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

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!

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.” 

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. 

Register

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. 

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

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.

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.

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 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! There will be a registration for this event because lunch is provided - check back soon to 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 • 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. 

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.

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!