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.
Nourish
Nourish Returns
Wednesday • September 3
Dinner at 5:15 pm • Programming at 6:00 pm
We’ll kick off with a fun interview with our new Senior Minister, Rev. Willis Greene, followed by a chance to learn about all of the great opportunities that will start September 10. There will be something for everyone: children, youth, and adults so make your plans to join us now and go ahead and start inviting your friends!
Worship
Church-Wide Opportunities
Adult Formation
2025 Journey Through Luke & Acts
Our year-long journey continues through the books of Luke and Acts, featuring sermons, Bible studies, a weekly reading plan, study guides, and other opportunities to engage with these transformative scriptures.
Women's Retreat 2026 Save the Date
April 24-26, 2026 • Lake Junaluska
Mark your calendar now for a weekend of renewal, connection, and spiritual growth in the Blue Ridge Mountains. More details coming soon—but for now, plan to join us and save the date!
Adult Sunday School Open House
Sunday • September 7 • 10 am
Curious about Adult Sunday School? Join us for an Open House. Whether you have been away for a season or have never tried a class, this is a chance to see what’s offered, meet leaders, and reconnect with friends. Greeters will be at church entrances from 9:45 a.m. to guide you to classrooms and answer questions. For more information, see full class descriptions on Centenary’s website under “Menu,” “Ministries,” then “Adult Formation.”
Eat, Learn, Grow: The Enneagram & Spiritual Growth
Women’s Small Group on Spiritual Practices
Facilitator: Nancy Powell
Every Other Tuesday • September 16 - December 9
Noon - 1 pm • Room 314
Lunch Included
The Eat, Learn, Grow group will be talking about the Enneagram and spiritual growth this fall. In addition to discussing Enneagram basics, related spiritual growth materials will be discussed in group meetings. Your registration fee includes seven boxed lunches, and participants will need to purchase their own copy of The Enneagram Made Easy by Baron and Wagele. Please register by Wednesday, September 10.
Join Koinonia: A New Young Adults Small Group
Sunday • September 14 • 6 pm • Gathering Room
Koinonia: a fellowship of faith. Young adults are invited to join our new monthly discussion-based group! Working together to grow in purpose, cultivate our faith, and live with intention, this group will strive to support one another as we deepen our understanding of what it means to embody Centenary’s mission in our everyday lives. Join us for fellowship and discussion as we challenge each other to live our faith out loud! This group is open to all adults ages 25-40 and does not require pre-registration. Contact Colby Cunningham or Virginia Sheffield for more information.
Disciple Fast Track: Old Testament
Wednesday Nights at Nourish
Room 115 and On Zoom
5:45 - 7 pm
Weekly Sessions: Sept 10 - Nov 19
The goal of Disciple Bible small group study is to develop disciples of Jesus Christ who know and love God’s Word. This twelve-week unit will cover major themes of the Old Testament using the Disciple Fast Track study material designed to give busy people comprehensive engagement with the Bible over time. You do not need to know anything about the Bible to join this study. Group participants will spend about 30 minutes a day reading and reflecting on scripture in preparation for weekly group meetings which last about 75 minutes. In addition, each week includes teaching about the Bible passages and key ideas that students encountered that week. Experienced Disciple Bible leaders Kathy Chaney and Rev. Marilyn Weiler will facilitate this group. The cost is $10 for the study guide (preview it here) and you may also want to purchase the recommended Common English Study Bible. This is a small group study, so space is limited, and attendance is emphasized. There is an option for you to attend the class via Zoom. Childcare is available. Please click here to register by Wednesday, September 10. Books will be available for pickup at the 4 1/2 Street reception desk beginning on Wednesday, September 3.
Children's Ministry
Kindergarten Worship Readiness
Sunday • August 10 • 10 am • Sanctuary
All new kindergarteners and at least one grown up are invited to join us for a time to orient themselves to worshipping together. Contact Anna Thomas for more information.
Backpack Blessing
Sunday • August 10 • 5:30 - 7 pm
Join us for this fun event for the whole family! Pizza dinner is provided. You'll also get the chance to meet your new Sunday school small group leaders and we will spend time blessing you and your backpack. Please register so we can have a headcount!
6th Grade Promotion Pool Party
August 15 • 5-7 pm • Westwood Club Pool
Join us for a pool party with dinner to celebrate the transition from children's ministry to youth ministry! Come join us and learn about all the exciting things in store for you as part of our youth group!
Promotion Sunday & Parent Open House
Sunday • August 17 • 10 am
This is when everyone will move to their new class for the 2025-2026 school year. If you have questions about which class your child will be in, please contact us. Please join us in Room 304 in the east building at 10 am for refreshments and to learn more about what there is to look forward to in children’s ministry this year. Contact Anna Thomas for more information.
Bible Sunday
September 21 • 9 am or 11 am Worship
A time for Kindergarteners and 3rd graders to receive a Bible from us! Watch your mail for more details!
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 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
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
Missions
Loaves & Fishes Summer Stock
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.
Betty & Jim Holmes Food Bank Garden Needs Volunteers
This is a great outdoor mission opportunity for families, individuals and groups. The garden is located at Crossnore Communities for Children, 1001 Reynolda Road, and is open on Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings. If you are able to help one time or several times, contact us through our website at or call 336-306-0690.
Blood Drive
Tuesday • August 5 • 12:30 - 5 pm • Community Room
Centenary is partnering with the Red Cross to host a blood drive! You can register by clicking on the link below. If you cannot give blood but would like to volunteer, please email Mary Ann Wexler.
Music & Arts
Subscribe to Sightings & Soundings
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.
Register for Children's Creative Art Experience 2025/2026
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.
Youth Choir Collective Returns This Fall
Thursdays • 5:30 pm • Youth Suite
YCC returns with a bang on Thursday, August 28 at 5:30 pm!
6th – 12th graders: Bring your friends and join us for a welcome party filled with games, pizza, and music! Rehearsals are held weekly on Thursdays in the Youth Suite from 5:30 – 6:30 pm (optional dinner offered at 5 pm) during the school year. We can’t wait for a year filled with collaborative performances and worship leadership opportunities, including the inaugural YCC Choir Festival, which will include student singers and professional musicians from across the Triad! Email YCC Director, Michael Martinez, for more information.
Youth Handbells
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.
Join the Chancel Choir
Thursdays • 7 pm • Choir Room
Add your voice to Centenary’s Chancel Choir! Join us as we return to our weekly rehearsal schedule on Thursday, August 14, at 7 pm or at our annual retreat on August 22 & 23. 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
Centenary Ornament
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.
Youth Ministry
Waffle Wednesdays
Wednesdays • 5 pm - 6 pm • Youth Commons
We’re mixing things up this summer! Join us mid-week for a summer-long documentary series as we follow along with Morgan Freeman in his production “The Story of God.” Bring your appetite for thought-provoking exploration about God, and of course, an appetite for a waffle-bar spread and other breakfast-for-dinner foods!
What's Faith Got to Do With It?
Youth Sunday School Hour • June 1 - August 10 • Youth Commons
Ever wondered what you might do when you grow up? All of us begin dreaming what we might be when we are little and continue to figure that out throughout our lives. Join us, once again, this summer as we host various members of our church and community to hear from them what they do, how they got there, and how their faith is lived out in their daily
2025 Youth Sunday School Open House & Fall Kick-off
August 17 • 10 am & 5 - 7 pm • Youth Commons & West Lawn
ALL YOUTH are invited to come out for our Annual Centenary Youth Fall Kick-Off! We can’t think of a better way to start a brand-new year of Youth Ministry than with some sticky goodness!