What to Expect
When asked to name some of the scariest places one could visit, most church-goers would not think that God’s house would make the list. However, for the first-time visitor, church can be exactly that—scary!
At Centenary, we make every effort to greet our guests with warmth and a spirit of welcoming. If you are thinking about visiting Centenary for the first time, don't worry—you can expect friendly faces and a worship experience like none other.
Since you are here visiting with us online, we’d like to provide you with some information that will make your first visit to Centenary spiritually uplifting and carefree.
Parking
Centenary offers convenient parking on 5th Street (directly across from the Sanctuary entrance) and 4 ½ Street (facing the 4½ Street Main Entrance). Guests wishing to take part in Traditional worship services in the Sanctuary are encouraged to park at the 5th Street lot. First-time visitors are invited to park directly in front of the Sanctuary, in the spaces marked “First-Time Visitor.” Guests wishing to visit our Welcome Desk and hospitality area service are encouraged to park at the 4 ½ Street lot.
Greeters
We want to help you have a wonderful church experience while you are with us. Whether you are entering into the Narthex via the 5th Street Entrance or coming in through the 4 ½ Street entrance, our volunteer greeters want to make your acquaintance. They can help you find Sunday School classrooms, child care, church information or anything else you might need. Greeters are easily identifiable by their blue and red "Welcome" badges. If they don't find you first, please take the time to introduce yourself—you'll be glad you did!
Welcome Tables
As our guest, we invite you to join us at our welcome tables for doughnuts and coffee. Tables are located in our Auditorium just beyond the 4 ½ Street entrance. This is the perfect spot to fill your tank and learn more about the church.
Child Care
Your child is safe at Centenary. Our loving and child-friendly facility is the perfect place for infants, toddlers and children. Infants and toddlers can expect special care and attention from childcare staff and member-volunteers. Children will enjoy playtime and fun-filled activities balanced with spiritual growth opportunities.
Children’s Worship
During the 11:00 am service, children ages four through first grade, will be given the opportunity to attend Children's Worship. Led by Reverend Abby Hedgecock, your child will take part in age-specific group activities with their peers. Activities always include a bible story, song, craft and playtime.
Sunday School
Conveniently nestled between our 8:45 and 11:00 am services, Sunday School is open to everyone. Classes begin at 9:45 am. Each class provides opportunities for fellowship and spiritual growth. Centenary offers multiple class styles for persons of all ages. Our classes give members and guests the opportunity to discuss life-relevant topics and the ability to explore questions and ideas as they relate to the current sermon series.
Worship
Centenary offers members and guests two enriching and life-relevant worship experiences in our Sanctuary as well as an outstanding informal service in Room 120.
8:45 am—Similar to the 11:00 am service in many ways, early risers may find our 8:45 am service most appealing. Traditional in style, this worship service combines a rich liturgical worship experience with the splendid choral offerings of Centenary's Sanctuary Choir. Led by Senior Minister Dr. Peter C. Graves, this service aims to provide clear, life-related and relevant biblical preaching to those seeking an alternative time of worship.
9:00 am—Our Morning Light worship service is held on the main level in Room 120. Known simply as "Morning Light" this informal, but uplifting service offers an engaging and authentic worship style for persons seeking an intentional, experiential and relational faith experience. Casual in nature, this service welcomes persons of all ages and is a favorite among younger faith seekers.
11:00 am—Centenary's signature service begins at 11:00 am. Traditional in style, this worship service combines a rich liturgical worship experience with the excellent choral offerings of Centenary's Chancel Choir. Led by Senior Minister Dr. Peter C. Graves, this service aims to provide clear, life-related and relevant biblical preaching to one and all. A live broadcast of Centenary's 11:00 am service can be heard weekly on 600 AM WJSJ.
Music
Music is one of the defining features of worship at Centenary. Traditional services feature a grand display of musical excellence highlighted by Centenary's Austin organ, Chancel and Sanctuary choirs, grand piano, traditional hymns, and during special services, a full-scale orchestra.
Morning Light features a combination of traditional and praise-style music often accompanied by keyboards, guitars and drums. Music is provided by Centenary's Morning Light praise band.
Messages for the Mind and Spirit
At Centenary, God's word is the foundation on which we base all biblical truth. From this foundation you can expect challenging and thought provoking messages that are as relevant today as they were two thousand years ago.
Giving
During each service, tithes and offerings will be received. This is a biblically-sound practice and one that we believe, makes us good stewards of all that God has provided to us. However, as a visitor, we want you to know that there is no pressure to give. As our guest, we respect your decision to give as yours and yours alone.
Guest Tables
Before you leave, please take a moment to visit one of our guest information tables. One of our greeters has an information packet and special gift waiting for you. Guest information tables are located in the Sanctuary's Narthex (main entrance) and toward the back of Room 120, where Morning Light gathers. Centenary also has information centers throughout the church. Feel free to take any information offered at these centers. a special table has been set up for you in the Sanctuary's Narthex.
Other Events
Nearly all Centenary activities are open to the public. Most are free, but some events do carry a fee to cover materials, transportation and other expenses. There are three great ways to learn about all Centenary has to offer you can visit Centenary's Website, read Through Centenary Windows--our bi-monthly newsletter or subscribe to our weekly "What's Happening" email. We hope you will chose to fellowship with us!
Blessing from the members and staff of Centenary United Methodist Church.
