Centenary United Methodist Church
Welcomes Our Guests!
Pastor Linda Rozar
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
Philippians 4:13
Logo-Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday 2025
December 2nd
Thank you for your generosity!
CarePortal in Unicoi County
CarePortal is NOT related to Facebook.
You do not have to have a Facebook page to participate in CarePortal.
1. Child/family requires assistance from professional sources.
2. Child-serving professional vets & enters request into CarePortal system.
3. CarePortal notifies churches & community members to vetted needs.
4. Churches & community members partner to meet the needs of the child/family.
Register through the link below to actively participate in this recently launched resource to help our county neighbors. There is almost always a need for financial donations, but a willing donor can also provide in-kind item donations to be delivered to the client family. Often, CarePortal is the link that can prevent a child from being placed in foster care.
Once you have registered your contact information and your application approved by Pastor Linda, you will begin to receive occasional online notifications when a need has been validated by a social services worker within the school system or a county social agency. Then it's up to you or a group you may have associated with whether to participate in that particular posting.
Your help on the CarePortal can consist of:
Financial donations directed to the client family through a central source
Specific items that have been requested to meet an immediate need
Prayer for the family involved
Choose Your Route
**Not an online daily type person?
Associate with others who are also willing to help, include at least one person who is online regularly. Contact: tricia.staton@gmail.com or text 910-431-9380 for an online facilitator.
**Low on funds, but willing to pick up and/or deliver donated items?
Let Pastor Linda know you can help by shopping, picking up and/or delivering.
**Have the disposable income, but not computer saavy?
Financial support for CarePortal is always needed to purchase needed items, buy food, or pay rent & utilities.
**Are you a great prayer warrior?
Include these families and social workers in your prayers.
Pixabay
Pixabay
As of November 19th:
25 children (primarily in Unicoi County) have been helped by CarePortal participants at Centenary alone! Strength in numbers!
God bless you all.
25 children (primarily in Unicoi County) have been helped by CarePortal participants at Centenary alone! Strength in numbers!
God bless you all.
Christmas Party for the Head Start Kids
Wednesday, December 19th @ 10:00 am
Centenary UMC Fellowship Hall
Party Preparation Items Needed - Can You Help?
19 girls and 13 boys are expected.
The party planning committee would like to have:
gloves & winter hats for each child
a small toy for each child
As of November 19th, we have:
9 remote control cars for boys
3 Little Mermaid microphones for girls
1 set of gloves and hat for a girl
6 neutral gloves
7 neutral hats
The party planning committee would like to have:
gloves & winter hats for each child
a small toy for each child
As of November 19th, we have:
9 remote control cars for boys
3 Little Mermaid microphones for girls
1 set of gloves and hat for a girl
6 neutral gloves
7 neutral hats
Image Credit: Head Start UETHDA
Photo Credit: Balázs Somos from Pixabay
If you are able to contribute, please contact the church at:
cumcet@yahoo.com
423-743-4342
Your help is truly appreciated!
December Events
A variety of educational, spiritual and gathering opportunities at Centenary United Methodist Church
Your family and friends are welcome here.
Photo Credit: Myriams-Fotose Pixabay
Sunday, December 7th @ 10:55 am
"A New and Glorious Morn" Cantata by Lloyd Larson
Photo Credit: James Chan Pixabay
Advent - November 30th through December 24th
Find Advent activities on the pink page below
Photo Credit: JillWellington@Pixabay
Sunday, December 14th @ noon
Christmas Party - bring holiday goodies/snacks to share
Photo Credit: Holston Conference Website
Wednesday, December 17th @ 5:30 pm
UCMA Darkness & Light/Blue Christmas Services
Advent
November 30th - December 24th
We enter the season of preparing for Christ's birth and eventual salvation of the world beginning on Sunday, November 30 and lasting until December 24. Focusing on messages of hope, peace, joy, and love and symbolized by the lighting of candles placed upon Advent wreaths, Christians worldwide anticipate the second coming of Christ.
Advent Calendar
Pastor Linda has compiled a complete list
of Advent activities and has sent it via
email to the church's email list.
To receive a copy, please access through the link
below or contact the church at cumcet@yahoo.com.
Christmas Eve
Candlelight Service
Wednesday, December 24th
4:00 pm
Visitors Welcome
203 North Elm Avenue
Erwin, TN 37650
Parking Available in the Church Lot on the Corner of 1st & Elm
December 7th
9:45am - Sunday School
10:55am - Worship Service, 2nd Sunday of Advent PEACE
CHRISTMAS CANTATA, “A New and Glorious Morn!” by Lloyd Larson
December 9th
5:00pm - Care & Share Board Meeting
6:00pm - Care & Share Christmas Party for Staff, Board Members, Volunteers and ALL THE FAMILIES!
December 14th
9:45am - Sunday School
10:55am - Worship Service, 3rd Sunday of Advent JOY
12:00pm - Christmas Party in the Fellowship Hall. Please bring holiday goodies/finger foods/snacks to share!
Photo Credit: pinwhalestockPixabay
December 18th
11:30am - UWIF Christmas Luncheon at Penny Jones' house. Please bring a dish
to share. White Elephant gift exchange.
December 19th
10:00am - Head Start Christmas Party in the Fellowship Hall. Please see the upper part of the Home Page for items needed.
December 21st
9:45am -Sunday School
10:55am - Worship Service, 4th Sunday of Advent LOVE
December 24th
4:00pm - Christmas Eve Service
Hope Peace Love Joy
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
Advent Bible Study
‘A Child is Born’
by Amy-Jill Levine
The material within this book will be covered in
Wednesday Morning Devotions at 9:00 am.
You can follow on Facebook. See the Education section below.
Wednesday Morning Devotions at 9:00 am.
You can follow on Facebook. See the Education section below.
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.
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
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 S. Farley
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 S. Farley
Photo credit: Kathy Alford
A Word From Pastor Linda Rozar
December 2025
Luke 2:10: "I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people."
(The angel's announcement to the shepherds.)
We have received the Good News and as God’s people shall continue with
great joy! There are so many opportunities to share our joy at Centenary
UMC and in our community this Advent season! You should have or will
have an Advent devotional mailed or emailed to you and an Advent letter
with events. There will be both a daily Advent devotion and a Wednesday
morning Advent Bible Study on the website, centenaryumc.us, as well as
on Facebook.
As mentioned last month, I wish for nothing more for myself, the congre-
gation and our community to be vessels of faith, hope, peace, joy, and love.
May we each stay present in every moment and the ever-present awe of
God’s Goodness.
Isaiah 9:6: "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the
government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Blessings—Pastor Linda
(The angel's announcement to the shepherds.)
We have received the Good News and as God’s people shall continue with
great joy! There are so many opportunities to share our joy at Centenary
UMC and in our community this Advent season! You should have or will
have an Advent devotional mailed or emailed to you and an Advent letter
with events. There will be both a daily Advent devotion and a Wednesday
morning Advent Bible Study on the website, centenaryumc.us, as well as
on Facebook.
As mentioned last month, I wish for nothing more for myself, the congre-
gation and our community to be vessels of faith, hope, peace, joy, and love.
May we each stay present in every moment and the ever-present awe of
God’s Goodness.
Isaiah 9:6: "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the
government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
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: authorbryanpowell0@Pixabay
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.
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.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
