Centenary United Methodist Church

10/29/2026

🕊️ Thursday: Remembering Those Who Came Before Us

Throughout our Passing the Mantle series, we've spent time remembering the people who helped shape our faith.

We even wrote their names on ribbons, creating a beautiful reminder of the many lives that have influenced our own.

Some of those people are still with us.

Others are no longer here to see the difference they continue to make.

But their stories are still part of ours.

This Sunday, November 1, we will observe All Saints Sunday, a special time in the life of the church when we remember and give thanks for those who have gone before us in faith.

It's a day that can bring many emotions.

Gratitude for the time we shared.

Joy in remembering special moments.

Sadness because we still miss them.

And hope in the promise that God's love is greater than death.

Sometimes the people we miss most are the ones who taught us the simplest things.

How to pray.

How to show kindness.

How to serve without expecting recognition.

How to keep trusting God when life gets difficult.

And often, we find ourselves doing or saying something that reminds us of them.

That's one of the beautiful ways their influence lives on.

💭 Thursday Reflection:

When you think of someone who has gone before you, what is one lesson, tradition, or act of love they passed on that you still carry today?

Maybe it's a prayer they taught you, a favorite hymn, a family tradition, or simply the way they treated others.

Take a moment today to remember them and give thanks for the gift their life was to yours.

❤️ As we prepare for All Saints Sunday, may we remember that the greatest way to honor those who came before us is not only to remember their faithfulness, but to continue living out the love they shared.

Their lives were a blessing. Their influence remains. And their stories continue through us.

Love God. Love People. Make Disciples.

10/28/2026

🕊️ Wednesday: The Faith That Lives On

This week, we've been reflecting on the commitments we made Sunday and the gifts each of us has to offer.

But today, let's think about the people whose gifts and faithfulness have already made a difference in our lives.

The Sunday School teacher who taught us about Jesus.

The grandparent who prayed with us.

The church member who always made us feel welcome.

The person who faithfully served behind the scenes, never looking for recognition.

Some of those people are still walking alongside us.

Others have gone on before us.

But their influence didn't end when their time with us did.

Their prayers, their kindness, their lessons, and their examples of faith continue to shape who we are.

In 1 Thessalonians 2, Paul reminds us that sharing our faith involves more than words. It is also about the example we set through the way we live, work, and care for one another.

And isn't that what so many of the people who influenced our faith did for us?

They didn't just tell us what it meant to follow Jesus.

They showed us.

As we approach All Saints Sunday, we have an opportunity to remember those faithful people who helped shape our lives and the life of our church.

💭 Wednesday Reflection:

Who is someone whose faith continues to influence you, even though they are no longer here?

What did they teach you through the way they lived?

And perhaps one more question:

What part of their example are you carrying forward today?

❤️ We may never know the full impact of our own faithfulness, just as those who came before us may never have known the impact of theirs.

But every prayer, every act of service, and every life lived in love can leave something meaningful behind.

Their faith helped shape our story. Now we have the opportunity to help shape someone else's.

Love God. Love People. Make Disciples.

10/27/2026

🦃 HOLIDAY FOOD ASSISTANCE – SHELBY COUNTY 🍂

The holiday season is just around the corner, and we want to help spread the word about resources available to families in our community!

The Shelby County Salvation Army will be hosting its annual Holiday Food Assistance Distribution to help local families this Thanksgiving.

📍 Where: Clear Creek Elementary School
📅 When: Saturday, November 21, 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM until supplies are gone

Who is eligible?
Shelby County residents must bring a valid state-issued ID or driver's license AND a piece of mail dated within the past 30 days. Names and addresses must match on both documents. Electronic documents and expired IDs will not be accepted.

Please see the attached flyer for additional requirements and information.

❤️ A Note from Centenary UMC:
We are sharing this information as a service to our community. Centenary United Methodist Church is not affiliated with, organizing, or overseeing this distribution.

For questions about eligibility, requirements, or the distribution itself, please contact the local Salvation Army at 502-655-2036.

Please share this post to help spread the word to Shelby County families who may benefit from this assistance.

🍁 Together, we can help make the holiday season a little brighter for our neighbors!

10/27/2026

❤️ Tuesday: No Gift Is Too Small

On Sunday, as we brought forward our commitments for the coming year, we were reminded of something important:

Everyone has something to offer.

Not just the people who lead ministries.

Not just those who have been part of the church for decades.

Not just those who have the time, energy, or resources to take on big responsibilities.

Everyone.

From the youngest child in our nursery to the oldest member of our congregation, God has given each of us something we can share.

Sometimes we think serving God requires doing something big.

But think about the little things that make a difference in someone's life.

A child who makes a card for someone who is sick.

A teenager who helps carry groceries or lends a hand at a church event.

Someone who prepares a meal, teaches a class, sings in the choir, or welcomes a visitor.

A person who can no longer physically volunteer but faithfully prays for others.

A simple phone call to let someone know they haven't been forgotten.

None of these gifts are small to the person receiving them.

And we may never know how far the impact of one small act of kindness will reach.

💭 Tuesday Reflection:

Have you ever received a small act of kindness that made a big difference in your life?

Maybe the person who offered it never even realized how much it meant.

Now think about this:

What is one simple way you can use your gifts to bless someone this week?

It doesn't have to be complicated. It doesn't have to cost anything. And it doesn't have to be something anyone else notices.

❤️ As we begin living out the commitments we made on Sunday, remember:

You don't have to do everything. You just have to be willing to do your part.

Every gift matters. Every generation matters. Every act of love matters.

Love God. Love People. Make Disciples.

10/26/2026

Please share!

🎶 Now Hiring: Part-Time Director of Music 🎶

Centenary United Methodist Church (Shelbyville, KY) is looking for a passionate musician to lead our choir and worship music! Piano skills required; organ/guitar a plus. ~15–20 hrs/week. Great treat for a musician seeking flexible, meaningful part-time work.

📩 Interested? Send your resume and a note about your faith journey to the church at:

[email protected]
or
PO Box 38, Shelbyville KY 40066

Send a message to learn more

10/26/2026

❤️ Monday Reflection: What We Begin May Outlive Us

Yesterday was a special Sunday at Centenary as we concluded our Passing the Mantle series with Commitment Sunday.

Throughout these past weeks, we've reflected on those who came before us, the faith and ministries they entrusted to us, and our responsibility to carry that work forward.

Yesterday, Pastor Patty reminded us of something worth holding onto:

We may never see the full outcome of the things we begin, the gifts we give, or the lives we touch.

Think about that for a moment.

The Sunday School teacher who plants a seed of faith in a child may never know how that child will grow.

The person who helps begin a ministry may never see all the people it will eventually serve.

The volunteer who offers a little time may never realize how much that simple act meant to someone else.

But that doesn't make those gifts any less important.

During worship, we brought forward our commitments for the coming year, offering our time, talents, gifts, and willingness to serve.

We also added the final ribbons to our display, this time sharing the things we are grateful for.

What a beautiful way to close this journey—remembering what we've received, giving thanks, and looking ahead to what we can offer.

And perhaps one of the most important reminders from yesterday is that everyone has something to give.

From the youngest child in our nursery to the oldest among us, each person has gifts that can make a difference.

💭 Monday Reflection:

What is something someone began years ago that continues to bless your life today?

And what might you begin, give, or do today that could bless someone years from now?

We don't have to see the finished picture to be part of God's work.

❤️ Our calling is to be faithful with what we've been given and trust God with what comes next.

Love God. Love People. Make Disciples.

10/23/2026

🤲 Friday: Our Promise. Our Commitment. Our Turn.

Over the past several weeks, our Passing the Mantle series has reminded us that faith and ministry don't begin or end with any one person.

Last Sunday, we heard the story of Centenary's Ramp Ministry as David shared about the work he helped begin many years ago and Adam and Thomas stepped forward to continue leading it.

It was a wonderful reminder that the people serving may change, but God's work continues.

And now, as we prepare for Commitment Sunday, it's time to consider our own place in that continuing story.

When we become members of the United Methodist Church, we promise to support the church through our:

🙏 Prayers
⛪ Presence
❤️ Gifts
🤝 Service
🌎 Witness

These aren't simply words we say during a membership service. They're promises we are invited to live out every day.

And you don't have to be a church member—or even an adult—to be part of serving others!

Children, youth, and adults all have something meaningful to contribute to the life and ministry of the church.

This Sunday, October 25, we will conclude our Passing the Mantle series with Pastor Patty's message:

📖 1 Thessalonians 2:1–8
“The Retiring of the Mantle”

During worship, we will also have the opportunity to make our commitments for the coming year.

📝 Please remember to bring your completed Ministry Opportunity sheets and pledge sheets with you to worship.

Don't worry if you've misplaced yours or didn't receive one. Extra forms will be available on Sunday!

As you prepare, prayerfully consider not only what you can give, but how you can serve, encourage, welcome, and help carry Centenary's ministries forward.

💭 Friday Reflection:

How are you living out your promise to support the church through your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness?

And where might God be inviting you to grow?

❤️ We invite you to join us this Sunday!

Whether you've been part of Centenary for decades, are just beginning to find your place, or are visiting for the first time, you are welcome here.

☕ Fellowship — 9:00 AM
📖 Sunday School — 9:30 AM
⛪ Worship — 10:30 AM

📍 Centenary United Methodist Church
429 Main St., Shelbyville, KY

We've spent these weeks remembering those who carried the mantle before us, celebrating those who carry it today, and encouraging those who will carry it tomorrow.

Now it's our turn to consider what we will do with what has been entrusted to us.

Love God. Love People. Make Disciples.

10/22/2026

❤️ Thursday: There's a Place for Everyone to Serve

This week, we've been reflecting on what it means to Pass the Mantle—honoring those who have faithfully served, encouraging new leaders, and making sure the work of the church continues.

On Sunday, we heard how Centenary's Ramp Ministry is continuing through the dedication of those willing to step forward and serve.

But here's something important to remember:

You don't have to lead a ministry to make a difference in one.

You don't have to have years of experience.

You don't have to be an adult.

And you certainly don't have to have everything figured out.

God has given each of us gifts, talents, and opportunities to serve.

Some people are called to lead. Others are called to teach, build, cook, sing, pray, welcome, organize, encourage, or simply lend a helping hand.

And our children and youth have gifts to share, too! They aren't just the future of the church. They're an important part of the church today.

As we approach Commitment Sunday, October 25, we're asking everyone to prayerfully consider how they can be part of Centenary's ministries in the coming year.

During worship, we'll have the opportunity to turn in our Ministry Opportunity sheets and pledge sheets as we make our commitments to supporting the work God is doing through Centenary.

💭 Thursday Reflection:

What gifts has God given you, and how might you use them to serve others?

Maybe it's something you've done for years.

Maybe it's something you've always wanted to try.

Or maybe it's a gift you haven't even discovered yet!

❤️ Every act of service matters. Every willing heart matters. And every generation has something to offer.

This Sunday, as we conclude our Passing the Mantle series with “The Retiring of the Mantle” (1 Thessalonians 2:1–8), we'll reflect on what it means to faithfully carry forward the work God has entrusted to us.

The question isn't whether you have something to offer.

It's how God might be calling you to use it.

Love God. Love People. Make Disciples.

10/21/2026

🤝 Wednesday: Passing On More Than a Responsibility

When we think about Passing the Mantle, we often focus on the person stepping into a new role.

But what about the person who has been carrying it?

In Joshua 1, Moses' leadership has come to an end, and Joshua is called to continue leading God's people.

Joshua wasn't beginning a completely new journey. He was building on the work, lessons, and experiences of those who came before him.

On Sunday, we saw a beautiful example of this as David shared about Centenary's Ramp Ministry and Adam and Thomas stepped forward to continue its leadership.

Years of experience, relationships, lessons learned, and faithful service don't simply disappear when leadership changes.

They become part of the foundation for what comes next.

And that's something we can all learn from.

Whether it's a church ministry, a family tradition, a job, or simply a skill we've developed over the years, we all have something worth sharing.

Sometimes the greatest gift we can give isn't doing the work ourselves.

It's taking the time to show someone else how.

It's answering their questions.

Encouraging them when they're unsure.

Sharing what we've learned from our mistakes.

And giving them room to discover their own gifts and abilities.

💭 Wednesday Reflection:

What knowledge, experience, or gift has someone taken the time to share with you?

And here's another question:

Is there someone you could come alongside and encourage in the same way?

❤️ Passing the mantle isn't about one person's story ending and another person's beginning.

It's about recognizing that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves.

The wisdom of yesterday helps prepare the leaders of tomorrow.

And when we share what we've been given, the work continues.

Love God. Love People. Make Disciples.

10/20/2026

💪 Tuesday: The Courage to Step Forward

Yesterday, we reflected on the importance of passing the mantle and making sure the work God has started continues.

But today, let's think about the person receiving the mantle.

In Joshua 1:1–9, God calls Joshua to lead the Israelites after Moses. Those were some pretty big shoes to fill!

Joshua wasn't starting from scratch. He was continuing a journey that someone else had faithfully led for years.

And God didn't promise Joshua that everything would be easy.

Instead, He reminded him:

“Be strong and courageous.” — Joshua 1:9

On Sunday, we heard about the transition of leadership in Centenary's Ramp Ministry from David to Adam and Thomas.

It's a wonderful reminder that sometimes God calls us to step into something that someone else has spent years building.

That can feel exciting. It can also feel a little intimidating.

We might wonder:

Am I ready? Do I know enough? What if I make mistakes?

But God doesn't ask us to have every answer before we begin.

He asks us to trust Him and take the next faithful step.

And just as important, we don't have to do it alone.

💭 Tuesday Reflection:

Have you ever felt called to take on a responsibility or step into something new, but weren't sure you were ready?

What helped you find the courage to say yes?

Maybe God is calling you to serve in a ministry, volunteer for something new, mentor someone, or simply lend a helping hand where it's needed.

❤️ You don't have to know everything or have it all figured out to make a difference.

Sometimes the first step of faith is simply being willing to say, “Here I am. How can I help?”

Be strong. Be courageous. And trust that God will walk with you.