Centenary UMC

Welcome

Centenary United Methodist Church
is a place where people can meet Jesus, engage in life-giving community, and where everyone is welcome. We believe in creating a space where people can have authentic encounters with Christ, discover their gifts and use them for God's glory. Join us for our Sunday services, Bible study classes, United Women in Faith meetings, youth gatherings and mission work.

Centenary United Methodist Church
Welcomes Our Guests!

Pastor Linda Rozar

"Be still and know that I am God"
Psalm 46: 10

August Calendar

Handbells: Sundays @ 8:45 am
Choir: Wednesdays @ 5:00 pm

Friday, August 1
Back to School Pool Party @ Lafever's house
5:00 pm

Saturday, August 2
Finishing Strong Men's Breakfast
Speaker: Mike Haney
CUMC
8:00 am
*********
Saturday, August 2
Pelican Team Leads Arrive

Sunday, August 3 - Sunday, August 10
Praying Pelicans @ Centenary House

Wednesday, August 6
Vision Committee
4:00 pm

Friday, August 8
Back to School Bash
Lighthouse Baptist
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Sunday, August 10
Fellowship Meal
UWIF BBQ Fundraiser
12:00 pm
**********
UCMA Prayer Walk @ County Schools
6:00 pm

Wednesday, August 13
Smoothie Class @ CUMC
5:00 pm

Saturday, August 16
District UWIF @ Sycamore Shoals
10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Sunday, August 17
DS Installation
Colonial Heights UMC
3:00 pm

Thursday, August 21
UWIF Meeting in Fellowship Hall
11:00 am

Saturday, August 23
CCC Science Fair
Center on Aging & Health
2:00 pm

Sunday, August 24
Administrative Council Meeting
12:00 pm

Wednesday, August 27
Smoothie Class @ CUMC
5:00 pm

Photo Credit: Pixabay Lockie

Mission Team Welcome

We'd like to provide the visiting mission teams staying at Centenary House with fresh cookies upon their arrival.
Volunteer sign-up by the library!

August Cookie Schedule
August 4 - Praying Pelicans
August 11
August 18
August 25
Sept 1 - Praying Pelicans

United Women in Faith

Special Mission Recognition
Rose R.

BBQ Fundraiser

BBQ & Fixins
Sunday, August 10th @ noon
Dinner by Donation

Photo Credit: Ronile Pixabay

August: Our Third Sunday Mission

A local mission to benefit our Erwin neighbors

Matthew 22:39 - ..."Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."

This recently revived local mission maintains an impactful presence
within the Erwin community., especially since the 2024 flood from
Hurricane Helene. Led by Executive Director Ben Booher and an effective
Board of Directors, ministry staff and volunteers, Care and Share offers
support services, clothing, food and household items to our neighbors
who need a lift in every day life. Centenary's Pastor Linda Rozar serves
as the BOD Chairwoman .Both Jessica Casey and Lee Hughes serve
on the Board of Directors.

3rd Sunday is August 17th

Photo Credit: J Casey

Free Smoothie Class!
Wednesday, August 13 @ 5:00 pm
@ Centenary UMC

Learn to make healthy drinks for your family.
First 12 family units that sign up will receive a
free gift to take home.

RSVP
cumcet@yahoo.com
423-743-4342
message our Facebook page -
centenary umc of erwin tn

Thankful for the support of The Seeds of Hope grant,
Care & Share and the girls @ The Groovy Smoothie.

Photo Credit: digitlchicPixabay

Old Testament Disciple Series Sermons

Pastor Linda will offer Week Four - Order of
The Old Testament Disciple Series of sermons on Sunday, August 3rd
at our regular 10:55 am worship time. Week 5 insert will be available.

There will a total of 12 weeks of sermons and accompanying readings
and reflections that Pastor Linda will make available to all who want
to engage in discipleship study.

Please scroll down this page to the light green Christian Education
Opportunities page for additional information and access to the
current week's reading and reflection topics.

Steeple Image: Ben Booher

Towering with Tradition:
Steeple Preservation

Raising Funds to Restore Our Iconic Steeple

A fundraising campaign launched on Sunday, July 6 with a challenge by
Pastor Linda Rozar to take a pie in the face for financial contributions to
restore the Centenary steeple. The steeple has been damaged by water
intrusion over the years and requires the summer 2025 repairs.

Your prayerful consideration of a financial gift to the Steeple Preservation Fund
is greatly appreciated. We intend to have the iconic steeple of Centenary
United Methodist Church tower over the Erwin community
for a second century of Christian service.

Steeple Preservation Fund - Give Here

Media

Wednesday Morning Devotions

Reverend Linda Rozar

Devotions and Sermons can also be found on our Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/CentenaryofErwinTN

Browse 2024 Advent Readings - Devotions - Scripture

Access 2025 Lent Readings

Online Media Access Via Facebook

Facebook: CentenaryUMCofErwin,TN

Like us on Facebook!

Wednesday Morning Devotions
can be accessed through Centenary's Facebook page @ 9:00 am
https://www.facebook.com/CentenaryUMCofErwin,TN

Pairs & Spares Sunday School Class
can be accessed through Lois Shults-Davis' Facebook page at 10:00 am
https://www.facebook.com/lois.shultsdavis/

Sunday Morning Worship Services
can be accessed through Centenary's Facebook page LIVE at 10:55 am.
https://www.facebook.com/CentenaryofErwin,TN

Christian Education Opportunities

Old Testament Disciple Series
A series of discipleship sermons delivered by Pastor Linda Rozar
Accompanied by readings & individual reflection
Suggested readings & contemplations are below:

The Old Testament readings & reflections guide are now under just one link:

Old Testament Readings & Reflections

Week 1 - Creation (July 6)
Week 2 - Sin (July 13)
Week 3 - Covenant (July 20)

Week 4 - Deliverance (July 27)
Week 5 - Order (August 3)
Week 6 - Atonement (August 10)

Attend a Sunday School Class

After a 15 minute gathering time, Pairs & Spares Sunday School class begins at 10:00 am and will generally go LIVE on Facebook/Lois Shults-Davis just a few minutes after that. Lois Davis is our very knowledgeable instructor and leads this class in lively discussion. We are always happy to meet new class visitors and share the joy and spirit of this class.
https://www.facebook.com/lois.shultsdavis/

The Golden Girls meet in a classroom off the entrance hall near the administration area. These ladies range in age and interests; participate in a weekly United Methodist curriculum; and are actively involved in the United Women in Faith unit.

The Garland Library Adult Discussion folks are a diverse group of our more senior members, though any age is welcome to participate. Lots of knowledge and years of experience to draw upon in these discussions.

Youth members and their friends are guided under the steady hands of Jessica and Alvin Casey in a cheery classroom at the end of the entrance hall. All ages welcome and appropriately supervised. Assisting in Youth classes are Cynthia Sparks and Lee Hughes.

The "Unsung Heroes" of Worship

These talented folks continually communicate the joy of worship through music. Led by Robin Lafever, choir members diligently prepare their upcoming presentations mid-week and lead our musical worship on most Sunday mornings. In addition to weekly services, they also give the congregation meaningful programs at Christmas and Easter, and often participate in community musical presentations.

Adding talented new members is a joyful option - please contact Robin or a member of the administrative staff if you have an interest in joining the choir or hand bells group.

Robin would LOVE to see aspiring choir members!

2025 Choir Members

Kathy J; Bob L; Penny J and Jennifer F.
Music Director: Robin Lafever
Accompanist: Erin Sharp

Photo credit: Kathy Alford

A Word From Pastor Linda Rozar
August 2025

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:1-3).

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth (3 John 1:4).

But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:16).

“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.” (Mark 9:37)

See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven (Matthew 18:10).

I truly hope that everyone has appreciated having the youth participate in the Worship Service. I have gotten so many positive remarks, including one from the District Superintendent! I have also been asked ‘why’ are we doing this. The answers are in the scriptures!

We all learn by doing. Children are with us, as children, for such a small percentage of their initial formative years. When they come to Sunday School, participate in Youth Group activities, and engage in the Worship Service, the foundation of their faith is made stronger. The world is not like it used to be when, the majority of us were younger. Most of our friends and acquaintances were Christian, and the biggest difference was if
you were Protestant or Catholic. Our children now face a world of many faiths and no faith at all. It is so easy to be swayed into what others believe.

Participation during our times of faith sharing, being together in the presence of God, helps us to recognize His presence everywhere. When we help our children KNOW HIS PRESENCE it prepares them to stand on the firm foundation of their faith and share the Love of God with others without losing their faith. It is wonderful when we understand and love others through the lens of their faith while standing firm on our faith.

Thank you all for your encouragement of our youth. One day they will stand before us (maybe from a pulpit) and BOLDLY proclaim!
“Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God" Luke 18:16.

Blessings, Pastor Linda

About Pastor Linda

Bachelor's Degree - Union University with a focus in Religion

Pastor Linda began serving as a licensed local pastor with the
United Methodist Church in 2002. Having met all educational
and service requirements as well as completing all
credentialing requirements, she became an Associate
Member of the Holston Conference in 2021 and has faithfully
served in Hamblen, Greene, Unicoi and Washington counties
in upper east Tennessee.

Conference Committees & Assignments
Christian Unity/Interreligious Ministry Area
Small Membership Congregation Team
Mentor: Candidacy

Photo Credit: PLS

Would you like to know more about Ordinary Time?

The United Methodist Church provides information on the designation of the two seasons of Ordinary Time, each of which follow the major events in Christ's life - the Christmas cycle and the Easter cycle.

You can read more about Ordinary Time through the UMC website.

Learn More about ordinary time

Erwin Disaster Relief Fund

Established by Centenary United Methodist Church
Remains Active in Donations & Distribution

A significant part of our beautiful small town was severely damaged by the flood waters of Hurricane Helene in late September 2024. Recovery and rebuilding are ongoing. The resources of this area are straining under the demand of those directly affected by the floodwaters and storm damage, and by those who are giving of their time and skill to help our community recover.

Centenary United Methodist Church, serving the Erwin community for over 100 years, is well-positioned to offer spiritual care as well as meet the practical needs of those coping with the aftermath of this devastating storm. Additionally, Centenary is supported by the connectional relationship of the larger church and we have the ability to access relief resources through the United Methodist Church. Within days of the disaster, UMCOR delivered flood buckets for cleaning and hygiene kits for personal care; additional shipments have arrived in the weeks following the flooding.

Financial contributions to assist our community will be thoughtfully deployed by Pastor Linda Rozar of Centenary UMC as she is best positioned to determine how your donation will be of maximum benefit. Additionally, grant funding is hoped for in order
to expand the reach of your financial donations.

You can access our online giving page through this website, if you choose to donate online. If you prefer to write a check, please notate Erwin Disaster Relief Fund and mail to:
Centenary UMC
203 North Elm Avenue
Erwin, TN 37650

To all who have given and to those who continue to support our long-term efforts to help our local community - thank you for your generous support. May God bless you always.

Link to Giving Page

Nolichucky River Flooding 2024

Photo Credit: Tricia Staton

Learn More

Tremendous Damage on Erwin's South Side

Relief Fund Expenditures

The first disbursement of funds was provided to the distribution centers and Care & Share to enable flood victims to do laundry.
The second disbursement was to meet specific needs of first responders in town to assist victims.
An additional disbursement was recently made to three Unicoi County families greatly affected by the floods.

Pastor Linda continues to apply for matching fund grants to extend the benefit of donated funds and a new committee has been
formed to assist in grant writing and as a group, to consider the needs of the local community by community members.

" ... so thankful for your generosity!"

Pixabay

A Summer Update on Disaster Relief Funds

July 5, 2025

To All of Our Disaster Fund Contributors,

I am writing as I had promised to keep everyone updated about how your blessed
contributions were being used to help with disaster needs in our community.

Thus far, you have helped with rebuilding three homes directly and many others indirectly. You have helped provide space, accommodations, and services for mission teams staying with us as they rebuild with others. There have been household items purchased for some that lost them; cars repaired that were damaged; help with house payments to keep them current so they could qualify for a rebuild (while they pay rent also for a place to stay until rebuild is complete); help with electricity, gas, water, etc. as numerous folks lost their employment at the destroyed factories; and debris removal to list just a portion.

We are so pleased to now have an active Unicoi County Long-Term Recovery Group to coordinate and serve those that have filed claims! And believe it or not, they are still discovering more needs each week with folks that tried to make it on their own.

Centenary UMC is here for ALL and we will continue to minister to and assist as we can until everyone has been restored to pre-hurricane condition or better. Your continued donations are sought prayerfully!

We are so thankful for your generosity! May your giving be blessed and your lives for doing so!

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Linda

Centenary Gratitude and Breakthrough Prayer
Written by and for the people of Centenary United Methodist Church

Gracious God,

We give thanks in all circumstances; for this is Your will in Christ
Jesus! We give thanks to You, for You are good and Your
steadfast love endures forever!

We know that You are with us, and as we rest in Your Unfailing
Love, and Your Gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ, we

continue to seek breakthrough for Your Kingdom where we are.
We pray together for a fresh anointing by the Pentecostal power
of the Holy Spirit:

Continue to awaken us;
To revive us;
To lead us according to Your Will;
To open our hearts;
To open our minds;
To open our judgment free doors wherever with
compassion to all.

Continue to help us reach those who feel unseen or unloved
with hospitality and acceptance.

With Your Perfect Love that removes all our fears,
Keep us unified as the Body in peace and joy,
Extending Your Love through our hearts always for Your Glory.

For it is in Your Joy that we find our strength, and in Christ
that we live, and move, and have our being. Therefore, let us
strive to do everything in the name of Jesus out of a spirit of
gratitude.

In Our Savior’s precious and holy name.

Amen.

Photo Credit: Kathy Alford

Centenary United Methodist Church
Erwin, Tennessee

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When We Gather

Sunday Mornings

Sunday School
9:45 am

Worship Service
10:55 am

Bible Study

Wednesday Morning Online Devotion
9:00 am

Wednesday Evening Bible Study
6:00 pm

Thursday Morning Bible Study
10: 00 am

Preparing to Help Erwin's Homeless Community
Centenary Projects Underway

Sleeping Mats

These projects are still active! Pastor Linda will continue to cut and crochet bags. Additional "bag cut days" will be scheduled. If you can help, please let her know. And actually, some needs are being met by serving the flood community as we currently have an abundance of resources to distribute to those in need.

United Women in Faith (UWIF) will continue to collect plastic grocery bags which will be transformed into sleeping mats for our homeless neighbors.

The Unit asks that you accumulate a plentiful supply of clean plastic grocery bags. When convenient, please bring your bag supply to CUMC and leave it in the designated room at the church. No deadline at this time.

The collected bags will be split into three pieces, according to the available pattern. Those willing and able - men, women, and youth - will crochet the bag pieces into plastic sleeping mats. If you don't know how to crochet, Pastor Linda is willing to teach you OR the Unicoi County Public Library offers occasional crocheting classes.

Photo credit: Mike Dubose

Ministering to the Homeless

M&Ms Project
Our Youth are asking for your support as they raise funds to cover the expense of
preparing Comfort Bags for the homeless which will contain a variety of much needed personal care items, small food items, necessary small clothing articles and other items useful for living without a home.

To participate, please obtain a plastic container of M&M's candy from the Missions table or provide your own. Eat/share/gift the candy inside and retain the tube. Fill the candy tube with quarters or coins/cash of your choice. The size shown in the photo will hold $13.00 in quarters.
Return the filled candy container to Jessica C.

Two large boxes of prepared Comfort Bags were blessed during worship and are ready for distribution. This project is an on-going one for the Youth Group, so satisfy your craving for some M&Ms! Thank you for your support! This is a win-win for everyone!

Photo credit: Janine Haas

You can find the M &M containers on the missions table.
Please take one, enjoy and return to the Youth Group with your
financial gift toward their winter mission project.