The Central Link - 10/26/25

Dr. Bill is away October 23 and 24 at The Reynolds Program In Church Leadership. "The program provides participants comprehensive feedback to assess leadership strengths and needs, a personal executive coach, renewed understanding of the mission of the church and the specific needs of your congregation, development of a vision and planning process for your congregation, enhanced capacity for navigating change and orchestrating conflict resolution, time for reflection and renewal, and support from peers."

Join us for Stewardship Consecration Sunday THIS Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. for Combined Worship in the Central UMC Sanctuary.

We’re honored to welcome Dr. Mark King, WNC UMC Conference Treasurer and Director of Administrative Services, as our guest preacher for this special day of worship, gratitude, and commitment to God’s work.

You’re invited!

Following our Stewardship–Consecration Sunday Worship on October 26, 2025, join us for a special Consecration Luncheon in the Family Life Center.

Let’s gather around the table to celebrate God’s blessings and our shared commitment to ministry at Central UMC.

Save the Date for Central UMC's Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 31 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM.  

We are excited to invite you to be part of one of Central’s favorite community traditions. Every year, families from our church and neighborhood come together for a safe, fun, and festive evening filled with candy, costumes, and creative trunks.

This event would not be possible without you! We need volunteers willing to decorate their trunks, hand out candy, and bring a little creativity to the parking lot. It’s a simple but powerful way to serve our community and share joy with kids and families.

Sign up today by clicking the button below to register your trunk and secure your spot. Let’s make this year’s Trunk-or-Treat another amazing night for our church and community!

October is a great time to show love and gratitude for your church leaders!

Pastors, deacons, elders, local pastors, Christian educators, youth and children’s directors, worship staff, and so many others have carried our churches through challenging years with faith and dedication.

Let’s make this month one of encouragement and appreciation!

Rally your congregation, get creative, and find meaningful ways to thank those who serve.
Here are some ideas to get you started

Your voice can make worship come alive!

Singing together lifts the heart and renews the spirit. There is something magical about singing in community that fills the room and the heart.

As we approach seasons of Consecration, Remembrance, Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas, your gift can bring joy and meaning to every service! Choir is more than music, it is a community of connection and renewal. We would love for you to join us and share in something truly life-giving worship experiences!

To be part of the choir, simply come to a rehearsal on Wednesdays from 7:00-7:45pm, on Sundays beginning at 10:30am, or contact Nathan Clements at clemnathanc@gmail.com. All rehearsals are held in the Choir Room.

If singing is not for you you can still help by spreading the word! Invite someone who would love to be part of this season of worship through singing!

For more information, click below:

Start stocking up on Halloween candy for October's Shareback Opportunity - Central's Trunk or Treat! Collection will begin on October 1!

Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour the evening of Saturday, November 1.

Please be sure to join us for a service of solemn worship on All Saints Sunday as we remember and celebrate all the saints who have gone before us.

All Saints Sunday will take place on Sunday, November 2 at both the modern and traditional  services at 9 and 11 AM.

Get ready for Central's Annual Christmas Craft and Gift Fair, hosted by UWF, to be held Saturday, November 8 from 8 am - 4 pm in the FLC.

To be a vendor, please contact centralwomensshow@gmail.com or 704-289-5244.

Are you or someone in your family a Veteran? We would like to honor all Central's Veterans on Sunday, November 9th with a breakfast at 9:45 am in Room 124, the Pathfinders Room.

Please reply to RSVP to David Helms or call the church office at 704-289-3186 by November 5. Please let us know if you will attend and how many family members will attend with you.

Central will host a Blood Drive on Sunday, November 9 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.

Monday, November 10th from 5:00 - 10:00 PM. We'll meet at 5:00 PM at the Church and travel via church bus. Youth Families are welcome! RSVP to Julie by Friday, November 7th.

Central Friends is a social group from the church who had been meeting for 20 years. The Covid-19 virus shut us down until 2025.

We meet the second Thursday of each month (except June, July and August) for a noon potluck lunch, fellowship, educational and entertaining programs. Usually a day trip is planned in April or May and again in October.

We welcome couples and singles regardless of age. All we ask is that you bring a dish to pass (whether it is homemade or bought).

November Trip...
During our November meeting on 11/13, we will take a trip to JAARS in Waxhaw. More information will follow on that.

For reservations or questions, contact Edie Anderson or call the church office.

Common Heart's Mobile Food Pantry at Central on Tuesday, October 19 served 201 households, totaling 783 individuals.  This included 310 children, 391 adults, and 82 seniors.

Thank you so much to our hard-working volunteers!

We welcome those who are called to provide leadership of a music ministry team and serve with a church whose calling is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

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.