Centenary United Methodist Church 411 East Grace Street Richmond Virginia 23219

Rev. Matthew D. Bates, Senior Pastor

THE CONNECTION

AT CENTENARY UMC!

SATURDAY, JULY 26

10:00 AM TO 11:30 AM

COST: $65 PER BARREL OR

$35 PER BARREL FOR RIVER HERO HOMES

For more information: www.jamesriverhero.org

Please note on the River Hero Home application that you will be

attending a JRA Rain Barrel Event and enter ‘Centenary’ in the box.

Pre-registration is required by July 11, 2014. Email: mkokolis@jrava.org or (804)788-8811 ext 204

2014

One Hour a Day—You’re Kidding, Right? "Christian practices are not activities we do to make something spiritual happen in our lives. Nor are they duties we undertake to be obedient to God. Rather, they are patterns of communal action that create openings in our lives where the grace, mercy, and presence of God may be made known to us. They are places where the power of God is experienced. In the end, these are not ultimately our practices but forms of participation in the practice of God." -----Craig Dykstra Bishop Cho’s invitation to us to deepen our spiritual lives includes the goal of having ten percent of our worshiping congregation to engage in one hour of spiritual disciplines daily. That sounds daunting, doesn’t it? It sounds like another activity to add to an already long list of obligations that wear us out. But as Craig Dykstra points out in the quotation above, Christian practices, habits, or disciplines are places where you and I are open to and available to God so that we can experience God’s power, healing, grace, and life. When we hear this call to engage in an hour of spiritual disciplines every day, many of us just feel overwhelmed. So, I’ve been thinking about some of the things that have helped me as I think about an hour of spiritual practice daily. Your spiritual practice doesn’t have to be 60 continuous minutes daily. It can be broken up morning, mid-day, and evening. Maybe it makes sense for you to make your spiritual discipline part of something you already do. Maybe this summer is an opportunity to experiment. For instance, if you exercise, what if you prayed while you walked or jogged or burned up the treadmill? What if you prayed while you went through your morning routine of getting ready for work, preparing the children for the day, sending them off to daycare or school? Wouldn’t it make sense to begin your prayers focusing on what you have going on that day—a difficult meeting or a stressful deadline. Or maybe you could pray for your children and the special concerns they have that only you know of? And then to pray for the children they will encounter, and then all children, especially those who are neglected, abandoned, or mistreated here and around the world? I have found in recent years using the Daily Office from the Book of Common Prayer. If you are ever looking for words to help you, or things to pray about, or Scriptures to read, try this method-but do it attentively, thoughtfully, and prayerfully. Just google “Daily Office”, and you’ll find that this resource is at your fingertips. Or use the Upper Room or find a Bible Reading plan that will take you through the Bible in a year. But don’t just read the Scriptures, pray over them, asking God to use your reading to speak to your life. I’ve also been finding that writing is a helpful way for me to encounter God’s presence. Write about what you feel, where you hurt, or are angry, or confused. Write about your hopes and dreams and aspirations. Write in response to your reading of Scripture or some devotional guide. And then read what you have written. A great book along this line is Writing to Wake the Soul by Karen Hering. What ideas do you have? Remember, spiritual disciplines also include things like giving, serving, congregational worship, and in my mind working for justice and peace in our world. I invite you to brainstorm with me as we help one another discover the power and presence of God in our lives and in our congregation in new and wonderful ways. Peace, Matt

CONGRATULATIONS TO REV. ANITA E. MAYS who is being commissioned as a Provisional Elder at the 2014 session of the Virginia Annual Conference. Anita was sent forth into ministry from Centenary and currently serves as the Associate Pastor at Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church in Midlothian. If you wish to congratulate Anita, her address is 800 Brassie Lane, Apt. H, Glen Allen, Virginia 23059.

4th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST July 6, 2013 Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 Psalm 72 Romans 7:15-25a Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 5th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST July 13, 2013 Genesis 25:19-34 Psalm 25 Romans 8:1-11 Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

6th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST July 20, 2013 Genesis 28:10-19a Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 Romans 8:12-25 Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 7th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST July 27, 2013 Genesis 29:15-28 Psalm 105:1-11, 45b Romans 8:26-39 Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

The scripture readings are provided so that you may read and reflect upon them during the days prior to each worship service.

MEMORIAL GIFTS

In Memory of Clinton E. Jones Ginger Armstrong

Sandy & Jim Armstrong Shelly Armstrong

Florence Clay Bishop Vikki & Bill Brock Wilbur Cheatham

Janet & George Corno James R. Cratch Lou Jones Davis

Mary Ann & Rex Dazey Mary & Les Dobbs

Sonia & Warren Goddard Todd Harbold

MG(Ret.) & Mrs. John P. Henderson, Jr. Frank Hill, III

Jack & Nancy Hill Leah & Bob Hundley

Susan Iglehart Twyla Kulp

Marjorie Landers Susy Meyer

Carol & Joseph Mraz Robert L. Pitts Suzanne Ray Betty Spivey

Sharon & Richard Steele Sylvia Whaley & Clint Jones

Bernice H. Walter Mirian & Jim Wickham

In Memory of Thomas Edward Gillie Sandy & Jim Armstrong Florence Clay Bishop

Vikki & Bill Brock Mary Ann & Rex Dazey

Mary & Les Dobbs Nancy & Jack Hill

Susy Meyer Suzanne Ray

Sharon & Richard Steele Bernice H. Walter

Mirian & Jim Wickham

In Memory of Walt Rosypal

Leah & Bob Hundley

In Memory of Al Thrower

Susy Meyer

In Memory of her mother and her son

Edna M. L. Smith Knight

Unbinding Your Heart Follow-up and Celebration This past Lent we offered the congregational study, “Unbinding Your Heart,” meeting each Sunday in small groups to explore and discuss prayer, faith sharing, and evangelism. On Sunday, July 20, at 12:15 pm (following the 11:00 am worship service) we will meet again to have a light lunch and share the highlights of those discussions. Everyone is invited to join us even if you were not part of the Lenten study. This will be a wonderful opportunity for fellowship as we work together to celebrate and deepen the ministries of Centenary.

Summer Movie Nights! Centenary’s Fellowship Hall is being turned into a movie theatre one Sunday night each summer month. Join us on July 27 and August 24 at 6:30 pm for a fun movie and of course popcorn! The featured movie will be announced a few weeks before each date.

“New Shoes for Back-to-School Ministry” Centenary is again partnering with other downtown churches on Monday, September 1 (Labor Day), to distribute new shoes to as many children as possible as they return to school. The distribution will be at 2

nd Baptist Church at 3300 Broad Rock Boulevard in southside Richmond.

And once again you can help! First, we need lots and lots of new shoes. The shoes need to be practical such as sneakers, in all children and adult sizes. Monetary gifts are also welcome to allow us to purchase shoes in the sizes that are still needed after our collection. Please bring the shoes or monetary gifts to Centenary by Sunday, August 24. Second, volunteers are needed on Labor Day at 2

nd Baptist Church to help distribute the shoes throughout the

day from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Sign up for a shift on the lists that are on the Outreach bulletin board.

Notes from the Lay Leader Mark your calendars now for upcoming Laity Lunches.

We have heard many people say they wish that we, as a congregation, had more time to just be together and visit with each other. So let’s do it!

On August 17

th we will have our first Laity Lunch after the 11:00 worship service. Details

will follow. October 19

th is Laity Sunday. On that day we will have special worship services and will

enjoy another Laity Lunch after the 11:00 service.

Thanks to all of you who continue to pray each Sunday for the renewal of our Congregation, the Virginia Conference and The United Methodist Church. And thanks to those who are aiming for the daily hour of practicing spiritual disciplines.

Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances… 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18a

SUN MON TUES WED THU FRI SAT

Every Sunday

8:40 AM Informal Worship

10:00 AM Sunday School

11:00 AM Traditional Worship

Every Monday

Every Tuesday

12:00 PM Men’s Group at

Aunt Sarah’s

12:00 PM - AA

Every Wednesday

12:00 PM Staff Meeting

Every Thursday

Every Friday

10:30 AM Walk-In & Bless My

Sole Ministries

12:00 PM - AA

1

5:30 - 7:30 pm NAMI Family

Support Group

2

3

4

Church Office Closed

5

6 7

8

5:30 - 7:30 pm NAMI Family

Support Group

9

10

11

12

8:00 pm Richard III

at Agecroft Hall

13 14 No

Administrative Council

15

5:30 - 7:30 pm NAMI Family

Support Group

16

17

18

19

20

12:15 pm “Unbinding Your Heart” Lunch &

Celebration

21

22

5:30 - 7:30 pm NAMI Family

Support Group

23

24

25

26 10:00 am

Rain Barrel Workshop

27 6:30 pm

Summer Movie Night

28

29

5:30 - 7:30 pm NAMI Family

Support Group

30 31

July 1 John Ford July 2 Dave Jarvis July 3 Wirt Brock, V Les Dobbs Isabel Junker July 4 Madeleine Chasse (Crick) July 5 George Little, Jr. Matthew Steele July 7 Jacob Armstrong Mary E. Vetrovec July 9 Bob Hundley, Sr. July 10 Laurie Cardoza July 13 Nancy Lickey Dean Simpson Beth Vetrovec July 14 Jonathan Nuckols July 15 Susan Thomas

July 18 Sonia Smith July 19 Bill Brock Mary Dobbs July 20 Edna M. L. Knight July 21 Kate Hundley July 23 Mary Alice Nesbitt July 24 R.B. Bennington Carter Johnson (Hinchman) Sylvia Whaley July 25 Bob Almond Vikki Brock July 27 Sarah Anzelmo-Steele July 30 Ryland Bailey, Jr. Olivia Steele July 31 Rev. Judy Brown John Stottlemyer

THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS OF CENTENARY’S 34TH GOLF CLASSIC

ADD-A-DECK BAILEY PROPERTIES

Connie & R.B. Bennington Mary & Tom Bailey

Florence Clay Bishop Bob Buntin

Alice & Roy Cooke Mary & Les Dobbs

Lucille Hunt Lila Irby, in memory of Moreland Irby

Lila Irby, in memory of Ida Gray & Stewart Pierce Nancy Lee, in memory of Harry Lee

Beth & Richard McNeil Jan & Troy Nelson

PEOPLE SOLUTIONS Suzanne Ray Pat Shipley

Sue Siddons Ms. Evan Ward

Sylvia Whaley & Clint Jones Doug & Patsy Marrs Wilson

ACOLYTES 06 Christina Kidd 13 Taylor Lee 20 Isabel Junker 27 Katie Shingleton ALTAR GUILD 06 Mary Sue Sanderlin 13 Nancy Grand 20 Serena Durst 27 Lucille Hunt Sylvia Whaley BANNER BEARERS 06 Agatha Kidd 13 Vic Grand 20 Chris Junker 27 Ryland Bailey, Jr. COMMUNION STEWARDS 06 Lorna Leake Mirian Wickham GREETERS 06 Mary Ann & Rex Dazey 13 Mirian & Jim Wickham 20 Doug & Patsy Marrs Wilson 27 A.J. & Phil Crick HALL MONITORS 06 Joe Speidel Jim Hill 13 Earl Siddons R.B. Bennington 20 Herb Young Neil Shingleton 27 Chris Junker Charley Webber

JULY WORSHIP HELPERS

LAY READERS 06 Doug Wilson 13 Alan Davis 20 Susy Meyer 27 Bob Hundley, Jr. NURSERY 06 Lorna Leake 13 Mary Sue Sanderlin 20 Carolyn Dinwiddie 27 Nancy Hill TELLERS 07 Ginny Jarvis & Sylvia Whaley 14 Ryland Bailey, Jr. & Jack Hill 21 Ryland Bailey, Jr. & Jack Hill 28 Roy Cooke & Lila Irby USHERS Keith Hinerman, Captain Ryland Bailey, Sr. Ryland Bailey, Jr. Rex Dazey Matthew Steele COORDINATORS Lay Readers: Phyllis Stump (330-2544) Greeters and Hall Monitors: Sylvia Whaley & Clint Jones (795-5492) Tellers: Suzanne Ray (262-4854) Ushers: Sylvia Whaley & Clint Jones (795-5492)

CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Worship………………………………………..8:40 a.m.

Sunday School………………………………..10:00 a.m.

Worship …………………………………...…11:00 a.m.

STAFF

Senior Minister………………...….….Matthew D. Bates

Minister to Senior Adults…….…..Cheryl Owen-Watson

Director of Music/Organist…………...Stanley M. Baker

Director of Membership Development…...….Ann Davis

Administrative Assistant………...………Reeves Danter

Senior Accountant……………...…….…….John Lampe

Facilities Manager…………...…………..Al Richardson

Sexton…………………………...……………Saran Yin

Choir Section Leaders …………………Brittany Brooks

……………………………...………………Alden Bean

……………………………………...…….Todd Minnich

………………………………..…….………...Sam Cook

Early Service Musician………….………Lee Covington

Nursery Worker……………….…....…Melissa Martinez

Nursery Worker………………………...Shannon Hocutt

411 East Grace Street

Richmond, Virginia 23219

Phone: 648-8319

www.centumc.org

Matt – mbates3@verizon.net

Cheryl - owenwatson@comcast.net

Ann - cent.davis@verizon.net

Reeves – cent.umc@verizon.net

Stan – dirmusic@verizon.net

John - finsecretary3@verizon.net

Centenary United Methodist

Church is a Reconciling

Congregation, extending

hospitality and encouraging

full participation of all,

regardless of age, race,

national origin, gender,

gender identity, sexual

orientation, marital status,

educational or economic

background and physical or

mental ability.

CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

411 EAST GRACE STREET

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23219

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED