We offer all kinds of groups at Centennial!
Check out our wide variety of interest groups and find one that resonates with you!
Virtual Small Groups: We hope all our small groups will continue meeting and connecting with one another virtually. Consider using Zoom or phone calls to stay connected.
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Zoom: cloud based service for voice and/or video conference calls, up to 100 people. If your group/class would like to use Zoom, please contact Dennis Webster at dwebster [AT] centennialumc [DOT] org for detailed instructions.
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Good old fashioned phone calls: Please remember to check in on the members of your group (& others). See how folks are doing, share your highs and lows, and pray for one another.
Here are the groups we offer during non-Covid 19 times. Feel free to use the group contacts to see if they are using zoom or other means to meet during these times.
Jump to:
Women's Groups
Men's Groups
Care Teams
Recovery and Support Groups
Wednesday Night Meal
We believe that eating together helps us create a more loving and just world!
All are welcome to our hot, buffet-style meal!
When: Every Wednesday night (Sept-May) from 5:30-6:15pm
Where: Roseville Campus (1524 W County Rd. C2, Roseville, MN - map)
Cost: $5 for those signed up in advance (by Tuesdays at noon) | $7 at the door | Children 4 and under are free
Sign up here!
Contact: Pastor Jen Anderson | janderson [AT] centennialumc [DOT] org
Getting to Know You Roseville/SAP Potlucks:
Mixing the two campuses for brunch and conversation.
Meet monthly for 6 months
Contact: Mary Ann Krinkie | mjkrinkie [AT] gmail [DOT] com
Adult Bible Study (Roseville Campus)
When: 11:00am on Sundays
No prior study required! We focus on what it means to live out the love of God in community.
Want to learn more? Connect with Faye Hunt | defahunt [AT] aol [DOT] com
Discussion & Learning Group - Connectivity (Roseville Campus)
When: 11:00am on Sundays
This group loves to explore a variety of faith-related topics in a discussion-focused setting.
Want to learn more? Connect with Jim or Jan House | house001 [AT] umn [DOT] edu
FaithLink (Roseville Campus)
When: 11:00am on Sundays
A small group for adults seeking to connect faith to the issues and events making headlines. What can scripture offer as guidelines? Come with an open mind and heart, ready to listen and share with others. Outlines of each week’s topic and suggested discussion starters will be available by email each Wednesday.
Want to learn more? Contact info to come!
Water to Beer, Brewing Small Group
This new group will start May 26th and run 6-9 weeks. We will learn how to brew (for those who have never done it) and hone our craft (for those with some experience). This group is open to men and women and all experience levels.
Contact Benjamin Drietz if interested | bendrietz [AT] gmail [DOT] com
Faith Journey
A time for discussion around a weekly topic (sermons, texts, current events)
Mondays 7 - 8:30 PM
Contact: Bob Titzler | rmtitzler [AT] gmail [DOT] com
Adoptive/Foster Families
Meets periodically for discussion and fun family events
Time and location vary
Contact: Theresa Brix | theresa [DOT] brix [AT] gmail [DOT] com
The WRITE Way to Self Discovery
A time for writing and reflection
Wed 7:30PM at Bonney’s house
Contact: Bonney Oelschlager | obonney [AT] gmail [DOT] com
Getting to Know You
Mixing the two campuses for dinner and conversation
Sunday brunch gathering
Contact: Mary Ann Krinkie | mjkrinkie [AT] gmail [DOT] com
Board Game Group
A time for adults/older youth to play games and have fun
Mondays at 7PM
Contact: Maureen Petersen | peters1050 [AT] aol [DOT] com
Occasional Outings
A mix of fun family activities and service activities
About once a month. Time and location vary
Contact: Linda Barrows | linda [DOT] k [DOT] barrows [AT] gmail [DOT] com
LGBT Support
For anyone struggling with and/or celebrating their authentic selves
Time and location vary
Contact: Chris Mattison | cmattison36 [AT] yahoo [DOT] com
Prayer Chain
Receives emails with prayer requests from congregation
Does not meet. Just email.
Contact: Julie Elholm | jelholm [AT] centennialumc [DOT] org
Adults with Intellectual Disabilities (FLAMES)
We are proud to support our FLAMES Small Group for people with cognitive and intellectual disabilities.
We meet monthly on Wednesday nights to talk about our faith and build relationships with one another
Contact: Pastor Jen Anderson | janderson [AT] centennialumc [DOT] org
Book Club (Searchers)
Want to learn more about how beautiful and diverse our world is?
Then Searchers is a book club for you! Join monthly discussions about faith and theology, and hear the perspectives and stories from people of all ages.
Contact: Howard Hass | 651.484.4068
Garden Team
We love to get our hands dirty so that new life can emerge!
If you love to garden, spend a few hours with us digging, planting, watering, and tending to plants on the Centennial church campuses.
Connect with Norm and Kathy Nelson at 651-633-0836
Movie Nights (Reel Faith)
Movies tell stories that can help us connect faith with our lives.
Once a month, we gather together in the Roseville Campus movie theater to watch great films, eat delicious popcorn, and talk about how the stories and characters on the screen impact our lives and perspectives. Films range from dramas to comedies to classics.
Who can come? You! Anyone!
What do I bring? Nothing! (though, a donation for snacks will never be turned away!)
When? Fridays
What movies are next? TBD
Contact: Pastor Jen Anderson | janderson [AT] centennialumc [DOT] org
Retired & Almost Retired Energetic Seniors (RARES)
We may be retired (or close), but there is still so much to do!
This group of energetic folks gathers once a month to eat a catered meal and enjoy a program together. The topics are educational, sometimes musical, and always informative and fun! Look for our yearly program brochure att Connectivity Point reading rack.
When? 11:45am | 2nd Thursdays of the month | Oct - Dec, Feb - May
Cost: $11 if you'd like lunch
Women's Groups
Women’s Breakfast
A time for food and fellowship
Once a month on Saturdays
Contact: Amy Elholm | elholms [AT] comcast [DOT] net
Women’s Breakfast Fellowship
Contact: Thelma Boeder | ballingerboeder [AT] gmail [DOT] com
Add Women’s Night Out
We meet monthly at various restaurants for friendship and food.
Contact: Julie Elholm | jelholm [AT] centennialumc [DOT] org
Women’s Group
A time for coffee, sharing, and prayer
Tuesdays 7:30PM, at Caribou
Contact: Carolyn Gwi | gwicarolyn [AT] gmail [DOT] com
Women Sharing & Growing Together:
We meet monthly and will plan outings to concerts, theater, dining out, movies and meals at one another's homes. A few times each year we will volunteer to help at Feed My Starving Children or other similar organization.
Meets the first Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM.
Contact: Lucina Coles | lebibliothecaire52 [AT] gmail [DOT] com
Women's Book Group (Women's FaithWalk)
Want to gather with a group of women for thought-provoking conversation?
Then Women's Faith Walk (a book group) is for you! This group meets the last Monday of the month. Our book selections vary and include both fiction and non-fiction. Discussion leaders are volunteers from within the group. You are welcome to come one time or every time!
When: last Mondays of the month from 7:00-8:30pm
Who can come? Any woman interested in conversation and community!
How do I get a book? Wherever you buy your books (we highly recommend your local bookstore!), and we also try to use books you can find in your local library.
Connect with Liz Murray | eamurr41 [AT] earthlink [DOT] net
United Methodist Women (UMW)
United Methodist Women is a community of women whose purpose is to:
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Know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ!
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Seek to to develop a creative supportive fellowship;
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To expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.
Who can be a member of UMW? Any woman who chooses to belong and commits herself to the UMW purpose.
What is UMW all about? The main focus of United Methodist Women, who are approximately one million women worldwide, is support of ministries that address the needs of WOMEN, CHILDREN, and YOUTH.
Interested? Want to join? Connect with:
Fran Field | rogfranfield [AT] aol [DOT] com
Men's Groups
Beer and Bros
Craft beer and conversation
Thursdays 9PM, at Grumpys
Contact: Eric Bjorklund | ebjorklund [AT] centennialumc [DOT] org
Men’s Breakfast
Meets monthly to eat and talk informally
2nd Saturday of each month, 8AM
Contact: Clay Helmer | in_the10ring [AT] hotmail [DOT] com
Men's Discussion Group
We value the company and fellowship of other men!
Men's ministry does a variety of activities throughout the year, including monthly conversations over coffee!
When: Wednesdays at 7:00pm
Where: at the Caribou Coffee at I-694 & Rice.
Who can come? All men are welcome!
Our book for this year is “How God Makes Men: Ten Epic Stories. Ten Proven Principles. One Huge Promise For Your Life” by Patrick Morley. Each month we meet to discuss one of the chapters of the book. There is no cost, except the purchase price of the book. If you are interested please contact Paul Lucas at paullucas180 [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
Men's Fall Boundary Waters Trip:
We have an opening for one man to join our fall trip to the Boundary Waters (BWCAW). We are going to the Timber Trail Lodge on Farm Lake near Ely, leaving on Thursday, September 28 and returning on Sunday, October 1. We stay in a nice knotty pine cabin, with separate beds for each man, two bathrooms and lots of space. Activities include fishing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking and evening camp fires. We cook our own food and share the work. The total cost is about $200. If you are interested please contact Paul Lucas at paullucas180 [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
Care Teams
Want to make the world a little brighter and easier for people? Check out our many options to provide care for others:
CARE Team: a task-oriented and provides concrete gifts of love to people in need (i.e. transportation, meal support, household support, etc.)
BeFrienders: compassionate listeners who are matched with seniors in Centennial’s community, and meet with them monthly to bear witness to their lives and offer a listening presence.
Congregational Caregivers: compassionate people who offer encouragement, companionship and prayer to people in need. A reliable form of transportation is useful.
Growing Through Loss Host: hospitable folks who help with registration, food, and other needs that make the Growing Through Loss support group program a caring ministry to individuals in bereavement.
Funeral/Memorial Service Support Team: a group that offers logistical support to the Director of Care, Funeral Coordinator and family during funeral and memorial services at Centennial. This support includes: A/V & ushering support in the sanctuary; baking bars; and helping host large group meals.
The Gathering volunteer: compassionate individuals who provide stimulating activities for those experiencing early- to mid-stage memory loss, and give five hours of respite to caregivers who desire a break.
Prayer Team: a team of people actively in prayer for needs that become known to the church, commit to praying for these needs, and help provide prayer activities.
Prayer Chain: a team of people actively in prayer around needs that become known to the church, and commit to praying for these needs.
Prayer Shawl and Baby Blanket Team: a group that creates and provides prayer shawls for people experiencing illness, and also baby blankets for newborns, by praying as you knit them for the people who will receive them.
To join a prayer team, contact Parish Nurse Julia Nordling:
parishnurse [AT] centennialumc [DOT] org | 651.633.7644
Recovery and Support Groups
Are you or your loved one experiencing mental illness and/or addiction?
Do you need support as you grieve a recent loss and/or transition? We want to help:
Growing Through Loss Grief Support Group
Anyone experiencing grief or loss is invited to attend Growing Through Loss, a six-week series providing support for those who have lost a spouse, child, parent, friend or sibling; or for those dealing with a divorce or separation; pregnancy loss; loss to suicide; job change; or relocation.
This 6-week series provides an opportunity for individuals to obtain information and support for a variety of loss and grief issues. Each session begins with an educational presentation by a professional from the community, followed by small groups facilitated by leaders who understand the grieving process. Although there is no cost, donations are welcome. Registration takes place each evening before the program. Church affiliation is not necessary. Each session is complete in itself; attend any or all sessions. Free childcare is available, but please call a week in advance so they are prepared for your children.
When:
Where: Abiding Savior Church | 8211 Red Oak Drive, Mounds View, MN (map)
Connect with Parish Nurse Julia Nordling | parishnurse [AT] centennialumc [DOT] org | 651.633.7644 x21
Go here for more information
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
NAMI Weekly Connections Support Group: Meets weekly on Wednesdays at 6:30-8:00pm (Roseville campus - map)
Want to join? Connect with Will | 651-578-3364
Family Support Group: Meets 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month from 6:30-8:00pm (Roseville campus - map)
Want to join? Connect with Will | 651-578-3364
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) - St. Paul & Suburban Area Intergroup
Closed Meeting: Sundays at 6:30pm - We'll always have a chair open for you (Roseville campus - map)
Go here if you need to find an AA meeting right now.
You can reach a recovering alcoholic any minute of the day by calling +1 651.227.5502
Need more support?
Head over to the Going Through a Difficult Time? section of our website to find more ways to receive help and assistance during a difficult time in your life.
Want more information about a group? Want to start your own group?
Connect with Pastor of Discipleship Jen Anderson
janderson [AT] centennialumc [DOT] org | 651.633.7644 x13