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

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.

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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

1st & 3rd Wednesdays
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

November 23 • 3:30 - 5:30 pm

Picture this: crafting stations with an expert ready to help, family time creating Christmas decorations, and memories that will last a lifetime! Join us as a family to create Christmas decorations that can be the first ones out for the season. We will have many crafts to choose from, with options suitable for all ages. If you can’t come to the actual event, you can register for a take-out kit! Registration will open November 4! Watch for more details coming soon.

Angel Trees will be up and full of angels ready to be adopted on October 29. We have lots of opportunities for you to plug in even beyond adopting an angel, including organizing the gifts, helping others adopt angels, wrapping gifts and more! Be in touch with Anna Thomas if you have any questions. 

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.

Tuesday • November 11 • 9 am • Memorial Auditorium 

All Veterans, their families, friends, and all who would like to honor our veterans for their service are invited to attend. There is no charge for breakfast, but donations will be accepted. Come and join us in giving thanks for our veterans and their families. To register, please contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck. Deadline for registration is Sunday, November 2. 

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.

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.

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! 

Art in the Atrium Presents Steven Dunn
September 14 - October 26 • Atrium Gallery

Art in the Atrium invites everyone to visit our fall exhibit, “Let the Earth be Glad . . .” by Steven Dunn. A renowned artist, Steven’s work is exceptional. Focused on moments in nature, this exhibit showcases the beauty of God’s creation. Art is available for purchase with 10% of each sale donated to the Shalom Project. Take some time to stroll through the beauty of our earth in the Gallery!

Joshua Sobel, organ
Sunday • November 2 • 4 pm • Sanctuary

Music & Arts invites you to a recital of sacred music honoring the saints we have lost this year. Offered by Centenary organist Joshua Sobel, we hope you will join us for this time of remembrance and hope.

Music & Arts Ministry invites submissions from both youth and adults for our upcoming annual community exhibit, “All Things Bright and Beautiful: A Neighborhood Showcase.” Art will be displayed in the Atrium and 4 ½ Street Galleries from November 16, 2024, to January 8, 2025. Contact Assistant Director of Music & Arts, Virginia Sheffield ( ), for submission instructions. 

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 - 10:50 am • Youth Commons 

6th-12th graders are welcome to join 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 Freshmen. 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!