What’s Happening at CG?

General Conference postponed to 2022; Bishops Call Special Session of General Conference, issue timeline forward

CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE ON THE BIBLE APP

CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE ON THE BIBLE APP

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. Cynthia Jackson
Mrs. B. Patricia Hill

Community Information

United Methodist Higher Education Foundation accepting scholarship applications for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Click the link below to apply:
https://www.umcna.org/postdetail/14931243

Words of Encouragement

What’s Happening at CG?

“Equipping the Called”

But Moses Said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” Exodus 4:13

Have you ever found yourself fearing to do something because you didn’t feel qualified? This is exactly how Moses felt in this passage of scripture. He felt that the task that God was asking him to do was too great for him to handle, so he pleaded with God to send someone else. God responded to Moses with these questions: (1) Who gave human beings their mouths? (2) Who makes them deaf or mute? (3) Who gives them sight or makes them blind? (4) Is it not I, the Lord? Then He tells Moses to go and that He will help him speak and will teach him what to say.

When I was at Lowes Chapel, George Baker and I often tagged team in the pulpit – especially on Laity Day. George was an excellent speaker. He spoke with clarity; he was very animated and funny and he was very comfortable speaking before audiences. I, on the other hand, was a stutterer like Moses. I also talked real fast often not completing my sentences; therefore, when God called me to preach, I went into a panic mode. Like Moses, I began to tell God why I should not be the one to preach. I listed all of my shortcomings. I told God that He needed to call George and I explained to Him the reason I thought this, but God took me to this passage of scripture and He assured me that He knew what He was doing. He promised to equip me with whatever I needed to carry out the task set before me.

He began by teaching me to write. Before He called me to preach, I had trouble getting my thoughts from my mind on to paper. When I was in college, I had to write an on-the-spot essay for an English test. It was a night course and everybody had finished and left leaving me there with the Professor. I could not write a thing. He felt sorry for me and passed me anyway. To fast forward, when I developed a relationship with God, one day I felt the urge to write about how good God had been to me. I was amazed at how the words were swelling up in my mind and my hands could barely write fast enough. When I finally accepted the call and was given a Sunday to preach my first sermon, I invited my brother and sister to come and hear me preach. My sister told me she jokingly said to my brother “Ruth can’t talk – how is she going to preach.” But after I finished, she said “sis you didn’t stutter not one time.”

I am a living witness that God does equip the called. If you are struggling with answering your call, let me assure you to let go of the fear. God already knows what you can and cannot do. All through the Bible are examples of God equipping the ones He called. Now go, and answer the call!!!!!

Blessings,

Pastor Ruth

CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE ON THE BIBLE APP

CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE ON THE BIBLE APP

Black History Celebration

February 28, 2021

You can also join our live streaming worship service via the following media outlets:

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. Cynthia Jackson
Mrs. B. Patricia Hill

Community Information

United Methodist Higher Education Foundation accepting scholarship applications for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Click the link below to apply:
https://www.umcna.org/postdetail/14931243

Words of Encouragement

What’s Happening at CG?

Join the Pray Without Ceasing Ministry for prayer on the Prayer Line — Saturday, February 20th 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

Sunday Morning Worship

Join us for Sunday Morning Worship at 11:00 a.m. via Facebook Live on the Center Grove United Methodist Church Facebook page.

You can also join our live streaming worship service via the following media outlets:

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. Cynthia Jackson
Mrs. B. Patricia Hill

Community Information

United Methodist Higher Education Foundation accepting scholarship applications for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Click the link below to apply:
https://www.umcna.org/postdetail/14931243

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The WEDC Foundation Scholar Program empowers women working toward an Associates or Undergraduate degree at a North Alabama college or university. The application is open now through April at www.wedcfoundation.org/scholar-application-2021

Benefits for accepted Scholars:

– Flexible Financial Assistance for Spring & Fall Semesters

– A one-on-one mentor for the entirety of the program

– Quarterly professional development workshops and networking opportunities.

Requirements for Applicants:

A woman who lives, works, and attends a SACs accredited school in the North Alabama counties of Madison, Marshall, Morgan, and Limestone. She must be a US Citizen, 19 or older, and have at least 12 (associates) to 24 (undergraduate) credit hours completed. Additional requirements are listed on our website at www.wedcfoundation.org/applicant-requirements

Words of Encouragement

What’s Happening at CG?

“Growing in the Word”

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. – Acts 2:42

God’s Word is so amazing that it not only empowers us, but it enables us to be all that God calls us to be in the world. One of the things that made the early followers of Christ effective in the mission of spreading the gospel was their constant gathering to study scripture, fellowship, and share meals. I believe that one thing that makes for a healthy congregation is intentional faith development by studying God’s Word. Simply put, the more we engage in learning and in small group study and conversations the more we will be strengthened in our individual lives and the overall mission that God has given to our church. If you are not currently a part of our Bible Study, I encourage you to join us on Facebook Live each Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. for “Wednesdays In the Word.” Even if you miss the livestream, remember the Bible Study video will remain on our Facebook page and will also be posted to our YouTube page (@CenterGroveUMCChurch) at your convenience.

Not only do we have a weekly Bible Study, but beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 17th, I invite you to join me for the “40 Days In the Word Challenge.” Each day, we will read and mediate on the same scripture readings together. Simply download the Bible App onto your smartphone or electronic device and click the link (https://bit.ly/3jVE9IG) to accept the invitation. You may also visit our website (www.centergroveumc.org) to download the reading plan. My hope is that in this season we grow in our knowledge and love for God’s Word.

Let’s grow together!

Pastor Cowser

CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE ON THE BIBLE APP

CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE ON THE BIBLE APP

Join the Pray Without Ceasing Ministry for prayer on the Prayer Line — Saturday, February 20th 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

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Sunday Morning Worship

Join us for Sunday Morning Worship at 11:00 a.m. via Facebook Live on the Center Grove United Methodist Church Facebook page.

You can also join our live streaming worship service via the following media outlets:

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. Cynthia Jackson
Mrs. B. Patricia Hill

Community Information

United Methodist Higher Education Foundation accepting scholarship applications for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Click the link below to apply:
https://www.umcna.org/postdetail/14931243

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The WEDC Foundation Scholar Program empowers women working toward an Associates or Undergraduate degree at a North Alabama college or university. The application is open now through April at www.wedcfoundation.org/scholar-application-2021

Benefits for accepted Scholars:

– Flexible Financial Assistance for Spring & Fall Semesters

– A one-on-one mentor for the entirety of the program

– Quarterly professional development workshops and networking opportunities.

Requirements for Applicants:

A woman who lives, works, and attends a SACs accredited school in the North Alabama counties of Madison, Marshall, Morgan, and Limestone. She must be a US Citizen, 19 or older, and have at least 12 (associates) to 24 (undergraduate) credit hours completed. Additional requirements are listed on our website at www.wedcfoundation.org/applicant-requirements

Words of Encouragement

What’s Happening at CG?

“A Time to Look into the Mirror”

Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:21 (CEB)

The philosopher Aristotle once wrote, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” I believe Aristotle was reminding us that as human beings, we should constantly examine our lives to ensure that we do not fall into the trap of losing our purpose and meaning in life. The fact of the matter is, God has created each of us with a purpose, but oftentimes we fill our lives with things that God never intended for us to embrace. It has always fascinated me that the word discipleship and discipline have the same base word. This teaches us that if we want to be disciples of Jesus Christ, we must discipline ourselves so that we begin to walk in His will and not our own.

During the Lenten Season, I hope you will join me in continuing to live a disciplined and spiritual life. Remember that discipline is not simply something to keep our humanity “under control,” but discipline enables us to create space for God to work within us. God is always with us and He desires a close relationship with us, but it is up to us to surrender to Him and give Him the space that He deserves.

Beginning with Ash Wednesday on February 17th and continuing for 40 days, not including Sundays, until Easter, I want you to ponder these two questions with me: (1) What is blocking me from growing in my relationship with God? and (2) What treasures have I “built-up” that might be blocking my view from what is important in life? Many of us give up things for Lent, but we do not give them up just because it is cute, or because we want to try a new diet, but we give them up so that we can make room for God. If you are like me, every now and then, you have to examine your life and see what things need to go in order to hear from God more clearly.

Blessings,

Pastor Cowser

Sunday Morning Worship

Join us for Sunday Morning Worship at 11:00 a.m. via Facebook Live on the Center Grove United Methodist Church Facebook page.

You can also join our live streaming worship service via the following media outlets:

CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE ON THE BIBLE APP

CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE ON THE BIBLE APP

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. Cynthia Jackson
Mrs. B. Patricia Hill

Community Information

Explore the 400-year-old story of the Black Church in America, the changing nature of worship spaces, and the men and women who shepherded them from the pulpit, the choir loft, and church pews.

#BlackChurchPBS premieres Tue, Feb 16 at 9/8c.

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The COVID-19 Vaccine is now available for seniors ages 75+. Please click the link below to register at Huntsville Hospital.

https://www.huntsvillehospital.org/covid-19-vaccination

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United Methodist Higher Education Foundation accepting scholarship applications for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Click the link below to apply:
https://www.umcna.org/postdetail/14931243

---

The WEDC Foundation Scholar Program empowers women working toward an Associates or Undergraduate degree at a North Alabama college or university. The application is open now through April at www.wedcfoundation.org/scholar-application-2021

Benefits for accepted Scholars:

– Flexible Financial Assistance for Spring & Fall Semesters

– A one-on-one mentor for the entirety of the program

– Quarterly professional development workshops and networking opportunities.

Requirements for Applicants:

A woman who lives, works, and attends a SACs accredited school in the North Alabama counties of Madison, Marshall, Morgan, and Limestone. She must be a US Citizen, 19 or older, and have at least 12 (associates) to 24 (undergraduate) credit hours completed. Additional requirements are listed on our website at www.wedcfoundation.org/applicant-requirements

Words of Encouragement

What’s Happening at CG?

What’s Happening at CG?

Remember Where You’ve Come From

“Remember what happened long ago; acknowledge that I alone am God and that there is no one else like me. From the beginning, I predicted the outcome; long ago I foretold what would happen. I said that my plans would never fail, that I would do everything I intended to do.” -Isaiah 46:9-10 (GNT)

As a child, a very important part of my upbringing was spending Sunday afternoons visiting my grandmother’s house for Sunday dinner. I would argue that Sunday dinners in the South, especially in the Black community, have been a sacred place for formation and learning the importance of one’s history. When I was younger my favorite part of Sunday dinner was when the older generation would tell stories about our family’s history, our ancestors, and the events that have shaped us into the people that we are today. At some point during the meal, we could always count on one of the elders to turn to us and say: “Always remember where you’ve come from.” This was both a warning and a security, to know that no matter what happens in life, our history has the power to shape and strengthen us in life.

As we begin Black History Month 2021, I hope you will spend time remembering where you have come from. Marcus Garvey, known for his strong beliefs in Black culture and heritage in the early 20^th century, once wrote: “A person without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.” I believe we are living in a time when we need to reclaim and elevate our history. It is in our remembering that we will gain clarity and direction in accomplishing all that God has in store for us today and for the future.

It’s Dinner Time!

Pastor Cowser

Sunday Morning Worship

Join us for Sunday Morning Worship at 11:00 a.m. via Facebook Live on the Center Grove United Methodist Church Facebook page.

You can also join our live streaming worship service via the following media outlets:

CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE ON THE BIBLE APP

CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE ON THE BIBLE APP

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. Cynthia Jackson
Mrs. B. Patricia Hill

Community Information

United Methodist Higher Education Foundation accepting scholarship applications for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Click the link below to apply:
https://www.umcna.org/postdetail/14931243

Words of Encouragement

What’s Happening at CG?

“Lord, Teach us to Pray”

“Love Beyond the Walls”
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free. -Luke 4:18 (NIV)-

Those of us who follow Jesus Christ are on a life-long journey of learning to fall deeper in love with Him and those around us each day. Our love for Christ and others should not only compel us to be transformed, but it should also be evident in every area and place that we find ourselves in life. Simply put, the love of Jesus Christ has the power to transform the world, if we are willing to be used as a vessel for transformation. If you read the Gospels, it does not take very long to realize that Jesus was always going-out from the temple to do ministry by sharing God’s love. Jesus did not only worship and teach in the temple, but he was also a person on the move—loving beyond the walls.

Now, like never before, our world needs to experience the transforming power of God’s love. I believe we must return to the foundation of our faith that requires us to demonstrate this radical love to everyone that we know and meet. Simply put, we too have been called and anointed to “proclaim good news to the poor, proclaim freedom for those who are prisoners, recover the sight of the blind, and set the oppressed free.” I don’t know about you, but I know I have more room to grow as it relates to the call of God upon my life. My prayer today and every day is, Lord, use me as your vessel and help me to love the way that you love.

Blessings,
Pastor Cowser

Sunday Morning Worship

January 31, 2021

Join us for Sunday Morning Worship at 11:00 a.m. via Facebook Live on the Center Grove United Methodist Church Facebook page.

You can also join our live streaming worship service via the following media outlets:

Wednesday In The Word
Resumes Wednesday, February 3rd!

United Methodist Higher Education Foundation accepting scholarship applications for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Click the link below to apply:
https://www.umcna.org/postdetail/14931243

Don’t forget to give your Tithes and Offerings! Your generosity enables Center Grove to continue to be the hope for our community and the world!

Here are Four Ways to Give:

1.) Visit the Center Grove website (www.centergroveumc.org), click on GIVE, and then click the “Ready to Give” tab.

2.) If you prefer to mail your donation, you may send it to:
Center Grove United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 5957
Huntsville, AL 35814

3.) UMCgo is available for your Smartphone through Google Play, or IPhone through the App Store.
*Download the app; search for Center Grove (2969 State Rte 53, Huntsville, AL 35806); press the heart to Give!

4.) Text-To-Give. Text your donation amount to 844-944-2817

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. Cynthia Jackson
Mrs. B. Patricia Hill

Bereaved Family:
The Baker Family and The Hammons Family

Community Information

Words of Encouragement

What’s Happening at CG?

“Lord, Teach us to Pray”

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.’ –Luke 11:1 (NIV)

In his book, Pray Like Jesus: Rediscovering the Lord’s Prayer, Don Underwood argues that the most famous prayer in the world, the Lord’s Prayer, can be recited in less than thirty seconds; however, the power of the prayer has been lost in our generation. The Lord’s Prayer is simple and brief, but I believe it is filled with a treasure of theological and spiritual meaning.

When was the last time you prayed the Lord’s Prayer? Have you ever really stopped to meditate on the beauty and meaning of each word and phrase? If not, no worries! Over the next few weeks, we will journey together as a congregation to rediscover the power of the Lord’s Prayer. I invite you to join us live at 11:00 a.m. each Sunday beginning January 24th on our website, Facebook, YouTube, and Vimeo pages as we begin a new sermon series entitled “When You Pray.” Our hope is that following the series we not only have a deeper sense of the meaning of the Lord’s Prayer but a closer relationship with God, the one whom we call: Our Father.

In Christ,

Pastor Cowser

Sunday Morning Worship

January 24, 2021

Join us for Sunday Morning Worship at 11:00 a.m. via Facebook Live on the Center Grove United Methodist Church Facebook page.

You can also join our live streaming worship service via the following media outlets:

United Methodist Higher Education Foundation accepting scholarship applications for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Click the link below to apply:
https://www.umcna.org/postdetail/14931243

Don’t forget to give your Tithes and Offerings! Your generosity enables Center Grove to continue to be the hope for our community and the world!

Here are Four Ways to Give:

1.) Visit the Center Grove website (www.centergroveumc.org), click on GIVE, and then click the “Ready to Give” tab.

2.) If you prefer to mail your donation, you may send it to:
Center Grove United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 5957
Huntsville, AL 35814

3.) UMCgo is available for your Smartphone through Google Play, or IPhone through the App Store.
*Download the app; search for Center Grove (2969 State Rte 53, Huntsville, AL 35806); press the heart to Give!

4.) Text-To-Give. Text your donation amount to 844-944-2817

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. Cynthia Jackson
Mrs. B. Patricia Hill

Community Information

Words of Encouragement