The Central Link Newsletter - 4/26/26

The United Women in Faith Indoor Yard Sale & Bake Sale is Saturday, April 25 from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. in the Family Life Center. All proceeds will go towards Central's Missions. Hope to see you there!

This is our last collection week for our April Shareback.

From Turning Point's website: "Turning Point is the only organization in Union County that provides emergency and lifesaving resources for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.  We offer a wide range of services at no charge to the client.  Turning Point believes that everyone who experiences abuse deserves a safe place to heal and receive the resources they need to seek independence and justice."

We are collecting the following items for Turning Point, and these items will benefit the Tree House Advocacy Center. The Tree House Advocacy Center, "offers a variety of services for children and their families related to traumatic events such as sexual abuse, physical abuse, or witnessing violence."

Items Needed:

Toys for boys and girls, including -

• Sports balls (such as football, soccer, and basketball)
• Toy cars
• Dolls (such as Barbie)

Please no Nerf guns or other toy weapons

Office Supplies, including - 

• Pens
• Highlighters
• Printer Paper

Cleaning Supplies, including -

• Toilet paper
• Paper towels

The Shareback table is now located on your left as you enter the church building at the office entrance.

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.

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.

Please support the students of Central's Weekday Children's Ministry preschool with a gift of a book as they graduate Pre-K and transition to Kindergarten! These will be given to the students on behalf of Central UMC.

We are collecting copies of Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! by Nancy Carlson.  This book is available from many online book stores, including Amazon and ThriftBooks.

Please give books to Linda Deese or Virginia Duncan or drop them off at the table at the Crossroads.

Join us for Light My Path: Youth Sunday 2026! We are so excited for this meaningful and spirit-filled service led entirely by the youth of Central. Through music, prayer, scripture, and the spoken word, our youth will help lead us as we reflect on Light: Light in the darkness, being the Light of the world, and God’s guidance as He lights our path throughout life.

Come worship with us on Sunday, May 3 at 10:00 A.M. in the Sanctuary and support our incredible youth as we are inspired by their leadership, faith, and passion as they share their stories and gifts with our church family.

Have your picture taken at church on Mother's Day Sunday, May 10th!

Follow the signs to the foyer at the church office entry, close to the Sanctuary, to have your photo taken before or after the service (between 9:20 and 9:45am or 11:00 and 11:15am)

Thank you to Dylan Haigler, photographer and Central’s Hospitality Ministry for organizing this event!
 
We look forward to seeing the moms, grandmas, aunts, and all women who play an important role in our lives!

Join us Sunday, May 24 as we celebrate Heritage Sunday at Central UMC.
Together, we’ll honor the story God has been writing through this church for 182 years and look ahead to the path He is still calling us to walk.

During the service, we will also dedicate the Central UMC History Room in memory of Virginia Bjorlin, whose passion for preserving our story will continue to inspire generations to come.

In her own words, Virginia reminded us that “our heritage comes from those to whom we will always owe a debt of gratitude… and our dedication goes to them.” Her work captured not just our history, but our calling to carry the story forward with faith in a world that grows more complex.

Come celebrate the past, be present in this moment, and step boldly into what God is still doing.

You are graciously invited to attend the Senior Organ Recital of Nathan Clements, marking the culmination of years of devoted study and faithful service! Join us on the evening of Sunday, May 31, at 4:00 pm in the Sanctuary of Myers Park United Methodist Church. The church is located at 1501 Queens Road in Charlotte, NC 28207.

Central will take the church bus for those who may not feel as comfortable driving into the city. There are a limited number of seats on the bus, so make sure that you sign up as soon as possible for your seat. This can be done by filling out the sign-up in the Narthex on Sunday morning, or by calling the church office. If the bus reaches capacity, we will try to make other arrangements to get you there! The bus will leave promptly, so please arrive on May 31 at 2:15 pm to catch the ride.

Your presence would be a joy as we gather for an afternoon of inspiring organ music and celebrate the gift of music!

We are in need of Communion Stewards for our worship services on June 7, July 5, and August 2. Stewards assist with the distribution of communion during the first Sunday service of the month.

You can sign up in a variety of ways: in person during Sunday service, by speaking to Erica Kirby, calling the office at 704-289-2186, or clicking one of the links below:

Calling all Central Kids!

VBS will be held Monday, June 15th - Thursday, June 18th, 2026. We will have dinner each night from 5:30-6 pm followed by Dancing, Crafts, a Bible Story, Bible Challenge, and Games. Pick up will be 8 pm. Children will be dropped off and picked up in the Sanctuary.

 Bring a friend for a week of fun as we explore Philippians 4:13, NRSV: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” This verse reminds us that God’s strength through Jesus can help us face challenges. Get ready for an ice-cold summer adventure, packed with cool winter activities.

All children who wish to participate in this free event must register in advance.  Please click the link to sign up or email Erica Kirby at weekday@centralumcmonroe.org.

We are in need of office volunteers to perform receptionist duties in the months of May and June.  Your willingness to serve is greatly appreciated! Please click on dates in the calendar below to sign up for a spot, or call Jessica in the office at 704-289-3186.

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