Photo Credit: HoneysucklePixabay
June
Church Calendar
Sunday, May 31st - Wednesday, June 3rd
Holston Annual Conference
Lake Junaluska
Sunday, July 5th
United Service of Worship
"God of Our Fathers - Lord of Our Future"
First Baptist Church - Erwin
11:00 am
June 7th
UWIF Sunday Worship Service
Isaiah 117 Speaker
Tuesday, June 9th
Planting Day in the Community Garden
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Thursday, June 11th
UWIF Summer Luncheon
Home of Jennifer Fields
11:30 am
Holston Annual Conference
Lake Junaluska
Sunday, July 5th
United Service of Worship
"God of Our Fathers - Lord of Our Future"
First Baptist Church - Erwin
11:00 am
June 7th
UWIF Sunday Worship Service
Isaiah 117 Speaker
Tuesday, June 9th
Planting Day in the Community Garden
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Thursday, June 11th
UWIF Summer Luncheon
Home of Jennifer Fields
11:30 am
Friday, June 12th & Saturday, June 13th
Limestone Cove UMC Yard Sale
8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Tuesday, June 16th
"The Chosen" Bible Study Resumes for 4 weeks
10:30 am
Sunday, June 21st
Father's Day
3rd Sunday Mission Support - Isaiah 117 House
Friday, June 26th
Activity: Feeding the Unhoused
Sunday, June 28th
Red Cross Disaster Preparedness
After Worship
Limestone Cove UMC Yard Sale
8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Tuesday, June 16th
"The Chosen" Bible Study Resumes for 4 weeks
10:30 am
Sunday, June 21st
Father's Day
3rd Sunday Mission Support - Isaiah 117 House
Friday, June 26th
Activity: Feeding the Unhoused
Sunday, June 28th
Red Cross Disaster Preparedness
After Worship
Sundays
Handbell Practice @ 8:45 am
Sunday School @ 9:45 am
Worship Service @ 10:55 am
Handbell Practice @ 8:45 am
Sunday School @ 9:45 am
Worship Service @ 10:55 am
Mondays
Lois Shults-Davis
Virtual Prayer Time @ 5:00 pm Facebook.com/lois.shultsdavis
Lois Shults-Davis
Virtual Prayer Time @ 5:00 pm Facebook.com/lois.shultsdavis
Tuesdays
Kiwanis @
12:00 pm
"The Chosen"
for 4 weeks @ 10:30 am
Starts 6/16
Kiwanis @
12:00 pm
"The Chosen"
for 4 weeks @ 10:30 am
Starts 6/16
Wednesdays
Online Devotions - Facebook @
9:00 am
Chancel Choir Practice @ 5:15 pm
Online Devotions - Facebook @
9:00 am
Chancel Choir Practice @ 5:15 pm
Thursdays
Centering Prayer Group @ 3:30 pm
Centering Prayer Group @ 3:30 pm
June birthdays & anniversaries can
be found on the printed calendar in
the monthly newsletter.
be found on the printed calendar in
the monthly newsletter.
Spotlight On
What's Happening!
Lots going on at Centenary during June!
Here's a bit more information about a few events which are listed in the June calendar.
Here's a bit more information about a few events which are listed in the June calendar.
United Women in Faith
Summer Luncheon
Thursday, June 11th
11:30 am
Home of Jennifer Fields
Thursday, June 11th
11:30 am
Home of Jennifer Fields
Narcan Treatment Station Installed
There is now a Narcan treatment station located at the garden area near the Centenary House, adjacent to the
main parking lot with an entrance on 1st Street.
main parking lot with an entrance on 1st Street.
Disaster Preparedness Training
Red Cross Training
Sunday, June 26
Noon
Informal Talk & Backpack Distribution
Sunday, June 26
Noon
Informal Talk & Backpack Distribution
Sunday, June 7th
Worship Service Conducted by the United Women in Faith
Guest Speaker: Sadie Whitehead - Isaiah 117 Location Leader
Isaiah 117 House
Our Churchwide Effort to "lavish love" on Local Foster Children
Located in Elizabethton, the red-door House serves children in Carter, Johnson, and Unicoi counties as they enter the local foster care environment. They are met with "lavish love" - fresh baths, new clothing and pajamas, favorite foods, the small things that can be offered to restore smiles to their young faces.
Though initiated and supported by the United Women in Faith unit, this is a churchwide effort to make
a difference in the lives of local children who are removed from their homes and placed in the foster
care system. Your generous financial donations will be directed to the Isaiah 117 organization which
strives to "lavish love" upon these traumatized kids.
If you choose to use the pew envelopes or write a check, please notate Mission of the Month.
Though initiated and supported by the United Women in Faith unit, this is a churchwide effort to make
a difference in the lives of local children who are removed from their homes and placed in the foster
care system. Your generous financial donations will be directed to the Isaiah 117 organization which
strives to "lavish love" upon these traumatized kids.
If you choose to use the pew envelopes or write a check, please notate Mission of the Month.
Horton the Elephant - Dr. Suess
Photo Credit: Isaiah 117
The Red Door at Isaiah 117 House
Photo Credit: Isaiah 117 Website
Children Swinging - Isaiah House
Photo Credit: Isaiah 117 Website
A long-term tradition of acknowledging memorial fund donors was recently reactivated.
No financial amounts are listed, only the gift intended to memorialize or honor the individual specified.
A Tradition Resurrected
Photo credit: Kanenori@Pixabay
In Memory of Jack Jones
In Memory of Jerry Wilson
In Honor of All May Birthdays & Anniversaries
In Appreciation to the IOCC Volunteer Teams
While these amazing and dedicated volunteers have worked tirelessly within the local community, they have also invested a tremendous amount
of time and labor to improving the conditions of both the interior and exterior of our Centenary House. It would be wonderful to thank these folks
who have donated their efforts to us and the United Methodist Church. Pastor Linda will collect the cards & letters and send in one large envelopes.
Seattle, Washington IOCC Family - The Barbers
Jen, Andy & Isaac
International Orthodox Christian Charities
of time and labor to improving the conditions of both the interior and exterior of our Centenary House. It would be wonderful to thank these folks
who have donated their efforts to us and the United Methodist Church. Pastor Linda will collect the cards & letters and send in one large envelopes.
Seattle, Washington IOCC Family - The Barbers
Jen, Andy & Isaac
International Orthodox Christian Charities
Summer Volunteer Occupants Cookie Program
Cookies delivery will restart on Monday, June 8th and continue weekly unless notified otherwise.
Thanks for your participation!
Thanks for your participation!
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
Second Quarter 2026 Christian Education
Linking Laity for Empowerment
Zoom Series
June Topic to be Posted When Available
Praying with Scripture
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. Second quarter readings begin at Week 14. You can also sign up on the Holston.org page to have the daily passages emailed to you.
During this second quarter of 2026, you will continue to 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.
Photo Credit: Screenshot The Chosen 2017
Prayer - A Spiritual Practice
Photo Credit: Brian Russell
Thursdays - Weekly @ 3:30 pm
Garland Classroom
Group 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.
Group Format:
Having read the assigned chapter prior to gathering, 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
Group 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.
Group Format:
Having read the assigned chapter prior to gathering, 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.
COMING UP: Making Anglican rosaries and a new book soon!
Invitation to a Spiritual Journey: A Roadmap to Spiritual Formation by M. Robert Mulholland, Jr.
Invitation to a Spiritual Journey: A Roadmap to Spiritual Formation by M. Robert Mulholland, Jr.
Church & Society
"Sabbath & Renewal Time"
"We recognize the Sabbath as a gift of God for all people, remembering that God rested on the seventh day of Creation (Genesis 2:2; Exodus 20:8-11). We affirm the importance of taking time away from work to rest and renew the mind, body, and spirit, engage in play and recreation, and serve the needs of our communities. We further affirm that the Sabbath is also a time to provide rest for others in the human community.
We encourage all United Methodists to honor the Sabbath by actively participating in the worship life of a local congregation. We urge governments and businesses to promote policies and practices that allow people of all religious faiths to take ample time away from work to engage in worship, renewal and fellowship opportunities." (UMC Social Principles)
In a day and age where society constantly tells us we have to be productive all the time, that we always have to perform, and that resting is "lazy," God shows us a completely different way.
God gives us clear examples of how vital rest truly is. We see this in Genesis when God created a special day specifically for rest—often called the Sabbath.
We also see Jesus showing us the importance of rest when He took a nap on a boat or pulled away from the crowds to spend time alone with His Father. Because Jesus was fully divine and fully human, He needed rest. He knew He could not continuously serve everyone effectively and fairly without it. Jesus models physical and emotional rest for us, but He also models *spiritual* rest—being in God’s presence and living in a state of peace, trust, and reliance on God.
Now, God doesn't physically need rest; God is greater than all human limitations. However, God knew beforehand how important rest would be for us, so He set the ultimate example.
I even believe the Holy Spirit prays for our rest. This happens when our bodies communicate a deep need to slow down—whether through feeling tired, getting sick, or realizing our social battery is completely drained. These are powerful examples from the Trinity showing us that rest is holy.
We encourage all United Methodists to honor the Sabbath by actively participating in the worship life of a local congregation. We urge governments and businesses to promote policies and practices that allow people of all religious faiths to take ample time away from work to engage in worship, renewal and fellowship opportunities." (UMC Social Principles)
In a day and age where society constantly tells us we have to be productive all the time, that we always have to perform, and that resting is "lazy," God shows us a completely different way.
God gives us clear examples of how vital rest truly is. We see this in Genesis when God created a special day specifically for rest—often called the Sabbath.
We also see Jesus showing us the importance of rest when He took a nap on a boat or pulled away from the crowds to spend time alone with His Father. Because Jesus was fully divine and fully human, He needed rest. He knew He could not continuously serve everyone effectively and fairly without it. Jesus models physical and emotional rest for us, but He also models *spiritual* rest—being in God’s presence and living in a state of peace, trust, and reliance on God.
Now, God doesn't physically need rest; God is greater than all human limitations. However, God knew beforehand how important rest would be for us, so He set the ultimate example.
I even believe the Holy Spirit prays for our rest. This happens when our bodies communicate a deep need to slow down—whether through feeling tired, getting sick, or realizing our social battery is completely drained. These are powerful examples from the Trinity showing us that rest is holy.
What Rest Is (and isn't).
Rest IS NOT:
- Doing chores or tasks that deplete your energy.
- Completely skipping out on or abandoning your community.
- Overwhelming your nervous system.
Rest IS:
- Time with God: Centering prayer, solitude, reading scripture, or journaling.
- Unplugging: Stepping away from technology like phones, computers, and TVs.
- Physical Recovery: Taking a much-needed nap or going on a leisurely walk.
- Sensory Relief: Turning off the lights and all sounds to give your nervous system a true break.
There are so many beautiful ways to rest. How is God calling you to experience the Sabbath this week?
Written by: J. Clyde Harrell
Rest IS NOT:
- Doing chores or tasks that deplete your energy.
- Completely skipping out on or abandoning your community.
- Overwhelming your nervous system.
Rest IS:
- Time with God: Centering prayer, solitude, reading scripture, or journaling.
- Unplugging: Stepping away from technology like phones, computers, and TVs.
- Physical Recovery: Taking a much-needed nap or going on a leisurely walk.
- Sensory Relief: Turning off the lights and all sounds to give your nervous system a true break.
There are so many beautiful ways to rest. How is God calling you to experience the Sabbath this week?
Written by: J. Clyde Harrell
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!
2026 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!
2026 Choir Members
Kathy J, Bob L, Penny J and Jennifer F
Music Director: Robin Lafever
Accompanist: Erin Sharp
Photo credit: Kathy Alford
"God of Our Fathers...Lord of Our Future"
Combined Choir is Being Assembled
423-220-7100
Sunday, July 5th
11:00 am
First Baptist Church, Erwin
A Word From Pastor Linda Rozar
Matthew 9:17 CEB 17 No one pours new wine into old wineskins. If they did, the wineskins would burst, the wine would spill, and the wineskins would be ruined. Instead, people pour new wine into new wineskins so that both are kept safe.” One does not put new wine into old wineskins. The chemical process of fermentation is gaseous and the new wineskin swells and hardens during the transformation. Putting new wine into an old wineskin would burst that previously hardened skin, causing it to burst and you would lose the wine. It’s as if Jesus is saying to those that are struggling to understand him, that He has this new wine, but cannot pour it into hardened hearts. Not only can our hearts be softened to accept new wine, but new and old wine can be shared together. We need his love in new containers, but do not miss the AND ‘both are kept safe’. Both the fresh wine in new wineskins and the vintage wine in vintage containers. The heart of the church needs both the vintage and the fresh to be sharing the transforming love of Christ! Talk with someone older and someone younger about your faith this month. Devotion adapted from “Passio Dei” by Michael Beck Blessings, Pastor Linda |
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: Geralt@Pixabay
