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




July Calendar


July 13 - 19
IOCC  Crossroads Team
Centenary House

July 17
United Women in Faith
Dutch Treat Luncheon - Maple Grove
11:30 am

July 21
LTRG @ CUMC
5:30 pm

July 22 & 24
Linking Laity Zoom
7:00 pm

Finishing Strong Discussion Group
Neil's House
8:00 am


Summer @ Centenary

August
Finishing Strong Breakfast @ CUMC
Garden Educational Opportunity
 Fellowship Meal

September
Vacation Bible School/Wednesdays
Fellowship Meal
Helene Remembrance

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!

Cookie Schedule
July 7 - The Praying Pelicans Mission Group, Maryland
July 14 - IOCC Team w/8 people
July 21
July 28



Community Feedback on the Centenary Garden

"Beautiful garden."  JH

"This is the best idea ever! Such a great ministry!"  CR

"I love how Centenary Methodist cares for the community."  JR
 
"Let me see if I understand this correctly: you people have been working (hard!) to make and maintain this impressive food garden so that you can give your produce away to strangers???
I think this is one of the nicest things of which I have seen or heard.
I think you understand Christian principles."  SJ

Photo Credit: J. Casey
Photo Credit: J. Casey

The Centenary Community Garden
You're welcome........in our backyard.

Old Testament Disciple Series Sermons


Pastor Linda begins  Week Three (3) of The Old Testament Disciple Series of sermons on Sunday, July 13th at our regular 10:55 am worship time.

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.




July Mission of the Month

Camp Bays Mountain

A HOLSTON CONFERENCE CAMP MINISTRY

Camp Bays Mountain offers an environment where children and youth can find opportunities to explore and grow in their faith.  This is done daily through morning watch, prayer times, evening worship and Bible studies.  A place where kids can have fun, make new friends and enjoy the great outdoors.  Of course, a bonus is the fact that they are spreading their wings and learning how to be independent while away from their home setting.
Please designate your gift to support Camp Bays Mountain!
More about the camp
Link to the Giving Page




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 contracted repairs which will begin in Summer 2025.

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
Steeple Image: Ben Booher
Steeple Image: Ben Booher









From Holston Conference

Conference Communications

Current conference news for East Tennessee - SW Virginia - North Georgia
Subscribe to The Call via e-News

Learn More

July 22 & 24 Zoom Training @ 7:00 pm

Conference Realignment - Rev. Dr. Susan Arnold
Register Below
Learn More

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:

Week One

CREATION
Old-Test-Week-1.docx

Week Two

SIN
Old-Test-Week-2.docx



Week Three

COVENANT
Old-Test-Week-3.docx

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
 July 2025

From Your Pastor...

Glory, glory, glory, somebody touched me!
Glory, glory, glory, somebody touched me!
Glory, glory, glory, somebody touched me!
Must be the hand of the Lord!

I know I did not ask us to sing this, this last Sunday, but it would have still been appropriate with the sermon and service. I still sing it everyday. There is something about continually acknowledging the Glory of God that then keeps me looking for that Glory. The more I look, the more I see, and the more I praise. And sing this song AGAIN!

Where or when are you seeing and praising God’s Glory?

We will be embarking on a discipleship sermon series focused on the Old Testament for this Season of Ordinary Time and Growth. There was an insert in the bulletin with daily readings and some thought questions if you would like to participate in preparation for the Sunday Worship Service that will include a Psalm and Scripture from the readings and based on the theme of the week. This will be in subsequent bulletins and posted on the website.

May we all be willing to grow further as Passionate Spiritual Disciples and Praise God's Glory!

Psalm 150
Praise for God’s Surpassing Greatness
1 Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary;
  praise him in his mighty firmament![a]
2 Praise him for his mighty deeds;
   praise him according to his surpassing greatness!
3 Praise him with trumpet sound;
   praise him with lute and harp!
4 Praise him with tambourine and dance;
   praise him with strings and pipe!
5 Praise him with clanging cymbals;
   praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
6 Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord! - 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

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.


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