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I hope you are all having a good summer!
This Sunday's lectionary reading from Ephesians 1:3-14 is, as some writers suggest, almost too deep and too broad for a lazy summer Sunday morning. It raises big questions that Christians have wrestled with from the beginning-questions around heavy theological terms like predestination and election. Moreover, this passage is a grammatical nightmare! It is one long sentence. None of us could get away with that!
But it's one long sentence, I think, because Paul or perhaps one of his students shaped by Paul's preaching and ministry, is simply overwhelmed with a vision of the way God's grace is working in the world on our behalf. It's almost the kind of ecstatic utterance one might be led to offer on rare occasions in worship whenever we know deep within that God's love is for all the world-and it is for each of us! It could just be that this is really the kind of refreshment and renewal we need here in the middle of July-to be reminded of the greatness of God's love and grace-and to be reminded that it includes us! One of my favorite texts is in this passage. In verse 10, the writer tells us that in Christ, God has revealed to the world " . . . a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth."
That verse reminds me when I am discouraged about the division and brokenness of our world, that God has shown us that God's ultimate purpose is that at just the right time, all these broken fragments of our human condition will finally be "gathered up" or conformed to God's loving intentions. I don't know how or when that will happen, but I believe that hope is what sustains us as the people of God. The title I'm working with this Sunday is "Here's the Most Real News of All!"
Here in the middle of summer, our ministry teams are busy looking toward the fall.
I want to begin to ask you to keep some dates in mind.
On Sunday, September 9, we will celebrate the blessings of God in the completion of our capital campaign for the new kitchen and elevator.
On Sunday, September 16, we will have a Bring A Friend Sunday. We hope to reach out as a congregation to friends and neighbors, inviting them to worship with us that day and to experience the love of God that is so real her at Centenary. You'll be hearing more about this, but would you now begin to pray for friends, neighbors or family members who don't have a church home, and to consider who you will bring to worship that day.
On Sunday, September 23, we plan to celebrate the anniversary of Centenary becoming a Reconciling Congregation.
In the midst of all these things, our Reaching team is working to help us create a new pictorial church directory. You will have the opportunity to sign up to have your photograph made here at the church Wednesday, September 12 through Saturday September 15. More details are coming your way soon.
There's more of course, but I hope you'll begin to plan to be present and join us for these special occasions and events.
I look forward to worshiping with you Sunday!
Peace,
Matt
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Centenary Summer Movies: The next Centenary Summer Movie reaches back in time to present Independence Day on THIS Sunday, July 15, at 6:30 p.m. In this 1996 epic sci-fi, block-buster adventure, strange phenomena surface around the globe sparking terror through the world's major cities. Alien forces of incredible magnitude arrive bent on total annihilation of civilization over the Fourth of July weekend. Currently, Independence Day ranks 69th on the list of highest grossing revenue of films and won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. Join us on the 15th and get ready to sit on the edge of your seat . . . again . . . Welcome to Earth!
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This Weekend at Centenary
Sunday, July 15, Eighth Sunday After Pentecost
8:40 a.m. Early Service
10:00 a.m. Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
6:30 p.m. Summer Movie
This week, Dr. Bates will preach
"Here's the Most Real News of All!
"
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A Challenge from Bishop Lewis to Read the Bible with her in 2018
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Message from Rita Callis
Dear Centenary Church Family,
About two years ago my husband, Charles, and I started coming to Centenary and how you have blessed us ever since. Please know how much we have appreciated your welcome and your loving kindness. At Charles' recent death, I have been continued to be touched by your ministry of compassion. I offer my prayers that God will continue to bless you all, as you have blessed so many.
Love in Christ,
Rev. Rita Callis
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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.
Ad Hoc Team Members Are Needed:
Ad Hoc Teams are being organized and we need volunteers who are willing to join. We need your special talents!!! The Teams will have their initial team meetings the week of July 16th. Please contact Mary E. Vetrovec ([email protected]) or Joe Speidel ([email protected]) if you are interested in volunteering for one or both of these teams.
Team Number 1: Indoor Yard Sale Team:
Team members are needed to plan and organize a church indoor yard sale. The primary purpose of this yard sale is to clean out the church of items that are no longer needed or usable, need repair, or are just taking up space. Additionally, church members may be eligible to bring in non-clothing items to sell. All proceeds will be used for church building enhancement activities.
Team Number 2: Storage Space Team:
Team members are needed to develop and implement a plan for proper storage of items in the church building. Team members will tour the building from the basement to the third floor to learn how space is currently being utilized and will develop a plan for how space can best be utilized.
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!
Move DVD Exchange: Have a DVD you have watched too often? Bring it to the 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! It's a win, win situation!!!
Sight and Sound Theatre Trip:
We have 17 Centenarians registered for the trip to the Sight & Sound Theater for Thursday, September 27. We have openings for 3 more participants. The trip leaves from Lakeside UMC at 7 a.m. and returns at 11 p.m. We will enjoy good food, fellowship, a wonderful live play and safe travel on a motor coach. Sign up today!
If you are interested in going on the trip to see the live production of
JESUS
,
please pick up a registration form on the bulletin board across from the kitchen and send your check for $160.00 to Bob Almond as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please call Bob at 804-833-3355 or email at [email protected].
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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Tim Gerde (recovering at home)
Richard Steele (at the Laurels of Bon Air)
Serena Durst
Rev. Rita Callis
Lee Covington
Delois McDougal (one of our Friday Helpers- awaiting the results of a biopsy on back May 17)
Marshall Fox (brother of Phyllis Fox Stump, dealing with complications after surgery)
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)
Carrie Toro's niece Gabby
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Celebrating Birthdays in July
David Jarvis
Isabel Junker
William Brock
Les Dobbs
Emmeline Steele
George Little
Matthew Steele
Mary E. Vetrovec
Jacob Armstrong
Bob Hundley, Sr.
Laurie Cardoza
Dean Simpson
Beth Vetrovec
Susan Thomas
Bill Brock
Mary Dobbs
Kate Hundley
Mary Alice Nesbitt
R.B. Bennington
Sylvia Whaley
Bob Almond
Vikki Brock
Sarah Anzelmo-Steele
Ryland Bailey
Olivia Steele
John Stottlemyer
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Photos of the Week!
The Smethie Circle met at Hathaway Towers, enjoying a delightful lunch and a wonderful program presented by Jaye White (Director of Outreach Ministries for the NC Conference), who is also the daughter of Mary Alice Nesbit. Leah Hundley serves as the Circle President.
This past Sunday, we welcomed Chris Wimbush as a new member in our Centenary church family. Chris is a big sports fan and his team is the Philadelphia Eagles. Welcome to Centenary!
We hope to see you this Sunday at 6:30 p.m. for our Centenary Summer Movie,
Independence Day!
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Visit Us: 411 E. Grace St., Richmond, VA 23219
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