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Dear Centenary Family,
It's hard to believe that we're in August. That means September and the fall routine is just around the corner. We have some exciting things in the works as we all get back in the routine of church and school for the fall. I hope you'll put these dates on your calendar and plan to be part of these events:
- On September 9, we will celebrate the successful conclusion of our recent Capital Campaign. We'll have a reception following our 11:00 a.m. service that day. We have much to thank God for!
- On September 16, we are having a Bring a Friend Sunday followed by our picnic on the street after our 11:00 a.m. worship service. Would you begin to pray for this effort to reach out now and think about someone you can invite who needs to be reminded of God's love for them?
- On September 22, we are going to Pride Fest to let folks know about Centenary. You can volunteer to join us by signing up on the bulletin board across from the kitchen.
- On Sunday, September 23, we will celebrate our anniversary of becoming the first Reconciling congregation in the Virginia Conference. Rev. Pat Shipley will be our preacher that day.
We're working on other things as well--Sunday School classes, small groups, mission opportunities, visitation ministries, a new church directory, and preparing to roll out an updated website.
We have much to be grateful for and much to do for God's kingdom here in downtown Richmond.
I will be away on vacation from August 9-23. I hope you'll plan to be in worship on August 12 and August 19. We're so fortunate to have so many clergy in our congregation! I'm very excited that Rev. Kathy Talley will be our preacher on August 12 and Rev. Dr. Tim Gerde will be preaching on August 19.
I'm working on a sermon based on II Samuel 11:26-12:13a and John 6:35 entitled "What Really Satisfies?" This Old Testament text is the account of the prophet Nathan's confrontation of King David for his sins of adultery, murder, and then trying to cover up his offenses. Imagine that--a person in power abusing his power over a woman and then over those in his own government to conceal his own corruption. And just when the powerless despair over those in power being brought to justice--justice finally comes! But I've been thinking about how much pain in our lives and in our world could be avoided if we believed and trusted Jesus' promise, "I am the bread of life..."
Let's think on these things Sunday.
Peace,
Matt
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Sunday, August 5, Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost
8:40 a.m. Early Service
10:00 a.m. Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
5:30 p.m. Volleyball Tournament
Centenary vs. St. Bridget's
This week, Dr. Bates will preach "What Really Satisfies?"
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A Thank You from Lee Covington
Dear Centenary Family,
Thank you so much for the beautiful cards and well wishes! Almost every day, a new card has arrived bring with it the blessing of strength and support. Thank you so much for thinking of me and keeping me in your prayers.
Sincerely,
Lee Covington
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We express our condolences to Joe Speidel and his family in the death of his mother, Emma Speidel, in Schuylerville, NY, on Friday, August 3. Arrangements are pending.
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A Challenge from Bishop Lewis to Read the Bible with her in 2018
August 6
Isaiah 42-44
August 7
Isaiah 45-48
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Dementia Conference Information:
Mark your calendar for Thursday, September 20, then click on the link or call the number below to register and join me for the Alzheimer's Association 2018 Education Conference. The keynote speakers this year are Melissa Andrews, President & CEO of LeadingAge Virginia, a consortium of non-profit organizations working to expand the world of possibilities for aging, and Doug Pace, Director of Alzheimer's and Dementia Care for the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association.
The 2018 conference promises to continue the Association's tradition of providing the most up-to-date information on the disease,
care giving, and healthy living.
See you at the conference!
804-967-2580 (number to register for conference).
Grace & Peace,
Tim
Rev. Dr. Timothy R. Gerde
Annual Church Picnic: Join us on Sunday, September 16, when we will close Grace Street and have a picnic in front of the church after the 11:00 a.m. worship service! This will also be our "Bring a Friend to Church Sunday." What a great event to invite your friends and neighbors too! We hope to see you there and don't forget . . . to bring a friend!
Bishop's Convocation on Prayer: The Bishop will be hosting a Convocation on Prayer
Saturday, September 15, 2018, at Reveille UMC (4200 Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23221). Feel free to check out the conference website for more details:
Centenary vs. St. Bridget Catholic Church Young Adults in Volleyball:
Join us on
Sunday, August 5, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. (302 North Thompson Street, Richmond, VA 23221). Cookout/beverages/fellowship to follow!
Items for School Kits:
The children of Centenary will be assembling school kits for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) throughout the year. With back-to-school sales already starting, this is the ideal time to pick up supplies for the schools kits - and tax free weekend is August 3 - 5! Below are the items that go into each kit.
- Blunt scissors (round tip only, no plastic scissors)
- Box of 24 crayons
- One-subject notebooks (no marble composition books)
- Loose-leaf paper (100-200 page packets, wide or college rule)
- Hand-held pencil sharpener (1 inch or longer)
- Ruler (12 inches or 30 centimeters long)
- Unsharpened pencils
- Eraser (2 inches or larger)
These items should not have any advertisements or religious, patriotic, military or camouflage symbols. Please let Meredith Thrower (mersanderlin@yahoo.com) know if you have any questions.
Annual Shoe Drive:
Children in the Richmond Metro area are gearing up to go back to school. It's a very exciting time for many children! However, many families are not able to afford comfortable, solid footwear for their children. When shoes are worn out, too tight, or otherwise uncomfortable, children have difficulty focusing on their studies. At Centenary, we have the opportunity to do something about this problem! One way you can help is by donating new shoes for these children. All sizes are needed! Children from kindergarten to high school need to start the new school year on the "right foot." There is a table in the sanctuary for donations to the Richmond Partnership of Churches Annual Shoe Drive. Shoes must be new, and sneakers are preferred (please no high heels, sandals, or bedroom slippers). If you would like to make a monetary donation, feel free to leave that in the piggy bank on the table. You can also include a check in the offering. Please note on your pledge envelope "For Annual Shoe Drive" as well as the bi-line of your check.
Thank you in advance for helping our children start their school year with a comfortable, solid foundation!
VA PrideFest 2018: On
Saturday, September 22
, Centenary Downtown United Methodist Church will be hosting a booth at the 2018 VA Pridefest on Brown's Island. We invite you to assist at our booth as we take time to meet and invite our LGBT brothers and sisters to become a part of Centenary. Please check your calendar and sign up on the 2018 VA Pridefest sheet on the bulletin board across from the kitchen.
We will be sharing information about our Reconciling Congregation that
extends hospitality and encourages full participation of ALL regardless of age, race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, education or economic background, and physical or mental ability. Please sign up today and work with our team to reach out and welcome new members to our family!
Peaks of Otter Centenary Travels Trip:
This is an all-inclusive trip with motor coach transportation, snacks on the bus, lunch at the Peaks of Otter Lodge (Buffet), National D-Day Memorial, Poplar Forest, and all gratuities included.
Payment Due by September 1, 2018 -Make check payable to Robert Almond.
The cost of the trip is $125.00 per person and see the flyer on the bulletin board across from the kitchen for more information.
We Need Your Votes!: For our Centenary Summer Movie Series, we ask again for your input. September's movie will be selected from three great choices, by means of a drawing, and we want you to vote for your favorite. You may vote as many times as you have enthusiasm to do so. Ballots are available on Sundays on the table outside the chapel and at the July and August presentations. During our August movie session, we will draw one winner 'out of a hat!' If your ballot is drawn, you receive a gift for your efforts and your selection will be shown in September. VOTE EARLY! VOTE OFTEN!
Movie DVD Exchange:
Have a DVD you have watched too often? Bring it to a Centenary Summer Movie Series showing and exchange it for a different one. Also, if you see a DVD you like on display, take it and leave a donation to RISE AGAINST HUNGER!
At the end of our series, any remaining DVDs not exchanged will be donated to the McGuire Veteran Center.
It's a win, win situation!!!
Centenary Summer Movies: We are commemorating the 78th anniversary of WWII's Battle of Dundirk and the Battle of Britain with our August movie selection, Mrs. Miniver. This 1943 Academy Award 'Best Picture' takes us into the lives of a very ordinary British family, who are called to do extraordinary tasks in the face of war and the invasion of their homeland. Starring Greer Carson (Academy Award Best Actress for her portrayal) and Walter Pigeon. Mrs. Miniver swept the awards and takes us back in time and the mindset of the "Greatest Generation." Join us on Wednesday, August 15, at 6 p.m. for all the pathos and spirit-lifting drama . . . no war ration tickets required!
Canned Goods and Non-perishables Collection: The Smethie Circle would like you to join us in collecting canned goods and non-perishable items for The Doorways, formerly known as The Hospitality House. It provides lodging and kitchen facilities for families of children undergoing medical procedures. Dear little Brandon Herman from St. Lucia, lived at The Doorways during his medical treatment by The World Pediatric Project. He and his mother, Sophia, attended Centenary and we fell in love with them. We would like for this project to be in his memory.
We will begin our collection in June and continue through the summer. Containers will be placed outside the Ladies' Parlor and in the Social Hall.
Thank you for helping to keep the memory of Brandon alive by continuing to serve other children and their families as they make The Doorways home while undergoing medical treatment.
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Joe Speidel (please keep Joe and his family in your thoughts and prayers; Joe's mother passed away this past Friday, August 3)
Alicia Webster (Sister of Rachel Hanning; had emergency surgery this past week)
Kayla Vigil (Cousin of Carrie Toro in Wyoming; in serious condition after ATV accident)
Nancy Grand (outpatient surgery)
Richard Steele (at home)
Serena Durst
Rev. Rita Callis
Lee Covington
Greg deKramer and family (Leah & Bob Hundley's nephew who had a bone marrow transplant in May)
Leland Lycette (severe back pain)
Ron Davis (friend of Vic & Nancy Grand)
JoAnne Judd (close friend of Sharon Steele's, recovering from a massive brain injury in Boulder, CO)
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Celebrating Birthdays in August
Timothy Siddons
Serena Durst
Kathleen Gregory
Mary Beth Siddons
George Vetrovec
John Seyfarth
Nancy Hundley
Goldie Craig
Tommy Speidel
Lorna Leake
Katie Shingleton
Grace Hinchman
Mirian Wickman
Joseph Ciucci
Shawn Gregory
Matt Bates
Kathy Talley
Meredith Thrower
Bob Hundley, Jr.
Sharon Steele
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Photo of the Week!
A huge thank you to everyone who helped to plan the wonderful surprise shower for little Emma Rose. Emma, Stephen, and I feel so very loved and blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family here at Centenary. My last day, before my maternity leave will be Friday, August 24. I will be returning on Monday, November 12. During my absence, we have a group of amazing volunteers who will be helping to run the office during the week.
God bless you all!
Mandy
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Visit Us: 411 E. Grace St., Richmond, VA 23219
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