August 31, 2025
This Week's Opportunities for Connection
New Staff Meet & Greet- September 4
We are excited to welcome Jessica Parker as our new Administrative Assistant starting August 21!
Join us on Thursday, September 4, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. in the Church Office for a special meet and greet. This is a wonderful opportunity to stop by, say hello, and help Jessica feel at home here at Central. We kindly ask that this gathering be the time for introductions, so that Jessica can settle into her work without unexpected visits during office hours. We look forward to seeing you there!
Join us on Thursday, September 4, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. in the Church Office for a special meet and greet. This is a wonderful opportunity to stop by, say hello, and help Jessica feel at home here at Central. We kindly ask that this gathering be the time for introductions, so that Jessica can settle into her work without unexpected visits during office hours. We look forward to seeing you there!
Lessie Ann Circle Kick-off- September 2
Join the Lessie Ann Circle as they kick off a new season on Monday, September 2, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. in Central’s Library. Come for fellowship, prayer, and upcoming plans for service and discipleship. All are welcome!
Purchase Your Central T-shirt Today!
Show Your Support to Central - Order Your T-Shirt Today!
Get your hands on a high-quality Comfort Colors Central UMC t-shirt before the ordering window closes on September 9! Shirts are available in two vibrant colors: Grape and Red! All shirts also feature Central’s new vision statement on the back.
$20–$25, depending on size
Super soft, pre-shrunk fabric
Pre-orders only – shirts will be delivered in September
Don’t miss out! Order yours today by clicking the button below and represent Central in style! If you are unable to purchase your t-shirt online, please call the church office to place your pre-order or order in the narthex after church this Sunday.
Get your hands on a high-quality Comfort Colors Central UMC t-shirt before the ordering window closes on September 9! Shirts are available in two vibrant colors: Grape and Red! All shirts also feature Central’s new vision statement on the back.
$20–$25, depending on size
Super soft, pre-shrunk fabric
Pre-orders only – shirts will be delivered in September
Don’t miss out! Order yours today by clicking the button below and represent Central in style! If you are unable to purchase your t-shirt online, please call the church office to place your pre-order or order in the narthex after church this Sunday.
Music Fall Kickoff- September 3
Come be part of a special evening as we begin a new season of music at Central! Join us on Wednesday, September 3, from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. in the Hospitality Room for food, fellowship, and family. This is a chance to reconnect after the summer, enjoy time together, and learn more about the opportunities in our music ministries this fall.
Central's Fall Kickoff Sunday
Join us for Central's Fall Kickoff Sunday on September 8, as we launch into a new season of ministry and community at Central! Fall Kickoff Sunday also marks the return to our regular worship schedule, with Modern Worship at 9:00 A.M. in Central Hall and Traditional Worship at 11:00 A.M. in the Sanctuary.
Between services, we’ll gather for our Fall Kickoff Brunch from 9:40–10:40 A.M., a time for fellowship, connection, and celebration. More details about the brunch will be shared in the coming weeks; but for now, mark your calendar and plan to bring a friend!
This is a great Sunday to invite someone new! There’s something for everyone, and it’s the perfect time to get connected or reconnected at Central!
Between services, we’ll gather for our Fall Kickoff Brunch from 9:40–10:40 A.M., a time for fellowship, connection, and celebration. More details about the brunch will be shared in the coming weeks; but for now, mark your calendar and plan to bring a friend!
This is a great Sunday to invite someone new! There’s something for everyone, and it’s the perfect time to get connected or reconnected at Central!
Fall Kickoff Brunch
More Exciting Details about Fall Kickoff Sunday!
We’re kicking off the fall season in style at Central!
Join us for our Fall Kickoff Brunch on Sunday, September 7 from 9:40 to 10:40 A.M. on Central’s Patio outside of Central Hall, right between our Modern and Traditional Worship Services.
Come hungry and ready to mingle! We’ll have a delicious spread featuring:
This is the perfect chance to reconnect outside of worship after a busy summer, meet new faces, and hear about what’s coming up this fall in the life of our church. No RSVP needed! So, just bring yourself, your family, and your appetite. We can’t wait to see you there!
We’re kicking off the fall season in style at Central!
Join us for our Fall Kickoff Brunch on Sunday, September 7 from 9:40 to 10:40 A.M. on Central’s Patio outside of Central Hall, right between our Modern and Traditional Worship Services.
Come hungry and ready to mingle! We’ll have a delicious spread featuring:
- Assorted muffins, pastries, and sweet treats
- Various casseroles and quiches
- Fruit trays and yogurt
- Coffee, cider, juice, and more!
This is the perfect chance to reconnect outside of worship after a busy summer, meet new faces, and hear about what’s coming up this fall in the life of our church. No RSVP needed! So, just bring yourself, your family, and your appetite. We can’t wait to see you there!
Youth Fall Kickoff- September 7
Get ready, Central Youth!
Join us for the Central Youth Kickoff on Sunday, September 7, from 3:00 to 6:00 P.M. at Central’s Family Life Center. It’s the perfect way to start the new season with tons of fun, food, and fellowship!
Come be part of the excitement, connect with friends, and dive into the theme Light My Path as we kick off an amazing year together. Don’t miss out! Bring your energy and your smiles for an unforgettable afternoon!
See you there!
Join us for the Central Youth Kickoff on Sunday, September 7, from 3:00 to 6:00 P.M. at Central’s Family Life Center. It’s the perfect way to start the new season with tons of fun, food, and fellowship!
Come be part of the excitement, connect with friends, and dive into the theme Light My Path as we kick off an amazing year together. Don’t miss out! Bring your energy and your smiles for an unforgettable afternoon!
See you there!
Ongoing Opportunities for Connection
August & September Shareback: Chalk it up to Love
August & September's Shareback is supporting Chalk It Up to Love, a school supply collection and distribution that helps local Title One schools start the year strong. Your donations will go directly to students and teachers who need a little extra support to kick off the school year. Let’s come together to make a difference in our community and show a little love through something as simple as a box of pencils or a pack of notebooks. Collection bins are located in the narthex and at the shareback table (next to the Choir Room). Thank you for giving generously! Below, you can find the list of preferred items as well as a link to the Amazon wish list!
Preferred Items:
Cow Print Notebooks (Wide & College)
Notebook Paper (Wide & College)
1 Inch 3 Ring Binders
1 Subject Spiral Notebooks (Wide & College)
24 Count Crayons
Colored Markers (Jumbo & Fine)
Colored Pencils
Dry Erase Markers (Black)
Child Scissors (Blunt & Pointed Tip)
3x3 Post-It Notes
Earbuds/Headphones
#2 Yellow Pencils
Backpacks.
Click the button below to access the Amazon wish list:
Preferred Items:
Cow Print Notebooks (Wide & College)
Notebook Paper (Wide & College)
1 Inch 3 Ring Binders
1 Subject Spiral Notebooks (Wide & College)
24 Count Crayons
Colored Markers (Jumbo & Fine)
Colored Pencils
Dry Erase Markers (Black)
Child Scissors (Blunt & Pointed Tip)
3x3 Post-It Notes
Earbuds/Headphones
#2 Yellow Pencils
Backpacks.
Click the button below to access the Amazon wish list:
Future Opportunities for Connection
Central Friends Returns- September 11
Central Friends will be coming back on the second Thursday in each month; starting Thursday, September 11th at Noon in the Hospitality Room. All are invited, and are welcome to bring a friend! For any questions, you can contact Edie Anderson.
Fall 2025 Consignment Sale Seller & Volunteer Registration is now open!
WE NEED CHURCH VOLUNTEERS TO ASSIST WITH THE CONSIGNMENT SALE
AND TO BE CONSIGNORS!
Please visit centralumcmonroe.org/consignmentsale where you can register, sign up for your shifts and see details for updated information regarding the seller guidelines! Volunteers may also register for their shift at the bottom of this webpage!
In your registration, you will find that the seller fee has gone up for working sellers. This is to cover your cost for a brand-new t-shirt with the updated consignment sale logo/name since we expanded to offer youth and women's items. If you are a non-working seller, under t-shirt you will select "Non-Working Seller (T-Shirt N/A)". Gold sellers (those who work 3 or more shifts) will insert the discount code "GOLD2025" to waive their seller fee of $10.00 for the sale. Gold sellers will not be waived the t-shirt fee of $15.00.
We have a limited amount of seller spots available, so register early! The deadline to register is Friday, August 29, 2025.
AND TO BE CONSIGNORS!
Please visit centralumcmonroe.org/consignmentsale where you can register, sign up for your shifts and see details for updated information regarding the seller guidelines! Volunteers may also register for their shift at the bottom of this webpage!
In your registration, you will find that the seller fee has gone up for working sellers. This is to cover your cost for a brand-new t-shirt with the updated consignment sale logo/name since we expanded to offer youth and women's items. If you are a non-working seller, under t-shirt you will select "Non-Working Seller (T-Shirt N/A)". Gold sellers (those who work 3 or more shifts) will insert the discount code "GOLD2025" to waive their seller fee of $10.00 for the sale. Gold sellers will not be waived the t-shirt fee of $15.00.
We have a limited amount of seller spots available, so register early! The deadline to register is Friday, August 29, 2025.
Mobile Blood Drive- September 14
Central will host a Blood Drive on Sunday, September 14 from 9:30 AM–2:30 PM. The Big Red Bus will be parked in the lower lot near Barden Street. Your donation can save lives—please consider giving! See Irene Ward with any questions.
Other Church Announcements
Chalk It Up To Love
Central has a long history of serving our community. Chalk It Up 2 Love began years ago as a backpack ministry—each fall, we gave away filled backpacks at a neighborhood block party. Like many churches and organizations, we started with a “once and done” annual event. But as a group of like-minded friends talked and prayed, we realized that the need didn’t stop after the first day of school. Students and teachers need support throughout the year. Out of those conversations, our current program was born.
We knew teachers spent hundreds of dollars each year providing for their classrooms. Determined to ease that burden, we created a program to funnel much-needed supplies directly through teachers at our neighborhood Title 1 UCPS schools. This way, supplies go straight into the hands of students who need them most.
Here’s how it works: teachers can sign up to be on our contact list through their school. Principals help us by sending an initial email, and teachers simply reply to be added to our database. Each time supplies are distributed, we send order forms for teachers to fill out and share with their grade-level teams. Our volunteers then pack the supplies and books for pickup on scheduled distribution days.
Our mission is clear: to support teachers and students who need us most. Scripture reminds us, “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone.” (Galatians 6:9–10)
With your continued support, Central can keep shining the light of Christ in our community. As Jesus said, “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden…instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in may see the light.” (Luke 11:33)
Let us, here at Central, lift up the lamp, carry it into our community, and share the love and light of Jesus with our neighbors.
We knew teachers spent hundreds of dollars each year providing for their classrooms. Determined to ease that burden, we created a program to funnel much-needed supplies directly through teachers at our neighborhood Title 1 UCPS schools. This way, supplies go straight into the hands of students who need them most.
Here’s how it works: teachers can sign up to be on our contact list through their school. Principals help us by sending an initial email, and teachers simply reply to be added to our database. Each time supplies are distributed, we send order forms for teachers to fill out and share with their grade-level teams. Our volunteers then pack the supplies and books for pickup on scheduled distribution days.
Our mission is clear: to support teachers and students who need us most. Scripture reminds us, “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone.” (Galatians 6:9–10)
With your continued support, Central can keep shining the light of Christ in our community. As Jesus said, “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden…instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in may see the light.” (Luke 11:33)
Let us, here at Central, lift up the lamp, carry it into our community, and share the love and light of Jesus with our neighbors.
App Logins & Notifications
Do you have the Central App? Are your notifications on? Are you logged in? We're going to help you get started!
To turn notifications on:
Open your Central App
Click the person icon at the top right
Scroll to App Settings
Click on Notifications
Ensure that General is toggled on and lights up green
You are good to go! Now you won't miss any communication from the church!
To Log In:
Tap the person icon at the top right
Tap Login or Sign Up
Tap Create an Account (in gray above the email box, on the right)
Enter your first and last name, email, and create a password
The app should remember your password so you won’t need to log in every time
If you choose not to create an account or skip the password, you may miss out on important features like event registration and personalized updates.
To turn notifications on:
Open your Central App
Click the person icon at the top right
Scroll to App Settings
Click on Notifications
Ensure that General is toggled on and lights up green
You are good to go! Now you won't miss any communication from the church!
To Log In:
Tap the person icon at the top right
Tap Login or Sign Up
Tap Create an Account (in gray above the email box, on the right)
Enter your first and last name, email, and create a password
The app should remember your password so you won’t need to log in every time
If you choose not to create an account or skip the password, you may miss out on important features like event registration and personalized updates.