Central Feeds:  New Program Now Serving Seniors

Jesus was diverse in sharing meals with people – from tax collectors to Pharisees.  In many cases, the story of Jesus’ ministry is a ministry that takes place through meals. Through Central Feeds, we at Central United Methodist Church are trying to reach people in our community who have never attended church or who have possibly attended church in the past but are not currently connected with a church.  Sharing food is one way we are implementing this ministry.

Central Feeds is a ministry outreach of Central United Methodist Church that accomplishes this goal.  We currently deliver to-go lunch plates each week to senior citizens in a 120-unit HUD subsidized apartment building in a community near our church.  Over time, our volunteers have come to know the residents and they recognize the volunteers and are usually lined up awaiting their arrival.  We also take a Prayer Box with us each week in which the residents can drop in their prayer requests.

Central Feeds is about building relationships over time.  We want to let our friends in the senior housing complex know that the people of Central are providing a means by which they can experience God’s love while being physically nourished at the same time.       —-Betty Nazarchyk

Introducing Our Newest Ministry – Central Feeds on Wheels

The King will answer them, “I can guarantee this truth:  Whatever you did for one of my brothers or sisters, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it to Me.”  Matthew 25:30

Central has many outreach programs for the community surrounding the church, but a new program is being introduced for our own congregation here at Central – Central Feeds on Wheels.  This is an offshoot of Central Feeds with one difference: the recipients of this program will be our own congregation.

Initially, lunch plates will be prepared in the church kitchen and delivered to those who are homebound, ill, or maybe just unable to get out for groceries.  Launch date is Monday, December 7 and starting out,   plates will be served one day per week on Monday to a small group of 10-15 congregants who have been identified.

Your prayers are coveted for Central Feeds on Wheels.  Please direct any questions or concerns to

Bette Nazarchyk (bette.nazarchyk@carolina.rr.com) or Bobbie Denny (bsdenny4648@att.net).

Central Cares Ministry

Central Cares remains the bedrock of our congregation’s food outreach to the community resulting from Central United Methodist Church’s partnership with Albemarle Road Elementary School, Albemarle Road Middle School and Clear Creek Elementary.   Families are eligible to pick up a food package once a month to help them meet their food needs. In just a few years, the program has grown to 62 families, which now includes 191 children 18 and under and 163 over 18, and has continued throughout the pandemic.

Food staples are brought in by our congregation each Sunday during the month for distribution to the families during the last week of the month.  When available, harvest from Central’s Community Garden will be distributed during the growing season. Central UMC is also a partner agency with Second Harvest Food Bank where we can purchase food and fresh vegetables and fruit at reduced prices which allows us to serve the needs of even more families.

MISSION POSSIBLE: PNB AND JELLY!

The spiritual act of giving is important for all believers. The spiritual act of helping the poor is important for all believers. The missions committee and Central Cares are teaming up to give opportunities for these acts, while making it possible for Central to help more families from ARES and CELA, schools our church supports.  Each month we will feature one or two items for members at Central to bring that will help meet the needs of those we serve. You may put your items in the box in the narthex (outside the sanctuary to remind us that giving is a spiritual discipline) or in the box located just outside the Central Cares room on the hall of flags (to remind us that helping the poor is a spiritual discipline). During the month of February, we ask that you bring jars of peanut butter and jelly.  February is the month of LOVE, and most children LOVE peanut butter and jelly.   You may bring any kind and any size. THANK YOU FOR GIVING.                                                                                                                                                                                   Bev Cheville, missions                    Bobbie Denny, Central Cares

Sign up to serve the hungry by working at Second Harvest Food Bank to gain credits for the Central Cares Food Pantry here at Central.  See details here.

Should you wish to contribute money to this ministry, please indicate “Central Cares” on your check and place in the offering plate or mail to Central United Methodist Church, 6030 Albemarle Road, Charlotte, NC 28212.  You may also contribute here online.  Further information can be obtained by calling the church office at 704-536-9157.

Central United Methodist Church is a partner agency of Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (SHFBM). SHFBM partners and distributes food and essential grocery items to approximately 550 hunger feeding agencies in 19 counties in North and South Carolina.  Agencies served include emergency pantries, soup kitchens, senior programs, shelters and low-income daycares.

 

 

Bette Nazarchyk Honored for years of service to Central Cares Food Box Mission