OUR CLERGY AND STAFF Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III Senior Minister gkinken@centenary-ws.org Mary Ann Wexler Executive Director mwexler@centenary-ws.org Susan Bates Organist and Music Associate sbates@centenary-ws.org Martha Bassett Alternative Music Leader mbassett@centenary-ws.org Reverend Bret Cogan Assoc. Minister of Spiritual Formation & Education bcogan@centenary-ws.org Kristy Eaton Contributions keaton@centenary-ws.org Jonathan Emmons Director of Music Ministries Reverend R. Craig Ford Associate Minister cford@centenary-ws.org Reverend Kate May Associate Minister with Children kmay@centenary-ws.org Sandra Gramley Congregational Care Coordinator sgramley@centenary-ws.org Stacy Holley Exec. Assistant to Senior Minister sholley@centenary-ws.org John Markle Director of Operations jmarkle@centenary-ws.org Reverend Jeremy Pegram Assoc. Minister of Evangelism, Engagement & Missions jpegram@centenary-ws.org Doug Peninger Director of Communications dpeninger@centenary-ws.org Tamara M. Pollock Director of Youth Ministries tpollock@centenary-ws.org
OUR PAGES Table of Contents/Clergy and Staff ~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 Worship in the Park~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3 From the Editor ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4 DAYBreak Back-to-Church Barbeque ~~~~~~~~~ 5 Emily Rivers: No Place Like Home~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6 Page Eight ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8 Leaders Wanted ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9 2019 Portrait Directory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10 New Members~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11 Tammy Pollock: Carrying One Another~~~~~~~~ 12 Engagement Fair & Blessing of Animals~~~~~~~ 14 Jonathan Emmons: Called by Beauty~~~~~~~~~ 15 Stephen Ministry ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 16 Spectrum of the Arts ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 17 Jeremy Pegram: Be Blessed~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 18 Bret Cogan: Small Groups~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 20 Mary Ann Wexler: Stewardship 2020 ~~~~~~~~ 23 Kate May: Choosing a Bible ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 24 Dinner for 8 and Rise Against Hunger~~~~~~~~ 26 UMW September Meeting ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 27 Craig Ford: The Church Is of God~~~~~~~~~~~~ 28 Calendar ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 30 Memorials & Honoraria~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 32 Congregational Care: Art Bloom ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 33 Glenn Kinken: Paddling in the Deep Water ~~~~ 34
OUR COVER The ship is a symbol of the church — a safe vessel in which to sail the seas of life. The central portion of a church is called the nave, derived from the latin word for ship. This window may be found in the Chapel. You can learn more about the windows of the church by reading Centenary United Methodist Church Symbols: The Story Told in Glass, Stone and Fabric.
For a video tour of the ministry and office spaces located at The Haven, scan the QR code below.
Debbie Pilson Director of DAYBreak/Respite Care dpilson@centenary-ws.org John Rogers Director of Information Technology jrogers@centenary-ws.org
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From the Editor As I am writing this, Tammy Pollock is driving her eldest son, Nathan, back to Appalachian State for his sophomore year. Our other church babies are preparing for another year of grade shool or high school. Quickly, we wave goodbye to the beach and trips abroad to usher in the fall semester at Centenary.
thoughts on the matter and offers a few suggestions.
Throughout this issue of Through Centenary Windows, we take a few moments to consider how we are all in this journey together, how we need each other, and how our combined experience helps to achieve the greater good.
Next is Craig Ford as he shares with us his thoughts on the many talents the senior adults have to offer our community. You will hear from a few of our senior adults as they share their experience.
Following Kate, we have the Dinner for 8 sign-ups and Rise Against Hunger. These annual events are always popular so be sure to register and mark your calendars now.
One event which is immensly popular is our annual trek to Tanglewood Park as we celerate our Worship in the Park on October 6.
Before you know it, it will be time for our annual Engagement Fair and the Blessing of the Animals. Be sure to see those ads on page 14, followed by a first article from our new Director of Music Ministries, Jonathan Emmons.
As it is said, “Y’all Come!” The DAYBreak BBQ is set for September 22. Be sure to get your tickets early. I’ll bet it’s going to be some good eatin’. Next, Emily Rivers, our summer ministry intern, takes a few moments to reflect on her summer at Centenary and how there is no place like home. We will miss her. Starting October 7, we wil be photographing our the all-new 2019 portrait diretory. We want everyone to participate so we can know who everyone is so we may build stronger relationships. As you can imagine, in a congegation as large as Centenary and having multiple worship services, this can be a challenge. So come and and participate. Tammy Pollock examines how we “carry one another” as part of our membership vows. She also takes a unique look at this from the youth ministry perspective.
Jeremy Pegram invites us to consider what it means to be blessed. This introspective article challenges each of us to find our mission and to fulfill it in our own way.
Closing this issue, we hear from Senior Minster, Rev. Dr. Glenn Kinken as he explains what is like to paddle in the deep water. I’ve hit only some of the highlights. There’s a lot happening at Centenary as we kick-off the fall. I hope you will plan to be a part and invite your friends. I’ll see you at Centenary!
Adult formation and Small Groups are geared up for a busy fall. Bret Cogan shares with us all the opportunities available to continue on your spiritual journey. Next up is Mary Ann Wexler and believe it or not, stewardship season for 2020 is on our doorstep. Her revealing article shares how we need to grow our stewardship in order to make more ministry happen. Have you ever thought about which Bible may be the right one for your child? Kate May shares her
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Doug Peninger Director of Communications
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| ministry intern |
No Place Like Home As I enter my final year as a seminary student at Emory, I feel more prepared than ever to face the challenges that await me.
Emily Rivers
Summer Ministry Intern
What a blessing it has been to be in my home church this summer! I am so
grateful for this internship where I have learned from both people and experiences about the life of a large multi-staff church. One of the things I cherish most about my internship is getting to know the Centenary staff and spending time learning about their unique gifts and areas of ministry. The talent, commitment and generosity within this church is truly exceptional! During my ten short weeks as an intern, I have learned the power of teamwork and have witnessed how it really takes everyone doing their part to make a church of this size run smoothly. I have been included in many different programs, church services, missions and meetings. From reviewing Centenary’s renovation plans to traveling to Tennessee on the youth mission trip, to assisting with VBS and learning how Disney can help make our church more welcoming, I have had a very rich and varied experience. While Centenary continues to provide a vast array of programs, this church is clearly not resting on its laurels! The staff and congregation at Centenary is continually working on ways to
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provide the best possible programming, thinking of new ideas to spread the love of Christ and learning new ways to serve as many people as possible. As a member of Centenary, I have always known that this church provides exceptional worship and it has been a tremendous pleasure for me to be a part of the planning and leading of these services. We are very blessed at Centenary to have such a variety of excellent worship opportunities. From Simplify, to Rejoice!, to traditional and Wednesday night Roots Revival, each space provides worshipers with a different way to experience the love and mercy of God. While leading worship I have been pushed to stretch myself in areas where I feel less comfortable and privileged to be allowed to continue to develop my voice in the pulpit. These are lessons I am surely taking with me. I really appreciated that Centenary has also given me space to try out some of my own ministry ideas this summer. Leading a yoga class on Monday nights and meeting with college students on Thursdays has helped me develop and improve some of the curricula I have worked on as a graduate student. These experiences have brought me joy and have affirmed my calling. I am leaving this summer with a renewed excitement for health and wellness ministry and a desire to keep learning more. Thank you Centenary for allowing me to explore
these different ministries. You have helped me to grow in my passions and leadership. Discovering my call to ordained ministry has not exactly been a walk in the park. At times I have struggled a bit figuring out exactly what it is that I could bring to ministry. There have been moments where I have wondered if there really was a place I could fit in. Over this summer, with the help of so many people willing to take me under their wing, I feel much more prepared to follow my call. The feedback, encouragement, and genuine support I have been given has been invaluable. There is a place for me, and it is powerful to know that there are so many people willing to help mentor me as I find my way. I am leaving Centenary knowing that I still have much to learn, but I am confident that I am on the right path. I have got to say; it is a bit difficult to say goodbye. I feel like I am just getting started at Centenary and already my time here is over. As I pack up and head back to Atlanta, there are still many question marks floating around in my head. I am not sure how my final year of seminary will turn out. I don’t know what will happen or where I will be called at the end of this school year. I really don’t know what sort of plan God has for me next. What I do know is that I am leaving with a full heart for my Centenary family and a reminder that there really is no place like home.
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8 | feature |
Page Eight
Dateline…Saturday, July 13, 2019 at noon. Do you ever have one of those days when the errand list is long and as you are checking off the list, the list seems to be getting longer and longer? July 13 was one of those days. I was on vacation that week and getting some tasks completed before heading to Charlotte to celebrate a housewarming and the birthday of my younger brother, Wes.
Doug Peninger
dpeninger@centenary-ws.org
There were items needed for the house, one of which was dog treats. I headed to a local big box store to get said supplies and as it always goes, you end up realizing that you need other things. So, I continued walking through the store and there it was, the huge bin and aisle of back-to-school supplies. What?!?!? Didn’t we just celebrate Independence Day? This couldn’t be happening. Most everyone I know was currently at the beach and yet the retail world is ready to get back to class. To add injury to insult, as I was checking out and speaking with the cashier, I shared with her my feelings about school supplies already being out. Her response was shattering. She said, “that’s nothing. The hobby store down the street already has Christmas trees out.”
You know, it should not have shocked me. I say this because as I am writing this, I can overhear a television network showing previews for their 10th anniversary of “Countdown to Christmas” as well as sharing what the collectible ornaments will be for 2019. Wait! Stop! I’m beginning to sound like my parents. I won’t give in. The truth about school starting back and church activities resuming is that we have the opportunity to reconnect. We have the chance to discover new friendships or rekindle ones we let go over the summer break.
a blanket. I love it, when you realize in August, that the shadows are getting longer. The writing spiders appear, and the county fairs begin their run. These events always remind me that yes, the fall season at church is about to begin, which means, Advent really is only around the corner. I better get busy. When it comes to the many activities at Centenary, one of my annual favorites is Worship in the Park. For me, being able to see the church family come together in one worship experience, is a beautiful thing. Of course, we are in a much more relaxed environment than our normal Sunday morning Sanctuary experience. And, I understand some folks struggle with that. The beauty of the worship is that we are experiencing this worship on world communion Sunday as we sit under the light of the sun, singing our praises and proclaiming the good news. Particularly exciting for me this season is the all-new pictorial directory we will be creating. Beginning in early October, we will again be working with Divine Designs to create this important piece. Do you realize that it has been since the fall of 2014 since we did this type of project? We have had a lot of changes in our family since that time. I hope you will plan to be a part of this project. We truly need everyone to participate. Even if you liked your photo from the last directory, come and take a new one. We’ve all changed and gotten more handsome and beautiful since the last time. We want to have a great response for this new directory, and you can make that happen. So, with that being said, I guess I need to face the truth. It’s going to be a fast fourth quarter and before we all know it, we will be wishing each other a happy new year. I hope you’ll make it a happy new church year as you come back to Centenary for the fall and re-engage in the life and ministries of this great church. Now, where did I put that wrapping paper?
For me, and I know I’ve shared this before, the autumn season ushers in a freshness. The humidity drops. The nights get cooler so you can sit around the fire pit with
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Sign-ups begin Tuesday, September 3
To sign up: visit the Centenary website: www.centenary-ws.org/sign-up If you need assistance, please contact the church receptionist, Juana Jasinto at 336-724-6311.
You are invited to be a part of Love Thy Neighbor. Each month we welcome our neighbors for a meal and medical clinic. The relationships we build are unique and sacred. We welcome our church family, from youth to senior adults, to be a part of this ministry. If you are interested, or want to learn more, please contact Tammy Pollock (tpollock@centenary-ws.org) or Tyler MacDonald (tmacdonald@ centenary-ws.org) and they will get you connected.
Love Thy Neighbor Dates for 2019-2020 August 18, 2019 September 8, 2019 October 20, 2019 November 3, 2019 December 8, 2019 January 5, 2020 February 2, 2020 March 1, 2020 April 5, 2020 May 5, 2020 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER | 9 | CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST
Stay Connected with Centenary
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...we renew our covenant faithfully to participate in the ministries of the church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER | 11 | CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST
| youth ministry |
Carrying One Another Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” Mark 2:2-5
I
t’s hard to believe that another summer of Youth Ministry has come and gone. I am always left with a heart that is overflowing with sacred moments and joyful memories and a body that is overwhelmed with exhaustion. Whether we are gathering for worship and Sunday school, sitting at the table at Midtown Café contemplating how love Tammy Pollock is reflected in our interactions with Jesus and tpollock@centenary-ws.org the world, or sleeping on an air mattress for days on end after working long hours in the sun serving the Lord on the mission field, I am always amazed and astonished by our youth. The perspective they offer and the effervescence with which they live is a palpable reminder of God’s presence in the world. So, as this summer comes to an end, I am left a little nostalgic about all we have shared together and am hopeful and excited about what is yet to come.
As I read this book, I couldn’t help think about the story in the gospel of Mark about the four friends who carried their friend to Jesus in hopes of him being healed. They were so desperate to get to Jesus that they tore through the roof of the house where Jesus was and lowered their friend down to Jesus. There is such incredible determination and beauty when people come together to help each other to be whole and happy and live the abundant life Jesus came to give us. And in the midst of those thoughts, I was reminded of our Baptismal Covenant. That we will surround these persons with a community of love and forgiveness, that they may grow in their trust of God, and be found faithful in their service to others. We are all called to carry one another, we are all in need of healing, freedom, hope, adventure. As we come to faith, we come to it on the shoulders of those who have gone before and who long to share faith with others. We learn by watching, teaching, talking, praying together.
As we set our sights on a brand new school year filled Earlier this summer I read a great book, “We Carry with excitement, anticipation, trepidation, fear of the Kevan: Six Friends. Three Countries. No Wheelchair.” (I unknown… my hope is that we remember that we do all we highly recommend this precious story). Kevan has Spinal do here in Centenary’s Youth Ministry to love our youth on Muscular Atrophy, a rare neuromuscular disease, which behalf of Jesus in hopes of loving them to Jesus. We build renders him unable to walk or even care for his basic needs by himself. Although he is confined Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and to a wheelchair, he has an life and include these persons now before adventurous spirit and friends who love him deeply. So much you in your care? so that they make a plan to travel together to places a wheelchair With God‘s help we will proclaim the good news cannot navigate.With great resourcefulness and the and live according to the example of Christ. commitment of his friends, they We will surround these persons explored this amazing world… with a community of love and forgiveness, with Kevan on their backs, that they may grow in their trust of God, in a backpack. As the story unfolds, they share harrowing and be found faithful in their service to others. explorations, terrifying We will pray for them, moments, exhilaration, and that they may be true disciples shear exhaustion together. What you soon realize is who walk in the way that leads to life. that this group of friends is (From the United Methodist Baptismal Covenant) committed to caring for each other and living life together. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 | 12 | CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST
our ministry around covenant community, accompaniment, hospitality, sabbath, prayer, discernment and authentic action. We do that together. Intentionally carrying one another to Jesus, desperate to get to Him, trusting that when we encounter Him, our lives will be changed. Healing will happen, adventures will begin, God’s children will be served, seen and not forgotten, and hope will reveal to us that the Kingdom of Heaven is being revealed here on earth. I am so excited about this year. For our new sixth graders to be swept up in our youth ministry community, our confirmation class to grow in faith, wisdom and stature. I am hopeful for our senior high students as they continue to be incredible leaders to our young ones and to set their sights on where God is calling them to be in the next chapter of their lives. I am excited for all of our youth to fall
in love with Jesus so profoundly that they will carry others to Him as well through Love Thy Neighbor, mission trips and bible studies. And for our parents to know they are part of this ‘carrying’ as well. We long for them to know we partner with them, walk alongside them; prayerfully, hopefully, gracefully. May we all surround one another with a community of love and forgiveness, that we all may grow in our trust of God, and be found faithful in our service to others.
Rest Retreat
Mountain Top Mission Trip Sixers
Puerto Rico Mission Trip SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER | 13 | CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST
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| music ministry |
Called by Beauty
H
ow excited, humbled, and honored I am to join you at Centenary! Because your staff and your Chancel Choir have welcomed and embraced me so warmly, I cannot help but feel as if I am coming home. It seems that I am arriving – for the first time – at a place I somehow already know.
This notion of being called into something already known, of discovering something new yet familiar, encapsulates the way I have come to understand the spiritual life Jonathan Emmons and the movement of God. In other jemmons@centenary-ws.org words, it seems that God’s project is one of redeeming and refining us to be who we are created to be, of nudging and nurturing us to do our unique share of God’s work in the world. The Celtic poet and spiritual giant, John O’Donohue, has written about this movement of God in the context of music, art, and beauty. He explains that the words ‘beauty’ and ‘calling’ share a Greek origin and suggests that beauty can call us into “an emerging fullness, a greater sense of grace and elegance, a deeper sense of depth, and also a kind of homecoming.”
This way of understanding beauty inspires my work and ministry as a musician. It underscores the great necessity and deep importance of music and the arts for those who seek God. What if we believed that the beauty of music and the arts has the power to meet us where we are, to call us to places of greater flourishing, deeper connection, fuller living? What if we expected beauty to heal us in ways we never imagined? What if we depended on beauty to draw us deeper into ourselves? What if we called on beauty to redeem the rugged and neglected edges of our inner lives, to dissolve our doubts, our fears, and our stagnation? What if we allowed beauty, in places both obvious and hidden, to create new spaces in our hearts, to uncover our truest identities, to awaken that place within us where God already dwells, to carry us home?
I am eager to walk with you in this beauty, beauty that soaks our sanctuary, beauty that sets our hearts ablaze, beauty that spills into the city streets, beauty that heals our broken world. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER | 15 | CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST
| congregational care |
Stephen Ministry I will walk this journey with you. When it gets too hard to walk, then I will sit with you.
Deena Morgan Guest Writer
When I once saw these words on a poster, it immediately made me think of Stephen Ministry. They perfectly describe the caring relationships Stephen Ministers have with care receivers. They are relationships of deep trust and commitment, of tears and shared laughter, of baby steps and much-needed pauses along the way. The relationships are mutually beneficial to both the care receiver as well as the Stephen Minister. Personally, being a Stephen Minister has helped me to let go of my tendency to want to “fix” problems and has instead further moved me into confidently trusting that God is holding our care receivers in His hands every minute of every day. This enables me to be fully present, ready to love and listen and, as the saying on the poster indicates, able to walk or sit with a person in need of care.
Stephen Ministry to me. She listened to me as I poured out my heart to her and she let me cry. I needed to cry and she was not uncomfortable with my tears. We met once a week and chose to use a short series of grief-related books as a jumping off point for many of our conversations. It was as if these books were written just for me. God used them and Stephen Ministry to help me deal with grief and issues that came up after my love’s home-going.” Could you or someone you know benefit from a Stephen Minister’s help through a difficult time? If so, contact Judy Ingram (336-407-3986), Phil Ashley (336-766-0196), or Rev. Craig Ford (ext. 1353). Trained and caring help is available through Centenary’s Stephen Ministry.
The folllowing is a testimony from a person who received care from one of our Stephen Ministers at Centenary: “Two years ago my whole world changed. The love of my life for 55 years fell dead in our home from a heart attack. That was the hardest thing that I had ever gone through. The Lord got me through with prayers and many friends. One of these dear people asked me if I would like to know more about a special kind of caring relationship and I immediately replied, ‘Yes’! I am so thankful to her for introducing SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 | 16 | CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST
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| engagement and missions |
Be Blessed
I
Rev. Jeremy Pegram
jpegram@centenary-ws.org
n college I stumbled upon the United Methodist Church. In hindsight, I now know that God had directed my path and I am most grateful for the grace that has brought me thus far. Even though I had been a church attender for most of my life, it was the United Methodist Church that taught me that our walk with Christ is not just about faith, but also about works. No, we don’t work to earn God’s love, but we are invited to roll up our sleeves and work for the purposes of love and restoration in the world. This work, my friends, is mission. We have a mission as United Methodists, to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. I believe making disciples and transforming the world means that we must help people see that God is relevant in their lives. I hope for a transformed world that will know that there is a God who loves them and is always with them. Every one of us has a call to be engaged in the mission of the church. Your mission is to help people see that God is relevant, or it might be your commitment to serving in some capacity on Sunday morning in worship like singing in the choir, serving as a greeter, or being an usher or a lector who reads the scripture during worship, or serving Holy Communion. Your mission might be volunteering in our food and financial assistance ministry, Loaves and Fishes, or serving in DAYBreak Respite Care, Centenary’s ministry for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia related illness. Your mission might be spending the night at the Samaritan Inn on the second Friday of each month with other Centenary volunteers who will serve dinner and fellowship with men who are experiencing homelessness. Your mission might look like going on a building team to eastern North Carolina to restore homes that were damaged by the hurricanes of previous years. Your mission might be harvesting food at the Jim and Betty Holmes Food Bank Garden on the campus of Crossnore School and Children’s Home or serving alongside our youth at Love Thy Neighbor by offering a meal or medical services to community members who are underhoused or underemployed.Your mission might be teaching a Sunday school class or leading a Bible study! Your mission might just be praying daily for
the ministers and staff of Centenary as we work diligently to conduct ministries and programming for spiritual growth and development for persons of all ages. I could go on and on with examples, but my desire is that you will find a place where you can use your gifts, “roll up your sleeves” and serve our God. If you need a place to begin, I invite you to discover your gifts by taking our online Spiritual Gifts Discovery Assessment at https://www. centenary-ws.org/spiritualgifts. This tool will help you learn more about yourself and how you are equipped to serve the church. Next, explore this magazine, the church website, and our weekly bulletins and look for opportunities to be in service and mission. Lastly, make an appointment to visit with me so that we can discuss where you might serve in the church. My service to you is helping you be in service to God and to our church. On Sunday, September 15, plan to spend a little extra time at church. The Evangelism and Engagement Team is hosting our annual Engagement Fair. There, you will be able to explore booths and displays about the various missions of the church. You can talk with our lay leaders, ask questions, and sign-up to be engaged missionally. While attending the United Methodist Church in college, I served in a homeless shelter for the firsttime and went on my first short-term mission trip. I am forever grateful for the grace that afforded me those opportunities which taught me there is a blessing in faith and works, but most of all that the church and God are relevant to today's generation and will be for generations to come.
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https://www.centenary-ws.org/spiritualgifts Image from the Papal Basilica of St. Peter • © Doug Peninger SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER | 19 | CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST
| adult formation |
Small Groups & Adult Formation As I begin to put my thoughts together about the exciting information about all of our Small Group and Adult Formation Class offerings for this fall, my mind is still buzzing from the MLB trading deadline which just passed a few days ago (July 31) and all the moves that were made, as well as, all those that were not made. It seems that is often the way life works, some things we think are certain just don’t pan out, while the things that do often surprise us. I hope all of you who participated in our Summer at Centenary Class discovered something that touched your heart and opened up your understanding to something you had not expected as we asked you to stretch and experience a different approach to studying these great stories of our faith. I also hope you will share with me any ideas you have to make it better next year. Following that same idea, I want to invite you to check out our Spiritual Formation opportunities for this fall. If you have been a longtime member of a Sunday School or Adult Formation Class you know how wonderful they can be as you learn and grow in your faith, and as you deepen your existing friendships and create new ones. If you have not participated in one, I want to encourage you to check out the short descriptions for each of them, both those that meet on Sunday mornings, as well as, the small group Bret Cogan opportunities during the week. I also want to add if you don’t see something that piques your interest bcogan@centenary-ws.org let’s talk about it. I am looking for people to both participate in, as well as help facilitate, new Small Groups and Adult Formation classes! So, let’s see where the winds of the Spirit lead us to grow, learn and lead! Our Adult Formation classes meet on Sunday mornings from 10:00 am until 10:45 am.
Sunday Morning Small Groups Come As You Are – Memorial Auditorium
Forum I Class – The Haven 212
Celebration Class – The Haven • 211
Mark Bible Study Class – Dining Room
Chapel Class • The Chapel
Mission Possible – The Haven •110-D
We are a group (most with elementary age children) who are seeking a weekly connection to support one another, join in social or missions activities outside of class, and grow our faith. Because life can be irregular at this stage, we have chosen not to have homework preparation for Sundays. Starting in September we will be doing a 5-week study on the Basics of the Bible lead by Rev. Jeremy Pegram.
The Celebration Class includes both adult singles and couples. Our study is member-led and discussion based. We focus on developing, supporting, growing, and living our Christian faith in today’s world with an emphasis on fellowship, stewardship, prayer, and missions. We send out a weekly e-newsletter containing class news, lesson notes, mission opportunities, prayer requests, and celebrations to help us stay connected through the week. All are welcomed. Come join us!
The Chapel class is mainly older adults including singles and couples. Our time together begins with a few hymns, some announcements, and an offering. Our lessons are Bible focused and lead by our class teacher. Come join us as we continue to learn and explore our faith!
The Common Cup – The Haven • 110-B
The Common Cup class is a relaxed group of adults of varied ages and backgrounds. We seek studies that help us develop our faith, as well as, help us discern and explore God’s path for our lives. We also enjoy fellowship and service outside of our class schedule. We’d love for you to join us!
Forum I is a class of couples and singles with ages ranging from young adult to senior citizens. Our members take turns leading class discussions based on texts ranging from Bible interpretations to understanding religious and social issues. We read the lesson, or about our topic prior to the class and then encourage everyone to contribute to the discussions. We are always looking for new people to join us!
We are a class of middle to older adults who enjoy studying the Bible one book at a time to deepen our understanding and grow spiritually in a continued commitment to Jesus Christ. We ask our members to read from various translations and use commentaries of the Bible, then we share what we have discovered in lively discussion. If you are interested in a bible study based class come join us!
We are a group of 40-60 year-olds, married and single, mostly with children that enjoy a discussion-based class. Our focus is often based upon current events and at times vary from week to week. Our desire is to bring the Bible and our faith to real life experiences. We encourage one another to be involved in mission work and we have worked with Samaritan Inn, Potter’s House, UMAR, Open Arms Ministry, Haitian Outreach Ministries, and other great ministries. There is always room for more, come check us out!
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Parents of Teens – The Haven • 110-F
If you are a parent of a teenager you need all the help you can get and a community to share the journey. Join us as we look at resources and explore ideas on how our faith and parenting coincide. Stop at the coffee bar in the Youth Suite for a hot cup of coffee or tea on your way to class. We hope to see you on Sunday.
Sycamore Tree – The Haven • 210
We are a class of couples and singles in the 60+ range who study books that reflect issues concerning religion, faith, and social/ moral concerns. We always welcome visitors, and we encourage the respectful expression of all views and opinions. Class members read weekly material beforehand (usually a chapter at a time) and participate in the Sunday discussion. We have discussed books of varying viewpoints by a wide range of authors and we participate in various service projects as the need arises throughout the year. We also have occasional social gatherings. Come join us!
Whitfield/Foundations Class – The Parlor
Our ages range from 60’s to 80’s. We tend to study more liberal books on Christianity, to enhance our Bible study. Each member reads the materials prior to class. Generally, we have a facilitator who leads our discussion. We financially support several missions inside and outside the church. Come join us!
Young Adult Class – The Haven • 206-207
We are a group of vibrant young adult couples and singles with varying backgrounds and ages ranging from the early 20s to late 30s. Class members participate in thought-provoking discussions over coffee in a relaxed and inclusive environment. Our fellowship extends beyond the church walls as we love to participate in community service and quarterly social gatherings. Please visit and grow with us on our spiritual journey! Check out our Facebook page: https://facebook.com/CentenaryYoungAdults.
Small Group Opportunities During the Week 12-Week Study of Mark by Brad Johnson
Kathy Battle is the Facilitator, they meet on Wednesdays and start on September 11. They meet from 10:00 am – Noon in The Haven, Room 212. For more information contact Kathy at kbbattle@gmail. com.
Continuation of Study of Psalms
Tom Cannon is the Facilitator and they meet on Wednesdays start on September 11. They meet from 9:30 am - 11:30 am a in The Haven, Room 210. For more information contact Tom at ncannon@ triad.rr.com.
Book Study on Barbara Brown Taylor’s book “Holy Envy”
Breaking Bread Study of Isaiah
This study will begin on September 18 at Noon in the Dining Room. This group is led by Rev. Bret Cogan. For more information contact Bret at bcogan@centenary-ws.org
Water to Wine Study of John and Luke
Focus scriptures are John 2. We will discuss The Wedding at Cana on August 11. On September 22, we focus on The True Vine from John 15. In October, we examine The Parable of the Wine Skins found in Luke 5:33-39.The group will meet August 11, September 22 and October 20 at 7:00pm.The group will gather at the home of Jim and Carrow Mabry and is facilitated by Rev. Bret Cogan. For more information contact Bret at bcogan@centenary-ws.org.
Robert Esleeck is the facilitator and they meet Sunday evenings starting in September. This will be six-week study. For more information contact Robert at reesleeck@gmail.com.
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| executive director |
Stewardship at Centenary
E
very year, the words “Stewardship Season” strike fear into the hearts of some for different reasons. They just do not like talking about money – especially in the church. It makes them uncomfortable. But here is the reality. We are limited in what we can do for missions and church programs unless our budget grows in 2020. To be more specific, we are going to need more members of Centenary to step up and make a pledge to their church in order to do more.
Mary Ann Wexler
You already know that Centenary is a large established church. For 2019, we have an annual operating budget of four million dollars that was based primarily on the amount of pledges we had received by December 2018. Currently, there are 1871 possible giving units out of nearly 3000 members. A giving unit could be an individual, a couple or a large family. For 2019, we currently have 653 active operating pledges. This number can wobble during the year when folks move away or sadly, someone passes away.
mwexler@centenary-ws.org
DID YOU RUN THE MATH IN YOUR HEAD? RIGHT NOW, ONLY 33% OF OUR POSSIBLE GIVING UNITS HAVE AN ACTIVE OPERATING PLEDGE FOR 2019.
WHY IS THAT? I have heard that some of our members think we don’t need them to make a pledge. Some may feel their small pledge doesn’t matter. That couldn’t be further from the truth. We are thankful for every single dollar that is pledged. Every penny of every pledge becomes a part of our operating budget. It allows us to plan for our ministries and do more. Whether your pledge is for $10 a year or $100,000 a year, each dollar is important to us and makes its mark on our budget. I’m hoping that for most of our non-pledging members, their choice to not pledge is most likely an oversight. Perhaps making a pledge to anything is not a usual practice or maybe that blank pledge card from last year is gathering dust on a table somewhere in their house. Maybe they have never understood how Centenary uses their pledge or perhaps they have not felt that obligation to give back to the church a portion of what God has blessed them with. LET’S GET TO 50% MEMBER PLEDGE PARTICIPATION (OR MORE) FOR 2020 I’ve used this analogy before, but I’ll use it again. Do you remember the giant thermometer at your school or your kid’s school that showed the number of participants in the PTA or a similar thermometer that indicated the amount of dollars that was accumulating in a fundraiser you were involved in? We must see that virtual thermometer rise at Centenary. Just think how much more we can do if that thermometer goes up every year. I look forward to seeing your name on our list of pledges for 2020 and using your gift to support and build our budget.
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| children’s ministry |
Choosing a Bible Our kids are growing and at no time is that more evident than at back to school time.
Rev. Kate May
kmay@centenary-ws.org
Parents are buying new clothes, new shoes, and new school supplies to keep up with their growing and maturing kids. At the church we are celebrating our growing kids too! On Bible Sunday we celebrate with our Kindergarteners and Third Graders and their families as they are growing, and gift them with Bibles to help them in their growing and maturing faith. Our Kindergarteners receive the Rhyme Bible Storybook, a great Bible storybook for early readers because it is a storybook that sounds a lot like Dr. Seuss wrote it. Then our Third Graders receive The Hands-On Bible which is an easy to read translation with lots of fun devotions and activities to help the reader understand the message and to connect it to their own lives. One additional Bible that we give out throughout the year through our Welcome Baby ministry is The Baby Bible Storybook. A first Bible for our new babies that has short stories to begin a habit of daily Bible reading with simple ways to interact with the story and the child. Regularly I get questions from parents, grandparents, and others about what Bibles I would recommend for kids who are between our Bible milestones and ready for something more. So here goes: The Baby Bible Storybook is part of a series that also includes an ABC Bible and a 123 Bible.
These are great additions for young kids. I love the simple ways the stories are told and the easy prompts that as these young ones grow can help them begin to build their relationship with God. For older preschoolers who are ready for more, The Spark Bible Storybook is a wonderful option. Again the stories are not long and have a question at the end to help families have faith conversations even with these young children. This storybook has the added fun of looking for a cute caterpillar on each page. Younger elementaries often quickly move through the Rhyme Bible Storybook and are ready for more. Especially for boys, the Action Bible Storybook is a fun choice as it tells the stories of our faith in a comic book format. The stories are a little longer than in other Bible storybooks, but if you are looking for simple family faith builders each story ends with great questions for conversation and a simple prayer. My favorite piece of this Bible is the last chapter that goes through the entire Bible in one story showing the consistency of God’s love and action throughout Biblical history. My most favorite Bible storybook for elementaries of any age is The Jesus Bible Storybook. The language is beautiful and each story shows the connectedness to the underlying message of God’s never stopping, never giving up, always and forever love and the way it shows up throughout everything. Lastly, for those older elementaries who are looking forward to being a part of youth group and confirmation a great Bible option is Colaborate: Methodist Student Bible. This Bible is again an easy to read translation with notes, graphics, and interesting facts to encourage readers to connect not only with the Bible story, but with God. Although many of us have stopped the growth we once experienced in childhood, we as United Methodists believe that we are always growing and maturing in our faith. My prayer is that these recommendations might help you connect with the young people in your life and be a part of their faith journey as you share yours with them.
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| senior adults |
The Church Is of God
C
entenary is effective because it has a strong and vibrant children’s ministry, youth ministry, adult ministry, as well as a senior adult ministry. The role that the Senior Adult Ministry plays is vital to the life of the church.
Rev. Craig Ford
cford@centenary-ws.org
We benefit when we recognize that each of the areas of ministry contribute. As grandparents, Janet and I are frequently reminded, not only of the joy of the child, but what we can learn as we watch the children learn. Recently, our two- and-a-half year old grandson was walking up our driveway. He stopped and looked intently at an earthworm as it was crawling on the pavement. Then, in the yard, he was fascinated as he watched a squirrel climb higher in the tree. Children can open our eyes to the beauty and wonder of the world around us as we watch them develop. Likewise, we benefit when we allow youth to inspire us by their openness to learning. Recently, I was advised that if I want to learn about a particular thing, ask a teenager or young adult. Regarding the life and ministry of the church, senior adults offer the experience gained
through the years. They bring stability, wisdom, insight, understanding, perspective, and determination to work through difficult times. They offer hope when faced with challenges. They serve as mentors to younger generations. They have the experience of serving in leadership roles: they have taught Sunday school and Biblical classes; They have greeted and ushered. They have served in missions and sung in choirs. They have funded projects and missions undertaken by the church. They have served their brothers and sisters in Christ with prayers, visits, and meals deliveries. I have asked some of the senior adults to write their understanding of the role of senior adults in the life and ministry of the Church.
Jerry Warren
“The Senior Adult Group is very active in the life of the church. They serve on many major committees and add experience as well as leadership. Seniors are very active in music, mental health programs, and visitation of shutins. Leadership and experience of seniors give a firm foundation for younger members to follow. Also, the church and its programs are a major part of the social life of the senior members.”
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Hobe Cawood
“The Centenary Seniors are determined to share their Christian lives with each other, as well as others in the church and the community. This goal is obvious when one attends one of our luncheons, programs, projects, or activities. We share God’s love.”
Ralph Holthouser
“The Senior Adult Ministries enables Seniors to serve the Vision/Mission of our Church. Following retirement, many Seniors have time to share their talents with those in need. Our services are designed to assist members of our congregation and our community. “Service above Self” is the phrase I consider with these opportunities. Programs I have served include Love Thy Neighbor, Vacation Bible School, delivering flowers, serving on boards and committees.”
Jean Burroughs
“The Senior Adult Ministry is a major part of my being a church member at Centenary. It is an amazing thing to find that one’s life is suddenly open to many new experiences after rearing a family, completing a career, and even losing a spouse. Suddenly one finds that our life may be longer and healthier than any previous generations. One has had a lot of experiences in life that may be useful now to share with others. There is energy left to do a lot of interesting, good things. There is a desire to help society with the cumulated knowledge of life’s experiences. The Senior Adults of Centenary present a ministry for realizing how many interesting, stimulating members we are surrounded by and what goals we can attempt.The luncheons are a great opportunity to meet other members of the congregation and to hear very interesting speakers.
Charles Monroe
“Many CUMC seniors participate in such service programs as Home Bound Visitation, annual Poinsettia Delivery, annual Veterans Day Breakfast and annual hosting of the monthly W/S Senior Services dinner for less advantaged individuals in community. Many CUMC seniors also attend the monthly Senior Luncheon which takes place around noon (ending around 1:15 pm) on the third Thursday of each month in Memorial Auditorium at Centenary. The mood is festive with tablecloths and beautiful flowers on each table. The delicious lunch ($8), is a opportunity to meet new Centenary friends and enjoy visiting with others. The program usually starts as we finish lunch and often features a talk by a well-known individual from the community (mayor, university or college dean or president, maestro from local opera or symphony,etc.). Other times the program may be a musical program by “the three tenors ”or other talented Centenary musicians. I have been participating in the senior service programs and these enjoyable luncheon events for over 15 years and as enjoyable as they are, I mainly value the on-going friendships that have developed from these opportunities. If you are not currently receiving notice of Centenary Senior Adult activities, but would like to be added to our email directory, please email chasmonroe@yahoo.com.” In conclusion, the Senior Adults want to be a part of advancing the total program of the church and its vision. “The Church is of God and will be preserved until the end of time.” (Baptismal Covenant III, The United Methodist Hymnal, 1989)
When I first lost my husband, I was amazed at how wonderful it was to travel with others on the senior trips since I no longer had my best friend to do our many travels together.”
I N S P I R AT I O N T H RO U G H S TA I N E D G L A S S SUNDAY • SEPTEMBER 15 • 3PM • SANCTUARY This event is free and open to the public. Do you know where the hippopotamus is in the Sanctuary? Join this waking tour of the Centenary Sanctuary windows as Martha Brown shares their stories, the significance of each window, their hidden images and their meanings. There’s more in them than meets the eye. Printed materials will be shared during the tour. Please contact the music office for any questions. 336-724-6311 ext. 1336. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER | 29 | CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST
Be sure to mark your calendars with the events on these pages. For the most current information, be sure to see the Sunday bulletins and the church website.
September
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October
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Memorials
We remember the saints who have gone before....
Boy Scout Troop 920
DayBreak Respite Care
In memory of Matthew Gfeller by Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Gfeller Jr.
In memory of David “Dave” Joseph Roberts by James & Erin Pisciotta.
Centenary Fund
Music and the Arts
In memory of Beverly Barrett Isley by Bo, Baker, & Charles Kenan. In memory of Dalton Dillard Ruffin by Margaret Roberts. In memory of Dr. Harold Calloway Pollard lll by Barbara Welch. In memory of Edna Freemon Helms by Mary Roufail. In memory of Emily Mitchell Williamson by Scott & Diane Craver, Nicholas & Elaine Daves, Mrs. C. Warren Forbush, Meriel Mitchell Gregory, Dean & Barbara Henrichs, Perry & Nanci Hudspeth, Libba Grimes McCachern, Sam & Mary Ceile Ogburn, Margaret Ogburn, Piedmont Federal Savings Bank, Anne & Steve Sessions, Jules & Nancy Spach. In memory of John William Burwell Sr. by John Burwell Jr and Jane & Dan Loftis. In memory of Robert “Mason” Linker lll by Circle #5, Neil & Betsy Clark, Reid & Suzanne Wilcox, Ben, Henry and Ellie Wilcox. In memory of Robert A. “Bobby” Piperata by Jean Beam. In memory of Sarah White Stedman by Rebecca Clayton. In memory of Troy Allan Sager by Nancy Lide.
In memory of Edward “Ted” O’Hanlon Hill by Sandra & Bill Gramley, Music & the Arts Committee. In memory of Elizabeth “Betty” West Alexander by Gregory & Pollyann Holthusen.
Youth Ministry In memory of Emily Mitchell Williamson by Nina Lawrence.
Honoraria
We celebrate the kingdom of God among us...
Centenary Fund
Stephen Ministry
In honor of the Ministers and Staff of Centenary by Dan & Nancy Culp. In honor of Virginia Smith by Nancy & Charles Hoover.
In honor of Circle 1 by Barbara Fenimore.
Love Thy Neighbor In honor of Dee Hettinger by Ruby Griffin. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 | 32 | CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST
IN MEMORIAM Brigs Maselli June 27, 2019 Molly Thompson Bell July 2, 2019 Howard Morton Willis July 24, 2019 Albert Carl Penney July 31, 2019 The ministers and members of Centenary Church extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved families and pray they may know the comfort and peace of our Heavenly Father.
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| senior minister |
Paddling in the Deep Water This summer my family went whitewater rafting.
On a hot summer day there is nothing better to beat the heat than paddling down a frothy river of cold mountain water. We had an experienced guide steering us on a safe course, but it was up to each of us to put our paddles in the water and pull together on his command in order to end up where he wanted
Rev. Dr. Glenn Kinken gkinken@centenary-ws.org
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us to go. The boat motif is not unknown in the Christian Church. Many churches have stained glass windows which depict Christ and the Disciples in a boat on the Sea of Gallilee. Cathedrals and sanctuaries across Europe and the United States have ornate ceilings which remind us of the inner ribs of old sailing ships. This imagery reminds us that we, much like the Disciples, are all in the same boat and that Christ is our guide, the master mariner, securing our course. What is more important about this imagery of community is that we are not just all in the same boat, but that each of us is needed and plays an important role in God’s Kingdom. This issue of Through Centenary Windows gives great examples of why we need each other. The articles which you have read display how intertwined all of our
ministries truly are. More importantly these ministries, like each of us, play an important role in Centenary fulfilling our mission. Our minsitries build upon each other. They demand our attention and call us into deeper relationships with God (and with each other). It is when we are all working together that we realize the Kingdom of God has drawn near. As September arrives we begin a new program year in the life of Centenary. There is much excitement about what we will offer and about what we could accomplish this year. This is a golden opportunity for you to be a part of something great! I want you to join us. But don’t just show up, climbing in the boat per se and swirling your paddle in the water. No, climb in the boat. Reach your paddle out into the proverbial waters and dig deep. Dig deep into what Centenary has to offer. Dig deep into your life and see what you have to offer Centenary. Invest your blood, sweat and tears—your life into the life of the church. Dig deep, giving of your time, energy, money, prayers and expertise to help Centenary fulfill God’s call upon our church. Dig deep, growing in your relationship with God through Bible study, small groups and service to the community. Dig deep, praising God through worship and giving thanks for what God has given you and for this Church. Dig deep, and invite others to come on aboard --there is always room for more people in God’s great boat. There is nothing like the local church when the local church is working right. This is especially true when Christ is the guide setting the course and the church (the boat of Christ) is full of people paddling the deep water to make a difference. I look forward to seeing you at Church. I look forward to seeing where our paddling will take us.
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(USPS 628-480)
Periodicals Postage Paid at Winston-Salem, NC
Published By: Centenary United Methodist Church PO Box 658 Winston-Salem, NC 27102-0658 Church Office: (336) 724-6311 Fax: (336) 723-5840 Website: www.centenary-ws.org Postmaster Send Address Changes to: Centenary United Methodist Church PO Box 658 Winston-Salem, NC 27102-0658 A Stephen Ministry Congregation Printed on recycled paper
WORSHIP AT CENTENARY Traditional Worship Sunday 8:30 am Memorial Auditorium
Sunday 9 am Sanctuary Includes Children’s Worship
Sunday 11:00 am Sanctuary Includes Children’s Worship
Wednesday 7 pm Memorial Auditorium
While you are away from our church home, we invite you to worship with Centenary on your computer, smart TV, smartphone, tablet, or whatever electronic device that has access to the Internet. Our Live Stream worship will be there for you. Be sure to sign in so we may be in connection with you. Join us for worship each Sunday at 11:00 am.
www.centenary-ws.org/live-stream