Centenary United Methodist Church

09/04/2026

In Romans 13:8-10, the Apostle Paul offers a challenging instruction: "Owe no one anything, except to love each other."

While we often strive to clear our financial ledgers and keep our accounts balanced, Paul reminds us there’s one debt we can never fully pay off—the ongoing debt of love we owe to our neighbors. All of God’s rules and commandments, Paul explains, are summed up in a single commandment to love your neighbor as yourself, because "love does no wrong to a neighbor."

What might it look like to live that out in our daily lives? Come worship with us this coming Sunday if you’d like to hear more and celebrate Holy Communion.
- Pastor Vann

09/04/2026

Every church has that person who knows which cabinet holds the extra communion supplies, who to call when the copier breaks, and how to keep everything running—all while smiling through the chaos.

Your church administrator just came to mind, didn't they? 💛

They do so much ministry behind the scenes, and they're worth investing in.

Send them to the 2026 PAUMCS Annual Retreat, Nov. 13–15 at Caraway Conference Center. A weekend to learn, worship, laugh, connect with others who get it, and remember why the work matters.

No PAUMCS membership required—every administrator, ministry assistant, and office manager is welcome.

Give them a weekend to breathe. 💛

📍 Caraway Conference Center | Nov. 13–15
🔗 https://wnc-reg.brtapp.com/PAUMCSWorkshop2026

08/21/2026

Mystery Man

When Jesus asks his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" in Matthew 16, he isn't testing their theology. He’s asking for their allegiance.

We have a remarkable ability to deceive ourselves. We tend to create a Jesus in our own image, a Savior who validates our preexisting worldview. But when we compare our “personal Jesus” to the many scriptural depictions of the Messiah, we’re confronted by a Mystery Man who shatters our expectations. Join us Sunday as we explore the enigma of Jesus and consider how our beliefs about him shape the kind of people we become.

~Pastor Vann

08/21/2026

08/18/2026

Mark your calendars! School is starting soon and we need to make sure that kids in our area (Craven, Jones and Pamlico Counties!) have access to enough safe and nutritious food! We will need to pack 6400 (!) weekend food bags on August 24 and 25 . . . and we need you to help!! Click the link below to sign up to make a difference!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090D4BA9AB2AA0FD0-65032384-back

08/18/2026

🔔 Ring in the New Season! Handbell Choirs are Back! 🔔

Are your kids ready to make some music for the Lord?

Are they ready to be a part of a team that will lead in Worship here at Centenary?

Our Children’s and Youth Handbell Choirs are kicking off a brand-new season under the direction of Nancy Shelby!

No prior music or note-reading experience is required—just a desire to have fun and praise God through music!

📅 Start Date: Tuesday, September 8th
⏰ Time: 4:30 PM
📍 Location: The Sanctuary

📝 How to Sign Up:

Parents, you can fill out the sign-up slip in this Sunday's bulletin and drop it in the offering plate.

Be sure to include your child's full name, Upcoming Grade Level (1st Grade and above), your phone number, and your email address.

See you on September 8th! Let's get ready to ring! 🎵🎉

08/14/2026

“Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them…”
– Genesis 45:14-15

We often read the story of Joseph – particularly these verses of Genesis 45 – and ponder the question of divine activity and human free will. We think that God’s use of Joseph’s tragic circumstances to save himself and his family is miraculous.

But what if the real miracle is not that God saves; that is the nature of our God after all. Instead of seeking vengeance against his brothers, Joseph extends grace to his brothers when he could have been angry. Joseph embraces his brothers when he could have sought vengeance. In short – the real miracle in this story is forgiveness.

We hope to see you on Sunday at 8:30, 9:00, or 11:00 as we reflect on the story of Joseph and his radical example of forgiveness.

~ Pastor Tyler

08/07/2026

Tribes

Each of us is a composite being, made up of multiple allegiances—from our cultural background and political affiliations to our family roles and personal interests. While these “tribes” aren’t inherently bad, it’s human nature to use them to divide ourselves and judge others.

Join us for worship Sunday as we find a better way in Romans 3 and 10 and Psalm 145. We’ll discover how our ultimate identity in Christ doesn’t cancel out our earthly tribes but puts them in proper perspective.

~Pastor Vann

07/31/2026

Compassion Fatigue

Have you ever felt like you have nothing left to give? In a world of continuous conflict, hardship, and overwhelming need, it’s easy to hit an emotional wall. Medical professionals and first responders call it "compassion fatigue"—that exhausting moment when your capacity for empathy runs dry.

But you don't have to be a professional to feel this way. You just have to be human.

Join us for worship Sunday, and we’ll look at a moment in Matthew 14 when Jesus's disciples experienced compassion fatigue. Faced with a hungry crowd, their instinct was to send the people away. Instead, Jesus offered them a different path.

~Pastor Vann