Central United Methodist Church is accepting applications for the position of Music Director.

General Description:  Plays piano at Sunday worship services.  May play organ as well.  Organizes and directs choir.  Works with the pastor to select songs for worship services.

Salary: depending on qualifications.

Part time  Position opens immediately.  Applications accepted until position filled.

Benefit: Vacation

 Years of Service—Vacation Earned

 0-1 years–1 week
2-3 years–2 weeks
4-5 years–3 weeks
6+ years–4 weeks

Click here for a job description.

For additional information, contact Pastor Won Un (wonun@vaumc.org)

or John Myers (myersjb111@gmail.com)

Helping Hands Day Camp is a cooperative ministry of Emmanuel Episcopal, Central United Methodist, First Presbyterian, Second Presbyterian and Covenant Presbyterian Churches. Children who completed grades K through 5 during the 2023 – 24 school year are invited to participate. Please complete the registration form below. 

Date: Monday, 29 July, from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. through Friday, 2 August, from 9:00 a.m. until noon. 

Location: Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2001 N. Coalter Street, Staunton. 

Activities are Bible-based and include music, crafts, recreation, cooking, science, mission projects as well as Bible Study. 

Click here to download the 2024 Camper Registration Form

Click here to download the 2024 Youth Volunteer Form

On April 7, Central welcomed new members Ava Patino and Catty Clem.

Each year Central helps out with Helping Hands. Click on the link below to see the items that Helping Hands is in need of for this year’s program:

Helping Hands Needs

Brenda Orebaugh began working at Central on November 22 as our new Administrative Assistant. She comes to Central with lots of experience including 27 years working for the City of Staunton. We are delighted to welcome her to CUMC!

On October 9, Central hosted a dedication service for the new GO Pantry van. This van was purchased through a generous donation from the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and will enable Central to deliver food to many throughout the Staunton area who are in need of food but cannot attend Central’s weekly Food Pantry distributions.

As part of the dedication ceremony, those in attendance enjoyed a cake made and decorated by Emily Brown, Millie and Richard Brown’s daughter-in-law.

On September 11, Central celebrated its 225th anniversary of service to the Staunton community. At Morning Worship services, recollections were offered by Martha Bushman, Thelma DePriest, Wanda True, Billie Quigley, Deb Atno Shelton, and former pastor Hugh Harris. Ed Pickett provided additional historical information and special music included violinists Wanchi Huang and Jessica Embach-Jankauskas. The entire service can be viewed by clicking here.

Afterwards a delicious luncheon was provided by the Feeding Ministry Team. During lunch, a pictorial slideshow featured pictures from the past 25 years of Central’s services, mission projects, and activities.

Chris Granfield received the first Dr. Bob Hanson Scholarship awarded by Central on Sunday, July 31, 2022. Chris will attend Norfolk State University this fall majoring in nursing. This scholarship was created from the generous donation of Dr. Hanson who has been a lifelong member of CUMC and taught mathematics at James Madison University for fifty years. Dr. Hanson was able to attend the service on July 31. Pictured below are Dr. Ed Pickett from the CUMC Scholarship Committee and Chris:

The scholarship, a $1,000 one-time award, will be awarded annually to a CUMC member.

Karen Richardson is the new Administrative Assistant at CUMC. Karen began working on January 4 and has been quickly learning about her duties. She can be reached at Central’s phone number, 886-3441, or by e-mail at centralumc@centralumcstaunton.org.

PRELUDE “O Holy Night” Deborah Reed 

WORDS OF WELCOME ………………………………………………………………… Pastor Un 

*PROCESSIONAL CAROL #238 “Angels We Have Heard on High” 

*LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT/CHRIST CANDLES The Noto Family 

The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, 

and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 

And also with you. (Light 1st Candle) 

Jesus Christ, the son of Mary, the son of God is born this night. 

God’s word has been made flesh among us. 

(Light 2nd Candle) 

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. 

Those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness – on them a light has shined. 

(Light 3rd Candle) 

You, O Lord, have multiplied the nation. You have increased its joy. 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, 

and the government shall be upon his shoulder. 

His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, 

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

(Light 4th Candle) 

He is also called Emmanuel, for in him God is with us. AMEN! 

(Light the Christ Candle) 

THE BIDDING PRAYER ………………………………………………………………. Pastor Un 

THE LORD’S PRAYER 

BLESSING 

FIRST LESSON: Genesis 3:8-15, 17-19……………………. …… Mary Douglas God announces in the Garden of Eden Adam and Eve’s punishment for their rebellion and that the seed of woman shall bruise the serpent’s head.

Carol #206 “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light” 

SECOND LESSON: Genesis 22:15-18 ………………………………………. Ed Pickett

God promises to Abraham that by his descendants all the nations of the earth shall obtain the blessing.

Carol #211 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” (stanzas 1,2,4, 7) 

THIRD LESSON: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7……………………………Virginia Buchanan

The prophet announces the birth of a king to a people in darkness.

Organ: “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” Yi-Ping Chen 

FOURTH LESSON: Isaiah 11:1-4a, 6-9 ……………………….. John Hildebrand

The King is coming and will usher in a reign of justice for the poor and peace for all of God’s creation.

Carol #230 “O Little Town of Bethlehem” 

FIFTH LESSON: Luke 1:26-35, 38 Caroline Jones

The angel Gabriel announces to the virgin Mary that she will give birth to God’s promised Son whose kingdom shall never end.

Organ: “Gentle Mary Lay Her Child” Yi-Ping Chen 

SIXTH LESSON: Luke 2:1-7 ……………………………………………………………. Valerie Noto

Against a backdrop of emperors and taxes, Jesus is born.

Carol #228 “He Is Born” 

SEVENTH LESSON: Luke 2:8-16 …………………………………………………………….. Joe Hill

The shepherds go to see the Savior of the World, lying in a manger.

Carol #245 “The First Noel (Stanza 1 and 2)” 

EIGHTH LESSON: Matthew 2:1-11………………….…………………Susan Obaugh

The wise men follow a star to find the child Jesus, the King of the Jews.

Organ: “In The Bleak Midwinter” Yi-Ping Chen 

NINTH LESSON: John 1:1-14 …………………………………………………………… Pastor Un

John unfolds the great mystery of the incarnation. Carol #251 “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” 

INVITATION UMH #12 ……………………………………………………………………… Pastor Un 

*THE PEACE 

OFFERING OFFETORY “Mary, Did You Know?” Betsy Gutshall/Joe Hill 

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING Pastor Un/Connie Davis/Linda Hildebrand 

SHARING OF BREAD AND CUP 

LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES 

*BENEDICTION 

*CAROL #239 “Silent Night” Gene Blackmer 

Have a Safe & Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!