February 15, 2026
This Week's Opportunities for Connection
Ash Wednesday Service - Wednesday, February 18
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a sacred journey toward the cross, the passion of Christ, and ultimately the hope of Easter.
In the imposition of ashes, we remember that we are dust, and to dust we shall return, yet we are deeply loved by God.
Join us this Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00 PM in the Chapel for a service of prayer and reflection as we begin this season of repentance, grace, and renewal together.
In the imposition of ashes, we remember that we are dust, and to dust we shall return, yet we are deeply loved by God.
Join us this Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00 PM in the Chapel for a service of prayer and reflection as we begin this season of repentance, grace, and renewal together.
Easter Lily Orders
If you would like to order a lily or make a donation to the Worship/Altar Guild Fund this Easter in honor or memory of loved ones, please complete an online order or a paper order form (available in Central Hall and the Narthex on Sunday).
If you prefer to mail a check, please contact the office at 704-289-3186, so we know to expect it.
Lilies are $15 each.
Orders are due by Tuesday, March 3.
If you prefer to mail a check, please contact the office at 704-289-3186, so we know to expect it.
Lilies are $15 each.
Orders are due by Tuesday, March 3.
Soul Food Bible Study - Thursday, February 19
Soul Food Bible Study will begin a new study, Seven Words Christ Spoke From the Cross, on Thursday, February 19.
This special Lenten study will meet for six weeks on Thursdays from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. in the Hospitality Room. Join us - all are welcome!
This special Lenten study will meet for six weeks on Thursdays from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. in the Hospitality Room. Join us - all are welcome!
Birthday Club - Thursday, February 19
This month's Birthday Club will be at 11:30 A.M. on February 19, 2026 at Brookdale Union Park, 1316 Patterson Street, Monroe.
Glenda Moon, Mary McClure & Carolyn Kindley will be our guests! Box Lunches will be purchased from McAlister’s Deli.
There will be 3 choices. You need to let Linda Deese know by February 16 which one you choose. Her number is 704-219-7199. You can call (leave a voicemail if needed) or text.
1. King Club Sandwich - Twice the ingredients of McAlister's Club on country white. Roasted turkey, Black Forest ham, bacon, sharp cheddar, Swiss, spring mix, tomato, mayo and McAlister's Honey Mustard. $ 16.00
2. Memphian Sub- Roasted turkey, Black Forest ham and Black Angus roast beef, provolone, spring mix, tomato, mayo and spicy brown mustard on baguette. $16.00
3. McAlister’s Chef Salad - Diced Turkey and ham, bacon, cheddar-jack, tomato, croutons and cucumber on mixed greens. Dressing choices -Ranch, Balsamic Vinaigrette, or
Honey Mustard. $14.00
You will pay Linda the day of the lunch (check or correct change please). The price includes tax.
Beverages provided – Water, Sweet or Unsweet tea. Or BYOB.
Glenda Moon, Mary McClure & Carolyn Kindley will be our guests! Box Lunches will be purchased from McAlister’s Deli.
There will be 3 choices. You need to let Linda Deese know by February 16 which one you choose. Her number is 704-219-7199. You can call (leave a voicemail if needed) or text.
1. King Club Sandwich - Twice the ingredients of McAlister's Club on country white. Roasted turkey, Black Forest ham, bacon, sharp cheddar, Swiss, spring mix, tomato, mayo and McAlister's Honey Mustard. $ 16.00
2. Memphian Sub- Roasted turkey, Black Forest ham and Black Angus roast beef, provolone, spring mix, tomato, mayo and spicy brown mustard on baguette. $16.00
3. McAlister’s Chef Salad - Diced Turkey and ham, bacon, cheddar-jack, tomato, croutons and cucumber on mixed greens. Dressing choices -Ranch, Balsamic Vinaigrette, or
Honey Mustard. $14.00
You will pay Linda the day of the lunch (check or correct change please). The price includes tax.
Beverages provided – Water, Sweet or Unsweet tea. Or BYOB.
Ongoing Opportunities for Connection
Central's Festival Choir
Central's Festival Choir is preparing for Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, and Easter!
Ready to take a step of faith? If singing is one of your gifts, this is truly a meaningful way to be a part of worship during this season! Singing together helps us bring to life the richly beautiful story of these services!! This will be a moving spiritual experience for all involved!
The Festival Choir is open to anyone who enjoys singing. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 6:45–7:45 PM and begin this week!
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.” (1 Peter 4:10)
If you’re interested, we’d love to have you!
Ready to take a step of faith? If singing is one of your gifts, this is truly a meaningful way to be a part of worship during this season! Singing together helps us bring to life the richly beautiful story of these services!! This will be a moving spiritual experience for all involved!
The Festival Choir is open to anyone who enjoys singing. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 6:45–7:45 PM and begin this week!
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.” (1 Peter 4:10)
If you’re interested, we’d love to have you!
February Shareback
February's Shareback is the Community Shelter of Union County.
The shelter has 6 categories of items it needs, including a monthly list of high need items. Items needed include -
Seasonal Items: warm weather clothing
Shelter/Client Items: twin sized bedding, backpacks for adults, over the counter medicines, bath towels, reusable water bottles.
Pantry Items: instant potatoes, Hamburger Helper, canned meats, peanut butter, pasta, dried beans, oatmeal and grit packets.
Soup Kitchen Items: trash bags, pop tarts, packets of instant grits, eggs, produce, breakfast meats, pancake mix, regular and dry milk, bottles of condiments, coffee
Hygiene Items: multiethnic shampoos, conditioners, and other hair care products, soap, feminine hygiene products, oral care.
Home Again Items: cleaning supplies, shower curtains, linens, pots, pans, dishes, cooking utensils
The shelter has 6 categories of items it needs, including a monthly list of high need items. Items needed include -
Seasonal Items: warm weather clothing
Shelter/Client Items: twin sized bedding, backpacks for adults, over the counter medicines, bath towels, reusable water bottles.
Pantry Items: instant potatoes, Hamburger Helper, canned meats, peanut butter, pasta, dried beans, oatmeal and grit packets.
Soup Kitchen Items: trash bags, pop tarts, packets of instant grits, eggs, produce, breakfast meats, pancake mix, regular and dry milk, bottles of condiments, coffee
Hygiene Items: multiethnic shampoos, conditioners, and other hair care products, soap, feminine hygiene products, oral care.
Home Again Items: cleaning supplies, shower curtains, linens, pots, pans, dishes, cooking utensils
Future Opportunities for Connection
UWF Churchwide Luncheon - Sunday, February 22
Please plan to join us for some fellowship at the UWF churchwide luncheon on Sunday, February 22 from 10:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. in the Family Life Center. We will gather our church family for fellowship and will raise money for missions that serve women, children, and teens. Fun and fellowship always happens when we gather around the table.
The cost will be $10, and tickets can be purchased at the door.
Menu includes soup, sandwich, dessert, and drink.
Please RSVP by clicking the link below, calling the church office, or emailing jparker@centralumcmonroe.org, so we have enough food, but don't hesitate to come if you forget to RSVP!
The cost will be $10, and tickets can be purchased at the door.
Menu includes soup, sandwich, dessert, and drink.
Please RSVP by clicking the link below, calling the church office, or emailing jparker@centralumcmonroe.org, so we have enough food, but don't hesitate to come if you forget to RSVP!
Lent at Central
Lent invites us to slow our pace and pay attention to our hearts. It’s a season of reflection, prayer, and drawing closer to Christ as we prepare for Easter. We invite you to share this journey with us.
Lenten Sundays at Central: February 22 – March 22.
9:00am Modern Worship in Central Hall and 11:00am Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
Inhale faith, exhale fear, and know that you are loved by God, and You Belong at Central! You are welcome here.
Lenten Sundays at Central: February 22 – March 22.
9:00am Modern Worship in Central Hall and 11:00am Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
Inhale faith, exhale fear, and know that you are loved by God, and You Belong at Central! You are welcome here.
District and Conference Offerings & Events
District and Conference Offerings and Events
On February 17, Dr. Bill will attend the Uwharrie District Committee on Ordained Ministry.
Other Church Announcements
Central T-Shirt Sale
Show Your Support to Central – Purchase Your T-Shirt Today! We are selling our remaining inventory. You can order online or in person during a worship service. If you have questions, please speak to Erica Kirby.
Get your hands on a high-quality Comfort Colors Central UMC t-shirt. Shirts are available in two vibrant colors: Grape and Red! All shirts also feature Central’s new vision statement on the back.
Don’t miss out! Order yours today and represent Central in style!
Get your hands on a high-quality Comfort Colors Central UMC t-shirt. Shirts are available in two vibrant colors: Grape and Red! All shirts also feature Central’s new vision statement on the back.
Don’t miss out! Order yours today and represent Central in style!
We Are Hiring - Director of Music Ministries
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.
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.
Posted in The Central Link