Care & Share News to Share
Food Drive
All of 2026
Centenary's support of the 2006 Care & Share Food Drive will be to donate canned meats (such as tuna, chicken, Spam) and canned heavy soups (hearty meat soups). Canned only please due to breakage of glass containers. Collection boxes in the narthex. We welcome community participation and will be glad to deliver your donations.
Volunteers Needed
"Our neighbors are hurting, hungry and hopeless."
The above quote was from a recent letter from Ben Booher, Executive Director of Unicoi County Care & Share, to the Board of Directors shared to the Centenary congregation by Pastor Linda. It's a very compassionate letter and offers insight into the challenges volunteers face while serving the needs of others. This is a local ministry serving our Unicoi County neighbors and staffed by local volunteers. Hours were expanded after Hurricane Helene so there are now more hours open to fit an individual's schedule to serve. If you are interested in volunteering with Care & Share, Ben suggested you speak with Penny Jones or Wendy Broyles here at Centenary.
Photo credit: Ivabalk/Pixabay
Photo Credit: QuinceCreativePixabay
Resurrection 2026
40th Anniversary of This Amazing Event!
Centenary's Youth will be attending Rez 2026 in Pigeon Forge
Friday, January 23rd through Sunday, January 25th
Guest Speaker: Paul Taylor Smith
Your recent donations from our photo booth fundraiser are very much appreciated
Though the photo opportunity has passed, the Youth group is able to accept donations to cover meal expenses for 5 adults and 8 youth, including Pastor Linda.
Thank you, as always, for supporting our activities.
Friday, January 23rd through Sunday, January 25th
Guest Speaker: Paul Taylor Smith
Your recent donations from our photo booth fundraiser are very much appreciated
Though the photo opportunity has passed, the Youth group is able to accept donations to cover meal expenses for 5 adults and 8 youth, including Pastor Linda.
Thank you, as always, for supporting our activities.
Rez 2026 will be live streamed at the beginning of the first session through the Resurrection Youth website and also on their Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/rezyouth
Is there anyone in the congregation who is able to provide a written summary of the history of Centenary UMC?
I'm assuming there are resources in the Garland Library.
Please contact the web administrator @ tricia.staton@gmail.com.
January 2026
Calendar of Events
Sunday, January 4th @ 10:55 am
Holy Communion
Tuesday, January 6th @ 10:00 am
Minister Meeting/Pastor Linda out of office
Sunday, January 11th @ 10:55 am
Wesleyan Covenant Renewal Service
Sunday, January 11th @ 3:00 pm
Care Crew to the Center on Aging
Tuesday, January 13th @ 5:30 pm
Care & Share Board Meeting
Thursday, January 15th @ 11:00 am
UWIF - All Ladies Welcome
Holy Communion
Tuesday, January 6th @ 10:00 am
Minister Meeting/Pastor Linda out of office
Sunday, January 11th @ 10:55 am
Wesleyan Covenant Renewal Service
Sunday, January 11th @ 3:00 pm
Care Crew to the Center on Aging
Tuesday, January 13th @ 5:30 pm
Care & Share Board Meeting
Thursday, January 15th @ 11:00 am
UWIF - All Ladies Welcome
Thursday, January 15th @ 3:30 pm
Centering Prayer Group in Garland Classroom
Sunday, January 18th
3rd Sunday Mission Focus: Shades of Grace UMC
Friday, January 16th @ 11:30 am
UC Unites Meeting
Sunday, January 18th @ 3:00 pm
SPPR Training @ Mafair UMC Kingsport
Thursday, January 22nd @ 2:00 pm
UC LTRG Meeting
Monday, January 26th @ 8:30 am
UCMA Meeting
Centering Prayer Group in Garland Classroom
Sunday, January 18th
3rd Sunday Mission Focus: Shades of Grace UMC
Friday, January 16th @ 11:30 am
UC Unites Meeting
Sunday, January 18th @ 3:00 pm
SPPR Training @ Mafair UMC Kingsport
Thursday, January 22nd @ 2:00 pm
UC LTRG Meeting
Monday, January 26th @ 8:30 am
UCMA Meeting
Weekly Events
Sundays
Handbell Practice @ 8:45 am
Sunday School @ 9:45 am
Worship Service @ 10:55 am
Tuesdays
Kiwanis @ 12:00 pm
Wednesdays
Online Devotions - Facebook @ 9:00 am
Chancel Choir Practice @ 5:15pm
Sundays
Handbell Practice @ 8:45 am
Sunday School @ 9:45 am
Worship Service @ 10:55 am
Tuesdays
Kiwanis @ 12:00 pm
Wednesdays
Online Devotions - Facebook @ 9:00 am
Chancel Choir Practice @ 5:15pm
Coming Up in February
New Member/Future Member Class on February 1st (every other Sunday)
9:45 am with completion for Palm Sunday
Confirmation Class Begins February 8th (every other Sunday)
Media
Wednesday Morning Devotions
Reverend Linda Rozar
Devotions and Sermons can also be found on our Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/CentenaryofErwinTN
https://www.facebook.com/CentenaryofErwinTN
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
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
Sunday School Classes
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.
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.
Class stalwarts (and funny) - Rita & Marvin
Pairs & Spares can be counted on to fully participate in fun church-wide activities. Jack & Penny are displaying their head covers for Crazy Socks & Hat Day.
Class Instructor is Lois Shults-Davis
Knowledgeable - Experienced - Faithful
Knowledgeable - Experienced - Faithful
First Quarter 2026 Christian Education
"The Chosen" - Season 5
Classes will restart the week of February 8th though a set date and time have not yet been established. Interested attendees should respond to an email from Pastor Linda requesting input on a compatible schedule.
Lectio Divina - “Divine Reading”
During this first quarter of 2026, you will have the opportunity to enhance your spiritual practices of reading, reflecting, resting and responding to God's word. You are invited to slow down, read deeply and reflect on what you have read. Actively listen for God's voice. Intentionally open yourself to acts of mercy.
You'll find the Read Together list of passages by clicking on the Access 2026 link below.
You'll find the Read Together list of passages by clicking on the Access 2026 link below.
Accessing the Read Together link should take you to the page at Holston.org where you can then access the daily passages @ Read Together Resource Page. You can also sign up on the Holston.org page to have the daily passages emailed to you.
Photo Credit: Screenshot The Chosen 2017
Photo Credit: Holston Conference Website
Centering Prayer - A Spiritual Practice
In January, Centenary will begin offering a new 1-hour class focusing on Centering Prayer.
Photo Credit: Kathleen Berry
Thursday, January 15th @ 3:30 pm.
Garland Classroom
Class Led By: Clyde Harrell
Assigned Reading: Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life by Brian D. Russell
The book can purchased on Amazon, at Cokesbury and at Barnes & Noble.
Class Format:
Having read the assigned chapter prior to class, there will be an approximate 30-minute discussion period. Ten to 15 minutes will then be devoted to silent prayer, followed by The Lord's Prayer.
Garland Classroom
Class Led By: Clyde Harrell
Assigned Reading: Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life by Brian D. Russell
The book can purchased on Amazon, at Cokesbury and at Barnes & Noble.
Class Format:
Having read the assigned chapter prior to class, there will be an approximate 30-minute discussion period. Ten to 15 minutes will then be devoted to silent prayer, followed by The Lord's Prayer.
Simple and silent, Centering Prayer allows you to rest in God's presence and allow God to direct the action in your life. As you quiet yourself in prayer, summon a symbolic word to represent your intent in your quiet time with God. Sit quietly and allow your thoughts to center on your chosen word, repeat the word if necessary to recenter. With repetition, you will most likely find this spiritual practice easier and more fulfilling over time.
Information on this page was published in the January edition of The Centenarian and is a summary of the published work of Clyde Harrell. Clyde, an Erwin native, holds a dual-major BA in Biblical and Theological Studies/Psychology from Carson-Newman University.
Church & Society
Stewardship of Creation
We'll be using this space to educate you on the ministries of the United Methodist Church to walk closely in Jesus' footsteps by acknowledging and adhering to the recently adopted 2005-2008 Social Principles.
After reading Clyde Harrell's article entitled "Church and Society" in the January Centenarian, please think about not only your personal response to increased stewardship, but also how Centenary can become a better caretaker of the earth's resources. An initial effort by Centenary will be to reduce the use of disposable dinnerware and use the reusable dinnerware we already have.
Feel free to email your thoughts and suggestions to the church at cumet@yahoo.com.
The link to the right will take you to umc.org - you'll find additional information about the United Methodist Church's Social Principles and further reading on Pastor's Linda's January focus on Stewardship of Creation which is found within the Creation in Peril section.
After reading Clyde Harrell's article entitled "Church and Society" in the January Centenarian, please think about not only your personal response to increased stewardship, but also how Centenary can become a better caretaker of the earth's resources. An initial effort by Centenary will be to reduce the use of disposable dinnerware and use the reusable dinnerware we already have.
Feel free to email your thoughts and suggestions to the church at cumet@yahoo.com.
The link to the right will take you to umc.org - you'll find additional information about the United Methodist Church's Social Principles and further reading on Pastor's Linda's January focus on Stewardship of Creation which is found within the Creation in Peril section.
Photo Credit: Myriams-Fotos/Pixabay
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 handbells 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
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 handbells 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
Jeremiah 29:11 – Trusting God’s Plan
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Application: Instead of striving to control every outcome, resolve to trust that God already has good plans for our year. This verse reminds us that God sees the whole picture when we can only see today.
I found this list posted from MINDFUL CHRISTIANITY as a January To-Do List. I think I will keep mine posted for all of 2026.
● Begin your day with prayer and gratitude.
● Listen for God’s voice in Scripture daily.
● Let go of worries, trusting in God’s plan.
● Show kindness even when it’s not easy.
● Be present with those God placed in your day.
● Speak words that inspire and build up.
● Take each step in faith, even when uncertain.
● Give thanks and reflect on God’s goodness each night.
What a wonderful blueprint for each day! Definitely one that helps us grow closer to Christ and fills us with faith to trust God’s plan! It is so easy to get caught up in our plans and projects, trying to achieve our goals, that we forget God has gone before us and has THE plan for us. These to-do’s I recognized immediately as those that keep me looking toward doing my best to stay in God’s plan rather than my own. Some days it is hard, some days it is essential, and a lot of days we think we can press on and skip a few. NOT!
I will be sending out periodic emails with progress on current projects and updates for things I am working on within the community this year. The two largest for this year, in cooperation with the Unicoi County Ministerial Association, Care and Share, and the Unicoi County Long Term Recovery Group will be accessible transportation and warming/cooling stations for the unhoused. I do want your input and thoughts about these endeavors to take to meetings and present in the discussions.
We will begin a New Member/Future Member Class beginning on Feb. 1st. Email to be sent out soon. Also, a Confirmation Class will be held every other Sunday beginning on Feb. 8th. If you know any children that are not currently attending regularly that may be interested in this class, please let me know.
May your Christmas Season continue into the New Year with miracles, blessings, wholeness, and holiness through Christ Jesus for the transformation of the world to Kin-dom Glory!
Blessings—Pastor Linda
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Application: Instead of striving to control every outcome, resolve to trust that God already has good plans for our year. This verse reminds us that God sees the whole picture when we can only see today.
I found this list posted from MINDFUL CHRISTIANITY as a January To-Do List. I think I will keep mine posted for all of 2026.
● Begin your day with prayer and gratitude.
● Listen for God’s voice in Scripture daily.
● Let go of worries, trusting in God’s plan.
● Show kindness even when it’s not easy.
● Be present with those God placed in your day.
● Speak words that inspire and build up.
● Take each step in faith, even when uncertain.
● Give thanks and reflect on God’s goodness each night.
What a wonderful blueprint for each day! Definitely one that helps us grow closer to Christ and fills us with faith to trust God’s plan! It is so easy to get caught up in our plans and projects, trying to achieve our goals, that we forget God has gone before us and has THE plan for us. These to-do’s I recognized immediately as those that keep me looking toward doing my best to stay in God’s plan rather than my own. Some days it is hard, some days it is essential, and a lot of days we think we can press on and skip a few. NOT!
I will be sending out periodic emails with progress on current projects and updates for things I am working on within the community this year. The two largest for this year, in cooperation with the Unicoi County Ministerial Association, Care and Share, and the Unicoi County Long Term Recovery Group will be accessible transportation and warming/cooling stations for the unhoused. I do want your input and thoughts about these endeavors to take to meetings and present in the discussions.
We will begin a New Member/Future Member Class beginning on Feb. 1st. Email to be sent out soon. Also, a Confirmation Class will be held every other Sunday beginning on Feb. 8th. If you know any children that are not currently attending regularly that may be interested in this class, please let me know.
May your Christmas Season continue into the New Year with miracles, blessings, wholeness, and holiness through Christ Jesus for the transformation of the world to Kin-dom Glory!
Blessings—Pastor Linda
You can email Pastor Linda your ideas and suggestions for improving the lives of our community's
unhoused members. She can present these ideas to Care & Share, UCMA and UCLTRG.
cumcet@yahoo.com
unhoused members. She can present these ideas to Care & Share, UCMA and UCLTRG.
cumcet@yahoo.com
About Pastor Linda
Pastor Linda holds a Bachelor's Degree from Union University where she studied Religion. She 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. She is a motorcycle sidecar enthusiast, traveling with her husband, Lynn; a talented crafter; and endlessly leads efforts to alleviate hunger and homelessness in Unicoi County.
Photo Credit: authorbryanpowell0@Pixabay
