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 


"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
Philippians 4:13




  October Calendar 

Handbells: Sundays @ 8:45
Choir: Wednesdays @ 5:00 pm

Vision Committee
Wednesday, October 8th @ 4:00 pm

Lay Speaker @ Morning Worship
Sunday, October 12th

Cookie Mission for Centenary House Visitors
At the house by Monday, October 13th

United Women in Faith
Thursday, October 16th
11:00 am
Fellowship Hall

Finishing Strong Couples Retreat
Optimal Oneness
October 17th & 18th
Love Chapel
Fall Festival Steeple Fundraiser
Saturday, October 18th
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Laity Sunday
CCC @ Center on Aging @ 2:30 pm
Sunday, October 19th

Administrative Council
Sunday, October 26th
Noon

Halloween on Nolichucky
Saturday, November 1st
Youth Promoting Youth


Flyer Credit: Dara Carney-Nedelman/Photo credit: Ben Booher

We Welcome Our Fall Festival Vendors!

Saturday, October 18th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Robin Bowman
Holly Bradley
Jessica & Girls
Whitney Murray
Elizabeth Huskins
Sherry Kind
Tarah Gentry
Ashley Wallace
Amy King
Savanna Edwards
Phyllis Pleasant
Jess Braswell
Debbie & Rachel Hatcher
Crafts
Crafts & Bracelets
Baked Goods
Freshies & Crafts
Photo Booth tees
Baking & Freshies
Crafts
Glassware
Pens & Key Chains
Cakes & Sweets
Jewelry
Tumblers & Crafts
Unique t-shirts


CarePortal in Unicoi County

CarePortal is NOT related to Facebook. 
You do not have to  have a Facebook page to participate in CarePortal.

Photo Credit: Ronile Pixabay
Register here for care portal




Register through the link above 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.

**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.



Thank you to the Pairs & Spares Sunday School Class  for their recent participation in meeting a CarePortal need. If your Sunday School class would like to participate, please contact Pastor Linda. 











United Women in Faith



October Meeting
Thursday, October 16th
11:00 am
Fellowship Hall

Link to uwif

We Value Volunteers!


Your many volunteer hours at this church do not go unnoticed nor unappreciated.: the hours you continue to spend at Care & Share and other community agencies; the hot & sweaty hours you put into the Centenary garden most of the year; and giving your time & love to the Centenary kids in their various projects and fundraisers.


Photo Credit: Lynn Wilson
Photo credit: JCasey
Photo Credit: J. Casey
Photo Credit: J. Casey

CHIPS Safe House
October
Third Sunday Mission Support

Photo Credit: chipsfvs.org
Donate to CHIPS Safe House

Raising Funds to Restore Our Iconic Steeple

Steeple Preservation Fund - donate here
A fundraising campaign launched this past summer 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 recommended repairs.

 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.

A Fall Festival Steeple Fundraiser is planned for Saturday, October 18th 
Ask how you can help!



Steeple Graphic by Ben Booher


Towering with Tradition:
Steeple Preservation





Metal Frog Art: L. Rozar

New Visitors to Our Homepage

Scroll down to the peach colored section
to find details about our Fall Festival.



Thanks for visiting!

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

Fall - Fun - Festival - Fundraising - Friends - Frog Eyes

Photo Credit: ChelseasMessyApron

Frog Eye Salad

Not really a salad, but a dessert
Definitely has no frogs, therefore no frog eyes
Does Food Lion even carry acini de pepe pasta??

Come taste this retro, midwestern dish made with mandarin oranges, pineapple, marshmallows & coconut.
Again, no frogs.

Flyer Credit: Dara Carney-Nedelman

Fall Festival
Steeple Fundraiser

Saturday, October 18th
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
203 North Elm Avenue, Erwin

Free Parking
Silent Auction - Games - Local Vendors - Hayride
Lunch by donation
Photo Credit: Silly Girls Kitchen

The Maid-Rite Sandwich

It's taken 100 years for this sandwich to make its way to Erwin, TN - a delicious mixture of beef, spices and savory condiments, adorned with pickles.

Lunch is served by donation
A maid-rite sandwich, chips & a drink! 

October Events

A variety of entertainment and education &
 giving and gathering at
Centenary United Methodist Church.
Your family and friends are welcome here.

Tuesday Mornings  - October 14th/21st/28th @ 10am
Bible Study - "The Chosen" Season 5

Wednesday Mornings - October 8th/15th/22nd/29th @ 9am
Online Devotion Facebook: centenary umc of erwin tn

October 16th - 11am
United Women in Faith Meeting

October 18th - 9am to 1pm
Centenary Fall Festival Steeple Fundraiser

Christian Education Opportunities


Season 5: The Chosen - Last Supper
Film & Discussion  

Led by Pastor Linda Rozar
Tuesday Mornings
October Schedule: 14th - 21st - 28th
10:00 am


Seasons 1 - 4 are available at online streaming platforms.


Linking Laity for Empowerment
Speakers: Steve & Mary Ellis Richardson

Accessibility = Hospitality
A look at the accessibility provided to those entering the church.

Tuesday, October 28th @ 7:00 pm
Zoom
Register Here



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.
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

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
Photo credit: Kathy Alford

A Word From Pastor Linda Rozar
October 2025

I read through last year’s September newsletter, which happened to be written before Helene came through, and then through October’s newsletter, written after. In September, I was fasting and praying for the outdoor Worship Service and meal from the Community Garden. Little did I know that those practices would end up being the additional strength that I would need to carry me through the season after Helene. I still pray daily, of course, but I also have continued to fast as a regular part of my week. It has not only deepened my own relationship with God but has also improved my health. What are some of your daily and weekly practices as disciples that draw you closer to God? What might you add to grow as His disciple?
 
The Bishop shared with our District this month that the theme for ‘Together in New Beginnings’ would be FOCUS. Focus on drawing closer to God, focus on drawing closer to each other, and focus on drawing closer to our community as the disciples we have been gifted to be! What would you like to see happen as a congregation to fulfill this call ‘Together in New Beginnings’? Where do you imagine us in the community this next year?

The October newsletter last year shared this scripture:
‘20 Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen.’
Ephesians 3:20-21Amplifed Bible

May this continue to fill us with all the hope we need to FOCUS and strengthen our relationship with God, each other, and our community! To God be the Glory!

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.









Together in New Beginnings

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. 
Photo Credit: Pixabay
Link to Giving Page

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

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When We  Gather

Sunday Mornings

Sunday School
9:45 am

Worship Service
10:55 am

Tuesday Morning
"The Chosen - Last Supper"
10:00 am

 Bible Study 

Wednesday Morning Online Devotion
9:00 am

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?!