Through Centenary Windows September/October 2015

Through Centenary

WINDOWS 3 Worship in the Park 4 Senior Minister: What’s the Plan?

5 Latte with Lory Beth 6 Prayers of the People 7 Poinsettia Order Form 8 Congregational Care 9 Planning a Funeral 10 Celebrations: New Members 11 United Methodist Women 12 Wonderfilled Wednesdays 13 Kiev Symphony 14 Glad Tidings

15 Food for Thought 16 Creation Care 17 Clay/Chandler Class 18 Memorials & Honoraria 19 Stock Delivery Instructions 20 Children’s Ministry 22 The Big Silence 24 Senior Adults 25 Spectrum of the Arts 26 Youth Ministry We’re Baaaaaaaaaaaaack!

Reflections of the Kingdom

From the Editor Alas, the long summer days are coming to a close. The kids are back in school and pools are closing up for the autumn cool-down. I must confess, I cherish the month of September. Yes, it’s my birthday month but it is so much more. It’s a time for renewal, a season of change as we watch the heavenly paint brush stroke among the trees. And it is a time to engage in our great church.

Centenary has numerous opportunities in which you may participate and grow in your faith. One of my ultimate favorites is Worship in the Park at Tanglewood. This annual event, now in its third year, moves to the first Sunday in October. This year, we will celebrate World Communion at the park and the Children’s Choir will be a new element in the worship. I hope you will mark your calendar for Sunday, October 4. Be sure to bring your lawn chair, side dishes and desserts for the lunch feast, and most important—a heart ready On the Cover to worship in the great outdoors as we combine Worship in the Park into one great fellowship. is always a great I invite you to read through our magazine and see what might interest you. There really is something for everyone of all ages!

I’ll see you at Centenary.

Warmest wishes,

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Doug Peninger Director of Communications

celebration of the Centenary community as we come together for great worship, fellowship, and food.

Looking back at the images from 2014, the serving table brought a smile to my face. I hope you will plan to be at Tanglewood on October 4. Y’all Come!

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lhuffman@centenary-ws. org 336-397-1362

Senior Minister

What’s the Plan?

By Rev. Lory Beth Huffman

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think this question must be on the minds of many of you because I’ve been asked some version of this quite frequently. And I totally understand why. So here is the honest answer to that question at this moment. I’m not sure. But don’t be alarmed by that lack of clarity at the moment. I would be worried if someone came in here and right off the bat had a clear sense of what needed to be done. How could they possibly know?

2 OBSERVE

1 LISTEN I do have a three-part plan at the moment to guide some next steps. And until I get to know you better, that’s all I need to know is what next step to be working towards. So the most important part of this plan is to listen. I have been listening to staff and some of our key leaders. That expands daily as we cycle through more meetings and I have the chance to meet those serving on ministry teams and committees.

But I’m most excited about having the chance to listen to each of you at the upcoming series of Lattes with Lory Beth! These are home gatherings of groups of 10-12 folks for the purpose of listening to your hopes and dreams for the church and those things that bring you the most joy in your life. And this will take me some time over the next couple of months to listen well. (Please 4plan to attend or host one of these!)

The next part of the plan is to observe and live into some of the inner workings and processes in how the church is run and see if there is some tweaking that we might want to try that could strengthen how we do ministry and how we get our work done. The staff and I are already assessing things like worship planning, staff meetings, communications lines, policies and procedures, etc. By creating well functioning operating systems and supporting staff and leaders so they are able to succeed and excel in their jobs and roles, we will then be ready for the last part of the vision.

prepare ourselves to receive God’s direction and we have to do it together. I’m happy to lead that process but I do not expect to be the one who necessarily receives the vision and then tells you what it is.

So give me a little time to do some preliminary and preparatory work.

Let me understand more fully who you are and what makes you tick as a congregation. Let me understand more deeply the individual parts that make up the whole Body of Christ here. Let me understand the community around Centenary and how you interact with your neighbors. Let me see how well or not so well you reach beyond your church walls. Let me observe how we go about making disciples within the church walls. Give me some time to really focus in on doing worship with continued excellence. And give me some time to just listen.

3 DISCERN Part three of the plan is to work simultaneously during all of this listening and assessing and begin the process of discerning a greater vision for Centenary United Methodist Church.

To really hear what God is calling this church to do and be. A vision that will provide direction and guide this church in all that we do.

One more thing about this visioning process. This won’t be me doing all the work. Visioning never happens with just the Senior Minister in my experience.

It happens with collective work and intentional listening. We have to

I also want to say a heart felt THANK YOU on behalf of Greg and me for the incredible welcome that you have given us these past weeks and months. You have been so supportive, patient and encouraging during my start here.

We are so excited to be here and look forward to deepening the relationship with you. What a wonderful place to be!

Grace and Peace, Lory Beth

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Prayers of the People continued through the summer with excellent participation. This statement of faith has become part of the Monday routine for many and we encourage that to continue and develop for others.

On August 17th, there were special prayer activities for children and their parents which proved important in the lives of those participating. We hope to continue with these types of prayer focuses as we have so far. Each Monday, we do have a designated focus prayer which is in the Prayer Folders offered to participants to help get them started in silent meditation and prayer.

On August 3, we did have a Prayer Vigil for Derick Gilmore and his family. Derick was involved in a diving accident causing severe bruising of his spinal cord. This family of deep faith has been praying daily with their son and is feeling so blessed by his improvement.

We are constantly reminded that prayer changes things and invite you to come to Prayers of the People on Mondays in the Chapel at Centenary to experience the power for yourselves.

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ljjones@centenary-ws. org 336-397-1338

Congregational Care

Care During Bereavement T

here is a group of servants at Centenary that may not get a lot of attention or press, but in times of loss when comfort and hospitality are needed, they continue to leave an exceptional impact on the Centenary family and its visitors.

Our Centenary Funeral Ushers are currently chaired by Russ Cockman, and the Assistant Chair is Dr. Wilma Rush. When asked what the goal of the Funeral Ushers would be, Russ replied, “we strive to respond to the families with thoughtfulness, care and dignity while they are in the time of mourning, making them feel that the Church is their family of support. Making the bereaved family and their friends feel welcomed and at home while they

celebrate the life of their loved one, is what we hope to accomplish.”

Russ says that if you can’t preach and can’t teach, but you want to do something at Centenary, ushering is a wonderful place to serve. The group is about twenty strong and quite a few of them actually serve on the Sunday Morning Usher Team as well.

This group of servants is available to all Centenary families who choose to have a funeral or memorial service at Centenary. They will welcome guests to the service, hand out bulletins, direct folks to the guest registers and provide any information necessary. Also, there will be an usher who will escort the family from the parlor to the Sanctuary and then back to the reception area.

Please contact Judy Jones (918-0346)/ jjones@centenary-ws.org if you would like more information about the Funeral Usher Team.

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Dr. Wilma Rush & Russ Cockman

Planning a Funeral In the hour of bereavement, Centenary United Methodist Church seeks to serve its families in every possible way.

First, the church seeks to render a pastoral ministry during the experience and subsequent adjustment to a death.

Second, the church’s ministry is to help the family plan a meaningful and appropriate funeral or memorial service.

First Steps • Be aware that the church has made available to church members a booklet entitled Information My Family Will Need. If your loved one completed this publication, it will provide helpful guidelines for knowing the wishes of the deceased and location of important documents.

• Church members or family of the deceased are asked to call the church immediately upon the death of a loved one.

You may speak to the Congregational Care Coordinator (CCC), Requested Minister whom you wish to officiate at the service, available clergy, available administrative assistant, or “on-call” minister. If you call at a time when the church is closed, you will be asked to follow the instructions on the answering machine to reach our “oncall” minister. Expect the minister to call to arrange a face-to-face visit with your family.

• If a person’s death is imminent, you may want to contact a minister for their presence and support of the patient and, in some cases, to begin the process of decision making.

How Our Church Can Help • The ministers of the church will guide you through much of the planning process.

In addition, there is a CCC (397-1361) who enables the planning process within the church staff. Contact the CCC with questions regarding services of the church.

• The church will provide at no cost to the family; ushers, organist, ministers, bulletin, pall, visitation options, parking,

and CD recordings of the service. A list of suggested music may be obtained from the CCC. Discussion of the music requested is to be handled with the help of the Director of Music and church organist. The church’s policy on use of flowers and memorabilia for a service can also be obtained from the CCC. • Additional services such as meals and refreshments may be provided by consulting the CCC (397-1361). Our kitchen staff will prepare food for a fee if it is requested.

• If the deceased or surviving widow is a member of a United Methodist Women’s Circle, expect a call from the circle leader to offer condolences and to discover how they may be of assistance to the family.

• Stephen Ministers work alongside our pastors to care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support to people who are going through difficult times. If you would like the assistance of a Stephen Minister, call our CCC (397-1361)

The Funeral Service The funeral service is to affirm our faith in God and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and therefore is a service of Christian worship. It offers an opportunity for friends and loved ones to gather, not only for worship, but also to share and celebrate memories. The service should be dignified, yet personally meaningful to those who are present.

Choice of Funeral Home and Cemetery • If not specified by the deceased, the names of local funeral homes, cemeteries, memorial parks and florists may be found in the yellow pages of the telephone directory. You may wish to consult the funeral homes for comparison of costs and other information relating to the burial or cremation.

earthly remains to God. As Christians we believe in the resurrection of the body in a whole new construct and that we are reunited as one soul in the presence of the Spirit of God. • The church Business Office (397-1347), has information about purchasing niches in Centenary’s Columbarium.

The Obituary • A detailed obituary template is provided by the funeral home, the newspaper or the church booklet Information My Family Will Need. In addition, the minister who is officiating will be happy to help you add additional information, such as where to send flowers or memorial gifts that you wish to include. You might want to consult newspapers in regard to space, cost and number of days to publish.

Elements of an Obituary • Full Name • Age and Birth Date • Parents’ names • Place of Birth • Occupation • College Degrees and/or honors • Military Service • Outstanding Achievements • Memberships Held • List of Survivors • Time and place of service, officiating minister • Memorials (include addresses) Please contact Judy Jones (397-1361)/ jjones@centenary-ws.org for further information and assistance.

Cremation • Although the United Methodist Church has no official policy, cremation is viewed as an acceptable means of committing our

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Celebrations

Welcom e

New Members

John & Sheila Fox

Kay Eltzroth & Mary Graberman

Matt & Lisa Ransom Helen & Katherine

Kellon Tippett

Ryan Wallace

We give thanks for all that God has already given you and we welcome you in Christian love.

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Glad Tidings

jjones@centenary-ws. org 336-397-1338

BOOKS • GIFTS • OUTREACH Glad Tidings has a new face, but you can rest assured it has the same heart! Plans have been under way to spiff up your little shop and we truly hope that you will embrace and support all of the improvements we have been working on over the summer. Inside our shop you will see a new layout that we believe will make your shopping easier and quicker.

New vendors have been added and that brings some awesome new products! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with all the newness we have planned. Sign up for our weekly email of one special, featured, discounted item each week and receive a nice discount coupon to be used on the item of your choice.

We welcome you to the new Glad Tidings and hope that you will support us in this unique ministry here at Centenary.

Our fall open house is September 20, 2015 and there will be food, fun, give-aways and lots of fellowship. It’s time to celebrate the goodness of Glad Tidings as we celebrate all of our friendships at Centenary.

Come check us out. We can’t do this without you!

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jbrake@centenary-ws. org 336-397-1334

Creation Care

October is Energy Shield Month!

By Jonathan L. Brake

We are excited to pursue our very first Faith Shield from GreenFaith partners for the environment. During the month of October, you will have several opportunities to help our church earn this “merit badge.” Watch for more information about specific times and places where you can participate. Here are some of the components of earning this distinction: • A worship focus on September 27 to kick off our activities.

• An education focus throughout October with presentations and a documentary screening.

• An adjustment focus for the church to calculate our energy usage and put into place measures to reduce our load.

• An action focus for families to be better stewards of their energy usage at home (we need 300 houses to complete a home energy assessment).

• An advocacy focus to encourage energy stewardship beyond our congregation.

Monthly Planning Meetings The Creation Care Ministry Team meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month (except December, July, & August) at 6:30pm in Room 222. All are welcome to come to these planning meetings to find out what we are working on next, see how you can be involved, and bring ideas. For more information, see our page on the church website www.centenary-ws.org/?p=2110 or contact Rev. Jonathan Brake, jbrake@centenary-ws.org or 336-397-1334.

Commercial Composting We will be composting again at Worship in the Park on October 4th. The food waste we produce will be returned to the soil, even some making its way to the Food Bank Garden to help feed hungry people in Winston-Salem. We hope you clean your plate, but if not, it will still be put to great use!

Community Events (see our webpage for details and registration, www.centenary-ws. org/?p=2110)

• The Big Sweep Saturday, October 3, 2015 – 9:00am-12:00pm We will clean up local waterways as we have for many years

• Community Roots Day

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Saturday, October 24, 2015 – 9:00am-12:00pm We will participate in this annual tree planting event in Winston-Salem

Clay/Chandler Class

Leaving a Legacy

By Jonathan L. Brake

S

unday School in American churches had its pinnacle in the middle of the 20th Century. This is true for Centenary as well. A newspaper article from 1962 entitled “A Guiding Light,” claims that “John is as biblical a name as you’ll ever find. Wesley is as Methodist a name as you’d ever want. And clay is used in the making of unusual products” (by Virtie Stroup, Staff Religion Reporter). Yes, John Wesley Clay, was the first teacher of the group then known as the John Wesley Clay Sunday School Class that meets in the Dining Room every Sunday morning.

This class, dating back to circa 1940, was started by the man from Hickory, NC, who had spent 13 years as a missionary in Brazil establishing a publishing plant for the Methodist Church before moving to Winston-Salem to teach printing at the Children’s Home. Credited with bringing Boy Scouting to NC, the early days of this young adult Sunday School class included lots of camping trips.

At one time the class could boast of 200+ in attendance and was broadcast on the radio. When John Wesley Clay retired from his teaching role, George Chandler took the lead. The class was later renamed “Clay/Chandler” in memory/ honor of their first two teachers. Through the years, this class has supported many missions including sponsoring children at the Children’s Home as well as raising money to purchase land and build cabins for a Methodist camp near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In fact, in 2008, the class received an email message from a member of Myers Park UMC in Charlotte with missions experience in Brazil sharing that “The camp continues to operate quite successfully as a summer facility for children from the slums of Rio. Many of the campers have never been outside the city … it is now used as a retreat for various Methodist groups. … The lives of countless children have been and continue to be impacted by Camp Clay.”

Even today, the class members continue to support a variety of ministries through

annual Christmas season gifts.

As you would expect, most of the members of this class have graduated to the Church Triumphant, and each time one does so, the class gives a gift in their memory to the radio ministry of Centenary. This ensures that those unable to physically attend, can still hear our worship service on Sunday mornings.

Most of the remaining participants on roll are some of our oldest church members, struggling to make it to church on Sundays, so that attendance has grown quite small. A decision was reached that the Clay/Chandler Sunday School

Class will hold its final class session in 2015. They leave behind a rich legacy of learning, caring, and setting an example for the rest of us to grow in love of God and serve others throughout our lives.

Thank you to everyone who has served in leadership for this class, attended as a participant, and provided inspiration to so many others. •

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Honoraria

Memorials Centenary Fund In memory of Matt Ransom Long, Jr. by H. Vernon and Frankie Winters, George and Barbara Pounds, Martha Martinat, Frank and Becky Foster. In memory of Joan Elizabeth Robinson Bell by Roger and Jean Herrmann. In memory of Gregory Lee White

by Judy and Bobby Macemore. In memory of Eugene Wilson by Mrs. Robert Whaling, Susan Lounsbury. In memory of Dorothy “Dot” Eller Thomas Upton by Nella Fulton.

In memory of Helen Hairston by Mimi and Carl Hein, Dr. and Mrs. Frank Rayburn. In memory of Mary Tacy Allen Mann by Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Dillard. In memory of William Marvin Hanes III by William and Beth McMaster, Kellon Tipplett, Margo Alexander, Rosalie and Dan Laffitte, Mrs. H. Lucis “Luke” Laffitte, Rebecca Laffitte, Judy and Harry Smith, Hanes Family of North Carolina LLC, Fred Crouch, Tom and Nancy Cannon, Bill and Alan Womble. In memory of Betty Jean Jones Holmes by Tom and Nancy Cannon, Bill and Alan Womble, Rosemary and Robert Pulliam. In memory of Elizabeth “Lib” Lewis by Bill and Alan Womble. In memory of Conley Lee Smith by Charles and Nancy Hoover. In memory of Alan John Southard by Rick and Sara Crowder.

Loaves & Fishes In memory of Thatcher Lovejoy Townsend, Jr. by Bob and Ellen Cash. In memory of Betty Jean Jones Holmes by Janie and Jarman Jenkins.

Respite Care In memory of Shasta Monroe Bryant by Janet Sawyer. In memory of Worth E. “Eddie” Masencup by Jane Niven.

Radio Ministry In memory of Margaret Sparger Austell by the Clay/Chandler Sunday School Class. In memory of Jo Woestendiek by the Clay/ Chandler Sunday School Class. In memory of Allan L. Rohrbaugh by Sarah Y. Rohrbaugh

Wiley Backpack Program In memory of Alan John Southard by Richard and Julia Doud.

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In Memoriam Thatcher Lovejoy Townsend, Jr. June 7, 2015 Betty Jean Jones Holmes June 23, 2015 William Marvin (Bill) Hanes III June 29, 2015 Jo Westendiek July 12, 2015 Marianna Morgan July 13, 2015 Edward Norwood Robinson July 18, 2015 The ministers and members of Centenary Church extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved families and pray they may know the comfort and peace of our Heavenly Father.

Sympathy Sympathy is extended to Mrs. R. Scott (Bebe) Krewson in the passing of her mother, Beatrice Player Aycock of Farmville, NC, January 11, 1928 – February 7, 2015.

Centenary Fund In honor of Lory Beth Huffman by John W. Hunt.

Respite Care In honor of Janet Sawyer by Anne Saxon, Jane Niven. In honor of Nancy Warren by Robert and Lynette Harrell, Nancy Culp, Ellen Hall. In honor of Helen Kennedy by Robert and Lynette Harrell, Nancy Culp, Ellen Hall. In honor of Rev. and Mrs. Craig Ford by Jane Niven. In honor of Susan Stevens by Deborah Presnell. In honor of Rev. Craig Ford by Caroline and Nick Mitchell.

Senior Adult Ministry In honor of John Anthony by Jeffrey Coltrane, Jr.

Youth Bus Purchase In honor of Tammy Pollock by Deborah Burns. In honor of Tyler MacDonald by Deborah Burns.

Baptisms We celebrate the baptism of Amelia Kyle Davis, daughter of Patrick and Amanda Davis.

We celebrate the baptism of Ryan Alexandra Wallace.

We celebrate the baptism of Clifford “Cliff” Lewis Sager, son of Troy & Annie, brother of Reed (3), and grandson of Cliff & Buff Perry.

We celebrate the baptism of Henry “Hank” David Conrad, son of DJ & Jennifer Conrad, and grandson of David & Diane Eshelman.v

Stock Delivery Instructions Making a gift of securities to Centenary United Methodist Church is another way to contribute to the church. Such a gift offers tax savings to most donors. Electronic transfer is the most common method of delivering a gift of securities to Centenary. To deliver your gift of securities electronically, please follow these simple instructions.

(1) Instruct your broker that your DTC-eligible securities are to be transferred electronically to: Centenary United Methodist Church Federal Tax ID # 56-0552783 (2) Provide Centenary or instruct your broker to provide Centenary with:

1. a description (name of stock) and the amount of your securities to be transferred 2. the name of brokerage firm 3. the name of the fund to be credited or the purpose of the gift

(3) Provide your broker with the list of brokerage firms listed below that Centenary has accounts with: Charles Schwab Account # 2184 0742 DTC # 0164 Phone #: 1-800-435-4000 Commission: Less than $10 per transaction

Scottrade Account # 20746083 DTC # 0705 Phone #: (336) 794-0044 Commission: Less than $10 per transaction

Stephens, Inc. Account # 160980382 DTC # 0419 Phone # (336) 251-0423 Commission: $50 per transaction

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kristy Eaton (397-1341)/keaton@centenary-ws.org.Always be sure to notify Centenary when you authorize an electronic transfer of securities.

Security Alert In our ever changing world, one primary goal of the clergy and staff at Centenary is to assure our members and guests that the church building is a secure and safe place to worship and learn. With this care and concern at the forefront of ongoing ministry, a new entry system has been installed at the right side of the 4 1/2 Street entrance. During the business week and when programming levels are less active, please access this easy-to-use method and you will be “buzzed in.� As always,we welcome your feedback and inclusion in the conversation to maintain a secure campus.

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kmay@centenary-ws. org 336-397-1331

Children’s Ministry

We’re Baaaaaaaack!

By Rev. Kate May

Sunday School Teachers So he ran on ahead and climbed up in a sycamore tree so he could see Jesus when he came by. -Luke 19:4 One of the Bible stories that our older elementary childrnen studied this summer during mission week was the story of Zaccheus. As we were preparing for that week I was reminded of an article I read once that compared the ministry of Sunday School to the tree that Zaccheus climbed into to see Jesus. The metaphor the author created, suggested that Sunday school, like Zacheus’ tree helps us to see Jesus.

If we continue that metaphor I might suggest that Sunday school teachers are the older siblings who teach us how to climb trees. We have a tremendous team of volunteers who are teaching our children’s Sunday school classes this year.

Please be in prayer for the Sunday school ministry of Centenary and anytime you see any of our teachers tell them thank you for sharing their time and gifts as they teach our children how to climb trees to see Jesus.

Children’s Choir Children’s choir kicks off Wednesday, September 2 for our 2015-2016 choir year. This year you will see some new faces and see some new as well as some returning features to our schedule. Beth Frack joins our team as our director for

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the Carol and Cathedral choirs. We are excited to have Beth bring her gifts to our team and our children. Many people will recognize Beth from her work at Summit, Oonie Koonie Cha camp, and Give Me the Beat.

We will kick off our season by sharing one of our VBS songs at worship in the park so we invite all of our friends from VBS to come and give choir a try because you already know the first song we will be sharing in worship!

We’ll also be adding some fun things on those early release Wednesday’s like a pizza party and even ice cream treats!

If you’ve never tried choir before, now is the time to try. If you’ve tried it out before, now is the time to try again!

Backpacks BB&T selected Centenary’s back pack programs to be the recipient of its “Light House Project” for 2015. They

have taken our storage space and given it a huge upgrade. They have painted the walls fun colors which show division as to where the food is kept for each school. We are required to keep all of our food stored at least 6 inches off of the ground, and they have built us sturdy shelving that will hold 640 cases of food at a time!!

During the spring they also partnered specifically with our Wiley back pack program by packing the bags each week and providing fresh apples and oranges for each bag through the end of the school year. The week before school let out, they provided bags for all 85 of our back pack kids at Brunson and Wiley to help give them a great summer. The bags had toiletries, sunscreen, reusable water bottles, coloring books, markers, puzzles, crayons, etc. We are very grateful for their generosity in supporting such wonderful ministry!

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jbrake@centenary-ws. org 336-397-1334

Retreat

The Big Silence January 17-20, 2016 St. Francis Spring Prayer Center • Stoneville. NC

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ou are invited to experience big spaces of solitude and silence in community for the purpose of tending the inner fire of your soul. This will be the 4th year that Rev. Jonathan Brake has helped to lead this wonderful experience of contemplative prayer. This 4-day mostly silent retreat will be grounded in the modern classic The Way of the Heart by Henri Nouwen.

Since it was first published more than twenty years ago, The Way of the Heart has helped millions of men and women cast off the anger and greed that trouble the world––and find love, compassion and peace in the heart of God. Through Nouwen’s guidance, this retreat clears before us a spiritual path consisting of three stepping stones: Solitude (learning not to be alone but to be alone with God); Silence (the discipline by which the inner fire of God is tended and kept alive); and Prayer (standing in the presence of God with the mind in the heart).

We will . . .

• Experience community and conversation on Sunday as we prepare our hearts and minds to enter into The Big Silence.

• Nurture trust as we seek to move/ stumble/fumble our way into the heart of Christ.

• Deepen our contemplative grounding through brief daily teachings/readings to help break through obstacles and illuminate The Way of the Heart.

• Expand our capacity to listen to God through prayer, wisdom, and silence.

• Explore optional opportunities to connect with God in the spaciousness of silence: walking the labyrinth; soaking in the beauty of nature; the sacred art of mandalas; one-on-one and/or small group processing; iconic images; and praying the Divine Hours in community—Morning, Midday, Vespers (evening), and Compline (before bed).

Retreat Details Place: St. Francis Springs Prayer Center, Stoneville, NC (www. stfrancissprings.com) When: Arrive Sunday, January 17 between 3:00 and 3:30 pm. Retreat begins at 4:00 p.m. and concludes Wednesday, January 20 at 2:30 pm Leaders: Rev. Jonathan Brake and Rev. Dianne Lawhorn, Directors of Spiritual Formation Cost: $500 by December 15, 2015 $525 after December 15, 2015 (Cost includes tuition, private room,

and meals. Sixteen single rooms available.)

Registration Deadline: Friday, January 8, 2016. Early registration is HIGHLY suggested. This retreat is often sold out a month prior to the deadline.

Registration: Online registration is available on our website at www.centenary-ws.org under the “events” and “register” headings.

Printed registration forms are available in the information stations around the church building.

Information: Contact Rev. Jonathan Brake for more information, jbrake@centenary-ws.org / 336397-1334 (Previous Participants from Centenary include: Deana Vickers, Walter Carmichael, Tom Hunt, Greg Fox, Ondra Walker, Martha Bassett) Cancellation Policy: With your registration a room will be reserved for you at the Center. You are responsible for your entire cost of the retreat unless your space can be filled, in which case, your money will be refunded (less a $50 processing fee).

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cford@centenary-ws. org 336-397-1353

Senior Adults

Programs & Travel Opportunities November 11, at 8:30 am. The speaker for the breakfast will be Submarine Admiral Steve Johnson, Retired. Admiral Johnson is a graduate of R. J. Reynolds High School and Duke University. Although retired, Admiral Johnson will deliver a very current program about his experiences.

By Rev. R. Craig Ford

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reetings to one and all. I hope that everyone is having a great summer and that all is well with you and yours. It is a privilege to work with the Senior Adults, and I enjoy your friendship. Let us stay close as we continue throughout the year.

I would like to share with you the plans for Fall programs and travel opportunities.

Our first Fall meeting of the Senior Adults is September 17, and will be held in the Robinson Room at Arbor Acres. As you know, we have met at that location in the past. Our guest speaker for the luncheon will be our new Senior Minister, Reverend Lory-Beth Huffman. We changed the meeting to Arbor Acres to give the residents the opportunity to hear Reverend Huffman and to enable development of a close relationship with the residents. The Senior Adults have always received gracious hospitality when we have met there, and I anticipate the same for the upcoming meeting in September.

The October 12 meeting will feature Mayor Allen Joines as our guest speaker. As you know, a couple of years ago, Winston -Salem celebrated the one hundredth anniversary of the joining of Winston and Salem into one city. The title of the mayor’s speech will be, “What’s Happening in Winston- Salem.” I am sure that Mayor Joines will reflect on the past, and tell about present happenings and future plans.

The Veteran’s Breakfast, which is sponsored by the Senior Adults, will be held

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At the November meeting of the Senior Adults, we will have the privilege of having Chancellor Dr. Lindsey Bierman from the North Carolina School of the Arts as our guest speaker. The University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) has had an amazing impact on the State of North Carolina, and especially, the City of Winston-Salem. Many of the soloists who sing in our choir, and musicians who perform throughout the city, have been students of the UNCSA. Not only has the school made a tremendous impact on music, but it has contributed to other areas of art, such drama and dance. You will not want to miss the presentation that Chancellor Bierman will give.

On December 17, we will again have the privilege of enjoying a Christmas program presented by Kristin Schwecke.

You will recall that Kristin was the soloist on Pentecost Sunday for the magnificent anthem “Blessed Assurance, “ presented by the Chancel Choir, which brought the congregation to stand in appreciation.

Prior to Kristin’s program, we will enjoy some timely food preparation advice by Deborah Steele, a member of the choir.

Wonderful programs are planned for each month. In order to register for luncheons, please email, chasmonroe@yahoo.com or phone 773-0446.

We are fortunate to have Gerald and Linda Taylor to lead the travel program for the Senior Adults. They have provided information about the trip to Banner Elk and the next trip which is to Beaufort, N. C. Thanks are due to Gerald and Linda for all the travel arrangements they are making for the Senior Adults.

The one-day Senior Adult trip to Banner Elk was enjoyed by fifty-two church members and friends. We left the morning of Thursday, July 16th, via motor coach. Enroute, there were enjoyable conversations, and Lynda Taylor provided some history of Banner Elk and Lees-McRae College. Lynda also gave a brief synopsis of the play, LEND ME A TENOR. On arrival at Banner Elk, we had a bus tour of the town and lunch at the Banner Elk Café before enjoying the play in the theatre at LeesMcRae College.

As with many Senior Adult trips, food was provided during the travel on the bus, and we enjoyed ice cream on the way home.

The next Senior Adult trip is for three days, September 28, 29, and 30 to the coast, overnighting in Beaufort, N.C. Highlights will include staying in waterfront rooms at “The Inlet Inn,” traveling to Cape Lookout, opportunity for a lighthouse climb, Core Banks Waterfowl Museum and barbecue lunch, moonlight cruise on “The Crystal Coast Lady” with a seafood buffet, and on our return trip, a tour of Tryon Palace.

You may sign up online on the Centenary website. Click on “Register” on the upper right side of the main screen. Then, click on the tour site and follow the prompts.

You may contact Kristy Eaton at 336-3971341 if you need assistance registering.

Gerald and Lynda Taylor (336-978-1598), tour leaders, are available to answer questions if needed. E-mails for Gerald and Lynda are: gertaylor@gmail.com or lyndataylor42@gmail.com May God be close to you as we continue through the coming year at Centenary.

Craig Ford

SpEcTrUm

of the

ArTs October 13 | 7:00pm Dr. Edwin Wilson

The Visionary Gleam: Voices from Home and Abroad A poetry reading and lecture by Dr. Edwin Wilson Professor Emeritus of English at Wake Forest University

October 18 | 4:00pm The Gospel Sensations

Uplifiting the name of Jesus all over the world.

True harmony comes from God.

C

October 27 | 7:00pm Robin Voiers presents Isadora Duncan

A one woman play recounting the triumphs and sufferings of Duncan’s life.

entenar y

All events at Centenary United Methodist Church 646 West Fifth Street Memorial Auditorium Enter at 41/2 Street Admission to all events is free.

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tpollock@centenary-ws. org 336-397-1337

Youth Ministry

Reflections of the Kingdom “Jesus, grilled by the Pharisees on when the kingdom of God would come, answered, “The kingdom of God doesn’t come by counting the days on the calendar. Nor when someone says, ‘Look here!’ or, ‘There it is!’ And why?

Because God’s kingdom is already among you.”

- Luke 17:20-21

By Tammy Pollock

I

n just a few weeks, Tyler and I will sit around the table, with calendars in front of us, to plan the coming year. We will look at scripture, school calendars, church schedules, and we will pray about where it is that God is leading us in our youth ministry. But one of the things I know for sure is that we can’t move forward without looking at where we have been. Savoring is not something we do well in our culture.

We get caught up in constantly moving forward, crossing the next thing off our list, instead of just being in the moment.

“Stop and smell the roses” is a very cliché thing to say, however, there is great wisdom in that simple phrase. We all need to soak up the goodness around us, to be aware of the presence of God’s active and Holy Spirit swirling all about us.

This week Tyler (our resident in youth ministry), Emily (our summer youth ministry intern) and I have had the privilege of being the leaders of the older elementary Vacation Bible School. We have played games with these precious children, read the Bible, listened to their hearts, laughed, danced, and prayed with them. They are windows into the Kingdom of

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Heaven. They share with us the innocence of faith and the hope and trust that God is exactly who He says He is. It has been a tremendous gift to simply be in their midst.

Last week our senior high youth went on their annual mission trip. This year we went to Toronto, Canada. It was an incredible week of serving, worshiping,

praying, living into the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. Each of our youth had the chance to hold the hand of someone suffering, marginalized, addicted, abandoned, homeless…and in the midst of it were able to see God moving throughout each encounter and conversation. Whether they were making beds at the homeless shelter, sewing eyes on teddy bears alongside

disabled friends, or painting a home to refresh it for someone who couldn’t afford it, they earnestly sought God’s leading. Lives were transformed and renewed, faith became deeper, richer, more real to each of them. We formed a beautiful community that shared one heart, everything we had, ate together, served together, which is the Kingdom of Heaven revealed on earth.

In June, twenty-nine youth and adults loaded up the buses and headed to Hayesville, NC, to spend a week serving Jesus by doing home repair work for those that couldn’t afford it and are in desperate situations. We underpinned, replaced windows, and built stairs to a trailer for a single mother of six. Another group of ours replaced the water damaged ceiling and steps to another woman’s home who couldn’t afford to hire someone to help her. In each home we were in we were able to not only help with physical needs but were also able to share the love of God. Sometimes the most authentic thing we can do for someone is to simply be present to them.

All throughout the summer we have met on Sunday evenings at Krankies Coffee Park to talk about how, even

teenagers, we can impact the world for God. Our Bible study has allowed us the opportunity to delve into the scriptures and be inspired by others that have gone before us and changed the world for God. Listening to our teenagers share their desire to be bold, brave, and diligent for the Lord is amazing. It fans the flame in my own heart to be more bold, more attentive, more willing to go wherever God calls me to go. It is a powerful thing for our youth to understand that they stand on the doorstep of the Kingdom of Heaven, right here, right now In May we held our Love Thy Neighbor lunch and medical clinic and hosted the dental bus as well. On the lawn of the church, with grills going full hilt, we sat together in the sunshine sharing food, fellowship, telling stories and delighting in one another. Love Thy Neighbor is a glimpse of heaven. Every month, looking out at the different people who gather there, from all different walks of life and backgrounds, reminds me that no matter who we are, we are connected because we are children of God. It’s a beautiful thing.

have come from and where we hope to go. Our vision for our youth ministry is to “love our youth on behalf of Jesus in hope of loving them to Jesus.” It would be so easy to lose site of the little moments because of the enormity of our ministry. However, sitting back and taking a long, loving look at all we have already accomplished for the Kingdom reminds us that the Kingdom of Heaven is right here, it is at hand. Everyday during our Toronto mission trip we prayed the Lord’s prayer. Praying ‘thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’ What we were reminded is that all the little things we do to reveal the Kingdom of Heaven on earth adds to the bigger Kingdom that Jesus promises us is to come. Our desire as we plan this coming year is that our focus will remain on kingdom building in everything we do. And our hope is that you will come along side of us and join us. •

Savoring all these moments this summer has reminded me where we

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