Latest News

Wednesday Evening: choirs and evening classes resume. Pastor Andy will lead a class on changes in global Christianity. Today is the most volitile period in Christian history as the Church spreads in Africa and Asia and confronts Isalm. What's happening and what are the implications for the Church in the United States?

Next Sunday: Pastor Reta will teach in Central Cafe about "What is Methodism?" Pastor Andy will preach on "Why Am I Not Where I Want to Be?" about sin.

Stephen Ministry Celebrates One Year Anniversary “His Hands, Our Hands”

Tuesday, 01 December 2009 11:32

Stephen Ministers and Leaders celebrated the one year anniversary of our ministry here at Central on November 19th, 2009 in a private evening service. Jack Cox, Mem Luther, Fran Ussery, Linda Smith, Cathy Padgett, Chuck Sparks, Anna Lois Bulla, Margaret Cox, Cris Davis, Pam Lockard, Pastor Reta Steck, and Leigh Ann Ruehlen all participated in a communion service held in the sanctuary. Ceremonies and celebrations are an important part of people’s lives in the church, and as we reaffirmed our commitments, we also acknowledged Christ’s position of authority over this ministry. “’Come and follow me,’ Jesus said, ’and I will make you fisher’s of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed him.” Matthew 4:19-20 Our Stephen Ministry team has participated in many hours of care giving, continuing education, and supervision this past year. Let us thank God for the love and dedication that inspired their response to God’s call, and let us support and pray for the success of this caring ministry now available through Central to our community.

United Methodist Women Celebrate 140th Birthday

Tuesday, 01 December 2009 11:29

On Monday, November 16th seventy members of UMW came together to celebrate the 140th birthday of th group. They ate, sang, and celebrated. Carolyn Shinn shared the history of the organization. The new Circle #5 was recognized. Several past members were present and happy to share stories. Current members were asked to share stories about their first UMW experience and what UMW has meant to them. Thanks to the 140th Anniversary Committee for their coordination of the event. They were Ruby Jane Carter, Carolyn Shinn, Becky Shinn, Mem Luther, Sandra Tumlin, Miriam Boger, and Vickie Isenhour. UMW concentrates their missions on women and children. Each circle brought non perishable items to donate to local charities. Everything from formula to Spaghetti-o’s was collected to help needy women and children.

The 4th Annual Women’s Retreat Held in Hickory

Saturday, 31 October 2009 08:20
Central held it’s annual Women’s Retreat at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory, North Carolina on October 23rd-25th. The leaves were changing, the weather was beautiful and the time together was welcome. With all that has happened to our congregation, our women and our world in the last year the planning committee chose a topic of simplicity. And to make something simple more fun the theme became K.I.S.S - Keep It Simple Sister! The Reverend Patty Suggs came up with great subject matter. And like the Feast for the Spirit, Patty caught the H1N1 virus and was unable to join the group.
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Feast for the Spirit

Saturday, 31 October 2009 08:10

Feast for the Spirit could also be called Feast for the Soul. Between girlfriend bonding time, an inspiring speaker to feed our soul and a good meal shared at beautiful tables it was a rejuvenating time.

The Jubilee Ward Circle hosted it's 5th Feast for the Spirit Dinner on October 10th. Women of Central and the community came together in fellowship and to celebrate our faith. A delicious catered meal was provided by Donna VandenBosch and Tammy Shue. This was the largest dinner yet with 105 women in attendance. Sixteen tables were graciously hosted and creatively decorated by women in the church and community.