VISION DATA HIGHLIGHTS
- SWOT Analysis – Strengths: Leadership and Location; Opportunities: Community Partnerships and Mission; Weaknesses/Threats: Past Church Tension, Rebuilding Family Ministries
- Overall Emphasis – Our values emphasize missional events and community partnerships; there was also a stated desire to see more engagement within small groups.
- Any Challenges? The challenges identified were few people attending church in general (a nationwide trend), as well as
negative perceptions from outside groups
ANALYSIS
Our congregation is excited about the growth we’ve experienced numerically and spiritually and wants to continue exploring additional ways to engage people in small groups and fellowship activities.
There is a strong sense of nostalgia within CUMC, which we can leverage into new and exciting opportunities for evangelism, ministry, and mission.
ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Many of you asked how to engage with our various ministries and missions. There are
ways to serve, connect, and grow in your faith for every age group and season of life. The best way to receive information is through our weekly e-news. If you are not subscribed to our e-news, sign up now here. Then, check out our other connection points and engagement opportunities, which are
detailed below!
ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Follow-us on:
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/centralumckids
https://www.facebook.com/centralyouthfay
https://www.facebook.com/centralfayetteville
Instagram
@centralkidsfay
@centralyouthfay
@centralfayetteville
TikTok
@centralfayetteville
@centralyouthfay
YouTube
www.youtube.com/@centralfayetteville
Check out our Website: https://centraltolife.com/resources/news-updates
WORSHIP TIMES
Spring / Fall 2024
9 AM Contemporary (CAC)
11 AM Classic (Sanctuary)
Summer 2024
9 AM
Contemporary (CAC)
11 AM Classic (Sanctuary)
6 PM 1:2:1 Wednesday Night
(5 PM meal, followed by worship with Communion - CAC)
June
5, July 10, & August 7
NEXTGEN
https://centraltolife.com/engage/children--youth/
CENTRAL LITTLES
https://centraltolife.com/central-littles/
Our Littles ministry is for the youngest disciples. From your baby's first day, we celebrate your child and strive to foster a strong Christian foundation for all. On Sunday mornings, we offer childcare during worship, but
this time is much more than babysitting. Our director, Mary Bassett, and staff make each hour with Central Littles a faith-filled and engaging time. During the 10 o'clock hour on Sundays, our Littles have Sunday School, where we are studying Cokesbury's Celebrate Wonder curriculum. This study honors the spiritual life of children—their natural
sense of awe, wonder, imagination, and curiosity—and helps shape their growing faith. Our leaders guide children through engaging experiences, spiritual practices, and opportunities for reflection, giving them a safe space to ask big questions and help them claim their spiritual identity as children of God. For information on registration, childcare, library, and new babies, click here.
CENTRAL KIDS
https://centraltolife.com/engage/central-kids/
At Central, we believe kids have an active role in the church. Following Jesus’ example in Matthew 19, we welcome all kids to be involved in the life of the church as they build their faith and learn what it means to worship. Our staff and volunteers are excited to partner with parents, guardians, and
church members to encourage kids to build the foundation of and continue to grow in their faith.
During the 10 o'clock hour on Sundays, our Kids have Sunday School, where we are studying Cokesbury's Celebrate Wonder curriculum. This study honors the spiritual life of children—their natural sense of awe, wonder, imagination, and curiosity—and helps shape their growing faith.
Wednesdays are a full evening! Club K6 from 6-7:30 PM. in the Student Ministries Building on the 2nd
floor. Club K6 is using The Biggest Story curriculum. The Biggest Story leads children on an exciting journey through the Bible, from the Garden of Eden to the return of Christ. This fun study draws kids into Scripture and helps them grasp its overarching message of redemption. Club K6 is one-way
kindergarteners through 6th graders can participate on Wednesdays at Central. It is designed for elementary-aged kids to connect with each other while learning more about who God is and what is in the Bible. Kids will be grouped together by age to engage in worship, bible stories, games, and activities that will build community and faith. Our all-new Wednesday Night programming for kids grades K-6. This year, we will have games, music, and fun studies. We
meet in the Student Ministries Building on the 2nd floor from 6-7:30 PM. Club K6 meets throughout the school year. Our last Wednesday is May 1, and we will have a kick-off in the Fall.
Kids in worship: At Central, we believe children should be welcomed and included in Sunday morning worship. Children, their wiggles, and their
squeals are welcome in both of our worship services. Both services have children's bulletins and busy bags at their entrances. We encourage families to use these resources as needed. To support their engagement in our Contemporary Worship, we offer a Prayground! This space is intentionally designed for kids and littles to worship in their own way. At the front right of the worship space, you will notice a rug, some books and toys, and child-sized chairs. The location allows
participants to see the worship band and preacher easily. The table immediately behind the Prayground is reserved for parents of those utilizing the space.
Central Youth
https://centraltolife.com/central-youth/
Your teen's decisions will ultimately decide their paths as they grow into adulthood. Central's Youth Ministry is geared to raise a generation of committed followers of Jesus Christ by providing students of all age's
opportunities for building relationships with other students and committed adults. Small groups, Sunday School events, retreats, and more will keep your students grounded in faith and provide opportunities for discipleship.
Join us for Sunday School each week at 10 AM. in the Student Ministries Building on the 2nd floor. Youth Sunday
School is a time for students to decompress from their past week and support one another in their everyday lives. Along with checking in with each other in fellowship, we have a light devotional time to leave students with a fresh start to the upcoming week.
Sunday Night Youth is a time for small groups and worship. This time
creates space for youth to learn how to do life together with other believers. Worship for the year 2023-2024 is designed for life application. We use topics that we all live with and learn how faith and scripture can guide us. We meet on Sunday evenings from 5-7 PM. throughout the school year.
We would love for
your students to join us on Wednesday or Sunday evenings. Please fill out this form to register your student with CUMC Youth.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
The Circle - 9:30 AM - 10:55 A couples and singles, age 40 and up, who enjoy frequent fellowship gatherings.
Asbury - 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM, Wesley Room 104. A large Sunday School group of men and
women 65 and older, couples and singles, this class also meets for social gatherings.
The Bridge - 10 AM - 10:55 AM, Wesley 102. A Sunday School group of couples and singles, mid-30s and 40ish, most with children.
The Forum - 9:45 AM Social and Coffee, 10 - 10:55 AM Class, Wesley Room 310. A large Sunday School group with various ages and life stages (ages 40s-70s). The class is participant-led.
SMALL GROUPS
Pastor’s Study: Moses: In the Footsteps of the Reluctant Prophet. Wednesdays, from 6 PM - 7 PM, Wesley 310. Led by: Rev. Jennie Williams & Rev. Dr. Chase Burns Starting Wednesday, April 10, our pastors will lead a new study based on the book Moses: In the Footsteps of the Reluctant Prophet. This class will be in Wesley 310 or Via Zoom from April 10 to May 1, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
New Beginnings. Wednesdays, from 6 PM - 7 PM, CAC Room 3-5 Led by: Jacque Nagel, and Gail Nebben. Join the New Beginnings ladies on Wednesday evenings during the school year as we take a deep dive into Bible study and practical exercises.
The Book of Ephesians. Connections Women's Bible Study. Tuesdays, from 6:30 PM - 8 PM. Wesley 306-307 & Zoom. Led by Jennifer Haas & Janet Hailey.
Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study. Tuesdays, from
9:30 AM – 11 AM. Wesley 310. Led by Brenda Gullett. This women’s Bible Study has been meeting for over 15 years! This spring, they’re studying the Ephesians by Life Change.
Inclusive Connections. Inclusive Connections is for our LGBTQIA+ Community & Allies. Led by Julie Thibodaux & Kennie Goff. The purpose of this class is to provide a way to engage for LGBTQIA+ community, stakeholders, and allies through thoughtful discussion, prayer, and book & Bible study of the challenging constellation of history and Scriptures that have impacted our marginalized LGBTQ & Gender Non-Conforming (GNC) members, friends, loved ones,
families & neighbors. Our intention is to openly affirm and unconditionally include, explore, understand, listen, love and be loved, and support attendees.
Discipleship Encounters: Discipleship Encounters offers participants theological reflections on the faith experience (historical, contextual, and missional). Along
with the small group meetings, participants will have the opportunity for practical engagements with the materials covered. This year, our missional engagements include the Ozark Mission Project, Beyond Our Walls, Cuba Mission, and Wesley History and Tour.
CUMC-YA. Central United Methodist Church Young Adults. To find out
more, join our texting app here.
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH UWF (United Women in Faith)
We are women like you, a powerful, fearless force driven by God’s love and united in sisterhood. With a focus on women, children, and youth, we act for justice and transform communities. Join us because love in action can change the world. For more information, contact Brenda Gullett, [email protected]
To sign up for a UWF small group, click here.
Current UWF Small Groups:
Book Club-*Charlene Wilkins, leader assisted by Carol Mitchell. This will be based on a book selection from United Women in Faith. The first meeting is June 6, at 2:00 pm, in Wesley 102, discussing “The 1619 Project” by Nikole
Hannah-Jones.
Cooking-*Karen Newton assisted by Gini Cocanower. Will make casseroles/ meals for groups or individuals in need.
Building Better
Moms-*Taylor Betts assisted by Woodie Sue Herlein. A support group for moms of younger children.
Stitch ‘n Pray-*Jennifer Kidd, assisted by Beanie Curtis. Join us in a ministry to connect with God and others by prayerfully creating items that reflect God’s care and love. We knit and crochet to give comfort,
to meet a need, to celebrate God’s love. We meet every Tuesday from 10:00 AM – Noon in Wesley 105.
Single's Support and activities-*Kathy Krantz.
Beautification/Climate-*Laura Underwood. This group will meet for a devotional and to work on beautifying the church grounds while also being mindful of climate issues and sustainability.
Community Advocacy/Social Action-*Mary Earl Smith assisted by Brenda Gullett. This group will
be involved in writing letters as suggested by the United Women in Faith organization, General Board of Church and Society, and Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families. We will also send out calls to action for the entire membership and other advocacy.
Thriving Souls-*Rachel
Robinson & Richa Morey. Sometimes, life can be overwhelming, and we are just hanging on trying to survive. However, God wants us to thrive, to prosper, and to flourish. Thriving Souls offers women the opportunity to enjoy the healing power of nature and connect with each other. Each outing will include a devotional, prayer time, mindful movement, and fellowship. Our goal is to renew our souls by strengthening our physical and emotional well-being. Outings
will include walks, hikes, yoga, and other outdoor opportunities. April 28: Meet at Central at 1:30 PM to travel to Yellow Rock trail at Devil’s Den for a 3-mile round trip hike
Traditional United Women in Faith Circle- If you’ve been a part of United Methodist Women (now United Women in Faith) and would like to be
a part of a traditional circle or unit, please contact Brenda Gullett at [email protected]. We currently have a traditional circle that meets at Butterfield Trail Village.
MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
Central's Missions & Outreach Ministries equip members of our congregation to serve people locally and worldwide. Central's Missions & Outreach Ministries equip members of our congregation to serve people locally and worldwide. We envision, partner, and facilitate missions so that justice, freedom, peace, health, and well-being prevail across racial, cultural,
national, and political boundaries; and all peoples live in dignity and security, even when they face humanitarian disasters and their aftermath. Central UMC’s Local & Global Missions include the following:
- Beyond Our Walls
- Caden’s Calling
- Canopy
NWA
- Community Meals
- Good S.A.M
- HUB of Hope
- Pathway to Freedom
- Magdalene Serenity House
- New Beginnings
- NWA Children’s Safety Center
For more information on each Local & Global Missions, please visit: https://centraltolife.com/engage/missions-and-outreach/
CENTRAL CARES MINISTRIES
https://centraltolife.com/resources/need-care-support/
We're excited to invite you to become a part of our Central Cares Team! Our Care Team model empowers individuals like you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Our Congregational Care Ministry Co-op gathers
quarterly to discuss updates on care initiatives and welcome new members passionate about areas of congregational care not yet explored. Joining us not only expands the reach of our Congregational Care Ministry but also introduces you to the fulfilling shared ministry of Works of Mercy. Together, let's make a positive impact within our church community and beyond. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!
- Correspondence Team
- Grief Support Group
- Handy Helpers
- Pastoral Visits
- Prayer
Team
- Stephen Ministry
- Visitation Teams
CORRESPONDENCE TEAM
Our correspondence ministry sends birthday cards to our Central family members who are over 80 years old. When a member or someone close to a member passes, we send the Journey through Grief books to walk alongside the family during the first year of their loss. For more information, email us here.
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
A small group of Central members who have experienced a loss in their family within the last year or years will go through the Christ-based workbook Walking the Mourner’s Path. Each participant will be assigned a committed prayer partner, who will pray daily for the participant. Prayer partners will maintain confidentiality.
There will be eight workshops, each focusing on reflection/meditation, a review of homework and exercises, and a review of the following week’s assignments. For more information, contact small group facilitator Larry Pearce at [email protected]
HANDY HELPERS
Volunteers who go to the home of an elderly or widowed member to help change lightbulbs, replace air filters, check batteries in smoke detectors, etc. The purpose is to do jobs that are too small to call a handyman but too big for the elderly or the widow to do themselves. We usually go in pairs and often the job will just need one person and the other volunteer will
visit with the elderly/widow member. We avoid any job that would be dangerous or difficult. For more information email us here.
PRAYER TEAM
We believe in the power of prayer at Central! Volunteers receive prayer requests from our Central family and diligently pray those requests to the Lord. All requests remain confidential. To become a member of our prayer team, contact Nancy Bittle at [email protected].
STEPHEN
MINISTRY
Stephen Ministers are laypeople in the congregation who are trained, gifted and committed lay caregivers ready to minister to hurting people in our Central family. Giving emotional and spiritual support, a Stephen Minister typically has one care receiver at a time and meets with that person once a week for about an hour.
Stephen Ministry training will begin in the Fall of 2024. For more information, contact Ed Love at [email protected]
VISITATION TEAMS
If you can’t come to see us, we will come to you. We
are readily available during hospitalization, rehabilitation, and loss. Our Visitation Teams move out weekly to visit members who are homebound, in residential facilities, or physically unable to attend worship services.
- Hospital Visitation Ministry – Volunteers who are Safe Gatherings certified to visit our Central family members who are currently in the hospital. For more information, email us here.
- Homebound/Assisted Living Visitation Team – Volunteers who are Safe Gatherings certified move out weekly to visit our Central family members who are homebound, in residential facilities, or physically unable to attend worship services. If you can’t come to see us, we will come to you. For more information, email us here.
