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


May Calendar 


Finishing Strong Men's Breakfast
Saturday, May 3
CUMC Fellowship Hall
All men of the church welcome
8:00 am

Communion
Sunday, May 4
10:55 am Service

Mother's Day
Sunday, May 11



Finishing Strong Men's Breakfast

Saturday, May 3 @ 8:00 am
CUMC Fellowship Hall
Please notify Harry of your attendance
Speaker: Ben Booher with Care & Share
Photo Credit: Finishing Strong Facebook
access finishing strong facebook page
Photo Credit: Tricia Staton

Backpacks for Liberia 

A Hands-On Mission

As part of the Annual Conference mission outreach, the Three Rivers District will once
again provide backpacks for Liberian school children. Centenary's contribution to this
mission is $566. All necessary items for the backpacks have been purchased, including
 shipping for 24 backpacks. Thanks so much for your support.

Checks should be made out to: Centenary UMC
Mark your envelope: backpacks
learn more about backpacks for liberia

United Women in Faith
Thursday, May 15
2nd Harvest Food Bank
Blountville
1:00 - 3:30 pm

Cookout & Big Sis Shower
Sunday, May 18
Noon

Office Closed
Monday, May 26



Centenary House Mission Teams

 First UMC/Chambersburg, PA

This United Methodist church from Chambersburg, PA is sending a mission team to assist us in assisting the Erwin community. They will be working on Helene recovery projects, the Centenary garden and Care & Share. The team will be staying at Centenary House and plan to worship with us on May 18 and will then host a cookout in the Centenary garden. 
Learn More About First UMC



International Orthodox Christian Charities

This disaster response mission team has been working in the Erwin/Unicoi areas for months now and have become a familiar sight in the Centenary parking lot. They have attended worship services and spent a day working with congregation members in spring cleaning the Centenary grounds.
Learn More About IOCC




May Mission Focus

3rd Sunday Offering - May 18

Logo credit: The Call
Centenary's gift to benefit the conference will be taken to the June Annual Conference by our lay representative, Angie Georgeff. This year's special
offering will be in support of UMCOR, which has done so much disaster
 relief work in our local area. The second area of mission support will be
 directed to the rebuilding of an African school which burned in a fire.

Financial support for the Holston Conference is appreciated!
Checks should be out to: Centenary UMC
Mark your envelope: Holston Annual Conference Offering
 
The link below will take you directly to online giving:
GIVE TO 3RD SUNDAY MISSION
Learn More  About Holston Conference
Metal Art Crafted by Lynn Rozar

Garden Season 2025 Is Here!

Continuing with the 2024 grant award for feeding the community, the garden is now open!  There's a new greenhouse also!
Pastor Linda asks that volunteers commit to taking care of just one vegetable type which will include weeding, watering, pruning and picking.
The link below will connect you with Pastor Linda's email.
Garden Volunteer




Your Family & Friends Are Always Welcome!

 Celebrating Easter

Sue & Dara
Photo Credit: Kathy Alford
Erin
Mike & Lois
The Casey Family
Zach, Chance & Their Mom
Marvin & Rita
Photo Credit: Kathy Alford
Kathy

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: CentenaryUnitedMethodistChurchErwinTN

Like us on Facebook!


Wednesday Morning Devotions 
can be accessed through Centenary's Facebook page @ 9:00 am
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563896864019

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/CentenaryofErwinTN

Christian Education Opportunities

Linking Laity for Empowerment

Tuesday, May 20 & Thursday, May 22
7:00 EDT via Zoom
with Rev. Terry Goodman

The topic for May's Linking Laity for Empowerment is designed to prepare participants for Annual Conference. Holston Conference will hold its Annual Conference on June 1 - 4 at Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center in North Carolina.
Learn More - Annual Conference 2025


Rev. Terry Goodman/Secretary of the Holston Conference 
Photo Credit: Holston.org
More About Rev. Terry Goodman
Register here for May zoom

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
 May 2025

From Your Pastor...

I pray this Lenten Season has provided everyone with renewed faith, restoration, and discipleship!

I know that I usually do a devotional type of newsletter but this month I would like to put forth my vision for the coming months.

First, the month of May, beginning with Monday after Mother’s Day, and then June and July, the Centenary House is pretty much booked full. The first group comes to us from First UMC in Chambersburg, PA and has been an inspiration before they have even arrived. This group will not only be helping with rebuilding after Helene, but will also be helping at Care & Share, the Community Garden, possibly backpacks, and will be
providing hamburgers, hot dogs, and buns for the backyard picnic on the 18th of May after they worship with us!

I said shortly after Helene that I sensed that Centenary would have a ‘niche’ that we fit perfectly. I now truly believe that Centenary House and the incredible gifts and talents that many in our congregation have for hospitality is that ‘niche’. And now it is that season!

Hebrews 13:2 Amplified Bible
Do not neglect to extend hospitality to strangers [especially among the family of believers—being friendly, cordial, and gracious, sharing the comforts of your home and doing your part generously], for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.

May and June, I will also be dedicating myself to grant writing. I am still looking for matching funds grants and if we do not find any that we qualify for, I will move on to finding where we can apply for other grants that best designate the resources we have been entrusted with for those in our community that are still needing assistance post Helene. Please know that I have been heavily involved in the Unicoi County Long Term Recovery Group and from that I will continue to learn about the opportunities to help and best practices to serve.

The vision of the golden colored dome of light continues to grow!

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: Kathy Alford

Erwin Disaster Relief Fund

Remains Active in Donations & Distribution

A large part of our beautiful small town was severely damaged by the flood waters of Hurricane Helene in late September. 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 dealing 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 will be 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

Link to Giving page: https://centenaryumc.us/give

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

Pixabay
Good Day, Dear Friends,

We are writing to first say ‘Thank You’ for your gift to those affected by Hurricane Helene. We are all so grateful for your generosity and compassion!

Some of the funds have been used to meet the immediate needs in the community and those connected to our congregation as well as community members’ home rebuilds with the Appalachian Service Project. We are also applying for matching grant funding to expand your donations to meet even more needs.

Unicoi County is unique in that, while not as many homes were lost as in surrounding counties and states, the hospital and industrial park were lost. There are between
250-300 people that have lost employment. Some will be able to return to work at some point, others have lost their jobs in our town forever.

We anticipate a great need for help with heat, electricity, water, rent and
the extra expense of the gas now needed to find jobs in other places. While most
mortgage companies are offering a grace period for those impacted by the
disaster, the current estimate for restoration is six years, and thus we expect
great needs for an extended period.

So again, we thank you and are so grateful for your generosity! May God
bless you abundantly!

In Christ’s Love,
Centenary United Methodist Church
203 N. Elm Ave.
Erwin, TN 37650
423-743-4342
cumcet@yahoo.com
centenaryumc.us
Centenary UMC of Erwin, TN - Facebook

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

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.

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.


Who doesn't like M&Ms?!

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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