This Week at Centenary
Dear Centenary Family,
 
As I was working on my letter to you, I received this beautiful devotional from Nancy Hill. Her words really encouraged me and spoke to me. I couldn’t say anything any more meaningful than what Nancy has shared with us. (Her devotional is below - Hope In The Midst Of Trouble )
 
There are many people at Centenary who’ve taught me how to be a better Christian and shown me what a strong, enduring faith looks like. Nancy is at the top of that list. If any of you have devotional thoughts, or just some form of witness about the difference your faith is making in this time, would you consider sharing with me so that we might share with others? We can encourage one another in this time!
 
I want to invite you to join us for Holy Week online at Centenary! We continue to try to expand our ability to worship and connect using the equipment, volunteers and knowledge at our disposal. We keep learning every week!
 
This week join us for these gatherings.
 
Palm/Passion Sunday - April 5
This Coming Sunday, 11 a.m. (note the time difference from last week)
 
Online Bible Study - Wednesday, April 8
Watch for an invitation on Tuesday to join us Wednesday at 10 a.m.
 
Holy Thursday Worship, Thursday, April 9
Join us on Facebook Live at 7:30 p.m.
 
Good Friday — Tenebrae Service—Friday, April 10
Join us on Facebook Live at 7:30 p.m.
 
Easter Sunday Worship, Sunday, April 12, 11 a.m.
Join us on Facebook Live at 11:00 a.m.

This is the link for all our Facebook Live worship services.
 
Watch for an announcement early next week about Easter Offering. We are looking for ways we as a congregation can be a blessing to others in need during this time.
 
God is with us!
 
Matt

HOPE IN THE MIDST
OF TROUBLE  
A devotional written by Nancy Hill

Scripture:
           “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord.
                                                                                               (Jeremiah 29:13-14)
 
           During the Coronavirus Pandemic, we constantly hear of the rapid spread of this disease and the problems it is causing throughout the world. We are now instructed to stay in our homes, if possible, then we must stay at least six feet away from anyone outside with us. Soon masks may be required when we are in public places.
           Though I miss being with people, I have found these quiet times to be unexpected pleasures. No longer a part of the days’ busy activities, I have time now to reflect on things for which I am thankful, enjoy the beauties and sounds of nature as they herald the coming of spring and find time for reading and listening to God’s word. I can still communicate with friends or family, on the cell phone or computer, and fulfill tasks I normally overlook, due to time restraints. This period is very different from life as usual but I’m finding it refreshing. Even though I haven’t been inside a church building for three weeks I can continue to feel God’s presence and look forward to the blessings He always provides. 
           I am very thankful for the many healthcare workers, service personnel and leaders who are working tirelessly to help us through this crisis. Those in businesses and volunteers are producing needed supplies and serving the medical profession in other capacities.  I also appreciate the kindness of good neighbors, friends and relatives who show they care by calling to offer help and to grocery shop for this live-alone senior citizen.  
           Though this pandemic, with its dangers and quarantines, is causing changes in the way we live, God is with us through these challenging times. In a way this time period might be considered a banishment from the kind of life we had known, but we can trust in God to be with us and release us from worry. Seek him, as suggested in Jeremiah 29:13; this too shall pass.
 
Prayer:
           Dear God, Help us to look for good even in the crises of life. May we not waste our time in worry but trust you in all of life’s time periods. Thank you for your unending love and for your comforting presence. Amen.
Worship With Us During Holy Week
Our Holy Week worship services will be streamed live on Facebook Live . Scriptures and bulletins will be available in PDF form on our website . Download the bulletin to participate in the worship service through readings and singing. We look forward to worshiping with you!
As the COVID-19 pandemic fills our news and changes our lives, we have become aware of how connected we are across the globe. This week we received a letter from a missionary we support in Cambodia - Clara Biswas updating us on her mission. Although Easter celebrations around the world may be canceled, the truth of the resurrection and the impact of your outreach are never forgotten. Read her letter here . The beautiful artwork above was sketched by a child in her Art Class.
colorful-poppies.jpg
Celebration Sunday Spring Plants
A variety of spring plants will adorn our sanctuary in celebration of our first Sunday of worship following our closure from the COVID-19 pandemic! If you would like to order a plant in memory of or in honor of a loved one, there are two ways to order. Plants are $12.50/each. Checks should be made payable to Centenary UM Church. Please put "Spring Plants" on the memo line.

  1. Complete this online order form. Remember, you order is not complete until the church receives your payment.
  2. Print out and complete this order form. The send the order form and your check to:

Centenary United Methodist Church
411 E. Grace Street,
Richmond, 23219

Get your orders in soon! We don't know exactly when we will be back together, but when it happens, it might happen quickly and we will need to order ASAP. So don't miss out!

We will have an insert on Celebration Sunday with our donors listed and plants can be picked up following the 11:00 service.
Dear Centenary Family,

As you may know we have been praying for Ronnie Clements who has been recently been diagnosed with lung cancer. We have a goal of providing meals on Mondays and Thursdays for Ronnie and Luis. Ronnie does have some dietary restrictions. If you click on this link, you will see what kind of food is best for Ronnie and you can volunteer to prepare a meal.  

If you are able to prepare and deliver a meal, we ask that you call ahead and let Ronnie or Luis know you are coming. They can direct you on how to get the food to them at their building. Delivery after 4 or 5 p.m.is best.

Ronnie and Luis live at 105 E Broad Street, #2B. 

Ronnie's phone number is 334-412-9925.

Here is some guidance for health and safety:
  1. Be diligent in washing hands.
  2. Take care in how the food is handled.
  3. You can deliver the food for Ronnie and Luis to pick up without going into their apartment. They can give you information on how to do that.  

Please contact Susy Meyer if you have questions. susybork@gmail.com

Thank you in advance for your willingness to serve!

If you would like information about how the Young Adults are staying connected during this time of social distancing, please contact Rev. Drew Willson - drewwillson@vaumc.org
Spring 2020 Geranium Sale to Benefit Shalom Farms.
A little something to brighten your world while social distancing.    

We are selling geraniums in 4” pots at $4.50 each. Available colors are: Orange, red, hot pink, white, and salmon. The flowers will arrive on Friday, April 24.  All orders must be placed by Friday April 17!

Since we are not able to gather at this time, orders along with payment should be sent to:
Pat Shipley
3031 Grayland Ave.
Richmond, VA 23221

You can send an order by email to plsrevdoc@aol.com , but PLEASE also send a check!  Checks should be made out to UMUMR (United Methodist Urban Ministries of Richmond).  Remember, the deadline for orders and checks is Friday April 17, 2020.

If we are not yet gathering together by the delivery date of April 24, 2020 your flowers will be delivered to you at no extra charge so please include your delivery location with your order.

Thanks for your support! Shalom Farms is working hard to continue to provide a source of fresh healthy produce to vulnerable populations in Richmond as well as helping to supply local food distribution centers. Due to the COVID-19 virus they are not able to use the large groups of volunteers that usually play a significant part in the work of the farm, but are relying on the small number of paid staff and a few dedicated individual volunteers. Your support through this sale is especially appreciated in this difficult time.
Birthdays
This Week
April 4 - Patsy Marrs Wilson
April 6 - Claire Hundley
Marjorie Landers
Luke Wolfe
April 7 - Mr. Doug Wilson
April 9 - Joe Speidel
R.B. Bennington
Joanne Crick Berft  - daughter of Phil & AJ Crick, asking for prayer for  
recent health issues
Betty Brown  - Bill Glaze, Betty's brother-in-law has been diagnosed with 
pancreatic cancer
Ka Cheng  - friend of Vicki and Phyllis Stump diagnosed with breast 
cancer.
Ronnie Clements - Ronnie is hospitalized again at VCU and Luis has been laid off from work.
Shannon Conway  - requests prayer for the Charles Sherman, Peter 
Oxborrow, Leon Beale and family
Riley Davin  - Niece of Vic and Nancy
Serena Durst
Les Dobbs
Jeff Hatch
Leah Hundley and family
Lucille Hunt  - at Morningside at Bellegrade
Justin Laman  - nephew of Lucy Hottle, a young father who has cancer
Vincente Lopez  - nephew of Heidi Kara, U.S. Army Infantry, deploying
to Egypt
Megan Mattax -   a friend of Miranda Clayton, pregnant and diagnosed  
with breast cancer
Patti Oman  - health concerns - friend of Beth Hensley
Phyllis Stump - at Lakewood Manor
Wendy Tisdale  - family friend of Agatha and Christina Kidd, diagnosed 
with stage 4 lung cancer
Bernice Walter - medical issues