September at Centenary:
A Month of Grace!
The United Methodist Book of Discipline defines grace as "the undeserved, unmerited, and loving action of God in human existence through the ever-present Holy Spirit." Grace pervades all of creation and is universally present. Grace isn’t only a gift that God packages and bestows on us and creation; grace is God's presence to create, heal, forgive, reconcile, and transform human hearts, communities, and the entire creation. Wherever God is present, there is grace!
Methodism’s founder John Wesley was adamant that Christians aren’t meant to passively wait to experience grace. We’re called to constantly seek God through what Wesley called “the means of grace.” Means of grace are tried and true ways that God’s loving, healing, forgiving presence and power can be perceived and acted upon.
This Sunday marks the beginning of a three-week sermon series on spiritual formation. Spiritual formation is a process of being conformed to the image of Christ, a journey into becoming persons of compassion who forgive and care deeply for others. This week, I’ll discuss the basics of grace and how we receive it. Next Sunday, September 15th, I’ll discuss “works of piety,” or individual means of grace. On September 22, Pastor Tyler will preach on “works of mercy,” or communal means of grace.
On September 29th, we’ll conclude this exciting and busy September with Centenary’s 252nd birthday as we celebrate Homecoming at a combined 11:00 service. Former Associate Pastor Rick Moser will preach, and we’ll have a congregational feast afterwards.
We hope you’ll join us for an inspiring month of praise, spiritual growth, and fellowship. Come see us and bring a friend or neighbor.
~Pastor Vann
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