January 2026 Third Sunday Mission: Shades of Grace UMC in Kingsport
Designate your financial gift on Sunday, January 18th
Serving the Underserved & the Unhoused
Homeless Projects
Pastor Linda will be letting us know about the projects through Care & Share, UCMA and UCLTRG which will benefit those folks in our community who are unhoused. Two areas of focus will be accessible transportation and warming/cooling stations for these folks.
Sleeping Mats - save plastic grocery bags to be sewn into sleeping mats
Backpacks for Liberia 2026
Plans for the Backpack program have not yet been announced by UWIF.
Watch this space or the UWIF page for more information.
Community Garden
Envisioned to create a space of peace and play, and to encourage friendship and sharing
within our neighborhood. Many hours of work have been spent in the planning and
implementation of opening our outdoor space to those who desire to sit in
peace, watch their kids on the playground equipment or simply to be with God.
2026 garden is resting and will be replanted in the spring.
Safe Haven Baby Box
Erwin's Safe Haven Baby Box was installed in June 2024 at the EMS Station on Oneega Avenue.
Appreciation to Centenary's United Women in Faith unit, Pastor Linda Rozar, and Mike and Lois Davis for their financial support and efforts to bring this Baby Box to Erwin.
The Baby Box was installed in memory of Mike and Lois' parents
and equipped with donated and blessed baby care items made by local ladies.
Please contact Lois or Pastor Linda if you would like to be involved on the local level.
Financial support is always greatly appreciated.
https://www.shbb.org/
Perpetual Giving
Used eyewear - Lions Club
Pop tabs - leave on the Missions table
Used postage stamps - leave on the Missions table
Care & Share
Expanded volunteer opportunities:
Monday Wednesday Friday Saturday with expanded hours of operations
24 hour drop box for your donations
Your financial support and volunteer hours are appreciated!
CarePortal
Register now to begin fulfilling requests from vetted cmmunity members.
Intended purpose is to keep children from being placed in foster care - many families
just need a bed or linens; help with utility bills; or gas to get to work.
You decide if and how you may be able to help.
Centenary's Erwin Disaster Relief Fund remains active in financial donations and distribution.
All donations remain in the local community.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations
Matthew 28:19
Photo Credit: J. Casey
Photo Credit: J. Casey
Photo Credit: J. Casey
Community Garden Meal Attendees
Our Intent
The new playground equipment is getting great use by the church kids and neighborhood kids. Trees have been trimmed, new mulch laid and additional seating is provided for visitors. Made possible by the generous contributions of Centenary members and the hard work of many volunteers.
Photo Credit: Harry Lewis
The last of the 2025 bounty!
Community Garden
Throughout 2024, many of our church members were involved in the planning and implementation of the new Community Garden project, envisioned from set-up to harvest, to be a blessing to all in our community. Pastor Linda successfully drafted and submitted an application for multi-year grant funding to enable us to purchase projected supplies and equipment. Your continued prayers are an important component of the success of this project.
ANOTHER PRODUCTIVE SEASON !
Sincere appreciation to all the folks (adults & kids!) who participated in the 2025 Centenary Garden. Your commitment to the garden was successful in producing food for community members who stopped by in an hour of need.
God Bless!
2025 Season Completion
Grounds improved - Regular Plant Maintenance
Remove and clean old planters
Remove and clean old planters
Photo Credit: Harry Lewis
Shannon & Cynthia
Our People Make it Happen
An active Vision Committee was responsible for the step by step planning of the garden - several committee members have stepped forward to lead the project with time and talent. Other church members have contributed ideas, financial resources and expertise to ensure the success of the project.
Many thanks to all participants!
Many thanks to all participants!
Photo Left: End of the 2025 garden season. Harry and his helpers have started winter prep.
If you would like to become actively involved in the Community Garden project, please contact Pastor Linda at cumcet@yahoo.com.
Our Missions in 2025
Backpacks for Liberia
Food Bank Assistance
Garden Volunteers
Community Garden
Traveling Library
Photo: Wesley Memorial JC
Care & Share
Photo: C&S Facebook page
Photo Credit: Holston Conference Website
Erwin Disaster Relief Fund
Established after the devastating flooding in September 2024, the fund distributes donated funds to the local community to assist in disaster recovery.
Established after the devastating flooding in September 2024, the fund distributes donated funds to the local community to assist in disaster recovery.
Homeless Projects
Youth-Led
M&Ms Project - raising funds through the return of plastic M&M containers filled with quarters.
Making sleeping mats from plastic bags.
M&Ms Project - raising funds through the return of plastic M&M containers filled with quarters.
Making sleeping mats from plastic bags.