Centenary maintains an active on-call ministry for members who are faced with an emergency that needs the presence of a pastor. Other forms of care include:

• Hospital visitation.
• Prayer requests referred to the clergy staff.
• Care at end of life.
• Grief support following a death in the family.
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline – Please dial 988.

This ministry exists to bring education, comfort, and support, not only to church members but to the community at large along the subject of mental health. Shining Light on Mental Health collaborates with ministries in the church and community to provide educational opportunities throughout the year.

Sometimes we go through challenging circumstances that are outside our control. When those times affect us (as individuals or our families) and involve challenges of mental health, and we want to remain private, it is still vitally important that we know we are cared for, prayed for, and loved by our church family. Centenary Cares, as a ministry of Shining Light on Mental Health, is a simple way that care and encouragement are extended from Centenary UMC.

All ministry contacts through Shining Light on Mental Health are confidential. Privacy and confidentiality are crucial to build trust and to ensure that families are protected. The mission of Centenary Cares is to extend love and prayerful concern – and to remind recipients that they are never alone, and most importantly, that they are loved by Christ.

If you know of someone who could benefit from a Centenary Cares bag, please follow the below guidelines:

1. Ensure that the person is aware that you are sharing their name with Shining Light. All requests are confidential and will not be shared.

2. Submit the person’s name to Rev. Oliver Helsabeck, Associate Minister for Congregational Care, at or 336-724-6311, ext. 1357.

3. Rev. Helsabeck will share the person’s name with a member of the Shining Light on Mental Health team, who will confidentially deliver a Centenary Cares bag to the recipient.

4. Resource information will be included in the Centenary Cares bag, and the recipient can also follow up with Rev. Helsabeck if he/she needs additional support.

Stephen Ministers are lay persons who have completed a minimum of 50 hours of training for the purpose of listening to and helping people sort through and cope with transitions in life, critical diagnosis, facing grief, and other chapters in our lives.

Stephen Ministers are assigned by the same gender. Confidentiality is paramount. If you are, or if you know of, someone who might benefit from a Stephen Minister’s help, please contact Judy Ingram (336-407-3986) or Wilba Brady (336-723-6236).

Prayer shawls are tangible signs of solidarity and care which may be shared with individuals who are experiencing hardship in their lives, due to illness, grief, loneliness, or other life circumstances

On the first Monday of each month, from 10-11 AM, a group of servants meets in the Gathering Room to knit prayer shawls and other handwork. Whether you love to knit or want to learn, join these servants as they knit, pray, and have fellowship.

If you need a prayer shawl to share, please select one from the cabinet in the Gathering Room. For more information, contact Dianne Moore.

GriefShare provides support and healing for individuals who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Periodically, Centenary facilitates GriefShare support groups and seminars; these events are open to the community.

Wednesdays • Noon • Sanctuary • Begins November 6

Join the Refresh Prayer Ministry for a mid-week service of reflection, music, and prayer. 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. Services begin November 6, continue through December 11, and will resume in January. For more information, contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck (336.724.6311 ext. 1357) or Becky Tate.

Let us be in prayer for you. Submit a prayer request using the confidential form below.

Submit a Prayer Request