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Dear Centenary Family,
This Sunday is Laity Sunday. Truthfully, every day in the life of the church is made possible by the ministry of lay people. It's easy for us to fall prey to the heresy of clericalism, the notion that the church is not only dependent on clergy, but often subservient to clergy. Don't get me wrong. The church is served well by competent, committed clergy. One of the most important texts that informs my own understanding of ministry is this passage from Ephesians:
The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13)
This texts makes clear that the only reason for the church to set apart people like pastors and teachers and others is to equip the saints-to equip lay people for the work of ministry.
And lay people here at Centenary are in ministry every day of the week. You do it by serving the poor and hungry, by visiting the sick, by sharing your faith, by your worship and service, and your willingness to share your talents in the more hidden aspects of ministry-managing finances, planning for the future, caring for our facilities. But you also do it beyond the walls of this church. You carry on your ministry in all the places God has sent you to work, serve, and witness.
This Sunday won't do justice to the vast and essential ministries of lay people that make God's kingdom real, but it can remind us that in our baptism, we have all been called and commissioned to serve God. One of the exciting visions we have for our future as a congregation is to find ways to unleash the power of the laity for ministry and mission. What does a more lay led church look like to you?
Our laity will lead both services this Sunday. Jim Hill and Nancy Hundley will be our speakers. Phyllis Stump, our lay leader has worked hard to plan these services, even though she was also preparing to enter the hospital for spinal surgery.
Two final thoughts. First, thank you for all the ways you serve. Second, is God calling you to do something new for the kingdom?
Peace,
Matt
This Weekend at Centenary
Sunday, October 15, Laity Sunday
8:40 am - Informal Worship Service
10:00 am - Sunday School for all ages (see more information below)
11:00 am - Traditional Worship Service
Mr. Jim Hill & Mrs. Nancy Hundley will preach "Love & Discipleship" based on the scripture reading Matthew 22:1-14.
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A Challenge from Bishop Lewis to Read the Bible with Her in 2017
This week's readings:
October 15 Mark 1-3
October 16 Mark 4-5
October 17 Mark 6-7
October 18 Mark 8-9
October 19 Mark 10-11
October 20 Mark 12-13
October 21 Mark 14
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Making New Centenary Friends: An Intergenerational Lunch Series: Let's welcome our new members and create new connections within our Centenary church family by participating in a lunch series in November. Each week, different generations will be paired up for lunch outings so that connections can be made throughout the entire church and not just within your own age bracket! We hope you can join us on
November 12, 19, and 26 for these lunch outings. The series will culminate with the church-wide Christmas Luncheon on
December 3rd at Centenary. Bring your kids and families along for these outings-- all are welcome!
or sign up on the bulletin board, which will be set up next week! click here to sign-up!
The schedule is:
November 12
- Friends in their 20's and 30's go out with friends in their 40's and 50's
- Friends who are 60-75 go out with friends who are 75 and over
November 19
- Friends in their 20's and 30's go out with friends who are between 60 and 75
- Friends in their 40's and 50's go out with friends who are 75 and over
November 26
- Friends in their 20's and 30's go out with friends who are 75 and over
- Friends in their 40's and 50's go out with friends who are 60-75
Sunday, October 15: Praise Chorus:
This Sunday, the Praise Chorus will be practicing the song, "This is My Father's World" for which Lee has written a beautiful arrangement. They will be singing this song on Sunday, October 29, at the 8:40 a.m. service.
Sunday, October 22, at 4 p.m.: Hymn Festival:
Featuring organist/composer Keith Beniston from London and the choirs of Centenary and Randolph Macon College, there will be performances by the choirs and Mr. Beniston as well as hymns sung by the congregation.
Beniston is the former organist of Westminster Central Hall Church in London and has visited Richmond a number of times over the last 20 years to join us for this festival. A reception will follow the program. C
ontributions of food are needed and would be greatly appreciated -
there is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board across from the kitchen.
Friday, October 27, and Saturday, October 28: Hermitage Bazaar & Bake Sale:
The Hermitage presents their annual Bazaar & Bake Sale on
Friday, October 27,
from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and
Saturday, October 28,
from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Stop by the Hermitage Richmond (1600 Westwood Avenue, Richmond, VA 23227) and join in the fun! Also, see Community Events bulletin board for flyers.
Saturday, October 28, at 8:45 a.m.: Rise Against Hunger Meal Packaging Event:
We will gather in the Fellowship Hall to pack meals for families in distressed areas of the world. This is a wonderful time for fellowship and commitment to missions. Bring family, friends, and neighbors. (Reminder: wear a hat or use one of the provided hairnets.)
Sunday, November 5: Casserole Lunch: Following the 11:00 a.m. service, join us in the fellowship hall for a casserole lunch! Bring your favorite casserole to share with your friends and family for lunch. The church will provide beverages, bread and salad, and desserts. Donations will be appreciated and accepted to provide funding to send campers to Westview on the James.
Saturday, November 18: Church Clean Up: Join us on Saturday, November 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for fun and fellowship as we clean our beautiful church! Cleaning supplies will be provided, but if you have a favorite cleaning supply or tool, please bring it. A chore chart will also be provided, but if you have a pet chore, it is all yours! Hope to see you there!
Sunday, November 19: Bringing the Harvest:
Centenary's Thanksgiving tradition has been to give groceries to those who are in need. If you are able, please take this list to the grocery store and purchase the listed items. If more than one bag is needed, it is not necessary to join them together. If you are unable to buy everything on the list, do what you can. Please bring the bags to the altar on
Sunday, November 19
. These items should feed a family of four for a week.
1 box of powdered milk
1 large box of cereal
1 jar of peanut butter
2 packages of dried beans or peas
2 cans of tuna or salmon
2 cans of fruit
2 cans of vegetables
1 can of corned beef or beaf stew
1 lb. box of spaghetti
1 jar of spaghetti sauce
3 boxes of macaroni and cheese
Jello or cake mix
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Outreach, Mission and Justice Opportunities
Pecan Sale
The UMW Annual Pecan Sale is here! To order, sign up on the list on the bulletin board across from the kitchen. Please note - extras bags of pecans will not be ordered this year so be sure to get in your order.
Calling All Centenarians! Our Bless My Sole, Foot Washing Ministry, is in need of socks. Please turn these into the church office as soon as possible. Our social worker, Rebekah Dyer, made the Outreach Committee aware of the need of feminine hygiene products for our Walk-In guests. The committee decided to undertake this project, and we request that the members of our congregation donate feminine hygiene products. We thank all who help our Walk-In guests.
This year's fall golf tournament at the Hollows Golf Course was a great success! Earl Siddons was honored for his years of service with a framed letter of appreciation:
"With sincere thanks for twenty years of outstanding leadership and tireless effort, we name today's golf tournament on October 12, 2017, 'The Earl Siddons Open.'"
Many thanks to all who played golf and to all hole sponsors and contributors.
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Please Remember in Prayer
Joe Ciucci Jr.
Miranda Clayton
Bobby Davis
Rachel Hanning
Mary Hazelgrove
Beth Hensley (Nancy Grand's sister)
Nancy and Jack Hill
Grace Hinchman
Jack & Lois Hinerman
Leah Hundley
Greg (Hundley family member)
Sarah Hunter
Jennifer (friend of Nancy Grand with lung problems)
Lila Irby
Joe Kokoszki
Mary Mismas' son Brad and his girlfriend Lara who were in a boating accident
Mary Mismas' sister-in-law Mary Yerby
Mary Nicholson, sister of Vic Grand
John Seyfarth
Neil Shingleton
Sue Siddons (recent broken ankle)
Phyllis Stump (In rehab following surgery at Sheltering Arms/St. Francis Hospital)
Linda Vegas (friend of Doug and Patsy Wilson)
Ann Davis and her mom
Mary Alice Nesbitt's daughter Rev. Jaye White as she travels
Goldie Craig's sister (Faye)
Lou Rosypal (Westport rehab following broken hip)
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Celebrating Birthdays in October
Tim Siddons
Ryland Bailey, Sr.
Barry Sanderlin
Elsie Jarvis
Milton Wright
Whitney Davis
Gary Helm
Linda Ryan
Lila Irby
Kimberly Clark
Merle Brown
Jill Duncan
John Dillehay
Kerry Lambertson
Lee Cardoza
Corinne Brager
Toni Corcoran
Norm Dinwiddie
Karen Steele
Andrew Johnson
Matthew Simpson
Preston DeVader
Pencye Bailey
Gary Levine
Mary Anne Dazey
Anne Richardson
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Photo of the Week
Our Elementary Sunday School kiddos measuring how large Goliath was, 9+ feet! Good job guys!
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Visit Us: 411 E. Grace St., Richmond, VA 23219
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