Central News and More!

Published: Thu, 12/18/25

Updated: Thu, 12/18/25

ADVENT EVENTS

LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE

Join us in the sanctuary for our Longest Night Service on Sunday, December 21, @ 6:00 p.m. This service is designed for those who may find the holiday season difficult or who simply need a quiet space amid the Christmas rush. Through candlelight, prayer, scripture, and music, we'll make room to honor both the hope and the heartache that this season can bring. Whether you're seeking peace, healing, or simply a moment of stillness, you are welcome here. Childcare will be available in the SMB 1st floor.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

Christmas Eve is a time to gather together and celebrate the hope and joy of Christ’s birth. Our Christmas Eve services are a cherished and magical Central tradition filled with scripture, music, candlelight, and the story that changed the world! All are invited to experience the beauty and meaning of Christmas with us!

We are hosting 5 services on Wednesday, December 24:

3pm - Contemporary (Building C) & Classic (Sanctuary)

5pm - Family Service (Building C)

5pm - Classic (Sanctuary)

*Santa available after 5 pm services in Building C lobby for pictures

7pm - Classic (Sanctuary)

Grab one of our invitations on Sunday and invite someone to celebrate Peace and Joy this Christmas!

YEAR END GIVING UPDATE

Dear Central UMC Family,

As of today, December 18, 2025, with just 13 days remaining in the year, we are encouraged to share that we have surpassed the halfway mark toward our year-end giving goal. Thanks to your generosity, contributions have exceeded $600,000 of our $1 million end-of-year giving goal!

This momentum is a powerful reflection of your commitment to the ministry and mission of Central United Methodist Church. Every gift is making a difference as we work to finish the year strong and prepare for all that God has in store for us in 2026.

Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity.

Michael Spruell

GIVE A GIFT

DECEMBER 28 COMBINED WORSHIP

Join us on Sunday, December 28 @10 am in Building C for a combined worship service. We will be uniting as one congregation for a special time of worship, prayer, and community as we close out the 2025 year. We can't wait to continue celebrating the Advent season with you!

NEXT GEN MINISTRIES

What better way to experience the story of Jesus’ birth than through the eyes of our Next Gen kids? Click here to see their heartfelt retelling of the Christmas Story.

ACCYM VERITAS 2026

It's time to register your student for Veritas 2026! Register by December 31 to receive a free t-shirt! This special retreat takes place February 27–March 1 and gives our 6th–12th graders the opportunity to spend a weekend in Fort Smith worshiping and connecting with students from other UMC churches throughout the state.

This year, students can choose between two tracks:

Small Groups Track

Breakouts Track

Click here to register! If you have any questions, contact Zack!

MISSIONS & MINISTRY

METHODIST FAMILY HEALTH FOUNDATION

The Methodist Family Health Foundation is looking for ways to help Share the Light this holiday season! This Christmas, we hope that you will join this mission to help children, teens and families across Arkansas find the safe places to heal and a future filled with possibility. When you SHARE YOUR LIGHT with those in the care of Methodist Family Health, you help guide them through their darkest times.

Special offering Sundays in Arkansas Methodist churches for Share the Light are December 14 & 21.To find out more, click here on ways you can help.

MEN'S MINISTRY MEDITATION GROUP

Our men's ministry is beginning a meditation group that will offer a supportive space to practice meditation, cultivate mindfulness, and reduce stress through guided reflection and quiet contemplation. The group meets every other Tuesday from 9:30–11:00 a.m., beginning January 6, 2026, in the Wesley Library on the 3rd floor of Building B. For more information, contact Bob Gullett at rgullett@uams.edu .

MEMBERSHIP NEWS

In Need of Prayer:

Anna Ericson, June Hunt

New Members:

We are excited to welcome new members, Mark and Linda Worley here at Central!

Share a Prayer Request

CENTRAL'S PODCAST

IT'S NOT COMPLICATED

In the newest episode of It’s Not Complicated, Jennie, Chase, and Virginia dive into Luke 1:26–38 and have an honest, conversational discussion about Mary’s encounter with the angel. They talk through what Mary might have been feeling and how powerful her faithful “yes” was, even when the situation didn’t make sense.

New Podcast Topics: Share Your Ideas!

As we look to the future of It’s Not Complicated, we want to hear from you! What topics or series would you like to hear more about? Email us and let us know!

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Fayetteville AR 72702
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