Friends, after a long hiatus, the Centenary magazine, Through Centenary Windows, has returned with a 36-page issue for September and October. Our magazine is digital only, and you will be able to download it directly to any device. Within its pages, you will discover links to important resources, registrations, and more, all within the click of your mouse. We hope you will enjoy our new magazine. To read, click on the link below.

Read the Magazine

October 5 • 2 pm

Bring your leashed or crated pets for a time of fellowship and blessing of our animal companions. We will be on the front steps of the church. There will be a drive thru option in the Fifth Street parking lot for pets who do better staying in their vehicle.  

Our year-long journey continues through the books of Luke and Acts, featuring Bible studies, a weekly reading plan, study guides, and other opportunities to engage with these transformative scriptures.

Learn More

April 24-26, 2026 • Lake Junaluska

Registration is now open for Centenary’s Thrive! Women’s Retreat—please note the updated date! This special weekend is designed for women of all ages to step away from daily routines, rest, and reconnect with God and one another. Our keynote speaker, Rev. Lara “Willis” Greene, Centenary’s Senior Minister, will lead us in exploring what it means to cultivate a thriving spiritual life. Artist and teacher Lee Chappell Monroe will guide creative arts sessions that invite us to encounter God through hands-on expression. Cost is $345 for a shared room or $595 for a private room if you take advantage of early bird registration, available through January 15. Space is limited, and we expect a full house.

Register

Begins Wednesday • September 17
9:30–11:00 am • Room 112 

A sermon is like a seed—it often needs a few days in the soil of our hearts before it begins to sprout. Join facilitators Sue Stephens and Tammy Pollock on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month as we respond to and reflect on the previous Sunday’s sermon. No preparation is needed, and you can participate even if you didn’t hear the sermon in advance. Please bring your Bible. Please register below.

Register

September 21 • 9 am or 11 am Worship 

September 21 • Noon • Dining Room 

Our 4th and 5th graders have the opportunity to join 4th and 5th graders from United Methodist Churches throughout our district at Camp Hanes on September 26-27 for a time of fun, fellowship and service. Kids will arrive at 6 PM on Friday and leave at noon on Saturday. Dinner and breakfast are included along with the opportunity to enjoy boating, the zipline, games, service opportunities and more! Cost is $70/camper. The registration deadline is September 3.

CareNotes are concise booklets that provide uplifting guidance to those who are hurting. They address topics that include grief, aging, healthcare, mental wellness, family care, spiritual support, and more. Our collection of CareNotes is located on the 3rd floor near the Resource Room.

Each week after Sunday worship, the Altar Guild takes the beautiful altar flowers from Centenary’s Sanctuary and creates several small arrangements that are shared with church members and friends who may be homebased, those who may be recovering from surgery, or who just may need a sign of love and care from our congregation. We are in need of someone to help coordinate this congregational care ministry. Volunteers who have a couple hours a week to deliver flowers are also needed. Associate Minister for Congregational Care, Rev. Oliver Helsabeck, will provide the list of persons to receive flowers each week. If you feel a calling to lead this ministry or to help deliver flowers, please contact Oliver.

Centenary Cares, a ministry of Shining Light on Mental Health, is a simple way that care and encouragement are extended from Centenary UMC. If someone you know is struggling or has a loved one struggling with mental health, submit the person’s name to Rev. Oliver Helsabeck, Associate Minister for Congregational Care, (336.724.6311 ext. 1357). A member of Shining Light will confidentially deliver a Centenary Cares bag to the recipient. More information can be found here.

First Mondays • 10 am - Noon

Calling all knitters and crocheters! Join Healing Hands for a time of fellowship, instruction, and service as members create prayer shawls, lap throws, and other handmade items to provide a tangible blessing for people experiencing loss, crisis, or other need for prayerful care. Items are prayed over and blessed to be given away to others in time of need. No experience is necessary. Contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck or Dianne Moore for more information. Look for a Healing Hands opportunity during Nourish on Wednesday evenings starting in January! No experience is required.

Join the Refresh Prayer Ministry for a mid-week service of reflection, music, and prayer. Each Wednesday from Noon-12:15 pm there will be a time for quiet reflection with music, and then the service will begin at 12:15 pm and finish by 12:45 pm. Parking will be available in the Fifth Street parking lot, and you may enter from the Fifth Street entrance to the Sanctuary. For more information, contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck or Becky Tate.

If someone in your family is experiencing a crisis of mental health, it’s important to know you are not alone. Shining Light on Mental Health is launching the Peer Connector Ministry, which establishes a confidential connection between you and someone who has experienced a similar situation. Peer Connectors serve as supportive friends and listening ears, and they can provide prayerful, emotional support and can help to direct you to additional support or resources, as needed. Send a confidential message to Rev. Oliver Helsabeck and he will connect you with a Peer Connector.

Sunday • October 19 • 5 pm
Memorial Auditorium

The challenges surrounding dementia impact nearly everyone. Shining Light on Mental Health and Stephen Ministry invite you to “Anchored in Love: Understanding the Aging Brain and Dementia; Supporting Parents, Family & Loved Ones as Care Partners” – an important program about how to understand, support, and care for those living with dementia and their loved ones. This event will provide practical resources, compassionate insight, and faithful encouragement from a prominent expert in dementia awareness: Dr. Ed Shaw, who founded the Memory Counseling Program that serves individuals, couples, and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease or dementia as part of the Sticht Center at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. This program is open to everyone—whether you are a caregiver, have a loved one experiencing dementia, or simply want to learn more. Keith Byrd will provide special music. 

First Thursday • 7:30 - 8:30 am • Community Room

We gather in the second floor Catering Kitchen for coffee, biscuits, and fellowship, followed by a presentation from a special guest speaker. We hope you will join us in this time of community and fellowship!

To learn more about Men’s Ministry at Centenary, contact Chris Munnelly, Tanner Robinson, Michael Rogers, or Tom Lawson.

Loaves & Fishes is once again collecting items for Summer Stock! Anytime this summer, you can take a brown paper bag located in the Narthex or at the 4 ½ Street entrance to fill with needed items. This year we are collecting the following foods: canned chicken, canned tuna, canned beef stew, Spam, and Vienna sausages. Please make sure the canned items are regular sized cans. You can drop your donations off at the 4 ½ Street entrance or in the Narthex to the Sanctuary. If you have any questions, contact Mary Ann Wexler.

October 21 • 12:30 pm - 5 pm • Community Room

Centenary is partnering with the Red Cross to host a blood drive on Tuesday, October 21, from 12:30 - 5 pm in the Community Room. If you would like to sign up to donate blood, you may do so below.

Give Blood

October 4 • 10 am - Noon • Truist Stadium 

The organization “Bed and a Book” provides beds to kids in our community who don’t currently have their own beds. We will be partnering with Bed and a Book to do some basic pre-assembly of beds that will later be delivered to families throughout our community. If you can read and follow directions, you are equipped to help! This is a great project for the whole family! Register so we know who to send details about this event to. Register by September 25 to be included in the no-cost lunch that will be provided.

Register

Check out Centenary’s monthly Music & Arts magazine! Find the latest edition on the Music & Arts page, subscribe by clicking here, or pick up a printed copy from the Music Suite.

We invite all children ages 2 through 5th grade, new or returning, to join us this fall when CAE resumes on August 27! CAE’s multi-faceted model engages children with various levels of musical and artistic interests, all while cultivating more regular, more varied worship leadership opportunities for Centenary’s youngest! Email Music Ministries Assistant Virginia Sheffield with any questions.

Register

Thursdays • 6 pm • Handbell Room 

Do you love to ring? West End Ringers begins September 18! Youth in grades 6 – 12 are invited to join this exciting ensemble this fall as they embark on a season of worship leadership and special outside performance opportunities. Previous handbell/musical experience encouraged. Those who wish to also participate in YCC will be released for handbell rehearsal each week. Email Director of Handbell Ensembles, Camille Jones, for more information.

Open House: September 14 • Noon 
Atrium Gallery & Commons 

Join Art in the Atrium as we celebrate our opening exhibit by renowned artist Steven Dunn. From Noon - 2:00 pm in the Atrium Gallery and Commons, guests will meet Steven and hear about his tremendous work while enjoying his art and some refreshments. The exhibit itself will be on display 

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
Tuesdays • 6:30 - 8 pm • Atrium Gallery

Beginning September 23, Music & Arts invites you to an in-depth exploration of portraiture and life drawing. Under the instruction of Dr. Stephen Martin, Chair of the Music & Arts Committee, this class will focus on the study and reflection of the beauty and complexity of the human form. All are welcome to participate in this meaningful engagement of faith and the arts. No previous experience necessary. Email Dr. Martin to sign up! 

Music & Arts is delighted to share our brand-new year-long Program Booklet! Inside, you will find a full season of inspiring worship opportunities, events, concerts, and more that will fill Centenary with music, creativity, and community. Pick up a copy from the magazine racks around campus or explore the digital version by clicking the link on the Music & Arts page (p. 27) of Through Centenary Windows! 

Thursday • October 23 • 9 am - 6 pm

Join us for a scenic day on the Blue Ridge Parkway and a stop at the WNC Farmer’s Market. Cost is $40 (transportation only); lunch at Moose Café is on your own. Our 56-passenger charter bus departs at 9 am and returns by 6 pm. Sign up by Sunday, October 19. Register below, phone the church office, or email  . Payment is required to hold your seat. Questions? Contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck. 

Register

The Centenary ornament is still available. It would make a great gift to honor a baptism, confirmation and/or wedding that takes place in our beautiful Sanctuary. If you would like to reserve one, please contact Susan Grubbs.  All proceeds go towards the mission projects of the UWF.

Every Sunday • 10:00am - 10:50am • Youth Commons 

6th-12th graders are welcome for our Fall Sunday School series! Join us as we consider the unique characteristics of Mark’s Gospel -- which is known for its simple writing style, fast-paced and episodic coverage of Jesus’s life, and emphasis on the actions of Christ more than His teachings. 

Niner-Niner is a ministry for the newest members of our Senior High Ministry...our fabulous Freshman. Join us one Saturday a quarter to step outside the norm and be together with your other freshman friends to reconnect, build community, and remember you are loved, seen, and heard. Be on the lookout for registration info! 

October 19 • 12:15 pm - 11 pm

All Youth are invited to join us on our annual trip to Carowinds (by day), turned SCarowinds (by night). Registration and details for this event can be found on the link below. For any questions, contact Kevin Garrity (kgarrity@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1349).

Register