May 17, 2026
This Week's Opportunities for Connection
Nathan Jones: First Sunday and Welcome Reception - May 17
THIS Sunday, May 17th, we will welcome our new Director of Music Ministries, Nathan Jones!
Nathan Jones brings 16 years of experience in music ministry in the United Methodist Church to Central. Since August 2024, he has served as the director of Contemporary Choir at Hope United Methodist Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Before that, he served for 11 years at Winder First United Methodist Church in Winder, Georgia, and worked extensively directing both their contemporary and traditional worship.
Nathan believes that music is a vital part of the act of worship and an important means of strengthening the church community.
Join us for a welcome reception for Nathan and his family in the Hospitality Room immediately following the service.
Let's welcome him with warm hearts and open arms!
Nathan Jones brings 16 years of experience in music ministry in the United Methodist Church to Central. Since August 2024, he has served as the director of Contemporary Choir at Hope United Methodist Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Before that, he served for 11 years at Winder First United Methodist Church in Winder, Georgia, and worked extensively directing both their contemporary and traditional worship.
Nathan believes that music is a vital part of the act of worship and an important means of strengthening the church community.
Join us for a welcome reception for Nathan and his family in the Hospitality Room immediately following the service.
Let's welcome him with warm hearts and open arms!
Mobile Blood Drive - THIS Sunday, May 17
Central will host a Blood Drive this Sunday, May 17 from 9:30 AM–1:30 PM. The Big Red Bus will be parked in the lower lot near Barden Street. Your donation can save lives—please consider giving!
Birthday Club - Thursday, May 21
This month's Birthday Club will meet Thursday, May 21 at 11:30 A.M. at Mac's Fish & Chicken. Irene Ward is this month's host.
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
Communion Stewards Needed
We are in need of Communion Stewards for our worship services on 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.
Future Opportunities for Connection
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.
Church Office Closed - Monday, May 25
The church office will be closed Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day.
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!
Graduate Sunday - June 7
Join us on Sunday, June 7 as we celebrate Central’s Class of 2026! It will be a joyful time of Worship as we gather together at 10:00 A.M. in the Sanctuary! Come and show your support for our amazing graduates -
Nathan Clements, Camdyn Kirby, Donald Eggleston, Anna McGinnis, and Kenny Brown!
Nathan Clements, Camdyn Kirby, Donald Eggleston, Anna McGinnis, and Kenny Brown!
Other Church Announcements
Dr. Bill - Out of the Office
Dr. Bill will be out of the office May 26-28, attending his father-in-law's funeral in Pennsylvania.
Church Office Volunteers Needed - June and July
We are in need of office volunteers to perform receptionist duties in the months of June and July. 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