Browse through the events that are available in which you can participate! You can also download our App: Realm Connect from the Apple App Store or Google Play. If you need assistance setting up your app, contact Mary Ann Wexler.
Worship
Church-Wide Opportunities
Dietrich Bonhoeffer Pilgrimage
Germany • May 17-29, 2027
Join tour guides Rev. Lara “Willis” Greene and husband, Dr. David Greene, on a 12-Day tour through Germany as you encounter a story of courage, faith and conviction that still speaks today. Along the way, we’ll wrestle with one of history’s most urgent questions: how a deeply Christian nation became the setting for profound moral tragedy. For more information, contact Stacy Holley.
Youg Adults
Young Adults Fall Kick-Off
Wednesday • August 26 • 6:30 pm
Summer may be winding down, but we're just getting started! Join Young Adults Ministry as we kick off fall at the Dash! Enjoy baseball, reconnect with friends, meet new people, and learn about our weekly trivia nights, Grace in Common: Young Women's Group, and other opportunities throughout the year. Whether you're new or have been part of YAM for years, we'd love to have you! Contact Virginia Sheffield to reserve your spot.
Adult Formation
Women's Book Study: Joyful Anyway
Biweekly on Tuesdays Beginning September 22 • Noon - 1 pm • Room 115
This study, led by Nancy Powell, will discuss Joyful Anyway by Kate Bowler. Bowler is a Duke seminary professor, podcaster, writer, and a wise and funny person. The group will meet for six sessions every other Tuesday from September 22 to December 1. The registration deadline is September 16, as there is a short reading assignment to complete before the first session. Questions? Contact Rev. Dianne Lawhorn.
Women's Wednesday Sermon Study
1st & 3rd Wednesdays Beginning September 16 • 9:30 am • Room 112
This group convenes twice a month to reflect upon sermon themes and topics from the Centenary pulpit. Please register below. If you would like more information about this exciting discussion group, contact Sue Stephens or Tammy Pollock.
2027 Women's Retreat
Save the Date • April 9-11, 2027
Mark your calendars for our Spring Women’s Retreat as we gather once again at beautiful Lake Junaluska! We look forward to a time of fellowship, renewal, and connection together. We hope you’ll join us for this special weekend. Stay tuned—more details will be coming soon!
Children's Ministry
Promotion Sunday & Parent Open House
Sunday • August 16 • 10 am • East Building
On Promotion Sunday all of our kids move to their new classes for the ‘26-’27 school year. Their classes are based on their age/grade on August 31, 2026 so that they can move through children’s ministry with their peers. As the kids dive into Sunday School, brown ups are invited to room 304 for a time of food, fellowship, and learning about upcoming events in children’s ministry! Questions? Contact Kate May (ext. 1331).
Worship Leader Celebration
August 30 • Noon - 1:30 pm
Students, fourth grade and older, have the opportunity to serve as torchbearers at our 11 am worship service and then crucifers once they participate in confirmation. On Sunday, August 30, we will celebrate all of our student worship leaders and train those who would like to join our team. RSVP by Wednesday, August 26. If you cannot come but have a student who would like to serve or continue serving, please RSVP to let us know. Interested? Contact Kate May (ext. 1331).
Bible Sunday
September 20
Register kindergarteners and third graders to receive their Bible from the church on Sunday, September 20. If you can't be here on September 20 but would like your child to receive a Bible, please let us know in your registration. Register by Wednesday, September 9. Have questions? Contact Kate May (ext. 1331).
4th/5th Grade District Retreat
Congregational Care
CareNotes
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.
Flower Ministry
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 home-based, 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
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, (ext. 1357). A member of Shining Light will confidentially deliver a Centenary Cares bag to the recipient. More information can be found here.
Healing Hands
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 times 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.
Refresh Prayer Service
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.
Peer Connector
If someone in your family is experiencing a mental health crisis, 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.
Stephen Ministry - Seeking Care Receivers
Stephen Ministry is an intentional caring ministry. Stephen Ministers are trained and supervised, and they can offer a listening ear through difficult times in life. If you (or someone you know) is going through a challenging time and could benefit from a caring friend, contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck (ext. 1357) for a referral. You can also find more information and a link to an online referral form on the church website under Congregational Care. All referrals are confidential.
GriefShare Interest
Grief is a journey no one should have to walk alone. Centenary is exploring the possibility of offering a GriefShare support group beginning in September for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one.
GriefShare is a caring, Christ-centered program that provides encouragement, practical support, and hope through video presentations, group discussion, and personal reflection. Whether your loss is recent or occurred years ago, GriefShare can help you navigate the challenges of grief in a supportive and understanding environment.
If you think you might be interested in participating, please contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck. Expressing interest does not obligate you to attend; it will simply help us determine if there is sufficient interest to offer the program this fall.
Justice & Reconciliation
Men's Ministry
Thursday Morning Fellowship
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.
Men's Ministry Needs Your Input
We are exploring ways to strengthen and grow our Men’s Ministry. To help us better understand the interests, needs, and priorities of the men in our congregation, we are asking all men to complete a brief survey.
Whether you currently participate in church activities regularly or are looking for new opportunities to connect, your feedback will help shape future fellowship events, Bible studies, service projects, retreats, and other ministry opportunities.
Please take a few moments to complete the survey and share your thoughts. The survey is available at the link below. Your responses will help us create a Men’s Ministry that continues to encourage spiritual growth, meaningful relationships, and faithful service.
Missions
Summer Stock is Back
We’re excited to kick off our summer Loaves & Fishes food pantry drive, and we need YOUR help to fill our shelves for neighbors in need. This summer, we’re collecting regular-sized cans of chicken, beef stew, Spam, Vienna sausages, and packaged cookies. Simply pick up a shopping bag at the church, and bring your donations, or you can click the link below to be directed to our Amazon shopping cart. Those items will be shipped directly to the church. Together, we can make a difference and ensure no one goes hungry this summer. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus in our community!
Blood Drive
Tuesday • August 4 • 12:30 - 5 pm • Community Room
Centenary is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive. If you would like to sign up to donate blood, please click on the registration link below. If you cannot give blood but would like to volunteer, please contact Holly Gilliam.
Fall Mission Opportunity
There’s more work to do! As we go about our daily lives, there are people in Western NC who are still struggling with the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Centenary is planning to help the week of October 25. We will be heading north to Ashe County to work on homes. If you would like to be a part of this team, mark your calendar, look for future info, and sign up. If you can only come for a few days, that’s ok as well. All levels of skill can be used, so don’t be afraid to sign up to share Christ’s love through our caring actions. Questions? Contact John Markle.
Music & Arts
Register for Children's Creative Arts Experience 26/27
Did your kids love CMA Camp? Keep the creativity, joy, and friendship going all year long with the Creative Arts Experience! We invite children ages 2 through 5th grade to join us when CAE resumes on September 2nd! CAE’s multi-faceted model engages children with various levels of musical and artistic interests, all while cultivating worship leadership opportunities for Centenary's youngest! Email Virginia Sheffield with any questions.
Join the Chancel Choir
August 20 • Thursdays • 7 pm • Choir Room
Add your voice to Centenary’s Chancel Choir! Join us as we return to our weekly rehearsal schedule Thursday, August 20, at 7 pm or at our annual retreat on August 28 & 29. We seek to equip and empower the congregation to lift its collective heart and voice in praise-filled worship, whether on Sunday mornings, during special services like the beloved Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols, or in collaboration with other groups from around the Triad and beyond! Rehearsals are held each Thursday from 7 - 8:30 pm. NO audition is required! Please contact Director of Music Ministries, Jonathan Emmons to learn more.
Senior Adult Ministry
United Women in Faith
Sanctuary Ornaments and Church Cookbooks Are Now Available
Commemorate baptisms, weddings, confirmations, or joining the church with a personalized Centenary sanctuary ornament. The cookbook Be Present at Our Table features cherished recipes, photos, and our congregation’s history—perfect for gifts. Both items are available at the Reception Desk. Proceeds support missions serving women, children, and families locally and around the world. For purchases or questions, contact Laurie Dray at (336) 830-4701.
Youth Ministry
Fall Kick-Off
Sunday, August 16 • 5 - 7 pm • Skate Haven USA • 120 Hood Dr., WSNC
We are excited to kick off the school year and “Glow All Out” into a new year of Youth Ministry! Join us for our glow-party themed fall kick-off at Skate Haven USA. No sign-up necessary. Feel free to wear something neon, bring a friend, and come roll around the rink with us for games, pizza, and a glowing devotional reminder that “you are the light of the world.”
Promotion Pool Party
Friday • August 14 • 5 - 7 pm • Westwood Club Pool
We want to celebrate our rising 6th graders as they transition to youth ministry! We invite all new 6th graders along with at least 1 grown-up to join us at Westwood Club for a pool party, dinner, and finding out all about youth ministry! Register below! If you have any questions, please contact Kate May.
Class Dinners
Sunday • August 30 • 5 - 6:30 pm • Homes of Grade Hosts (TBA)
We are so excited for our back-to-school class dinners, a chance for each individual grade to gather at a youth ministry family’s home for dinner, connection, games and bible study. Addresses of host families will be shared via the Youth Ministry email blast the week of Class Dinners. No registration is required, but if you have questions ahead of time, please contact Tammy Pollock.
Niner-Niner
September • 12 • 5 - 7 pm • Top Golf Greensboro
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. Register below!
Sixers!
September 18th • 6 -8 pm • Adventure Landing
A ministry just for our newest youth in sixth grade! Join us one Friday night per month for an adventure with your grade to build community, grow in faith, and do some really fun things. This month we’re headed to Adventure Landing for an evening of mini-golf, arcade games, bumper-boating, and of course, pizza dinner! Register below. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Kevin Garrity!
Love Thy Neighbor Dates
2026
- August 23
- September 20
- October 18
- November 8
- December 6
2027
- January 10
- February 7
- March 7
- April 11
- May 2
