Friends, Happy New Year!
This January, we're diving deep into the season of darkness—not to be afraid of it, but to discover the gifts it holds... gifts like rest, reflection, and the healing power of the quiet places in our souls.
If you've ever been scared to face those hidden parts of yourself, you're not alone. Join us this Sunday at 10am, either online or in person, as we explore together, finding peace and purpose even in the dark. ✨
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Check out our latest ministry updates! | |
Allies for Equity Book Study
SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 11:15AM - 12:15PM in the CUMC PARLOR
Our final book study session for The Color of Water by James McBride will be held Sunday, January 12 in the CUMC Parlor from 11:15-12:15.
We will discuss chapters 20-25, the Epilogue, and The Afterword. Everyone is invited! A light lunch will be provided. Hope to see you there!
Contact Vicki Sue Leeds with any questions you might have.
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Congregational Care Ministries News
Circle of Prayer
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?
Try clicking on 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!
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Deborah Circle, Meets
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 10:00AM
The Deborah Circle meets the second Tuesday of the month at 10:00 AM in a member’s home, with our next meeting being January 14.
We follow the program book of the United Women in Faith, the theme for 2025 being Carrying our Faith Forward. For this first meeting of the new year, we will share conversations defining our faith , and remembering those who conveyed it to us. All are welcome; please contact Susan Snell with questions.
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Eve Circle, Meets
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 6:30PM
Eve Circle will meet at ABCCM’s Transformation Village on Tuesday, January 14 at 10:00 am.
Members are providing, preparing and serving lunch for 60 and there will be a tour. Members can make their annual pledges to UWF at the meeting. Visitors are welcome to participate. Contact Sharon LeDuc for more information.
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Martha Circle, Meets
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 6:30PM
A New Year is with us and we are ready to welcome new friends, and reconnect with old friends in January. Co-Lead by Laura Steil and Kathy Leftwich, Martha Circle is a group of women aged 30s – 60s who meet monthly to enjoy a program, fellowship, and a service project or two (or three!). We welcome any new members (of any age) who are interested in joining us for fellowship as we seek to hear God’s word for our lives.
In the new year, we’ll meet January 14th, 6:30 PM as we welcome in the New Year with our Annual Soup Supper. We will enjoy lots of homemade soup, bread, and desserts. Keep your eye on the Sunday Bulletin and our Friday e-News for more information.
Martha Circle meets on the second Tuesday of each month in the Church library or at a member’s home. Come and join us! Want more information? Please contact Laura Steil or Kathy Leftwich.
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Ruth Circle, Meets
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 10:00AM
On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 10:00 in the Library at Central UMC, join us as we welcome Katy Estrada a representative from Equal Plates Project, a local organization dedicated to combating food insecurity.
All are welcome to attend! We look forward to sharing this special morning with you as we embark on a new year of growth, connection and service. Hope to see you there!
For more information, please contact Kim Everette.
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Habitat Build
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 8:30AM - 12:00PM AT HABITAT FAITH BUILD SITE - 904 Glen Bridge Road SE Arden, NC
Join Pastor Mary and Robin Smith and Central.Serves. February 21 for another Friday morning Habitat build! We’ll meet at 8:30am at the Faith Build site in Arden (904 Glen Bridge Rd. (SE) Arden NC) and finish around noon. Stay for lunch if you can! No skill needed - just dress in layers and come ready to pitch in however you can.
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Haw Creek Community Meal
WEDNESDAYS, 6PM
You're invited! Join Haw Creek Commons & Central Haw Creek every Wednesday night at 6pm for a free community meal at 315 Old Haw Creek Rd, 28806.
We’ll provide a main protein and one side—if you’re able, bring a potluck side to share! All are welcome, and we can't wait to share a meal and connect with you.
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Downtown Welcome Table
WEDNESDAYS, 10AM - 1PM
Our sister congregation, Haywood St., hosts Downtown Welcome Table, serving lunch family style. Meals begin at designated seating times every half hour.
When you arrive on campus, stop by the reservation booth to choose which meal time works best for you. Come share a meal with people you might not otherwise know. You might find a new friend!
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Serve at Haywood St. & Worship
(Volunteers Needed)
WEDNESDAY 2/12 @ 12:30PM
Haywood Street Congregation was birthed out of Central UMC in 2009 with the calling to include the most excluded and put relationship above all else.
Each Wednesday HSC hosts a free Welcome Table meal from 10:00 am – 12:30 pm; it is “a crossroads of diverse community, a gathering of disparate folks, a fork and spoon invitation to prince and pauper alike.”
On Wednesday 2/12, Central will be providing 4-10 volunteers to assist.
Plan on spending 10:00 am – 12:30 pm volunteering; when we’re done, we’ll join Haywood St. in their 12:30pm worship.
Contact Pastor Mary for more information or sign up at centralumc.org/events.
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