October 22, 2021
In person
and Online
Worship
Sundays at 11:00 a.m.
Join us in our beautiful sanctuary or online at
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8am-Noon

Contacts
804-648-8319
www.centumc.org

Email Addresses
Rev. Matt Bates

Rev. Tim Gerde

Stanley Baker

Office/Laura Nealley
A Note from the Pastor

Dear Centenary Family,

We continue this Sunday with our journey through Mark's Gospel. You may recall that over the last several weeks, we've run into disciples who don't understand the kind of Messiah Jesus has come to be. We encounter people who hear Jesus' invitation to follow him but decline. This week, we come to the conclusion of this section of Mark chapters 8-10 that some people have called a discipleship catechism. This section ends with someone who does indeed understand who Jesus is. However, the irony in Mark 10:46-52, which we'll look at on Sunday, is that the person who sees the truth about Jesus and is ready to follow him to Jerusalem and the cross that awaits him there is blind! Sometimes, we learn so much more about Jesus from folks on the edges or margins of society than from those considered to be religious experts. The title I'm working with is, "Taught to See by a Blind Man."  

There are several opportunities for witness and service in our newsletter this week.  
  • I invite you to read about the prayer vigil hosted by Clergy Against Racism focused on the problem of voter suppression. Join us, if you can, at the state capitol at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 28.  
  • There is an invitation to join Rev. Drew Willson and folks from Boulevard UMC for a painting day as they prepare their newly purchased building for use.  
  • There's a notice about Bring in the Harvest.
  • Please consider the opportunity to support one of our church family in need.
  •  You are invited to attend our Charge Conference this Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. at Westhampton UMC.
  •  If you have an interest in the Gay Spirits for Gay Men conference mentioned in the newsletter or know of someone who might, please let me know. We have several scholarships available to attend this event.
  • And please note the opportunities for fellowship and Bible Study online this coming week.  

Finally, you will hear more in weeks to come about ways you can volunteer to serve on one of our ministry teams as we move into 2022.  One need for leadership we have right now is for someone to lead our Reaching team. This ministry team is responsible for helping us reach out to new people by sharing the good news of Christ with them and inviting them to experience Christ's love through the ministry of our church. If you might feel some calling to consider this place of service, I'd love to talk with you. Send me a note (srpastor@centumc.org) or give me a call if you'd be open to learning more.

Peace,

Matt
Fellowship, Study & Outreach
Tuesdays at 11:00 am
Everyone is welcome to drop in for a chat, a prayer, or wherever the
spirit may lead.

Questions? Please contact Tim Gerde.
Wednesdays at 10:00 am

Join us as we look at the scripture for the upcoming Sunday. This week's scripture is Mark 12:28-34

Contact the church office for more information.
UMW - Smethie Circle
November 17 at 11:30 am

The speaker will be Donna Spainhour, a gerontology Nurse specialist from St. Marys. She will speak on "Aging Safely."
We can park in the back parking lot and enter through the
back door to our room. Please contact the church office
for more information.
Painting Day @ Boulevard UMC
Saturday, November 6, 9 am - 1 pm
(Coffee and bagels at 8:30 am)

“Let’s start rebuilding!” they said, and they eagerly began the work. (Nehemiah 2:18b)

At Boulevard UMC, we have purchased a new building at 910 S Harrison St for ministry in the city of Richmond. We humbly ask for your help to make it a home. Kindred in Christ, will you join us in the effort? Could you bring a team from your church? Together, we can get so much done in just a few hours on an autumn Saturday. We need wall painters, water providers, spiritual supporters...and hot dog grillers to prepare lunch on the lawn! For any questions--and to RSVP with the number of people you plan to bring--please send an email to me at drewwillson@vaumc.org by Sunday, October 31.
Would you, as a gay man, want some help exploring your inner life? Do you want to deepen your spirit through sharing and meditation?

The creators of GaySpirits believe that gay people have a long history of unique spiritual giftedness. Come discover and explore your own spiritual path with GaySpirits.

David Hoover, MDiv, LCSW is a nationally known facilitator and a gay man. He and his team have created a gay friendly, sex positive, confidential space for gay men to embrace themselves as spiritual beings.
Date: Friday/Saturday - October 29 & 30
Times: Friday Registration - 6:30pm, Program - 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Saturday Program - 9:00am to 5:00pm
Place: Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, 4819 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA 23230
Cost: $125
For more information, please contact David Hoover, LCSW, MDiv.
301-580-2953 or davidwhoover@aol.com
Keeping You Informed
Bring in the Harvest--Save the Date
We will celebrate Bring in the Harvest on Sunday, Nov. 21. On this Sunday, we will collect food for donation. 

The collection will take place again this year in the church parking lot. Watch for more specific information about the time for collection and the items needed.
Another Woman’s Treasure -Nov. 5 & 6
Find your treasure and support Change the World RVA and homeless youth in Richmond! Come shop hundreds of new & gently used purses, thousands of pieces of jewelry, scarves, belts, gloves, and hats -- beautiful women's accessories, all priced to sell! Friday November 5, 4:00 - 8:00 pm and Saturday November 6, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm.  Coach, D&B, Fossil, Lucky Brand, Vera Bradley, Kate Spade, Brighton, sterling silver, pearls, fabulous costume jewelry, vintage items, evening bags, and more! This year we also have hundreds of cookbooks. Cash, check, and all major credit cards accepted. This is truly a unique and fun Richmond shopping experience. Proceeds benefit Change the World RVA (www.changetheworldrva.org), supporting homeless high school and college students in Richmond. Come join the fun at Bon Air United Methodist church (1645 Buford Rd.), in the gym. 
“This is my favorite day of the year.” -- 2019 shopper.
October is Clergy Appreciation Month
Our Richmond District clergy are an exceptional group of individuals and we wanted to be sure you know that this is the time of year you can go above and beyond to let them know how much you appreciate them and their ministry.  

Let’s show our appreciation to our wonderful pastors by sending cards or notes of appreciation to salute and honor Pastor Matt and Pastor Tim.
New Wifi Access
We are pleased to announce that the ENTIRE building is now equipped with strong and secure wifi access. You may notice our new wireless access points (pictured here) around the building. This allows you to go anywhere in the building, and stay connected! Our old networks are no longer available, so if your device auto-joined one of our old networks, you will need to join our new one!
Charge Conference Date
Our charge conference this year will be held on Tuesday, October 26, at 7:00 pm at Westhampton United Methodist Church. This year, we will participate in a cluster charge conference with 9 other churches. The meeting will begin with a devotional and proceed to five-minute reports from each church about their accomplishments in the last year and their goals for ministry for 2022. Following that portion of the gathering, each church will convene and vote on important matters such as the pastor's salary and election of leaders for 2022. Though members of the charge conference are the only persons eligible to vote, all church members are welcome to attend. 
October 25 @ 7:00 pm - Post-Covid Recovery Group

October 26 @ 11:00 am - Drop In Cafe

October 26 @ 7:00 pm - Charge Conference -
Westhampton UMC

October 27 @ 10:00 am - Wednesday Bible Study

November 21 - Bring in the Harvest
CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH