Phase 2 of the reopening of the state has been extended for three more weeks. Because of this announcement by our governor, the Bishop of the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church has asked us not to worship inside our buildings until we are in a safer place. Pastor Carol Carkin shares the news here.

We continue to follow the protocol set in place by our Bishop and his council and our governor. No more than 10 people are allowed to gather in our building at this time. We have managed to hold two weddings and three funerals outside. These are challenging times. 

While we hope to be in our building soon, we will wait for direction. In the mean time we continue to share worship services online and in our parking lot. If you would like the sermon's emailed to you join our mailing list on the homepage of this website. Join us for drive in worship at 10:00 or 11:00am each Sunday morning.

With growing concern about the impact of COVID-19(coronavirus), we want to reassure you that we will continue to do all in our power to make sure that Central UMC is a safe place for all to worship.  Starting this Sunday we will make a few changes to worship to accomplish this goal.  

We will be offering communion with individual cups until COVID-19 is contained and no longer impacting our community. You will still receive communion in the same way, but you will be offered an individual cup in place of being invited to dip into a common cup.

We will continue to have the Passing of the Peace but will encourage people to greet one another verbally or with a wave and recognize that not shaking hands is not a reflection of a lack of warmth or concern.

Starting next Sunday for services where communion is not served, we will receive your offering in the plates at the back of the sanctuary prior to worship.  If you forget or are otherwise unable prior to worship, you're welcome to get up and bring your offering back to the plates during the anthem.  This will prevent us from all collectively handling the same offering plates, but it will also allow us to continue to keep offering as a part of our worship service.

In addition to these changes in worship, know that all surfaces are cleaned and disinfected daily by our wonderful sextons.  Hand sanitizer is available at both entrances and exits of the sanctuary.

Our local hospitals have limited visits to only immediate family members over the age of 13. This has happened in the past during flu season. Our Parish Nurse, Amy Beaver, and pastoral staff will make phone calls to check on patients in the hospital. Again, if you need us, we are here.

As individuals remember, if you feel sick, stay home and get rest.  Let us know if you need anything.  Amy Beaver is available to answer questions you may have. 

You can always catch up on the sermon and music from Sunday online. Have faith in our God and in prayer.  Pray for those this virus has impacted. If you are feeling anxious our pastors are here to pray with you.  Fear can spread rapidly, remember God is with all of us, have faith in his love. Have faith in our community and church home to keep us safe.

Be sure to cough into elbow or a tissue, and wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. 

On February 22 we will help Jack Cox clean out his freezer!  Lots of local and coastal fish, smoked bear, smoked venison, wild boar BBQ, Venison and pork chili, tater tots, cole slaw, and hushpuppies!  Make sure you RSVP on Realm!