Our prayer, as we extend an invitation to each of you, is that you would come with a seeking heart, eager to know Jesus Christ and a desire to be part of our amazing community.  We know our world is so full of opportunities and choices that it is so easy to be involved in many different things.  We hope what you will find here at Centenary Youth Ministry is a place to be you, to be loved, and to belong.

Our Youth Ministry is intentional about loving you where you are and encouraging you to grow deeper in your relationship with God by giving you space and tools to encounter the living, loving Jesus so that your life may be transformed.

Please scroll through our website, pick an activity or two... or three and invite a friend to come with you.  You can also follow us on our Instagram page @centenary_youth. We can't wait to meet you and to have you be a part of our awesome Centenary community.

We are looking forward to meeting you and knowing you.  Please contact Tammy Pollock, Director of Youth Ministry, to find out more information about our Youth Ministry.

Contact Youth Ministry

Our Mission

“To love youth on behalf of Jesus in hopes of loving them to Jesus.”

Our Beliefs

The Centenary United Methodist Church’s Youth Ministry’s mission is founded on the biblical vision of the human person who is created in the image and likeness of God and whose deepest longing is for communion with God and others in love. In response to Christ’s invitation to abide in him (John 15:4), we believe that the central purpose of youth ministry is to invite the minds and hearts of young people to an intimate relationship with God in Christ through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We seek to fulfill our mission through Sunday School, worship, music, youth programs, Confirmation, retreats, missions & outreach, and relationships that live out a contemplative approach to youth discipleship. A contemplative approach to youth ministry is based on our commitment to cultivate attentiveness to God’s presence with young people and in is supported in the following seven ways:

Sabbath

Just as Jesus led a life of simplicity with times for rest, solitude, and silence (Matt. 14:22-23), we are also committed to helping our youth find rest and balance in a hyperactive, overcommitted, dangerously busy culture. A life that honors Sabbath rest helps us to be more in touch with our heart and soul, more aware of the Spirit of God and more available for relationships to love. Youth blossom in the midst of adults who know how to savor life through a Sabbath rhythm of rest, work, relationships, and play. Companions of our youth ministry seek to maintain the simplicity and sacred balance in their own lives and ministry.

Prayer

Just as Jesus’ life and ministry were grounded in a desire to be in complete union with God (Mk 6:46; Jn 17:1), we also seek to ground all life and ministry in a prayerful relationship with God in Christ. We practice and teach many forms of prayer but are particularly committed to regular periods of contemplative prayer in order to be healed, inspired, and guided by the Holy Spirit. Contemplative prayer invites us to attend to God’s mystical presence dwelling silently within the depths of our hearts -- opening our whole being to an ongoing conversation and freeing us for an ever-deepening awareness of that presence in all persons, things, and events in our lives. Companions of our youth ministry seek to practice contemplative prayer with scripture each day as well as at regular times in the life of the church.

Covenant Community

Just as Jesus called and ministered with others in a community of spiritual companions (Matt. 10:1-4), we also encourage, support and practice ministry with a small Youth Leadership Team, in which we have a common call to spiritual growth through Christian living and ministry to our youth. This group offers witness to a way of life that is creatively resistant to the seductions of the market culture and the dullness that can inhabit Christian institutions. Companions of our youth ministry commit to meeting quarterly with our Youth Ministry Team for sharing, prayer, scripture study and discernment in service of our ministry to our young people.

Accompaniment

Just as Jesus sought to form disciples through a relationship of love and invitation to follow him (Mt. 4:18), we also seek to initiate young persons into the Christian faith through relationships with elders (Confirmation Shepherds, Sunday school teachers, mission trip leaders, Twin-City Basketball Conference coaches, & Adult Youth Leaders) who join them in living the way of authentic discipleship. Young people are searching for spiritual guides who are alive in Christ to help reveal to them their deepest identity and beauty as beloved daughters and sons of God and to assist them in discerning their unique gifts to be lived out in service to God. Companions of our youth ministry seek to be compassionate elders in the faith who seek out our regular accompaniment for themselves and who actively model the disciplines, virtues and fruits of the spiritual life.

Discernment

Just as Jesus prayed to know and follow God’s desire (Lk. 22:39), we also seek to discern and respond faithfully to the call of the Holy Spirit on our lives and in ministry with our young people. We practice and teach the disciplines of individual and group discernment so as to be fully available and responsive to the movement of God’s grace in our covenant communities, allowing anxiety-driven youth ministry to become Spirit-led youth ministry. Companions of our youth ministry seek to learn and practice the spiritual disciplines of discernment as the basis for opening, listening and responding to God’s call in our youth ministry.

Hospitality

Just as Jesus exhorted his disciples to “let the children come” (Mk. 9:35; 10:13), we also seek the full inclusion of young people and the many gifts they bring into every dimension of the church's life: worship, teaching, proclamations, fellowship and service. Young people often suffer marginalization in the church and suffer the pain of not feeling accepted and appreciated for who they are. As elders in a covenant community, adult companions of our youth ministry seek not only to accompany young people individually in the way of Jesus, but also advocate for them to find their place as fellow ministers of the Gospel in the larger community of the church and its mission in the world.

Authentic Action

Just as Jesus came out of prayer and solitude to heal the sick, welcome the outcast, and celebrate with friends (Lk. 4:18-19; Jn. 12:1), so we also seek to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in a way of life rooted in the Beatitudes that witnesses to Christ’s love, passion, and joy. Communal practices of Sabbath, prayer, discernment, and accompaniment find their fulfillment in actions with youth that make visible the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Young people desire opportunities to participate in Christ’s healing and liberating activity within the world (ex. mission trips, Love thy Neighbor, etc.). Companions of our youth ministry seek to support youth and adults in becoming instruments of God’s grace who courageously resist the principalities and powers that oppress life and to creatively reveal the reality of God’s love.

Our Invitation…

Our Youth Ministry at Centenary United Methodist Church is intentional about offering youth and adult youth leaders space and tools, through these seven movements, to encounter the living, loving Jesus so that we may all be transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ. We invite all young persons into this youth ministry community as we strive to live out the way of Jesus and love in our world.

Regular Events

Sundays:

  • 9:00 am: Worship (Memorial Auditorium) 

  • 10:00 am: Sunday school on the 4th Floor  

  • 11:00 am: In-person & Live Stream Worship (via our YouTube channel)  

  • 5:00 pm: Middle School Youth Group (@ Middle School room 4th Floor) 

  • 6:15 pm: ALL youth dinner (@ Youth Commons) 

  • 6:45 pm: Senior High Youth Group (@ Senior High room 4th Floor) 

Mondays:

  • 7:15 pm: Boy Scout Troop #920 (@ CUMC's Annex on 5th St)

Tuesdays:

October 2026 - January 2027

  • 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Twin City Conference Boys Basketball (@ Fulton YMCA)

Wednesdays:

June 3 - August 5, 2026

  • 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm: Waffle Wednesdays - Summer Film & Bible Study Series (@ Youth Commons)

January 6 - May 12, 2027 

  • 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm: Confirmation (@ Youth Commons) 

Monday - Thursday:

  • 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm: Lunchtime!  Stop by between the Career Center and getting to school for a bite to eat. Bring your lunch!

Middle School

“Come to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple… And now God is building in you, as living stones, into His spiritual temple.” - 1 Peter 2:4-6

Middle Schoolers, youth group is a time of fellowship, fun, focus on scripture, encounters with God, prayer, and small groups. Middle school is one wild & crazy time in your life and our hope is that at Centenary you will find a place where you can just be exactly who you are and know you are seen and loved! All youth 6th-8th grades are invited to join us for this incredible assemblage of awesome students! It won’t be the same without you!

High School

"Those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” -John 4:14

High Schoolers, we know how very busy you are and want to honor all that you have going on in your lives…  just as Jesus came to the well to rest, get water, and be refreshed, we too need to rest and receive the living water that only He can offer. We invite you to come to youth group for food, fun, fellowship, intentional spiritual community, prayer, and nourishment for your souls so that you can go out into the rest of your week refreshed, renewed, seen, heard, and loved! All youth 9th-12th grades are invited to come and be a part of this incredible community!

Sixers!

A ministry just for our newest youth in the sixth grade! Join us one Friday night a month to go on an adventure with just your grade. We love this ministry that gives us all a chance to build community, grow in our faith, and do some really fun things. Some of our adventures include Laser Tag, Adventure Landing, Celebration Station, Alpha & Omega Corn Maze, Rock Climbing, swimming, and much, much more! For more information and the dates of our events, please click on the Upcoming Events button below.

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known."
1John 3:1-2

Upcoming Events

Confirmation (For Our 7th Graders)

Confirmation, by definition, is faith formation.  Forming one’s faith is an ongoing journey throughout life…however, our hope is that through this Confirmation process, you will be given the opportunity, tools, support, and inspiration you will need to build your faith on a firm foundation (Matthew 7:24-25).  The book we use to help us through the process is called “Way to Live”, edited by Dorothy Bass.  This amazing book was written by youth (& adults) for youth to help them consider how their faith changes the way they live their lives.  We, as Christians, are called to live a life that is different than that of the world, built on the foundation of what we know about God, and who He created us to be.  What better way to prepare our young people to live out their faith in this world than to help them realize that our faith is tangible?! 

Our Confirmation classes will begin on January 6, 2027. Each class will begin with dinner (provided by Confirmation parents) in the Youth Commons ( located in the Central Building of the church) at 6:00 pm, followed by class at 6:30 pm.  Confirmation class will be over by 7:30 pm (unless otherwise noted).  We will spend each week going through a chapter in our book, engaging in discussion, prayer, journaling, and considering how our faith is lived out in our everyday lives.  Every Confirmand is asked to pick (and personally ask) a Shepherd (see details in the brochure) who will journey through the process with them, meet outside of class once a week to further our discussions, grow in relationship with each other, and pray together.  There are two retreats and a couple of field trips as well!  The hope is that through these experiences, you will come to encounter the living, loving Jesus Christ and will be transformed by that relationship. 

Please contact Tammy Pollock with any questions you may have.  We are super excited for our next class of Confirmands!

Brochure  

Niner-Niner
We know it seems like only yesterday you were brand new in youth ministry in our Sixers! ministry. How fun were those events? The BEST!
Now you find yourself moving into High School and all those emotions of starting over again are looming over you. Well, we got YOU!
Niner-Niner is a ministry for our 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.
What is Niner-Niner? This pronunciation of "nine" is used in aviation and other contexts that rely on clear communication to minimize misinterpretations, especially when communication conditions are poor. Sometimes being a freshman can be overwhelming and confusing, so come be with us so we can clearly remind you who you are and whose you are. We want to be with you as you sort through the mixed messages the world is sending you and encourage you to keep practicing your faith. For more information and the dates of our events, please click on the Upcoming Events button below.
 
 "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25

Upcoming Events

Love Thy Neighbor

Love Thy Neighbor, led by Centenary's youth, is a ministry of outreach to those who find themselves homeless and marginally housed in downtown Winston-Salem.  We invite our downtown neighbors to join us for a hot lunch, BINGO, and fellowship once a month during the school year.  We also offer a free medical clinic and pharmacy that provides care and help for our neighbors experiencing illness, pain, and who long to be seen, heard, known, and loved. Our hope is that, as they find Christ-like hospitality, love, and grace here at Centenary, our neighbors will also find a worshiping community to be a part of.

We share this ministry as an expression of Christ’s unconditional love for all of us.  Our hope is for this ministry to transform our community through the love of Jesus and draw others into the presence of the living God and into serving Christ.

Upcoming Dates

What is LTN?

Love Thy Neighbor Through the Years

Mission Mondays

Each summer, our Youth Ministry takes on three local mission projects right here in our own backyard! On the first Monday of June, July and August, we partner to serve local organizations that receive grants from Centenary's Missions Committee. Our hope is that these days of service feel like at-home, half-day Mission Trip experiences! Each Monday, we gather at church for morning prayer and devotions before setting out (by bus) to our service location. Following our morning of work, we stop on the way back to church for lunch, play, and fellowship. We hope you'll join us this upcoming summer!

Brochure

Twin City Conference Boys Basketball

The Twin City Conference exists in partnership with our friends at the Winston-Salem Street School. Centenary, along with our friends from St. Paul's Episcopal, First Presbyterian, Greek Orthodox, and Ardmore Baptist, compete in this unique basketball conference October through January every Tuesday at Fulton YMCA (385 W Hanes Mill Rd). We invite all senior high boys who want to join our team to play (High school basketball players who are on the varsity roster of their school are invited to cheer us on from the stands but aren't allowed to play on the team).

Register

Weekly Update

Each week, on Thursday, we send out an email of all our upcoming events and activities! Contact Tammy Pollock to get added to the list.

Forms
Resources for Parents
Senior High Summer Mission Trip 2027
July 18-25, 2027
As followers of Christ, we believe we are invited to go out into our community and the world at large to be the hands and feet of Jesus through mission work and serving others! Each summer, our Youth Ministry goes out into the world to serve the Lord. Our Senior High Mission (9th-12th graders) Trip partners with YouthWorks to work in a different city or country every July.  These trips are life-changing, giving you the opportunity to encounter Jesus and truly live out the Gospel message to “love God and love Neighbor.” 
What is Mission? 
Webster defines mission as “a body of persons sent to perform a service or carry on an activity.”  In the Gospel of Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus tells us that what we do for one another, we do for Him. So, mission is sending people out to serve others on Jesus’ behalf. Clothing those who need to be clothed, feeding those who are hungry, helping those who are sick, and visiting those who are in prison. That is mission! It is an outward response to an inward desire to go and do as Jesus calls us to. 
If you will be a rising 9th grader (Fall of 2027) or a just graduated 12th grader (Spring of 2027), we hope you will join us for this incredible experience. Registration opens on November 3, 2026, at 9:00 am.
Cost Breakdown

Total Cost: $2,190

Registration Fee: $250

Remaining Balance: $1,940 (payable any time or via three-part plan)

January 5th: $646

March 2nd: $647

July 7th: $647

*For those who are not among the first 25 people to register, there's a waiting list registration option for 10 people. The cost to join the waitlist is $125 and is non-refundable. If any of the first 25 people cancel their reservation, registrants on the waitlist are added to the Mission Trip in the order they joined the waiting list -- in which case, the $125 waitlist fee is applied to the reamining trip dues.

Senior High Mission Trip
Duluth, MN
July 18-25, 2027
If you are a Senior High youth (rising 9th- to just-graduated 12th grader), we invite you to join us on our summer mission trip to Duluth, Minnesota! Each year, our mission trips happen in partnership with an incredible organization called YouthWorks. YouthWorks's core values are being youth-minded and relationship-oriented, with a special focus on servant leadership, and a commitment to the life-changing relationship Christ offers us all. All of these align with what we value in our youth ministry at Centenary.
In Duluth, our group will partner with local organizations impacting the community. We will have the opportunity to assist in children’s programming at a local youth center, care for the elderly by helping with outdoor yard projects, and sort donations at a food pantry. In the afternoons, we will hear from a local community speaker and enjoy opportunities to explore Enger Tower and the Great Lakes Aquarium. YouthWorks has partnered with this community since 1998.

Following our last day of service with YouthWorks, our group will stay in Duluth for two days of local sightseeing and fun activities. These activities include visiting Spirit Mountain Adventure Park, strolling along the Canal Park & Lakewalk, visiting the Park Point Beach & Sand Spit, and taking a Vista Fleet Harbor Cruise. On these final two days, we will stay overnight at The Suites Hotel, Duluth, MN. Aside from meals on Friday and Saturday, hotel costs and activities are included in your Mission Trip registration.

Boy Scouts

Interested in joining the Boy Scouts of America? Troop 920 meets at Centenary and is always open to new Scouts. If you are interested in the Scouting program, please contact Scoutmaster, Daniel Yohannes at the link below.

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