A Note From Pastor Cowser

“Let us Go to the House of the Lord” “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go to the house of the Lord.” -Psalm 122:1(KJV)-
After months of waiting, I am excited to announce that on Sunday, June 6, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. we will move into Phase 3 of our Church Reopening Policy which allows for 65 in-person worshippers. After examining the COVID-19 conditions in Madison County and hearing that many of our staff and church members have received the COVID-19 vaccine, the Church Reopening Team and I feel that it is safe for us to re-enter the building with safety precautions. What are our safety precautions? Our Church Reopening Team utilized information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Alabama Department of Health, the Madison County Department of Health, and an article, “Do No Harm: Recommendations for Reopening Our Church Buildings,” published by the North Alabama Conference of The United Methodist Church in developing our Church Reopening Policy. If you have not read our policy, I encourage you to click the link below, read it and familiarize yourself with the information. Here are a few safety precautions that will be in place when we return on June 6th:
· The church building will be cleaned using products certified to kill viruses, including COVID-19. · Only 65 worshippers will be allowed into the building and registration will be required for those who wish to attend. You may register on our website (www.centergroveumc.org) or by calling the church office (256-851-6223) by 12:00 noon on the Thursday prior to the Sunday service you wish to attend. The registration link for the Sunday, June 6th in-person worship service will go live on our website on Monday, May 24th at 12:00 noon. Those who do not have access to the online registration link may call the church office beginning at that time. · Each worshipper will be checked-in and prescreened with a temperature check and asked COVID-19 related questions before entering the sanctuary. · Ushers will ensure that there is 6-feet of distance between each worshipper or household of worshippers seated in the sanctuary. · Although tempting, worshippers will refrain from shaking hands and hugging one another. · Worshippers will be required to wear a mask at all times. Only those singing or speaking from the stage will be allowed to unmask during the moments they are participating.
As we navigate to our new normal, things will be extremely different, but I believe the sacrifices will be worth it. I ask that you be patient with us and understand that our policy and guidelines are subject to change as we attempt this new experience together. Our primary goal is to ensure that in-person worship service attendees, volunteers, and participants experience a powerful worship service in a safe environment.
Although we are returning to in-person worship services, we recognize there will be people who do not feel comfortable gathering in large groups and there will also be people who have connected with our ministry who live outside of the Greater Huntsville Area. At Center Grove, we are passionate about creating spaces for all people to engage at whatever level is convenient and most comfortable for them. Thanks to our excellent Media Team, who volunteer their time and talents each week, we will continue to stream all our worship services and Bible studies on our website and other online platforms.
As we prepare for reopening for in-person worship on Sunday, June 6th, I want to invite you to a Special Outdoor Service at our church the week before on Sunday, May 30th at 11:00 a.m. At this outdoor service, we will share important information with you regarding our Church Reopening Policy and cast the vision for our church for the next few months. Since this is an outdoor service, there will be no maximum capacity and registration will not be required; however, we do request that you come prepared to wear a mask, remain 6 feet from others, and consider bringing your own lawn chair and umbrella.
In closing, I hope you will join me in prayer for our church and our community. Pray that God will continue to lead us into new and renewed ways of being the church by recognizing that the best is yet to come.
Grateful to be your pastor, Dr. Dedric A. Cowser Senior Pastor
Church Reopening Team: Dr. Wilma Ruffin-Bracy (Chairperson), Barbara Dobbins, Damein Green, Marian Guidry, Ambria Lankford, Jahazy Rooks, Maxine Rooks, Joyce Taylor and Dr. Dedric Cowser

Prayer Line Dial-In Information: Dial-In Number: 978-990-5000   Access Code: 349017   Hosted By: The Pray Without Ceasing Ministry

Worship Celebration

May 16, 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

All Young Adults and Young Professionals are encouraged to take the Spiritual Gifts Assessment prior to the discussion. The link for the assessment is https://www.umc.org/en/content/exploring-your-spiritual-gifts

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. B. Patricia Hill
Mrs. Sara M. Bradley

Community Information

Words of Encouragement

A Note From Pastor Cowser

“A More Excellent Way” “But strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.” -I Corinthians 12:31-
I have found that it is much easier to point fingers than it is to not only provide a solution but to be willing to work toward a solution. Think about it. We all have been criticized at some point in our lives for being “the problem.” Sadly, criticism can often cause deep hurt and pain in our lives because we all want to be appreciated and valued by others. We might try to put on a hard shell to protect how we really feel, but we all have experienced the feelings that come with criticism. Now, let’s flip the script and acknowledge that we have also been the person criticizing others. (I guess you’re saying to yourself: “Wow, Reverend, who upset you?!?” Well, the answer is, no one.) We live in such a broken world and there seems to be a lot of finger-pointing and name-calling around us daily. All we have to do is watch television, read the newspaper, or scroll through our social media accounts to notice that we are all dealing with the challenges of our “tilted halo.” But, thanks be to God, there is a more excellent way.
The Apostle Paul reminds the church of Corinth that as followers of Christ, we are a part of the Body of Christ and with all our God-given gifts and graces for ministry, we are pointing toward one goal: “love.” As a matter of fact, as you examine the text, you realize that I Corinthians chapters 12 and 13 go hand-in-hand. In Chapter 12, Paul warns the church of criticizing others and choosing favorites among them, but in Chapter 13, he demonstrates “a still more excellent way” to be God’s children in the world by writing one of the most beautiful images of Godly love within the Biblical narrative.
As we continue on our spiritual journey, let us make a commitment to strive for “a more excellent way.” In essence, it is our job as believers in Jesus Christ to demonstrate to the world the love of God. We must use each opportunity we have to show the world that we are all brothers and sisters created in the image of God. I believe if we begin to recognize that we are all children of God, created in his image, we will begin to see the world transformed for the glory of God.
Blessings, Pastor Cowser

ATTENTION CENTER GROVE MEMBERS: 

Center Grove will hold a Called Charge Conference virtually on the Zoom platform on Thursday, May 6, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. The item of business to discuss is the recommendation from the Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations Committee to approve Chris Nabors to begin his candidacy for ministry in The United Methodist Church. All members are invited and encouraged to attend. You must register prior to the Called Charge Conference to receive the login and/or call-in credentials. Please contact the church office (church.office@centergroveumc.org or 256-851-6223) by noon on Wednesday, May 5th to attend the meeting.

Worship Celebration

May 9, 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

All Young Adults and Young Professionals are encouraged to take the Spiritual Gifts Assessment prior to the discussion. The link for the assessment is https://www.umc.org/en/content/exploring-your-spiritual-gifts

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. B. Patricia Hill
Mrs. Sara M. Bradley

Community Information

Words of Encouragement

A Note From Pastor Cowser

“Are You Listening?” “Then you will call upon me and go and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” -Jeremiah 29:12-

Are you listening to God? No, really? In all that you have going on in your life, do you take time to really listen for God’s voice? I know you know how to pray. I know you know how to ask God for things. But, in all your praying and asking are you really taking time to stop, pause, and listen? Simply put, I believe our very lives depend upon us listening for the voice of God to speak to us.
I am sure you would agree that our world is filled with so much noise that if we are not careful we will begin to lose focus on The One who truly gives us the words of life. We must remember that God is always speaking to us in new ways each day, and it is our task to be in tune to hear his voice. Wherever you are right now, I challenge you to spend time in silence. Ask God these two questions: “God, what are you revealing to me in this moment?” or “How can I be of service to you on this day?” I believe if we continuously seek God in our lives, ask questions like these and expect God to answer, we will find that God will meet us exactly where we are and give us the grace that we need for every moment in life. So, I encourage you to keep listening, because God still speaks.
Blessings, Pastor Cowser

Worship Celebration

May 2, 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

ATTENTION CENTER GROVE MEMBERS:  Center Grove will hold a Called Charge Conference virtually on the Zoom platform on Thursday, May 6, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. The item of business to discuss is the recommendation from the Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations Committee to approve Chris Nabors to begin his candidacy for ministry in The United Methodist Church. All members are invited and encouraged to attend. You must register prior to the Called Charge Conference to receive the login and/or call-in credentials. Please contact the church office (church.office@centergroveumc.org or 256-851-6223) by noon on Wednesday, May 5th to attend the meeting.

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. B. Patricia Hill
Mrs. Sara M. Bradley

Words of Encouragement

ATTENTION CENTER GROVE MEMBERS: 

Center Grove will hold a Called Charge Conference virtually on the Zoom platform on Thursday, May 6, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. The item of business to discuss is the recommendation from the Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations Committee to approve Chris Nabors to begin his candidacy for ministry in The United Methodist Church. All members are invited and encouraged to attend. You must register prior to the Called Charge Conference to receive the login and/or call-in credentials. Please contact the church office (church.office@centergroveumc.org or 256-851-6223) by noon on Wednesday, May 5th to attend the meeting.

A Note From Pastor Cowser

Dear Center Grove Family and Friends:
Today, I write with a sigh of relief, but still a sense of pain. Relief that after almost a year of anxiously waiting, the verdict of the Derek Chauvin Trial has affirmed what many of us already felt and knew in our hearts. I am relieved that for once the right decision has been made to hold someone accountable for the murder of an unarmed person of color.
Even though I breathe a sigh of relief, I feel the pain of knowing that there is still so much work to be done in our world. How many other lives have been taken that were not given justice? How many more lives will be taken if nothing ever changes? Our nation is in desperate need of healing and restoration. Although this is only one verdict, I am prayerful that this becomes a defining moment toward true reform in our criminal justice system.
As Christians, we must remember the call of God upon our lives to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8). Let us continue to pray for the family of George Floyd, our nation, and our world. Let us pray that the long arc of history is finally bending toward justice.
Hopeful, Dr. Dedric A. Cowser Senior Pastor

Worship Celebration

April 25, 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. B. Patricia Hill
Mrs. Sara M. Bradley

Community Information

Words of Encouragement

Join the Pray Without Ceasing Ministry for prayer on the Prayer Line — Saturday, April 17th from 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. For we know, prayer changes things, circumstances, situations, and much more!

Worship Celebration

April 18, 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. B. Patricia Hill
Mrs. Sara M. Bradley

Community Information

Words of Encouragement

What’s Happening at CG?

Center Grove Family and Friends: I pray this note finds each of you well. This week, I simply want to use this opportunity to encourage those who have not yet had the COVID-19 vaccine to make an appointment to take it as soon as possible. On April 5th, all individuals in the state of Alabama age 16 and older became eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. For more information about the vaccine and where to register, visit the website of the Alabama Department of Public Health (https://alcovidvaccine.gov). If you need assistance, please feel free to contact our church office (church.office@centergroveumc.org or 256-851-6223) and we will help point you in the right direction. This has certainly been a difficult year for so many of us; however, we see glimpses of hope around us. On this weekend, I was able to gather a small group of family members at my home and felt very comfortable knowing that not only were we protected by the love and grace of God, but each of us had gone to take the COVID-19 vaccine to add an extra, and extremely important layer of safety and protection for one another. As Christians, who choose to live out our faith as United Methodists, we believe that faith and science go hand-in-hand. God has gifted us with so many extraordinary health professionals in our community who have the wisdom and knowledge to provide us with the best healthcare possible. Many of these individuals have risked their own lives during the pandemic to ensure that our communities are safe. And for them, we give thanks to God! Therefore, it is our job to encourage one another to take appropriate steps to protect ourselves and one another. Simply put, I hope you will join me in trusting that God is at work in the world to work things out for our good. Each day someone asks me: “When are we coming back to in-person service?” I honestly feel that we are making steps in the right direction and I look forward to the day we return with great rejoicing. In the next few weeks, our Center Grove Church Reopening Team will give us an update on where we are as it relates to our church reopening process. Let us continue to pray for our community, our church, and our leaders (especially, the Senior Pastor) that God will give us the wisdom we need to ensure we make the right decisions in this season. The future looks bright! Grateful to be your pastor, Pastor Cowser

All are encouraged to continue to Tithe, and contribute to our ongoing Capital Campaign.

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. B. Patricia Hill
Mrs. Sara M. Bradley

Community Information

Words of Encouragement