Centenary United Methodist Church

06/12/2026

Friday Greetings - June 12th
Ordinary Righteousness

"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them..."

I think compassion is one of those things that seems to be in short supply these days. We have judgmentalism, hatred, division, contempt, and plenty of anger. But compassion seems to have been edged out by all of that.

But in this week's reading from Matthew's Gospel, when Jesus saw the crowds who had come to him for healing and wholeness, his first response was to be moved with compassion.

We will be reflecting on the role of compassion in our journey as disciples, shaping a life of ordinary righteousness this Sunday at 8:30, 9:00, and 11:00. We hope you will join us for worship!
~ Pastor Tyler

06/05/2026

Friday Greetings — June 5:
Inverted Righteousness

Verbal irony is when one thing is said, but the opposite is meant. The contrast between expectation and reality emphasizes the speaker's intended meaning. Irony is a powerful rhetorical tool, but some people seem incapable of discerning it. They hear what is said literally rather than ironically, and the point is lost on them.

The writers of scripture were masters of rhetoric. In 1 Corinthians 1:25, Paul says, “God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.” God isn’t actually foolish, but to those who are overconfident in their own wisdom, God’s ways appear foolish. God isn’t actually weak, but to those who feel powerful because of their own strength, God’s ways seem weak. Paul says one thing but means another. He also helps his listeners by explaining the irony.

But not all scriptural irony comes with a built-in cheat code. For example, Jesus says in Matthew 9:13, “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners.” The usual explanation for this puzzling saying is that since no one is truly righteous, Jesus is saying he’s come for everybody. That’s true only at a superficial level. Why not just say, “I have come to call everybody”?

Why use irony here, Lord? If you want to know the answer, join us for worship this coming Sunday. The Lord’s Table is always open at Centenary.
~Pastor Vann

05/29/2026

Church Beyond the Walls

Christian faith was never meant to be confined within a building, no matter how beautiful or inspiring that building may be. A faith that isn’t active is, at best, dormant. This Sunday, Centenary will send teams out into New Bern to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Their work will be their worship. It’s not too late to join a team. Show up around 800 if you haven’t already volunteered, and we’ll find you a place. Whether you venture beyond the walls or not, join us at 1100 am in the Sanctuary for a time of celebration and praise.
~Pastor Vann

05/20/2026

Well, this is our last Wednesday Night FEAST together as we start summer break. We hope you come hungry because the United Methodist Men are cooking up a delicious meal of their famous homemade meatloaf! 😋

There’s nothing better than good food, great fellowship, and time together with our church family. Whether you come every week or it’s your first time joining us, there’s always a seat waiting for you at the table! 💛

Bring your appetite, bring a friend, and come enjoy an evening filled with laughter, connection, and community.

We can’t wait to see you this evening! 🙌

05/19/2026

05/18/2026

What an amazing performance!

05/18/2026

🎓 Congratulations Class of 2026! 🎓

05/18/2026

05/18/2026

The church office is so quiet today. We will miss our preschool Littles this summer! And we are so happy for our graduates that are headed to kindergarten!