ADULT MINISTRIES

SACK IT SUNDAY  

Sunday, May 18th is Sack it Sunday, led by our Good Sam Ministry. Please bring a sack of shelf stable items to help benefit CEO, a non profit organization of volunteers from 21 local churches who give emergency financial aid and food to our NWA community. Drop off items between the Sanctuary and CAC on Sunday morning on your way to or from our church services. Most needed items are cereal, pork & beans, canned vegetables, chunky soups, and peanut butter.

INCLUSIVE CONNECTIONS MOVIE NIGHT

Join us Thursday, May 8th @6:30 pm in the SMB for a screening of 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture. This powerful documentary explores how the 1946 Revised Standard Version (RSV) of the Bible shaped theological debates and potentially fueling the modern anti-gay movement within Christianity.

RSVP Here. Come with an open heart and mind as we explore how language, translation, and theology intersect in shaping our faith and communities.

CENTRAL MEN'S BRUNCH

This Saturday, May 10th @ 9-11 am, join the Central Men's Ministry for brunch and fellowship on the second floor of the SMB. All are welcome! Come gather and learn how you can be a part of the men's ministry here at Central. 

BEER & HYMNS 

Come support two amazing organizations in one fell swoop! Hang out at Bike Rack Brewery on Sunday, May 18th. Beer & Hymns' May proceeds will benefit New Beginnings, a mission partner of Central UMC. When you attend a Beer & Hymns event, your gifts and a percentage of your food/beverages goes to support New Beginnings. For more information, follow Beer & Hymns organization on Facebook!

TRINITY UMC ADOPTION INFORMATIONAL MEETING

You are invited to an important church-wide information meeting on Wednesday, May 21st @ 630 pm and Sunday, June 1st @ 5 pm to explore an exciting new opportunity in the life of Central United Methodist Church. Central has been approached by the conference about the possible adoption of Trinity United Methodist Church (on Sycamore) as Central's West Campus. This opportunity aligns with Central's mission to ignite and empower our community, to experience and share the love of Christ. Please join us for this important conversation, where we will share more information, answer questions, and discuss the future God is calling us to build.

CENTRAL CONNECTIONS

Are you looking for a place to become more involved at Central? Would you like to ask questions about membership? Central Connections is a coffee hour that will provide answers to these questions and more. Join us May 18th @ 10 am the CAC. Sign up here.

READINESS 360 SURVEY

We are taking our call to make disciples in the name of Christ seriously, as we explore new ways to be in ministry. We need your help! Use the QR code above, or follow this link to share your thoughts on our congregation's growth and vitality. The survey closes on Friday, May 9. Use the survey code: 5141554954 to register.

NEXT GEN MINISTRIES

VBS MISSION PROJECT

During VBS June 9- June 13th, we will be partnering with UMCOR to pack Hygiene Kits! UMCOR Hygiene Kits are distributed during socio-economic or natural disasters throughout the world. Please click here to purchase supplies to pack our VBS disaster kits! 

VBS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Be sure to register for VBS taking place June 9-June 13th @ 9:30 -11:00 am.  Come help be a part of this exciting event that you don't want to miss! Volunteer Meetings will be taking place May 16th and May 22nd @ 6-7 pm in SMB.  Please reach out to Erika for more ways you can help! 

MEMBERSHIP NEWS

In Need of Prayer: 

Harbor Betts, Diana Duell, Jean Ann Faires, Kylan Fierro, Bob Martin, Louise Painter, Collin Pilkinton, Rachel Robinson, Staci Tyler

Baptism:

Carlley and Turner Hurley will present their infant son, Kody Denham Hurley, to receive Holy Baptism at the 11:00 a.m. worship service this Sunday, May 11. Carla and Kyle Lamb are the maternal grandparents (and in loving memory of Kody Riggan). Emily and Edward Hurley and Kristy Hurley and Jeff Clifton are the paternal grandparents.

Our Christian Sympathy to:

Steve Brown and family in the death of his mother, Jo Anne Brown, who passed away on May 2^nd. Mrs. Brown joined Central United Methodist Church in November 2023.

Betty Horton and family in the death of her husband, Coach Harold Horton, who passed away on May 3^rd.

Congratulations to our High School Graduating Seniors:

We are so proud of you, and can't wait to see you grow in this next season!

Abby Heinzelmann

Adelyn Bramlett

Avery McFadden

Chloe Bryan

Julia Watts

Lucia Moore

Ruthie Phelan

Vivi Garton

Ministry Spotlight 

CENTRAL CARES VISITATION MINISTRY

The CARES Visitation Team is a ministry dedicated to offering support and companionship to our church family. Through short monthly visits to assisted living facilities and homes, our lay volunteers provide a warm presence, through prayers and conversation. 

If you, a family member or a friend could benefit from our visits, please reach out! Our lay members are here to serve, whether it’s to offer support or simply brighten someone’s day. We also extend communion each month upon request. For more information or to request a visit, please contact Theresa Henretty. If you would like to be become a member of our CARES team, contact Melanie Bramlett to sign up.

Central UMC Apparel

Get outfitted to represent CENTRAL now! Shop our Bonfire store front for the latest CENTRAL Merch. 

Campus News

SIGNAGE UPDATE

In the next several months, we will be renaming our campus buildings and installing new signage to help our members and visitors more easily locate events. These updates are a part of our ongoing efforts to improve campus accessibility, navigation, communications, and overall experience for our congregation and visitors. 

Campus buildings will be marked: A, Sanctuary, B, C, and D.

A is the former Ed Building (west of the sanctuary)

Sanctuary remains the Sanctuary.

B is the former Wesley Building (east of the sanctuary)

C is the former CAC/Contemporary Worship Center.

D is the former SMB.

Steeple Renovation

In June, TCM is scheduled to begin work on repairing and painting our beautiful steeple and front pillars. So when you see scaffolding and other work going on, you'll know why. Exciting things coming!

The Bible Year

THE BIBLE YEAR PODCAST

In this episode of It’s Not Complicated, we journey through the first eleven chapters of the Gospel of John, unpacking the profound yet accessible message of who Jesus is. From the poetic opening that calls Jesus the Word made flesh, to His intimate conversations with Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman, and others, we trace a pattern: Jesus reveals Himself not through religion, but through relationship.  We are joined by Westley Student Bennett Shaver.  Come and Listen! 

Check out our latest episode! Or find it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.