Missions

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.

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. Our 2026 garden is resting and will be replanted in the spring.

Volunteers will be needed shortly to assist in winter planting of the seedlings which will be nurtured in the Temple Hill greenhouse. Please get in touch with Pastor Linda if you can help.

This is a relatively new community resource which is a central online notification system of vetted needs of community members. Its intended purpose is to keep families intact and to prevent 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.

Families accepted into the CarePortal notification system have been vetted and approved by local social workers. The family and children remain anonymous in the portal - only a county and community are identified.

To receive notifications of families in need and how you can help, confidential online registration with CarePortal of your name and contact information is required. After a quick approval from Pastor Linda, you will receive occasional emails of specific needs of nearby families who need assistance.

You have total control over if and how you can help. For greater impact, consider partnering with folks within your social group; your Sunday School class; a prayer group; or other mission teams you participate in. Feeling inadequate with the technology aspects? Partner with someone more adept who can handle the email notifications and pass along the requests to you.

Missions for Your Support

Plans for the Backpack program have not yet been announced by UWIF. Watch this space or our new People page for more information - information will be posted as it becomes available.

Contributed backpacks are filled with donated school supplies and shipped to Liberia. This is a Hands-On Mission Project of the Holston Conference.

Continued appreciation and recognition to Centenary's United Women in Faith unit, Pastor Linda Rozar, and Mike and Lois Davis for their financial support and personal efforts to bring this Baby Box to Erwin.  Located at the EMS Staton on Oneega Avenue, 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.

Financial support :  https://www.shbb.org/

A bit of great news: a baby was surrendered in January 2026 at a fire station in Atoka, TN!

Additional volunteer opportunities have been recently announced. To meet the needs of our neighbors, operating hours were expanded in 2025. As of January 2026, volunteers are most needed all day Thursday; every afternoon; and Saturday mornings.

If you're unfamiliar with Care & Share, you're encouraged to speak with Penny Jones or Wendy Broyles - they can share with you why they remain committed to the organization.

Another way to support Care & Share is to utilize their 24-hour drop box for your donations of clean and functional items or drop them off during operating hours. Financial support is always appreciated! The needs of our underserved neighbors are great.

Leave your donations on the Mission Table by the sanctuary:
Used postage stamps
Used eyeglasses
Pop tab rings

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.

The last of the 2025 bounty!

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 their hour of need. 

God Bless!

 Grounds improved - Regular Plant Maintenance
Remove and clean old planters

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!

Photo Left: End of the 2025 garden season. Harry and his helpers have started winter prep.