May 3, 2026
This Week's Opportunities for Connection
Youth Sunday - This Sunday, May 3
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.
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.
Ongoing Opportunities for Connection
May Shareback - Loaves & Fishes
Our May Shareback is Loaves and Fishes of Union County.
Loaves and Fishes of Union County, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, volunteer-based community food pantry program that exists to support local families in crisis. Funds and food come to Loaves and Fishes of Union County, Inc. from local individuals, local congregations, civic and church groups, businesses, independent drives and local schools.
They are in need of shelf stable grocery items, with a special focus on the following:
Applesauce
Beef Stew
Boxed Mashed potatoes
Vegetable Oil
Jarred Tomato sauce
Grits
Oatmeal
Cereal
Canned mixed fruit
Jelly
Loaves and Fishes of Union County, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, volunteer-based community food pantry program that exists to support local families in crisis. Funds and food come to Loaves and Fishes of Union County, Inc. from local individuals, local congregations, civic and church groups, businesses, independent drives and local schools.
They are in need of shelf stable grocery items, with a special focus on the following:
Applesauce
Beef Stew
Boxed Mashed potatoes
Vegetable Oil
Jarred Tomato sauce
Grits
Oatmeal
Cereal
Canned mixed fruit
Jelly
Gift a Book to Central’s Weekday Children’s Ministry
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.
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.
Future Opportunities for Connection
Mother's Day Photos - Sunday, May 10
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!
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!
Heritage Sunday - May 24
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.
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.
Nathan Clements' Senior Organ Recital - May 31
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!
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!
Communion Stewards Needed
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:
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:
VBS 2026 Registration is Open!
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.
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.
Memorials
April Memorial Contributions
The following gifts were made to the memorial fund in April 2026:
In memory of Nancy Presson by Sandy Deskins
In memory of Nancy Presson by Sandy Deskins
Other Church Announcements
Dr. Bill - Out of Office
Dr. Bill will be out of the office Monday and Tuesday, May 4 and 5.
Church Office Volunteers Needed - May and June
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.
Calendars
All Events
Children's Events
Music Events
Worship
Youth Events
Featured Events
Adult Events
Consignment Sale
Leadership Events
Office Volunteer
Worship Volunteer
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