TOP ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS
Advent Calendars & Devotionals: This year’s Advent theme is “How does a weary world rejoice?” Pick up your Advent devotional and Advent Calendar (adults/youth, or kids version) at either campus. Advent calendars have daily prompts for practicing joy in a weary world from Dec 1 to 31.
Discover Centennial: Sunday, December 3, 8-8:45am | Roseville campus | Join us for coffee, donuts and a chat! If you’re interested in learning more about Centennial or becoming a member, we invite you to the Roseville campus for a casual meet-up. Whether you’re new or have been here for a while, this gathering is perfect for getting to know us better and getting connected at Centennial. The next Discover Centennial event will be held at SAP on January 28 over lunch. These gatherings will regularly take place every 6-8 weeks and will alternate campus locations. Register here: [CLICK HERE]
Help celebrate 70 years of Centennial-Roseville: December 10, 10:00 a.m. during coffee at Centennial Roseville | Come join us to reflect upon what makes our church so special!
Help Make Miracle Moments with Santa a dream come true! Centennial is proud to partner with MN Wrongfully Convicted Judicial Reform to offer Miracle Moments with Santa this year and we are in need of your help! We are in need of gifts for the toy shop and additional funds for Santa and food for a delicious meal, and in need of volunteers for Saturday, December 16th. The event goes from 11:00am-2:00pm with various time frames and opportunities to serve. Come celebrate the season and give hope to our community. [CLICK HERE] for more information.
Discover Centennial: Sunday, December 3, 8-8:45am | Roseville campus | Join us for coffee, donuts and a chat! If you’re interested in learning more about Centennial or becoming a member, we invite you to the Roseville campus for a casual meet-up. Whether you’re new or have been here for a while, this gathering is perfect for getting to know us better and getting connected at Centennial. The next Discover Centennial event will be held at SAP on January 28 over lunch. These gatherings will regularly take place every 6-8 weeks and will alternate campus locations. Register here: [CLICK HERE]
Help celebrate 70 years of Centennial-Roseville: December 10, 10:00 a.m. during coffee at Centennial Roseville | Come join us to reflect upon what makes our church so special!
Help Make Miracle Moments with Santa a dream come true! Centennial is proud to partner with MN Wrongfully Convicted Judicial Reform to offer Miracle Moments with Santa this year and we are in need of your help! We are in need of gifts for the toy shop and additional funds for Santa and food for a delicious meal, and in need of volunteers for Saturday, December 16th. The event goes from 11:00am-2:00pm with various time frames and opportunities to serve. Come celebrate the season and give hope to our community. [CLICK HERE] for more information.
christmas at Centennial
Community Carol Sing-Along with Roseville String Ensemble: December 4 | 7:30 pm | Roseville Campus | Sing along with the Roseville String Ensemble at the 24th Community Carol Sing-along. Choral director Joel Johnson and pianist Karen Johnson are back to lead the carols and holiday songs, RSE Assistant Conductor Chris Chelgren will direct orchestral favorites and guest band Lauluaika will entertain with danceable Finnish Christmas music. After the concert, stay and enjoy treats with the musicians and your neighbors! Freewill offering. Bring a nonperishable item for the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf. Sponsored by Centennial Music Program.
Annual CUMC Christmas Concert - you're invited: Sunday, December 17 | 3:00 pm | Roseville Campus | Centennial music folks invite you to this annual Christmas music event. It's entitled "The Sounds of Christmas - a special gift from the Centennial Music Ministry." The program will feature 7 music groups, which includes FLAMES group with their puppets! We'll have the sound of voices, bells, pipes, brass and of course - carols for all to sing! Join us for this wonderful Centennial Christmas Music tradition. Following the program there will be a reception in the Lounge & Linden Court.
Christmas Eve Services:
3:00pm Service at St. Anthony Park Campus
5:00 pm Service at Roseville Campus
9:00 pm Service at Roseville Campus
Annual CUMC Christmas Concert - you're invited: Sunday, December 17 | 3:00 pm | Roseville Campus | Centennial music folks invite you to this annual Christmas music event. It's entitled "The Sounds of Christmas - a special gift from the Centennial Music Ministry." The program will feature 7 music groups, which includes FLAMES group with their puppets! We'll have the sound of voices, bells, pipes, brass and of course - carols for all to sing! Join us for this wonderful Centennial Christmas Music tradition. Following the program there will be a reception in the Lounge & Linden Court.
Christmas Eve Services:
3:00pm Service at St. Anthony Park Campus
5:00 pm Service at Roseville Campus
9:00 pm Service at Roseville Campus
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Gantasala Baby Sprinkle: December 3, following worship service at St. Anthony Park campus | Join us in sprinkling Naresh and Jyothi Gantasala with love as they await the birth of their daughter. If you'd like to celebrate their new addition with a gift, the Gantasalas are registered at Amazon.com -- or diapers are always welcome!
Holiday Piano Concert with Elizabeth Lee and guest flutist Britta Swedenborg: Friday, December 8 at 2:00 pm in the SAP sanctuary | Join us for an afternoon of holiday piano music, some of which you can sing along to with provided lyrics! Hybrid event that you can attend either: In-person at 2200 Hillside Ave. (Sanctuary at Centennial United Methodist Church) or by streaming online at https://www.facebook.com/sapaseniors. Call St. Anthony Park Area Seniors at 651-642-9052 to get more information.
BOOKS FOR A BUCK – UW in Faith: Sunday, Dec 10, Linden Court | We are not accepting book donations at this time due to our generous supply. HOWEVER on Dec 10 books will be for sale in Linden Court. Stop by the display and find one or more good books to read when we get those "snow storms". While browsing among the books, greet a friend or new person.
Holiday Piano Concert with Elizabeth Lee and guest flutist Britta Swedenborg: Friday, December 8 at 2:00 pm in the SAP sanctuary | Join us for an afternoon of holiday piano music, some of which you can sing along to with provided lyrics! Hybrid event that you can attend either: In-person at 2200 Hillside Ave. (Sanctuary at Centennial United Methodist Church) or by streaming online at https://www.facebook.com/sapaseniors. Call St. Anthony Park Area Seniors at 651-642-9052 to get more information.
BOOKS FOR A BUCK – UW in Faith: Sunday, Dec 10, Linden Court | We are not accepting book donations at this time due to our generous supply. HOWEVER on Dec 10 books will be for sale in Linden Court. Stop by the display and find one or more good books to read when we get those "snow storms". While browsing among the books, greet a friend or new person.
SMALL GROUP OPPORTUNITIES
Christmas in Story and Song: 10:00 am - Noon, Sat, December 2, Fellowship Hall | Come join United Women in Faith in the Fellowship Hall for a time of Christmas Merriment as we enjoy a Brunch and Entertainment -- to start the Advent Season. In order for us to prepare sufficiently there will be a sign-up sheet at the Welcome Center where you may also note food allergies.
RARES: Thursday, December 7, 2pm | GraceNotes Trio Count Your Blessings Listen and sing along with Diane, Pat and Connie as they entertain us with familiar Christmas classics, energetic spirituals and gospel music guaranteed to "make a joyful noise".
Connectivity invites you! 10:30 am at Roseville Centennial in Asbury 1 | Connectivity is a Sunday morning adult discussion group. The topic is sent to you by email each week for a robust discussion each Sunday. For more information, contact MDeLong@umn.edu or House001@umn.edu.
CIRCLES - United Women in Faith - Will be Meeting: Ruth Circle, 6:00 pm, Thursday, Dec 14. Contact: Diane Anderson 651.398-5904; Sarah Circle, 9:30 am, Tuesday, Dec 19. Contact: Mim Heggerston, 763-528-3689; Martha/Mary Circle, 1:30 pm Thursday, Dec 21. Contact: Nancy Jacob 651-238-7119.
Prayer Chain Group at CUMC: Every Thursday at 6:00-7:00 pm | Our prayer chain will involve Alyssa Saleem leading the group. We will begin with a worship song to center our hearts on God, and then we will proceed to share prayer requests. Together, we will lift these requests in prayer, trusting that God hears us and will respond according to His perfect will. Join Zoom Meeting [CLICK HERE] (Meeting ID: 826 7306 6789 | Passcode: 355744) Questions? Contact asaleem001@luthersem.edu.
RARES: Thursday, December 7, 2pm | GraceNotes Trio Count Your Blessings Listen and sing along with Diane, Pat and Connie as they entertain us with familiar Christmas classics, energetic spirituals and gospel music guaranteed to "make a joyful noise".
Connectivity invites you! 10:30 am at Roseville Centennial in Asbury 1 | Connectivity is a Sunday morning adult discussion group. The topic is sent to you by email each week for a robust discussion each Sunday. For more information, contact MDeLong@umn.edu or House001@umn.edu.
CIRCLES - United Women in Faith - Will be Meeting: Ruth Circle, 6:00 pm, Thursday, Dec 14. Contact: Diane Anderson 651.398-5904; Sarah Circle, 9:30 am, Tuesday, Dec 19. Contact: Mim Heggerston, 763-528-3689; Martha/Mary Circle, 1:30 pm Thursday, Dec 21. Contact: Nancy Jacob 651-238-7119.
Prayer Chain Group at CUMC: Every Thursday at 6:00-7:00 pm | Our prayer chain will involve Alyssa Saleem leading the group. We will begin with a worship song to center our hearts on God, and then we will proceed to share prayer requests. Together, we will lift these requests in prayer, trusting that God hears us and will respond according to His perfect will. Join Zoom Meeting [CLICK HERE] (Meeting ID: 826 7306 6789 | Passcode: 355744) Questions? Contact asaleem001@luthersem.edu.
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Compassion Team Collecting Hats and Mittens: We are working with the Hats and Mittens organization to provide kids with warm items this winter. You can help by dropping off hats and mittens (waterproof preferred) by the Christmas tree at the east entrance of the Roseville campus or in the decorated box in the SAP entryway from Dec 3 – Dec 17. Or send your donation to Centennial United Methodist Church with Hats and Mittens on the memo line by Dec 17. Contact Sally McCarville 651-226-3871.
Give a Little Gift - Walker: The tradition of giving little gifts to Walker Methodist has changed. They are accepting monetary gifts only. You may give your gift to Peggy Rhodes or leave in the designated basket on Sat, Dec 2, at the Christmas Brunch. Mark it for "Give a Little Gift."
Emma Norton Services - Gift Cards: Gift cards are being collected for the ENS residents for their Christmas gift or to be used for their families. Will you brighten the day of a resident by picking up a gift card when shopping at Target, Cub, Aldi, Walmart, Dollar Tree, Penny's, Trader Joe’s, Walgreens. You may give a check - noted for ENS. Give to Judy Phillips or place in the basket at the Sat, Dec 2 Christmas Brunch.
Visual Arts Team seeks your input! The remodel of the lounge at Roseville campus is complete and there is a large blank wall in the serving area. The Visual Arts Ministry Team is seeking input from the congregation regarding that space. Please take a few minutes to fill out this form [CLICK HERE]. Thank you for your time!
2024 Midwest Mission Trip: Centennial UMC will be sending two teams to serve at the Midwest Mission Distribution Center in Pawnee, IL in July of 2024. 1 Team of 10 will serve for 4 days, Mon July 15-Thur July 18 (cost to register: $150). Another Team of 16 will serve for 2 days, Wed July 17 & Thur July 18 (cost to register: $63). Sign up HERE for the 4 or 2 days of service.
Sierra Leone Mission Trip early 2024: Centennial has been sending mission teams to serve in Sierra Leone West Africa since 2011. We partner with Africa Uplifted, a 501c3 public non-profit organization, which was inspired by UMC OC Ministries and works in coordination with the Sierra Leone UMC Conference. We are again planning to form a mission team to serve in late January or February 2024. Trips typically span 12-14 days including travel time. More information to come, but if you have questions feel free to reach out to Eric Bjorklund bjork349@gmail.com or Randy Oelschlager randyo@fabricsupply.com.
Give a Little Gift - Walker: The tradition of giving little gifts to Walker Methodist has changed. They are accepting monetary gifts only. You may give your gift to Peggy Rhodes or leave in the designated basket on Sat, Dec 2, at the Christmas Brunch. Mark it for "Give a Little Gift."
Emma Norton Services - Gift Cards: Gift cards are being collected for the ENS residents for their Christmas gift or to be used for their families. Will you brighten the day of a resident by picking up a gift card when shopping at Target, Cub, Aldi, Walmart, Dollar Tree, Penny's, Trader Joe’s, Walgreens. You may give a check - noted for ENS. Give to Judy Phillips or place in the basket at the Sat, Dec 2 Christmas Brunch.
Visual Arts Team seeks your input! The remodel of the lounge at Roseville campus is complete and there is a large blank wall in the serving area. The Visual Arts Ministry Team is seeking input from the congregation regarding that space. Please take a few minutes to fill out this form [CLICK HERE]. Thank you for your time!
2024 Midwest Mission Trip: Centennial UMC will be sending two teams to serve at the Midwest Mission Distribution Center in Pawnee, IL in July of 2024. 1 Team of 10 will serve for 4 days, Mon July 15-Thur July 18 (cost to register: $150). Another Team of 16 will serve for 2 days, Wed July 17 & Thur July 18 (cost to register: $63). Sign up HERE for the 4 or 2 days of service.
Sierra Leone Mission Trip early 2024: Centennial has been sending mission teams to serve in Sierra Leone West Africa since 2011. We partner with Africa Uplifted, a 501c3 public non-profit organization, which was inspired by UMC OC Ministries and works in coordination with the Sierra Leone UMC Conference. We are again planning to form a mission team to serve in late January or February 2024. Trips typically span 12-14 days including travel time. More information to come, but if you have questions feel free to reach out to Eric Bjorklund bjork349@gmail.com or Randy Oelschlager randyo@fabricsupply.com.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Nothing highlighted in this section this week.
THANK YOU
Project Home Thank You: Dear Centennial, thank you for your donations of over 1,000 books to the Project Home library. For the past year, I worked to transform the library into a magical space for my Gold Award. Aside from the library, I created a website with reading resources and videos. If you want to check out the resources for your family, head to the website: https://esimons0230.wixsite.com/readingforall. Thank you so much for all of your support. - Elizabeth Simons.
GOD AT WORK
It’s beginning to look a lot like Advent! The Centennial UMC-SAP campus kicked off the advent season with their annual hanging of the greens on Sunday, November 26th. Congregants of all ages stayed after worship on the first Sunday of Advent to help decorate the sanctuary for the season.
