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Dear Centenary Family,
This Sunday is Pentecost. We celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all creation and the empowerment of the small band of Jesus' formerly fearful disciples to go into the world and boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.
When I read the account of Pentecost in Acts 2, I'm always struck by the drama of that day. The disciples are gathered in the Upper Room and Luke describes the scene of the coming of the spirit using powerful images: ". . . a sound like the violent rush of wind . . . divided tongues as of fire. . ." not to mention the ability to speak in languages they'd never learned to the crowd in Jerusalem.
Pentecost is every bit as powerful and wonderful and awe-inspiring as Easter Sunday. It signifies the fulfillment of a long hoped for promise that God's presence and power would fill the world!
But there is another aspect to Pentecost. I've been drawn to, the quieter side of Pentecost that Paul describes in Romans 8. Here, Paul acknowledges the difficulties we as individuals have in holding onto hope in the midst of suffering. Paul acknowledges the very real experience most of us have had of facing a problem or challenge that overwhelms us. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you truly did not know how to pray or what to pray for? I suppose most of us have been there.
Paul presents the Holy Spirit here not only as a world-changing, mind-blowing power, but as a presence that is near and real. When we don't know how to pray, Paul says, the Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words.
We need the Spirit's power to be faithful witnesses and servants. And on most days of our lives, we need the Spirit's constant presence within us. It is great comfort to know that when we feel overwhelmed, when we don't know how to pray, when we feel weak or confused or powerless, God is present within us in the person of the Holy Spirit, praying for us. And we might ask ourselves, if the Spirit is praying for us, interceding for us, what kind of prayer would that be? I'm pretty sure that it is a prayer for our well-being, our healing, and continued growth in grace.
The sermon I'm working on this week is called "The Quiet Side of Pentecost."
I look forward to growing in grace, connecting with the Spirit, and finding hope and encouragement through one another as we gather this Sunday!
Peace,
Matt
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This Weekend at Centenary
Sunday, May 20, Pentecost Sunday
8:40 a.m. Informal Worship
10:00 a.m. Sunday School
11:00 a.m.
Traditional Service
This week, Dr. Bates will preach
"The Quiet Side of Pentecost.
"
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We ask that you keep the family of Bobby Davis in your hearts and prayers due to his recent passing on Saturday, May 12.
A memorial service is planned to take place here at Centenary on Friday, June 8, at 3 p.m.
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A Challenge from Bishop Lewis to Read the Bible with her in 2018
May 20
2 Chronicles 35-36
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Chili Cook-Off: Join our church family and friends on
Sunday, June 10
,
(Please note this is a change in date) at high noon for Centenary's Chili Cook-Off. Bring your best chili to share and compete in any of the following categories:
1. Traditional
2. White
3. Vegetarian
This is our fundraising event to send two UMFS students to summer camp at Westview on the James. Donations are encouraged and accepted. More details will be forth coming.
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Help Needed in Our Congregation
Rita Callis, a Methodist minister, and her husband Charles are new members of Centenary. Since January, Rita has been serving our Senior Adults in a volunteer capacity. Rita is bravely living with cancer. She and her husband could use some help with meals. If you are able to assist call or text 804-615-8175 or email Mary E. Vetrovec at
mevetrovec@aol.com
, who is coordinating a meal calendar.
Invitation to Retirement Party
for Rev. Rita Callis
There will be a retirement party to celebrate the faithful ministry of Rev. Rita Callis on Sunday, May 20, 2018, from 3-5 p.m. at Westover Hills UMC (
1705 Westover Hills Blvd., Richmond, VA).
There will be a more "formal" program at 4 p.m.
When we heard that Rita's time on this earth is all too limited, we knew we had to give her the retirement party she never had. We hope you can join us for this royal roasting! No gifts but money tree, personal notes, and items for the memorabilia table are welcome.
For more information contact Marg Kutz at
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Dominion River Rock Race
The annual Dominion River Rock races and events will take place
TODAY, Friday, May 18, through Sunday, May 20 (starting at 6 p.m. on Friday). Please anticipate an increase in traffic this weekend.
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Attention All Graduates: If you or someone in your family is planning on graduating from high school or college this spring or summer, please call the church office at (804) 648-8319, or send us an email at
cent.umc@verizon.net, by
Sunday, May 20, with the following information so that we can announce it in the bulletin.
The individual's:
1. Name (First, Middle, and Last)
2. Affiliation (child of, grandchild of, etc.)
3. School Attended
4. Future Plans
Thanks so much and congratulations graduates!
Volunteers Needed:
We are looking for a few willing volunteers to help out in the office during Mandy's maternity leave beginning the end of August/beginning of September. If you are interested in becoming an office volunteer, feel free to contact the church office at 804-648-8319 or cent.umc@verizon.net.
The Central VA Masterworks Chorale:
The Central Virginia Masterworks Chorale Spring 2018 Program "Sing for Joy!" will be held TODAY
at 7:30 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church (4200 Dover Road, RVA 23221) and on
Sunday, May 20, 2018
at 3:00 p.m. at Duncan Memorial UMC (201 Henry St, Ashland, 23005). This exciting program will include Leonard Bernstein's
Chichester Psalms,
and a contemporary work by Dan Forrest,
Jubilate Deo,
which is the Psalm 100 text brought to life in seven different languages. Contact Nancy or Vic Grand (804-495-5673). Also, check out this link for more details!
Annual Golf Tournament:
Join us at the Hollows Golf Course on
Thursday, June 7
, for the 2nd Annual Earl Siddons Open. Registration will begin at 11:00 a.m. with a putting contest at 11:30 a.m., lunch at 11:45 a.m., and a Golf Tee-Off at 1:00 p.m. The cost is $75.00/ person, $15.00 for lunch only (firm reservations needed for catered lunch). The proceeds benefit Rise Against Hunger. Hole sponsorships are also available at $50.00 per sponsor. Gift certificates can also be donated to be given as prizes. Be sure to mark this date on your calendar and don't forget to practice your swing! Please Note: We will need a strong number of reservations to ensure the pricing above. You can RSVP at the church office, 804-648-8319 or cent.umc@verizon.net, if you are interested in attending.
Save the Date:
On
Sunday, June 10
, the children plan to make treats and lemonade to pass out to the congregation after the 11:00 a.m. service.
Items Needed for School Kits:
School kits provide children around the world with basic school supplies such as paper, pencils, and other items.
To complete our goal of 150 kits, we still need:
1.
Paper (loose leaf or 1 subject notebooks-
please, no 3 or 5 subject notebooks; 1 subject only)
2.
2 gallon plastic, resealable bags
Join us on Sunday, June 3, and help us put together the kits!
Annual Conference Offering:
Bishop Lewis has announced the annual conference mission offering goal of $200,000 to focus on the following missional priority projects: 1.
Cambodia: $50,000
- Church Growth and Development and Community Health & Agric. Development, 2.
Brazil: $25,000
- Shade and Fresh Water Ministry with Children, 3.
Mozambique: $25,000
- Lay Leadership Development, 4.
Native Americans: $10,000
- Support for Volunteers in Mission teams working with Native American Ministry and Tribal Youth,5.
Cuba Recovery: $25,000
- Hurricane Recovery for Churches in Cuba, 6.
Haiti: $25,000
- Funds to support Volunteers in Mission teams to Haiti, 7.
Puerto Rico Recovery: $25,000
- Hurricane Recovery support for Puerto Rican churches, 8.
Moscow Seminary: $15,000
- Support for student scholarships
.
You may contribute by making your check to Centenary and designating it for Annual Conference Offering, or noting this on an offering envelope.
Sight and Sound Theatre Trip: Join us for our next Centenary Travels trip on
Thursday, September 27, to see
Jesus, Live on Stage! This is an all-inclusive trip with motor coach transportation, snacks on the coach, lunch at Good 'N Plenty Restaurant, theatre ticket and all gratuities. Dinner will be fast food on the return trip. Experience an authentic PA Dutch Country meal served family style. Visit the award-winning bakery and shop the well-stocked gift shops! Payment due by
August 1, or sooner. Please make check payable to
Robert Almond. Minimum number of participants for the trip is 40 and spots are on a first come, first served basis.
See the bulletin board across from the kitchen for flyers with more information.
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.
Rise Against Hunger Meal Packing Event:
On
Saturday, June 23,
we will gather in the fellowship hall (no later than 8:45 a.m.) to pack meals to provide for families in distressed areas of the world. This is a wonderful time for fellowship and commitment to missions. Bring family, friends, and neighbors. Join in the fun! (Reminder: Wear a hat or use a hairnet).
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Eric Pace
Ellen Matthews (admitted to MCV for complications from high blood sugar)
Susan Somma (in the recent passing of her father)
Rev. Kathy Talley (recovering at St. Mary's Woods following shoulder surgery)
Rev. Rita Callis
Lee Covington (at home recovering from back surgery)
Sue Anne Holloway
Rex Dazey (recovering from eye surgery)
Julie Lee
Delois McDougal (one of our Friday Helpers- having 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 is preparing for 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)
Merle Brown (recovering from broken hip at home)
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Celebrating Birthdays in May
Mann Brown
Bernice Walter
Billie Davis
Phyllis Stump
Mary Simpson
Pat Shipley
Earl Moss
Roy Cooke
Joyce Haley
Alice Cooke
David Ashe
Lynn Bailey
Tori Brock
Buck Haley
Sally Jordan
Charley Webber
Robb Stottlemyer
Louise Smith
Chris Jarvis
Kim Golden
Penny Speidel
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Photos of the Week!
Happy birthday to our dear friend Heidi! Heidi is such a blessing to us and always brightens our day on Fridays when she comes and helps with the Walk-In Program.
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Visit Us: 411 E. Grace St., Richmond, VA 23219
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