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The Central Link Newsletter - 3/29/26

March 29, 2026

This Week's Opportunities for Connection

Palm Sunday - March 29

Join us this Palm Sunday March 29, at 10:00 A.M. in the Sanctuary for this beautiful and powerful morning of worship on Sunday. Featuring the palm procession and special music from our Festival Choir, 801Praise!, Casavant organ, violin, trumpet, and timpani. Gathering Music will begin at 9:50 A.M.

Rev. In-Yong Lee, Ph.D., Uwharrie District Superintendent, will be our guest preacher.

Central Kids Palm Leaf Processional - March 29

Children, get ready to celebrate! On Palm Sunday, we remember the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem and the people waved palm branches and shouted, “Hosanna!” We want YOU to be part of the celebration!

All children are invited to join our Palm Processional as we wave palm branches, sing, and celebrate Jesus together. Come ready to smile, wave your palms high, and sing All Glory Laud and Honor.

Please meet Mrs. Erica in the Narthex on Sunday, March 29 at 9:40 A.M.

Central Kids Palm Sunday Sundaes - March 29

Join us this Sunday, March 29 from 1:30 P.M. - 2:30 P.M. in the Hospitality Room for a special Palm Sundaes Stations of the Cross Ice Cream Party, where faith and fellowship come together in a meaningful and memorable way. We’ll explore the Stations of the Cross as we enjoy a build‑your‑own sundae bar with all your favorite toppings.

This is a time to reflect, connect, and share in the joy of being together—rooted in faith and topped with something sweet.

Maundy Thursday - April 2

Join us for this reverent evening of worship this Thursday, April 2, at 7:00 P.M. in the Sanctuary. Featuring the Central Ringers, our Festival Choir, and Casavant organ. Gathering Music will begin at 6:50 P.M.

Good Friday - April 3

You are invited to experience this profound and soul-stirring evening of worship this
Friday, April 3 at 7:00 P.M.
in the Sanctuary. Featuring our Festival Choir, Casavant organ, piano, violin, and timpani. Gathering Music will begin at 6:50 P.M.

Central Kids Easter Celebration - Saturday, April 4

You’re Invited to Our Easter Celebration!

All children are invited to join us for a joyful Easter Celebration!

Saturday, April 4th
⏰ 10:00 am – 11:30 am

We’ll begin with a special Easter story and a fun activity together before heading outside for our exciting Easter Egg Hunt in the garden!

Please use the church office entrance when you arrive.

We can’t wait to celebrate the joy of Easter with you!

If you have any questions, please call or text
Erica – 704-290-4607

Come ready for fun, friends, and celebration! ?✨

Ongoing Opportunities for Connection

The Sally Shirley Bivens Scholarship

The Sally Shirley Bivens Scholarship is given by the Parlor Group Sunday School Class of Central UMC in loving memory of Sally Shirley Bivens.

To apply for the scholarship, visit https://www.centralumcmonroe.org/sally-shirley-bivens-scholarship. Complete the form and obtain your high school or college information as well as your recommendation letters. Once all information is together, scan and email to Dr. Jane Neese at jneese773@gmail.com.

For questions, please call 704.776.3227, leave a message and Dr. Neese will return your call.

Applications are due May 1st.

The Kermit and Janie Starnes Scholarship

Through the generosity of the Starnes Family, the youth of Central have been the recipients of 124 scholarships totaling $807,700 since 2013.  Scholarships are available to active youth of Central who are committed to growing in their faith while furthering their education.

Complete the Intent to Apply.  Your application will then be sent to you via an email link from Julie. The deadline for applications for the Starnes scholarship is May 13th.

Central Kids March Newsletter

Welcome to the very first edition of the Central Kids Newsletter! We’re excited to create a space where families can stay connected, celebrate what’s happening in our ministry, and get a sneak peek at what’s coming next. Each month, you’ll find updates, upcoming events, helpful resources, and stories that highlight how God is moving in the lives of our kids. We’re grateful to partner with you as we help children grow in faith, confidence, and community.

Please click the link below to read this month's newsletter, or pick up a copy in either worship space this Sunday.

March Shareback - Baby Bottle Campaign for the HELP Pregnancy Center

Sunday, March 29 is the last Sunday to bring in your baby bottles.

March's Shareback is the Baby Bottle Campaign to support the HELP Pregnancy Center.

Empty baby bottles will be available after services and at the Shareback table for you to take home and fill with your loose change.  Filled bottles can be returned to church before and after services, beginning Sunday, March 8 or returned to the office during office hours, Monday - Thursday.

Future Opportunities for Connection

Easter Photos Sign Up

Have your picture taken at church on Easter Sunday morning in our beautiful prayer garden!

Sign up for a time slot either before or after the service by clicking the link below. You will then be assigned a specific time between 9:20 and 9:45am or 11:20 and 11:45am, based on your chosen timeframe.

Walk ups will also be taken, but you are highly encouraged to fill out the sign up to ensure that the photographer can fit you in!

This is sponsored by Dylan Haigler, photographer and Central’s Hospitality Ministry.
Invite a friend, join us for worship, and have capture the wonderful memories of Easter 2026!

Easter Sunday - April 5

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

On Easter, we gather in a radiant celebration of the resurrection, the triumph of life over death, light over darkness, and love that reigns forevermore! This is a day of victory and joy, when the church lifts its song and proclaims the good news that Christ lives and hope is alive for all.

Join us on Sunday, April 5, at 10:00 A.M. in the Sanctuary for a glorious service of worship as we celebrate the risen Lord and share in the Sacrament of Holy Communion, giving thanks for the promise of new life made known through Christ. Featuring Festival Choir, 801Praise!, Central Ringers, Casavant organ, piano, violin, trumpet, and timpani. Gathering Music will begin at 9:50 A.M.

Birthday Club - Thursday, April 16

April's Birthday Club will be on Thursday, April 16 at Logan's Roadhouse in Monroe at 11:30 AM. Jeanne Mackay is this month's host. 

Other Church Announcements

Church Office Closed - Monday, April 6

The church office will be closed on Monday, April 6 in observance of Easter.

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.
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