Dear Center Grove Church Members:
Due to COVID-19 concerns and out of an abundance of caution, we will suspend our 9:31 a.m.
In-Person Worship Service for Sunday, August 29, 2021, and will only offer a virtual option.
The Women’s Day Celebration scheduled for Sunday, August 29, 2021, at 9:31 a.m. will
continue as planned; however, with only those participating in the service allowed into the
building.
We will resume In-Person Worship Services on Sunday, September 5, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. under
Phase 3 of our Church Reopening Policy, which allows for 65 worshippers wearing facemasks
and socially distanced. At that time, we will also continue to pre-screen and check temperatures
upon entry to the vestibule. Center Grove follows the latest Center for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) recommendations for cleaning and disinfecting the building after each
worship service (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/disinfecting-building-
facility.html#anchor_1617548446719).
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during these times. If you have any questions
or concerns, please contact the church office.
Blessings,
Rev. Dr. Dedric A. Cowser
Senior Pastor
Dr. Wilma Ruffin Bracy
Church Reopening Team Chairperson
A Note From Pastor Cowser
| A Note From Our Pastor |
 “Finding Balance in Life” “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.” –Matthew 6:33-34 Have you ever found yourself spending time on things that do not add value or meaning to your life? I know I have and it has often brought unnecessary worry and anxiety into my life. I believe that the key to finding balance in life is discovering those things or those people who add to the value and the greatness of your life. When we worry, we focus our energy on things that oftentimes will not matter at the end of the day. Jesus challenges his disciples to examine their lives with these words: “Look at the birds in the sky. They don’t sow seed or harvest grain or gather crops into barns. Yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth much more than they are? Who among you by worrying can add a single moment to your life?” (Matthew 6:26-27). In other words, Jesus is warning us that if we fill our lives with worry, stress, and anxiety, we will find ourselves focusing on all the wrong things and not the abundant blessings of his provision, protection, and promise. I often need to reflect on these words of Jesus as I am finding balance in my life. I believe that as we hear these words, we realize that life is short and we should begin to focus on things that bring us joy—family, hobbies, times for rest, and relaxation. We come to terms with the fact that we can have too much of a good thing in life. We can’t just work all the time. We can’t just study all the time. We can’t just pour into somebody else’s life and not take time for ourselves all the time. And believe it or not, we can’t just rest all the time. Simply put, we need balance so that we can be all that God is calling us to be and more. As you reflect on life—the people who surround you, the situations, the circumstances, I want you to think of 3 things that add meaning and value to your life. What are those things that bring you the most joy? Who are those people whom you love and appreciate? In other words, who or what are those things that make life worth living? I guarantee that once we have those things figured out, the worry, stress, and anxiety of life will begin to melt away. My prayer is that God will grant us grace in this balancing act of life. Blessings, Pastor Cowser |
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
| Join the Pray Without Ceasing Ministry for prayer on the Prayer Line — Saturday, August 21st from 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. For we know, prayer changes things, circumstances, situations, and much more! |
 |
Prayer Line Dial-In Information:
Dial-In Number: 978-990-5000
Access Code: 349017 Hosted By:The Pray Without Ceasing Ministry
Worship Celebration
August 22, 2021
Join us for our Men’s Day Worship Celebration at 11:00 a.m. In-Person, or via Facebook Live on the Center Grove United Methodist Church Facebook page.
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. Evelyn Roberson
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
Community Information
https://www.huntsvillehospital.org/community-events/news-publications/item/a-message-from-physicians-regarding-COVID-19?fbclid=IwAR2Fgv4JZXKNKgX3Vbj3kcG7QGxvHUbq-jG4xJITMMtdvxLcdZ2Lspmm-jA
Words of Encouragement
A Note From Pastor Cowser
“Praying for Others”“Give us this day our daily bread.” –Matthew 6:11 (NKJV)
A true mark of Christian maturity, is if a person knows that it is just as important to pray for others as it is to pray for themselves. Simply put, we are called to intercede for others by going before the throne of God in prayer. One of the lines in the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples, often referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer,” states: “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). Notice how this statement in the prayer has plural pronounces, “us” and “our,” demonstrating that prayer is both individual and communal.
Prayer should not always be a list of things we want or what we need, but we should always be looking at the world around us. Think of the people you come into contact with, the situations you read about in the newspaper, or the things you hear about on television. But, do not stop there. Think of people in your family, on your job, or your fellow church members. The list goes on and on because prayer is both individual and communal.
There is a story told of an elderly lady who had been bedridden and in a nursing home for several years. She had not been able to walk or take care of herself; therefore, she needed the extra assistance. One day the pastor came by to see her and as soon as he walked into the door, he said: “Sister Hood, I’m so sorry that I’m late. I’ve been out visiting people in the community today.” She replied, “It’s okay, Reverend, that’s exactly where I’ve been.” The pastor looked confused and said, “Sister Hood, you can’t walk. You’re bedridden. What do you mean you were out in the community visiting today?” Sister Hood turned and replied, “Reverend, you see, my soul ain’t bedridden, so I got out around the community in prayer, even while I’m here in this hospital bed.”
We must remember that prayer is not a selfish act. It is not just about getting our needs met, but, it is important that we pray for the needs of all of God’s children. I encourage you to set aside some time to pray for someone else each day. Listen to your heart and lift their name before the Lord.
I’m praying for you, Pastor Cowser
Worship Celebration
August 15, 2021
Join us for our Men’s Day Worship Celebration at 11:00 a.m. In-Person, or via Facebook Live on the Center Grove United Methodist Church Facebook page.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFfMEFeWdt294sXw_EOH7jA
Church Website: http://centergroveumc.org/
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/event/51681
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
Remember The Sick & Home-bound
Mrs. Evelyn Roberson
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
Community Information
https://www.huntsvillehospital.org/community-events/news-publications/item/a-message-from-physicians-regarding-COVID-19?fbclid=IwAR2Fgv4JZXKNKgX3Vbj3kcG7QGxvHUbq-jG4xJITMMtdvxLcdZ2Lspmm-jA
Words of Encouragement
A Note From Pastor Cowser
“Do You Have a Testimony?”“You planned something bad for me, but God produced something good from it, in order to save the lives of many people, just as he’s doing today.” –Genesis 50:19 (CEB) One of the most powerful moments in life is when you realize that everything you’ve been through has shaped you into the person that you are today. The good and the bad; the pretty and the ugly; the joy and the sorrow. Each of us has a choice to either use our experience to push us into our destiny, or let it hinder us from all that God has in store for us. After many years of trials and tribulations, Joseph tells his brothers, who had mistreated him and left him for dead, “You planned something bad for me, but God produced something good from it in order to save the lives of many people” (Genesis 50:19). Their father, Jacob, had died and Joseph’s brothers began to worry if he was going to remember all the terrible things that they had done to him. I’m sure it took lots of prayers and a significant amount of time for Joseph to get to a place in his life where he could forgive his brothers and not hold on to the pain of his earlier years. I imagine Joseph telling his brothers: “You hurt me, but I’ve reached a place in my life where none of that really matters to me anymore. I’ve matured enough and Godly enough to take the good with the bad!” Simply put, Joseph was able to rely on the strength of God to use his story as a testimony of God’s goodness for himself and the sake of others. I don’t know what you’ve gone through in your life or even who may have hurt you in the past, but I’m a living witness that God specializes in taking dead situations and turning them into glorious resurrections! It may take lots of prayers and a bit of time, but just hold on a little while longer and let God lead the way. My prayer is that God will strengthen us, as we take the sum of our lives, lift them before him, and use them as a testimony to the world. Blessings, Pastor Cowser
Worship Celebration
August 8, 2021
Join us for our Men’s Day Worship Celebration at 11:00 a.m. In-Person, or via Facebook Live on the Center Grove United Methodist Church Facebook page.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFfMEFeWdt294sXw_EOH7jA
Church Website: http://centergroveumc.org/
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/event/51681
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
Remember The Sick & Home-bound
Mrs. Evelyn Roberson
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
Community Information
https://www.huntsvillehospital.org/community-events/news-publications/item/a-message-from-physicians-regarding-COVID-19?fbclid=IwAR2Fgv4JZXKNKgX3Vbj3kcG7QGxvHUbq-jG4xJITMMtdvxLcdZ2Lspmm-jA
Words of Encouragement
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
A Note From Pastor Cowser
“What’s On Your Mind?”And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:7 (NKJV)
Almost everyone is familiar with the social media platform called Facebook. Even if you’re not on Facebook, maybe you’re aware that Facebook is a digital platform where people can post pictures and information about things that are happening and relevant to their lives. As a matter of fact, our church ministry has been sustained and in many ways expanded during the pandemic because of social media platforms like Facebook.
I bring up the popularity of Facebook because there is one question that it askes its users to engage in at the top of their profiles and I think is a relevant question for us today: “What’s on your mind?” I truly believe that one of the keys to living a Godly life that is centered in love and grace is to guard your mind. In writing to the church of Philippi, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of living life with a secure mind. He writes: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). In other words, if our hearts and minds are anchored in the Lord, we realize that the peace of God will surpass all problems we may face in life—all unrest, all confusion, all disappointment, all pain, all sickness, all darkness. All means all!
I believe that today, as Christians, the greatest testimony that we can give to those around us is the way we live our lives. In essence, by the way we manage ourselves, especially in the difficult seasons of life. We have the confidence of knowing that God’s peace will sustain us and carry us even through the deepest and darkest valley.
May God grant you peace this day and every day.
Blessings, Pastor Cowser
 |
| Center Grove Family & Friends: Thank you so much for your congratulatory words and expressions of love on my 1st Anniversary as Senior Pastor at Center Grove. You have been a blessing to my life and ministry. -Pastor Cowser- |
Men’s Day Worship Celebration
July 25th, 2021
Join us for our Men’s Day Worship Celebration at 11:00 a.m. In-Person, or via Facebook Live on the Center Grove United Methodist Church Facebook page.
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. Evelyn Roberson
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
Community Information
Words of Encouragement
A Note From Pastor Cowser
Power from on High“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) I believe one of the most difficult challenges of the Christian life is the daily struggle between faith and fear. Not only can it be challenging, but it can also be dangerous to struggle with fear because it can block us from all that God has in store for us. The Apostle Paul, in writing to Timothy, his son in the ministry, says: “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and of a sound mind” (I Tim. 1:7). In other words, “Timothy, I know there are folks who are trying to block you. I know there are people who don’t want to hear the message of Jesus Christ, but I need you to realize that you have something greater on the inside of you than the challenges you are facing right now.” In essence, Paul reminds Timothy that he has a spirit of power that comes from his relationship with God through Jesus Christ. My friends, I write to remind you that Paul’s message to Timothy speaks to us even today. Simply put, I don’t care what you’re facing in life right now (maybe you’re not facing a thing, but hold on a little while longer…seasons change and the rain falls on the just and the unjust) but understand and know that God has placed a spirit of power on the inside of you that is greater than any frustration—greater than any pain—greater than any challenges—greater than any darkness in your life. I believe that once we realize that we can tap into the power that God has given us, we will be able to stand firm in our faith and allow God to use us in ways that we could have never begun to imagine. Here’s what I want you to do today: (1) Make a list of all the fears that you are experiencing in your life today; (2) Meditate on 2 Timothy 1:7; and (3) Begin to pray and ask God for his power to overcome your fear. My prayer is that you will feel His power like never before – today and every day. Blessings, Pastor Cowser
Worship Celebration
July 18th, 2021
Join us for our Sunday Morning Worship Celebration at 11:00 a.m. via 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. Evelyn Roberson
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
Community Information
Words of Encouragement
Worship Celebration
July 11th, 2021
Join us for our Sunday Morning Worship Celebration at 11:00 a.m. via 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. Evelyn Roberson
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. Bunnie Scales
Mrs. Marion Hall
Community Information
| Huntsville Hospital Community COVID-19 Vaccination Schedule your COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment today. Huntsville Hospital is please to provide a new self-scheduling option for appointments at the Community Vaccination Clinic at John Hunt Park. To schedule your appointment please visit the link below. If you need assistance with scheduling your appointment, contact the church office at church.office@centergroveumc.org, or 256.851.6223 https://www.huntsvillehospital.org/covid-19-vaccination |
Words of Encouragement
Worship Celebration
July 4th, 2021
Join us for our Sunday Morning Worship Celebration at 11:00 a.m. via 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
| A Note From Pastor Cowser |
| “Another Year, Another Level” It’s hard to believe this week begins my second year as Senior Pastor at Center Grove. You have welcomed me with open arms and I am extremely grateful for your prayers and support. Although challenging because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, this has been a good 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, collecting supplies for our partner schools, providing toys for children at Christmas, and supporting local community agencies; because of the grace of God and your faithful financial giving, we not only sustained our current ministries, but we are now ready to expand our vision for the future. As we begin this new year as pastor and congregation, here are a few things that we will focus on: We will continue to enhance our online worship services and Bible Studies, as well as, continue to welcome back in-person attendees who are ready to return to the building. We will enhance our ministry with young people by relaunching our Children and Youth Ministry with a focus on Children’s Church and other gatherings for fun, fellowship, and Bible Study. We will begin to examine our new ministry landscape. Because of the pandemic, there are needs in our community that we will begin to address by building relationships with our neighbors. I am excited that we are blessed with two outstanding associate pastors who will assist me with the ministries and leadership of the church. The Rev. Ruth J. Smith will begin her 17th year as Associate Pastor at Center Grove, and I am grateful for Pastor Ruth’s wisdom and prayerful spirit. She will continue to lead in the areas of Congregational Care, Seasoned Saints Ministry, and Lay Speaking Ministries. The Rev. Marian Royston will join us for her 1st year as Associate Pastor at Center Grove. Pastor Royston brings a wealth of experience from several years in the field of education and her passion for community development. She will lead in the areas of Missions, Outreach, and Community Engagement. We ask that as we pray for you and your families, that you will continue to pray for us as we serve the congregation in this season. In closing, I’m looking forward to another year! With another year, comes another level, because God has great things in store for us as we seek to be an irresistible light on a hill winning souls for Jesus Christ! Grateful to be your pastor, Pastor Cowser |
Worship Celebration
July 4th, 2021
Join us for our Sunday Morning Worship Celebration at 11:00 a.m. via 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. Evelyn Roberson
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. Bunnie Scales
Mrs. Marion Hall
Community Information
| Huntsville Hospital Community COVID-19 Vaccination Schedule your COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment today. Huntsville Hospital is please to provide a new self-scheduling option for appointments at the Community Vaccination Clinic at John Hunt Park. To schedule your appointment please visit the link below. If you need assistance with scheduling your appointment, contact the church office at church.office@centergroveumc.org, or 256.851.6223 https://www.huntsvillehospital.org/covid-19-vaccination |
Words of Encouragement
