What’s Happening at CG 12/1/2021
A Note From Our Pastor
  “Prepare the Way!” A voice is crying out: ‘Clear the Lord’s way in the desert! Make a level highway in the wilderness for our God!’ –Isaiah 40:3 (CEB) Advent is a time of expectation and hope. It’s a holy season to anticipate a brighter future, with endless possibilities. This is why I firmly believe that the church of Jesus Christ is in the “hope business.” We seek to offer a word of hope in the midst of a world consumed with chaos and confusion. The church has a high-calling to proclaim boldly the words of the prophet, Isaiah: “Prepare the way of the Lord!” Have you ever reflected on the responsibility that comes with this declaration? The people of Israel had waited for hundreds of years for a Messiah, who would save them from their turmoil and suffering. Even though the people of Israel, as a whole, did not always obey God and remain hopeful, as they should, there remained among them a faithful group of people who were able to keep hope alive. Isaiah stands in the midst of a community that has lost hope and given up in despair, but yet, he proclaims with boldness that the time was coming in which God would save his people. We stand in this tradition of proclaiming a brighter future for our community. The commercialization of the holiday season has fooled us into thinking that all is bright and joyful, but in reality, people are suffering and hurting all around us. People are giving up on being hopeful every day. During this season, we should ask ourselves: What am I doing to be a “hope-barrier?” What am I doing to proclaim that God has promised to never leave us, nor forsake us? What am I doing to make the world a better place? The interesting thing about hope is that hope is contagious. If you share your hope for a better world with others, they too will catch this God-given vision. Advent blessings, Pastor Cowser  |
Worship Celebration
December 5, 2021
Join us for our Worship Celebration on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. via In-Person, or Facebook Live on the Center Grove United Methodist Church Facebook page.
You can also join our live streaming celebration via the following media outlets:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFfMEFeWdt294sXw_EOH7jA
Church Website: http://centergroveumc.org/
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/event/51681
Remember The Sick & Home-bound
Mrs. Gladys Jacobs
Mrs. Madgie Jamar
Ms. Marjorie Ewing
Mrs. Cora King
Ms. Theresa Hope
Mrs. Zena Love Hill
Mr. Carl Bradley
Mrs. Barbara Baker
Mr. Bobby Readus
Mrs. Ollie Gilliam
Pastor Ruth J. Smith
Mrs. Carla Larry
Rev. Carolyn Hillard
Mr. Matthew Baker
Community Information
Words of Encouragement
A Note From Our Associate Pastor:Pastor Marian Royston
 Psalm 126:3The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced. I think it goes without saying that we have much to be thankful for this year. This time last year, in-person gatherings were strongly discouraged. The pandemic was raging, and we still had no idea when vaccines would be available. Worship services were conducted online, and there was a bit of fear in the air as we stared down the winter season. We could only pray for the day when we could all be together again, and hope that the time came sooner rather than later. Thanks be to God that this year is different. Sunday’s Harvest celebration felt like a big homecoming. As I looked out onto the congregation on Sunday, I couldn’t help but think of the lyrics to the hymn “Sweet, Sweet Spirit:” There’s a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place, And I know that it’s the Spirit of the Lord; There are sweet expressions on each face, And I know they feel the presence of the Lord. The Spirit of the Lord was present among us as we celebrated, worshipped, remembered, and gave thanks. After the challenges that we’ve faced over the past eighteen or so months how can we not give thanks for being able to share such a special time together? Despite our continued challenges with the pandemic and the ups and downs of daily life, Sunday served to remind us of God’s faithfulness. This week, we celebrate Thanksgiving. For many families, Thanksgiving will be a much more festive experience than it was this time last year. For everyone celebrating on Thursday, it is my prayer that you find joy as you break bread with your loved ones. We have sown our tears, let us begin to reap joy (Psalm 126:5). |
Thank You Center Grove family and friends for another awesome Harvest Celebration! You may click the link below to view the 78th Harvest Souvenir Book.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MD-oCVzSvDgwOnuZVGEhxN429pqlZiM-/view?usp=sharing
Worship Celebration
November 28, 2021
Join us for our Worship Celebration on Sunday at 11:00 a.m.via In-Person, or Facebook Live on the Center Grove United Methodist Church Facebook page.
You can also join our live streaming celebration via the following media outlets:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFfMEFeWdt294sXw_EOH7jA
Church Website: http://centergroveumc.org/
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/event/51681
Remember The Sick & Home-bound
Mrs. Gladys Jacobs
Mrs. Madgie Jamar
Ms. Marjorie Ewing
Mrs. Cora King
Ms. Theresa Hope
Mrs. Zena Love Hill
Mr. Carl Bradley
Mrs. Barbara Baker
Mrs. Ollie Gilliam
Pastor Ruth J. Smith
Mrs. Carla Larry
Rev. Carolyn Hillard
Mr. Matthew Baker
Bereaved Family: The Readus Family
Community Information
Words of Encouragement
A Note From Our Pastor
 “Come, Celebrate Harvest!”Dear Center Grove Family & Friends: Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We have a reason to celebrate at Center Grove! Although the times have been challenging in our world, we have continued to be blessed. Because we have strong and dedicated church members and ministry partners, we have continued to be an irresistible light in our community and beyond by the new and renewed ways we offer worship services, Bible studies, and mission opportunities. I have heard countless testimonies from many of you of how your faith in God, and hope for the future, have grown stronger, especially in this season. As we make our way through this time, I believe God is calling us to remain faithful in proclaiming His goodness and demonstrating His love in the world. Our communities are yearning for hope and direction and the church must stand like never before as a beacon of light and love. For this reason, we celebrate our 78th Annual Harvest with the theme of “In Due Season” based on Galatians 6:9 in which the Apostle Paul writes, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (NKJV). We must encourage one another to keep on doing what we’ve been doing to remain faithful in our devotion to God and serve the needs of others. As we celebrate our Harvest this Sunday, remember that Center Grove has a vibrant history, an exciting present, and a promising future. Although times have changed, the Gospel mandate to reach people for Jesus Christ remains the same. As we continue to journey together as pastor and congregation, let us pray, focus, and diligently work to transform lives by being an irresistible light in the community winning souls for Jesus Christ. See you in church on Sunday! Pastor Cowser |
78th Harvest Worship Celebration
November 21, 2021
Join us for our Worship Celebration on Sunday at 11:00 a.m.via In-Person, or Facebook Live on the Center Grove United Methodist Church Facebook page.
You can also join our live streaming celebration via the following media outlets:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFfMEFeWdt294sXw_EOH7jA
Church Website: http://centergroveumc.org/
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/event/51681
Remember The Sick & Home-bound
Mrs. Gladys Jacobs
Mrs. Madgie Jamar
Ms. Marjorie Ewing
Mrs. Cora King
Ms. Theresa Hope
Mrs. Zena Love Hill
Mr. Carl Bradley
Mrs. Barbara Baker
Mr. Bobby Readus
Mrs. Ollie Gilliam
Pastor Ruth J. Smith
Mrs. Carla Larry
Rev. Carolyn Hillard
Mr. Matthew Baker
Community Information
Words of Encouragement
A Note From Our Pastor
| Dear Center Grove Family: “The Blessing Business” Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. -James 1:17 (ESV) This year, although challenging because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, has been a great year in the life of our congregation. We have navigated through new territory by learning to be a hybrid church, both in-person and online; we have reached the community through food giveaways and collected supplies for our partner schools. We are currently in the process of providing toys for children at Christmas and supporting local community agencies. Because of the grace of God and the faithful financial giving of our congregation, we have not only sustained our current ministries, but we are joyful about the future of the church. I am sure that you would agree that God is in the blessing business! As a matter of fact, as children of God, we are recipients of so many blessings that we cannot begin to count them all. However, I pray that you and your family will join me in counting the many blessings that God has bestowed upon us. Simply thank God for what our eyes have seen and our ears have heard. I firmly believe that once we have counted our blessings, we have a responsibility to join God, our Heavenly Father, in the blessing business. It can be as easy as taking some time each day to bless someone that God places on your heart. Blessings to you and yours, Pastor Cowser |
34th Youth Harvest
Worship Celebration
November 14, 2021
Join us for our Worship Celebration on Sunday at 11:00 a.m.via In-Person, or Facebook Live on the Center Grove United Methodist Church Facebook page.
You can also join our live streaming celebration via the following media outlets:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFfMEFeWdt294sXw_EOH7jA
Church Website: http://centergroveumc.org/
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/event/51681
Remember The Sick & Home-bound
Mrs. Gladys Jacobs
Mrs. Madgie Jamar
Ms. Marjorie Ewing
Mrs. Cora King
Ms. Theresa Hope
Mrs. Zena Love Hill
Mr. Carl Bradley
Mrs. Barbara Baker
Mr. Bobby Readus
Mrs. Ollie Gilliam
Pastor Ruth J. Smith
Mrs. Carla Larry
Rev. Carolyn Hillard
Mr. Matthew Baker
Community Information
Words of Encouragement
A Note From Our Pastor
| Dear Center Grove Family: I pray this note finds you well. The Season of Advent is one of my favorite times in the life of the church. This year, Advent begins Sunday, November 28th, and ends Thursday, December 23rd. Traditionally, Christians use the four Sundays and weeks of Advent to prepare and remember the real meaning of Christmas, which is the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Our 2021 Advent sermon series will be “What the World Needs Now…” and each Sunday we will explore one of the traditional themes of Advent: hope, peace, joy, and love. During this season, I invite you and your family to participate in these ways: 1. Attend in-person or online worship services each Sunday at 11:00 a.m. I would love to worship with you and your family in-person in our sanctuary. We continue to follow our safety protocols on Sundays by checking temperatures upon entry, wearing face masks, and social distancing by 6 feet. If you are uncomfortable attending in-person or if other circumstances prevent you from attending in-person, I truly understand and ask that you continue to participate in our worship services online. 2. Create an Advent Wreath at home to reflect on the meaning of the season each week. You may download the instructions on how to create an at-home Advent Wreath from our website or pick up an Advent Kit from the church on Sundays after service or contact the church office. Once you have created your Advent wreath, take a picture of it, and post it on Facebook using #CGAdvent2021. The Pastoral Staff will determine who has the best Advent Wreath. The winner will be announced on Facebook and will receive a gift card. The deadline to post your picture on Facebook will be Sunday, December 19th. 3. Participate in our Annual Angel Tree project to purchase toys for children in need at one of our partner schools. For more information on how to participate, contact the church office. 4. Continue to support our church through your tithes and offerings. Your financial gifts help us to not only sustain the operations of the church, but we are able to fund missions and outreach projects during the holiday season and beyond. In closing, I pray a special blessing over you and your family this holiday season. May God continue to bless you in mind, body, soul, and spirit. Above all, may you experience anew the joy that comes from knowing that God has sent his one and only son, Jesus Christ, into the world so that we may have an abundant life. Grateful to be your pastor, Pastor Cowser |
Click the link below to access the 78th Harvest Ad Form. The ad deadline is Friday, November 5th, 2021. 78th Harvest Celebration
Worship Celebration
Nov 7, 2021
Join us for our Worship Celebration on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. via In-Person, or Facebook Live on the Center Grove United Methodist Church Facebook page.
You can also join our live streaming celebration via the following media outlets:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFfMEFeWdt294sXw_EOH7jA
Church Website: http://centergroveumc.org/
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/event/51681
The Charge Conference of Center Grove UMC will meet on Sunday, November 14, 2021, 6:00-6:30 p.m. via Zoom. All members are invited to participate. To receive the login credentials in order to attend, please contact the church office no later than Tuesday, November 9th.
Remember The Sick & Home-bound
Mrs. Gladys Jacobs
Mrs. Madgie Jamar
Ms. Marjorie Ewing
Mrs. Cora King
Ms. Theresa Hope
Mrs. Zena Love Hill
Mr. Carl Bradley
Mrs. Barbara Baker
Mr. Bobby Readus
Mrs. Ollie Gilliam
Pastor Ruth J. Smith
Mrs. Carla Larry
Rev. Carolyn Hillard
Mr. Matthew Baker
Community Information
Words of Encouragement
A Note From Our Associate Pastor:Pastor Ruth J. Smith
 Lessons Learned from Nehemiah For the past several weeks we journeyed through a bible study entitled “Walking with Nehemiah – Your Community is Your Congregation” written by Joseph W. Daniels Jr. He used the book of Nehemiah as a model for writing this book. This pandemic has forced us to look beyond our next-door neighbor. It has forced us to look at a broader perspective of who our neighbors are. The story of Nehemiah gives us a perfect example of how the church is to connect with the communities it serves. The first lesson learned from Mr. Daniels’ book is that we must too have a burden for our troubled communities. Nehemiah’s heart became heavily burdened and he mourned for days when he was told that the city of Jerusalem was left in ruins and of the horrible condition the children of Israel who were left behind were facing (Nehemiah 1:4). The second lesson learned is that we must pray before taking any actions. After Nehemiah had finished mourning, he prayed and cried out to God asking for guidance (Nehemiah 1:4). The third lesson learned is that we must be willing to take a risk. Nehemiah was a cupbearer to the king. It could have been life-threatening going before the King with a sad face. It would have caused the King to become suspicious of his actions, but Nehemiah took a risk to show his emotions. God gave Nehemiah favor with the king. The king not only gave him permission to go, but gave him the resources he needed (Nehemiah 2:1-9). The fourth lesson learned is that we must remain silent until God shows us the need. We can’t share things right away because of naysayers and people who will kill the mission before it can take place. Nehemiah went out during the night so he could see the need. After he saw the need, he shared the mission (Nehemiah 2:10). The fifth lesson learned is once we see the need, we must be willing to commit all the way – “we must be all-in.” Nehemiah established a “oneness” with God and surrendered to God’s will. Now he is ready to begin the task at hand. We must become one with God and totally surrender to His will (Nehemiah 3). The sixth lesson learned is we should not do the work for them, but we should invite them to join us in doing the work. The last lesson learned I want to highlight is we must stay alert, focused, and determined to complete the task. Nehemiah had many distractions to deal with, but he remained committed to the task at hand. He held a sword in one hand and his tools in the other hand. He stayed ready to face any obstacle that came against him. There were so many lessons to be learned that I can’t share them all. I highly suggest you read the book. It is a very good tool to use when trying to connect/reconnect with the communities that you are serving. I want to thank our Associate Pastor, Marian Royston for being an excellent facilitator in leading us through this Bible Study. Ready to put the lessons learned into action! Your Associate Pastor Ruth Smith |
Worship Celebration
Oct 31, 2021
Join us for our Worship Celebration on Sunday at 9:31 a.m. via In-Person, or Facebook Live on the Center Grove United Methodist Church Facebook page.
You can also join our live streaming celebration via the following media outlets:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFfMEFeWdt294sXw_EOH7jA
Church Website: http://centergroveumc.org/
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/event/51681
Click the link below to access the 78th Harvest Ad Form. The ad deadline is Friday, November 5th, 2021. 78th Harvest Celebration
The Charge Conference of Center Grove UMC will meet on Sunday, November 14, 2021, 6:00-6:30 p.m. via Zoom. All members are invited to participate. To receive the login credentials in order to attend, please contact the church office no later than Tuesday, November 9th.
Remember The Sick & Home-bound
Mrs. Gladys Jacobs
Mrs. Madgie Jamar
Ms. Marjorie Ewing
Mrs. Cora King
Ms. Theresa Hope
Mrs. Zena Love Hill
Mr. Carl Bradley
Mrs. Barbara Baker
Mr. Bobby Readus
Mrs. Ollie Gilliam
Pastor Ruth J. Smith
Mrs. Carla Larry
Rev. Carolyn Hillard
Mr. Matthew Baker
Community Information
National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2021 Click the image below to read the article America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion published by the US Department of Labor.
Words of Encouragement
A Note From Pastor Cowser
| A Note From Our Pastor |
Dear Center Grove Family & Friends: Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! The COVID-19 pandemic has touched us all in many ways and I continue to pray daily for our church family and community. Although the times have been challenging, we have continued to be blessed at Center Grove. Because we have strong and dedicated church members and ministry partners, we have continued to be an irresistible light in our community and beyond by the new and renewed ways we offer worship services, Bible studies, and mission opportunities. I have heard countless testimonies from many of you of how your faith in God, and hope for the future, have grown stronger, especially in this season. I am writing to announce our 2021 Annual Harvest Celebration. This year’s theme will be “In Due Season” based on Galatians 6:9 in which the Apostle Paul writes, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (NKJV). I will be preaching our 34th Youth Harvest Celebration and it will be on Sunday, November 14, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. Our 78th Church Harvest will be Sunday, November 21, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. and Rev. Dr. Tiwirai Kufarimai, Pastor of St. Paul UMC-Triana, will be our guest preacher. In keeping with our Harvest Tradition, the Harvest Souvenir Book will still be available this year—in print and digital. Advertisements may be purchased for: Encouragement, Fraternity and Sorority, College and University, Business Advertisement, In Memory or In Honor, and Church Committees/Auxiliaries. Our souvenir book is a wonderful testimony to the faith, heritage, and excellence of the people of God called Center Grove Church. Click the link for more information on purchasing an advertisement (78th Harvest). The deadline is Friday, November 5, 2021. In closing, thank you for the many ways you continue to support the ministries of Center Grove. Some amazing things have happened in the life of our church this year. I am truly amazed by the ways that the members and friends of our church go over and beyond to bless our church, our ministries, and our community. It’s Harvest Time! Pastor Cowser |
Choir Robe Pickup! Attention ALL CG Choir Members: Choir robes will be available for pickup on Wednesday, October 20th, and Thursday, October 21st from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., and Sunday, October 24th following morning worship.
Center Grove Family and Friends, in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness ALL are asked to wear Pink, or Purple on Sunday, October 24th.
Worship Celebration
Oct 24, 2021
Join us for our Worship Celebration on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. via In-Person, or Facebook Live on the Center Grove United Methodist Church Facebook page.
You can also join our live streaming celebration via the following media outlets:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFfMEFeWdt294sXw_EOH7jA
Church Website: http://centergroveumc.org/
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/event/51681
Click the link below to access the 78th Harvest Ad Form. The ad deadline is Friday, November 5th, 2021. 78th Harvest Celebration
The Charge Conference of Center Grove UMC will meet on Sunday, November 14, 2021, 6:00-6:30 p.m. via Zoom. All members are invited to participate. To receive the login credentials in order to attend, please contact the church office no later than Tuesday, November 9th.
Remember The Sick & Home-bound
Mrs. Gladys Jacobs
Mrs. Madgie Jamar
Ms. Marjorie Ewing
Mrs. Cora King
Ms. Theresa Hope
Mrs. Zena Love Hill
Mr. Carl Bradley
Mrs. Barbara Baker
Mr. Bobby Readus
Mrs. Ollie Gilliam
Pastor Ruth J. Smith
Mrs. Carla Larry
Rev. Carolyn Hillard
Community Information
National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2021 Click the image below to read the article America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion published by the US Department of Labor.
Words of Encouragement
A Note From Pastor Cowser
| A Note From Our Pastor |
A Call to 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting They will rebuild ancient ruins on your account; the foundations of generations past you will restore. You will be Mender of Broken Walls, Restorer of Livable Streets. – Isaiah 58:12 (CEB) I write to invite those who are physically able and called by God to participate in our “21 Days of Prayer & Fasting” beginning Monday, October 18th and ending Sunday, November 7th. During our prayer and fasting, we will seek God for opportunities to reach our community. The COVID-19 Pandemic has drastically changed our world and everyone has been affected in some way—physically, emotionally, economically, and/or spiritually. As we make our way through this time, I believe God is calling us to remain faithful in proclaiming His goodness and demonstrating His love in the world. Our communities are yearning for hope and direction and the church must stand like never before as a beacon of light and love. So, what does this mean for Center Grove? It means that as a result of our prayer and fasting, we believe that God will begin to reveal new and renewed ways that we can effectively minister to and with our community. Our hope is that by the time we end our prayer and fasting, we will be prepared to develop concrete steps to engage and serve our community. Above all, we desire to develop a laser-focused ministry plan to reach our community for the glory of God. When people hear the name “Center Grove Church,” we want them to immediately know what we are about and what God has called us to do in this season. Prayer and fasting are two spiritual disciplines that keep our attention on the Spirit of God at work in our lives. In prayer, we seek to directly communicate with God. In fasting, we deny our bodies of certain necessities such as food and liquid, enjoyments or pleasures, for a specified period of time for the purpose of building and strengthening our relationship with God. According to Biblical scholars, fasting as a way of connecting with God is mentioned at least 70 times in the Bible. Reasons for fasting vary, but there are three primary reasons for fasting: repentance (Deuteronomy 9:15-18), interceding for someone (2 Samuel 12:16-23), and preparing for something significant (Esther 4:16). Fasting was also an important discipline in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:1-4; 6:16-18) and the apostles in the early church (Acts 13:1-3; 14:21-23). If you are in poor health or if you have concerns about your ability to fast, first consult with a qualified medical professional. The type of fast you choose is up to you. You could go on a full fast in which you only drink liquids, or you may desire to fast like Daniel, who abstained from sweets and meats, and the only liquid he drank was water (Daniel 1). Others may decide to give up something like television, social media, the internet, etc. Remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study. To help guide us through this time, our Pastoral Staff will present live video devotionals on the Center Grove Facebook page each Wednesday at 12:00 noon. Our scriptural focus will be Isaiah 58:12 (CEB): They will rebuild ancient ruins on your account; the foundations of generations past you will restore. You will be Mender of Broken Walls, Restorer of Livable Streets. Our prayer focus will be different for each week: Week 1 (October 18-24): See the need; Week 2 (October 25-31): Find opportunities; Week 3 (November 1-7): Take action. I am excited about entering into this time of prayer and fasting with you. I pray that God’s spirit will move among us in a powerful way. May you and your family be blessed! May Center Grove be blessed! May our communities be blessed! Above all, may God be glorified and the world be transformed! Grateful to be your pastor, Pastor Cowser |
Worship Celebration
Oct 17, 2021
Join us for our Worship Celebration on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. via In-Person, or Facebook Live on the Center Grove United Methodist Church Facebook page.
You can also join our live streaming celebration via the following media outlets:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFfMEFeWdt294sXw_EOH7jA
Church Website: http://centergroveumc.org/
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/event/51681
Click the link below to access the 78th Harvest Ad Form. The ad deadline is Friday, November 5th, 2021. 78th Harvest Celebration
Remember The Sick & Home-bound
Mrs. Gladys Jacobs
Mrs. Madgie Jamar
Ms. Marjorie Ewing
Mrs. Cora King
Ms. Theresa Hope
Mrs. Zena Love Hill
Mr. Carl Bradley
Mrs. Barbara Baker
Mr. Bobby Readus
Mrs. Ollie Gilliam
Pastor Ruth J. Smith
Mrs. Carla Larry
Mrs. Marion Hall
Rev. Carolyn Hillard
Community Information
Words of Encouragement
A Note From Pastor Cowser
| A Note From Our Pastor |
“Center Grove Love” By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. – John 13:35 (NIV) One of the hallmarks of Center Grove United Methodist Church is the love and compassion among the members that overflows into the ministries of the church and beyond. I’ve heard countless stories of how through the years, the one thing that has drawn new people to this church is the love that they feel when they encounter Center Grove members and ministries. To quote someone I recently talked to: “We are a loving family!” Needless to say, I totally agree. I have also felt this deep abiding love among our members and ministries. Although our pandemic experience has not allowed us to be together as much as we desire, love still permeates through our church. I mention all of this because I truly believe the key ingredient to the future of our church will be love. So many people in our community are experiencing challenging situations in their lives right now and I believe that God’s love is what is needed most. Love will bring a little light in the midst of what seems to be darkness. As we begin the Fall season, I want to challenge each of us to look for ways to continue to spread God’s love beyond the walls of our church. Although we are still somewhat scattered because of the pandemic, that does not prevent us from sharing the love of the Center Grove family with our community and beyond. In light of sharing this love, I share these thoughts on our vision statement that I have been reflecting on for a while. Our current vision statement reads: “We are an irresistible light on a hill winning souls for Jesus Christ.” What if we were to begin to re-imagine our vision statement a bit and tweak it to read: “We are an irresistible light in the community winning souls for Jesus Christ.”? What does it mean for this Center Grove light and love to move beyond “the hill” and begin to directly touch the lives of those in our community? Simply put, I don’t have all the answers, but I do believe God will lead the way. So, I invite you to reflect on the community and where God might be leading us. No matter what faces us in the future I know that when we let love lead the way, God will be glorified and we will begin to experience His glory in new and renewed ways. Grateful to be your pastor, Pastor Cowser |
| Thank You! Thank! Thank You! Our Dear Center Grove Family and Friends, We’re sending a heartfelt Thank You. Your prayers, texts, calls, food, funds, etc. have truly blessed us. It’s wonderful to be part of such a loving, spirit-filled family. May God continue to bless each of you. With love, The Larry’s (Larue, Carla, Matthew, Mykal) |
To register for the Walking With Nehemiah weekly Bible Study, please email the Center Grove Church office at church.office@centergroveumc.org, scan the QR Code on the flyer, or click the Registration Form Link https://bit.ly/walkingwithnehemiah
Worship Celebration
Oct 10, 2021
Join us for our Worship Celebration on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. via In-Person, or Facebook Live on the Center Grove United Methodist Church Facebook page.
You can also join our live streaming celebration via the following media outlets:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFfMEFeWdt294sXw_EOH7jA
Church Website: http://centergroveumc.org/
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/event/51681
Remember The Sick & Home-bound
Mrs. Gladys Jacobs
Mrs. Madgie Jamar
Ms. Marjorie Ewing
Mrs. Cora King
Ms. Theresa Hope
Mrs. Zena Love Hill
Mr. Carl Bradley
Mrs. Barbara Baker
Mr. Bobby Readus
Mrs. Ollie Gilliam
Pastor Ruth J. Smith
Mrs. Carla Larry
Mrs. Marion Hall
Rev. Carolyn Hillard
Words of Encouragement
A Note From Pastor Cowser
| A Note From Our Pastor |
| “Stop Carrying Your Burdens” “Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” I Peter 5:7 (NRSV) One reason most of us find ourselves tired and anxious in life is because we have not learned how to fully release our burdens to God. We have not allowed ourselves to let go of the things and situations that we find ourselves struggling with time and time again. It can be a very dangerous thing to carry things that God never intended for us to carry alone. Those times when we find ourselves going through a storm and we try to fix things on our own. Or, times when we let our hurts, habits, and hang-ups get in the way of where God might be trying to lead us. I believe that when we attempt to carry our burdens ourselves what we are really saying is: “God, you are not powerful enough to do anything about my situation!” However, God’s word reminds us to cast all our anxiety upon the Lord, because he cares for us (I Peter 5:7). I am reminded of one of the great hymns of the church, “God Will Take Care of You,” in which Civilla D. Martin writes: Be not dismayed whate’er betide, God will take care of you; beneath his wings of love abide, God will take care of you. Through days of toil when heart doth fail, God will take care of you; when dangers fierce your path assail, God will take care of you. All you may need he will provide, God will take care of you; nothing you ask will be denied, God will take care of you. No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you; lean, weary one, upon his breast, God will take care of you.[1] I hope you will be encouraged today in the assurance of knowing that we are not alone, but there is a God who watches over us and cares for us. Simply put, there is nothing that we can go through in this life that God cannot solve. So, stop trying to carry your own burdens! The next time you find yourself worried, stressed, burdened, anxious, or confused remember there is a God who is ready, willing, and able to care for you. Blessings, Pastor Cowser [1] The United Methodist Hymnal (1989), p. 130 |
Celebrating the Oldest Members of Center Grove United Methodist Church!
To register for the Walking With Nehemiah weekly Bible Study, please email the Center Grove Church office at church.office@centergroveumc.org, scan the QR Code on the flyer, or click the Registration Form Link https://bit.ly/walkingwithnehemiah
Attention ALL CG Choir Members:
Choir robes will be available for pickup, at CG, on Saturday, October 2nd from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, and Sunday, October 3rd immediately following worship.
Worship Celebration
Oct 3, 2021
Join us for our Worship Celebration on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. via In-Person, or Facebook Live on the Center Grove United Methodist Church Facebook page.
You can also join our live streaming celebration via the following media outlets:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFfMEFeWdt294sXw_EOH7jA
Church Website: http://centergroveumc.org/
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/event/51681
Remember The Sick & Home-bound
Mrs. Gladys Jacobs
Mrs. Madgie Jamar
Ms. Marjorie Ewing
Mrs. Cora King
Ms. Theresa Hope
Mrs. Zena Love Hill
Mr. Carl Bradley
Mrs. Barbara Baker
Mr. Bobby Readus
Mrs. Ollie Gilliam
Pastor Ruth J. Smith
Mrs. Sara M. Bradley
Mrs. Carla Larry
Mrs. Marion Hall
Rev. Carolyn Hillard
Words of Encouragement
