LENTEN RESOURCES

 

Early Christians felt the importance of Easter called for special preparations. It is thought that the tradition may have grown from the early church practice of baptismal candidates undergoing a 40-day period of fasting in preparation for their baptism on Easter morning. Eventually, the season evolved into a period of spiritual devotion that begins on Ash Wednesday. During the six weeks of Lent, the followers of Jesus engage in self-examination and reflection, Christians who observe Lent typically make a commitment to give up something or letting go of some behavior that represents the sacrifice of Jesus. Others seek to add a practice or a Lenten discipline, like reading the Bible through a guided daily reading of scripture. Another was to enrich your experience of Lent might be to commit to spend more time in prayer for others and our world to draw nearer to God.

 

The Faith Formation Team is committed to help all of our members grow in their faith and commitment to following Jesus through prayer, bible study, worship and service to others. To better facilitate this, we are suggesting ways to help deepen your experience during Lent in the hopes it will become a more meaningful for you and your family.

LENTEN CHECK-IN

Tuesdays • February 23 - March 30 • Noon - 1 pm • Zoom 

  

Rev. Susannah Pittman invites you to six, stand-alone sessions during the season of Lent where we will Check-in with one another. Each session will offer a Scripture passage from the lectionary for Lent to center and guide the conversation as we seek to offer support and care during this season. For more information, contact Rev. Susannah Pittman. 

LET'S HAVE LUNCH

Monday • March 1 • Noon - 1 pm • Zoom 

  

“Let’s Have Lunch” is hosted by our Shining Light on Mental Health ministry. This one-hour Zoom gathering will feature Andy Hagler, Executive Director of the Mental Health Association in Forsyth County. Our topic will be “Self-Care during the Pandemic: It’s Ok To Not Feel OK”. Once there, scroll to this event for the registration link. For questions, contact Sandra Gramley (336-724-6311 ext. 1352). 

CARD MINISTRY

 

The Congregational Care Ministry at Centenary is starting a card ministry and would love for you to join us! We are seeking volunteers to assist in writing notes of encouragement. Supplies and recipient lists will be provided, and there is flexibility in time commitment. Please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman by February 17 for more information or to volunteer. 

THE WESLEY PRAYER CHALLENGE

 

We began the New Year with a prayer that has been used by Methodists since 1755. It is known as The Wesley Covenant Prayer. Many people around the world and through the centuries have used this prayer to deepen their faith. For some it has become a guide for their lives. It was John Wesley’s expectation that the people called Methodists would use this prayer to renew their faith through fulling trusting God’s love and grace to care for and lead them. 

 

Do you want to renew your passion in 2021? Would you like to deepen your faith and grow in your understanding of how to follow Jesus in the daily movements of your life? Then, I invite you to join me on a 21-Day journey into prayer through “The Wesley Prayer Challenge” by Chris Folmsbee. We will begin on January 17, 2021. Our Senior Minister, Glenn Kinken, will use his sermons to lead and inspire us each week as we consider the words of the Wesley Covenant Prayer each day for three weeks. As we move through the prayer, we will reflect on its meaning and then consider how to respond to its guidance through our daily reflections. 

​

Week 1: 1/17-1/23 – Read Part 1 with its daily readings

Week 2: 1/24-1/30 – Read Part 2 with its daily readings

Week 3:1/31-2/6 – Read Part 3 with its daily readings

 

You can purchase the book HERE

 

These three weeks of daily reading include Scripture, reflection on this covenant prayer, and a challenge for each day as our response.  Choose how you want to engage, as an individual, with your family, or by joining a weekly discussion by following the links below. On Sunday at 9:30 am, Mondays at 7:00 pm, or on Wednesdays at Noon. In these Zoom meetings we will discuss and consider the daily readings from the previous week.  If you have questions about this congregational opportunity please contact Rev. Bret Cogan. 

 

 

SUNDAY • 9:30 am DISCUSSION LINK with Doug Haynes

January 24, January 31 & February 7

 

MONDAY • 7:00 pm DISCUSSION LINK with Rev. Bret Cogan

January 25, February 1 & February 8

 

WEDNESDAY • NOON  DISCUSSION LINK with Nancy Cannon

January 27, February 3 & February 10

The Epic of Eden: Understanding the Old Testament

January 10 - March 28, 2021 • Sundays • 9:45 am • (online only)

Led by Suzanne Epermanis

​

THIS CLASS IS NOW FULL.

If you would like to be added to a wait list for a future class, please click HERE.

 

This small group is full, so we are creating a sign-up for the next offering either later this spring or fall. Epic of Eden is a Zoom-based study focused on the "fundamentals” of the Old Testament, and if you would like to know more about the Old Testament please consider adding your name for this 12-week study that includes daily readings, a weekly video, and group discussions. For more information contact Bret Cogan and to view an introductory video, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CEk7H8bkFQ&feature=youtu.be

WINTER CHECK-IN

Tuesdays • January 19 - February 9 • Noon - 1 pm • Zoom

 

Rev. Susannah Pittman invites you to four, stand-alone sessions where we will Check-in with one another. Each session will offer a scripture passage to center and guide the conversation as we seek to offer support and care during this season. For more information, contact Rev. Susannah Pittman. 

Children & Youth Scripture Readers

​

Children and youth third grade and older are invited to read scripture in all of Centenary’s services on the second Sunday of each month.  For more information, please contact any of Centenary’s ministers or Stacy Holley (336-724-6311 ext. 1359/sholley@centenary-ws.org.)

Samaritan Ministries

​

Samaritan Ministries is one of our local homeless shelters and was founded in part by Centenary members. In addition to its men’s shelter, Samaritan offers a soup kitchen and special programs for recovering substance abusers and the mentally ill. Centenary members support Samaritan in many ways, but as a church, we are committed to sending 6 overnight volunteers to staff the shelter and extend hospitality to its residents on the 2nd Friday of each month. To learn more, contact Tom Lawson, or click here to get details and sign up to serve.

Communion Assistants

​

On the first of Sunday of each month, we celebrate the sacrament of holy communion at our three morning services. During the 11:00 am Traditional service, we have opportunities for laity to be involved as communion servers. If you would like to assist in serving holy communion, please visit centenary-ws.org/sign-up or contact Jauna Jasinto at (ext. 1300)/jjasinto@centenary-ws.org.

Children's Choir

​

Children's Choir meets on Wednesday evenings and we have offerings for children ages 2 years through 5th grade. If you would like for your child or children to participate please register here so we can help them to have a great experience. Questions? Contact Jonathan Emmons (ext. 1339/jemmons@centenary-ws.org).