam, and other items. Check their website for more details. Help keep these items from the local landfill.

Join us for a joyful and affirming interfaith worship service as we gather in celebration of love, dignity, and justice for all people. Held just before the Blue Ridge Pride Festival in downtown Asheville, this service brings together diverse faith communities in unity and hope.

Through shared prayers, music, and reflection, we will lift up the sacred worth of every person—especially our LGBTQIA+ siblings—and proclaim a message of welcome and inclusion. All are invited to attend, regardless of background or belief.

Let’s begin Pride Saturday grounded in community and grace.

This one-hour service will conclude with coffee and treats on the Central UMC lawn.

Participants include:

· Rev. Dr. Mary Brown, Senior Pastor of Central United Methodist Church

· Rev. Spencer Cullom, Associate Pastor of Wellspring Congregation

· Rev. Dr. Mack Dennis, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church

· Rev. Dr. Audette Fulbright Fulson, Lead Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, NC

· The Very Rev. Sarah Hurlbert, Dean of the Cathedral of All Souls

· Student Cantor Seth Kellam, Religious Education Director at Congregation Beth HaTephila

· Rev. Dr. Marcia Whitney Mount Shoop, Pastor of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church

· Rev. Matt Smith, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church

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!

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.

Habitat Work Day

Friday, October 10 @ 8:30am

Join Pastor Mary and other Central UMC friends for a Habitat Work Day! No skills required - just a willingness to come, learn, and work with us from 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM on a Habitat work site (location will be emailed out that week). Afterward we'll have lunch together. Feel free to invite a friend who doesn't go to Central!