9:00 AM — Adult Study – The Prayers of Jesus
10:15 AM — Worship & Sunday School (Pre-K through 12th Grade)
Preacher: John D. Painter Theme: Welcome Home!
Lectionary Readings: Proverbs 1:20-33 James 3:1-12 Psalm 19 Mark 8:27-38
Music—Chancel Choir: The Heavens Are Declaring by L. V. Beethoven
Celebration of Found Coins: Volunteer-in-Mission Trip to North Carolina
12:00 PM — Homecoming Sunday / Back to School Picnic (Merril Park, Colonia)

On “Homecoming Sunday,” September 13th, we will resume our regular schedule with Worship and Sunday School for Pre-K through 12th Grade Youth at 10:15 AM. The Adult Class will also resume its sessions at 9:00 AM on Septem-ber 13 in the Sunshine Room. Save the afternoon of Sunday, September 13 for our annual “Homecoming Picnic” at Merrill Park in Colonia (Rain Date: September 20). Details on our Web site, in the September edition of The Lamplighter, Worship bulletins, and in weekly Centenary E-pistles to those for whom we have E-mail addresses.

Adult Class Resumes September 13 with “The Prayers Of Jesus”
Centenary’s Adult Class will reconvene on Sunday, September 13, at 9:00 AM in the Sunshine Room with a seven-week DVD study on “The Prayers of Jesus.”

From his baptism to his crucifixion, the Gospels portray Jesus as a man of prayer who knew and deeply valued intimate communion with God. This series, led by some of the country’s lead-ing Bible scholars, will give us an in-depth look at the prayers of Jesus and provide new insights into prayer, the character of God, and how we can deepen our relationship with God.
The topics that will be covered and the scripture passages on which they are based include:

• Watch and Pray—Jesus’ Model Prayer Life (Mark 1: 32-39; 9: 9-29; 14: 32-42);
• Our God Listens—The Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8);
• Joining in Jesus’ Prayer—The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6: 9-13);
• Praying to a Good God—The Friend at Midnight (Luke 11: 5-13);
• Praying with Purpose—Jesus’ Final Prayer (John 17); and
• A Friend in High Places—Faith, Prayers, and Answers (John 14: 13-14).

We will conclude this series on Sunday, October 25, with a short film from the NOOMA se-ries called “Open,” which focuses on the question, “Does God answer prayer?” and offers a fresh perspective on how we approach the things in life that compel us to pray.

We invite you to join us for a new year of Bible study, starting Sunday, September 13, from 9:00 to 10:00 AM in the Sunshine Room.

Dear Centenary Church Family:

This Sunday at Centenary: September 13, 2009
The Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost / Homecoming Sunday

9:00 AM – Adult Study – The Prayers of Jesus(Sunshine Room)
10:15 AM – Worship & Sunday School(Pre-K through Grade 12)
Preacher:John D. Painter Theme: Welcome Home!
Lectionary Readings: Proverbs 1:20-33 James 3:1-12
Psalm 19 Mark 8:-38
Special Reading: Luke 15:1-32
Children’s Message: Pastor Terrilisa Durham Bauknight
Celebration of Found Coins:A Future Volunteer-in-Mission Trip
Music: Chancel Choir- The Heavens Are Declaringby Ludwig von Beethoven
11:30 AM – Men’s Club Planning Meeting for Men’s Review(Sunshine Room)
12:00 Noon – Back-to-School “Homecoming Picnic” at Merrill Park in Colonia
On “Homecoming Sunday,” September 13th, we will resume our regular schedule with Worship and Sunday School for Pre-K through 12thGrade Youth at 10:15 AM. The Adult Class will also resume its sessions at 9:00 AM on September 13 in the Sunshine Room.Save the afternoon of Sunday, September 13 for our annual “Homecoming Picnic” at Merrill Park in Colonia(Rain Date: September 20).

Adult Class Resumes September 13 with “The Prayers Of Jesus”
Centenary’s Adult Class will reconvene this Sunday, September 13, at 9:00 AM in the Sunshine Room with a seven-week DVD study on “The Prayers of Jesus.”
From his baptism to his crucifixion, the Gospels portray Jesus as a man of prayer who knew and deeply valued intimate communion with God. This series, led by some of the country’s leading Bible scholars, will give us an in-depth look at the prayers of Jesus and provide new insights into prayer, the character of God, and how we can deepen our relationship with God.
The topics that will be covered and the scripture passages on which they are based include:
· Watch and Pray—Jesus’ Model Prayer Life(Mark 1: 32-39; 9: 9-29; 14: 32-42);
· Our God Listens—The Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8);
· Joining in Jesus’ Prayer—The Lord’s Prayer(Matthew 6: 9-13);
· Praying to a Good God—The Friend at Midnight (Luke 11: 5-13);
· Praying with Purpose—Jesus’ Final Prayer (John 17); and
· A Friend in High Places—Faith, Prayers, and Answers (John 14: 13-14).
We will conclude this series on Sunday, October 25, with a short film from the NOOMA series called “Open,” which focuses on the question, “Does God answer prayer?” and offers a fresh perspective on how we approach the things in life that compel us to pray.
We invite you to join us for a new year of Bible study, starting this Sunday, September 13, from 9:00 to 10:00 AM in the Sunshine Room.

CUMC BACK-TO-SCHOOL PICNIC

Come One, Come All

To the Back-To-School Picnic following service on Sunday, September 13 (rain date September 20). It’s going to be in Merrill Park, Colonia, (same as last year) where you can play volleyball, badminton, croquet and other assorted activities including softball, so bring your glove. Hamburgers, hot dogs, fried chicken and beverages will be provided. Please bring your favorite salad or dessert. Also bring a folding chair for relaxing afterward. Hope to see everyone there!

Directions: R on Dellwood. L on Grove Ave. R at light onto Middlesex Ave./Rte 27.
At 6thlight (2.5 miles), R onto Green St. Immediate L just after underpass onto Middlesex Turnpike.
0.5 miles to Merrill Park. Once in park, follow one-way road 0.5 miles to Grove 1B on the left.
Parking lot is just past Grove 1B, to the left.

Volunteers Needed to Teach Sunday School
Please speak with Cathy Jean Savoia (732-826-1921) if you can offer your time and love to our children…Pre-K through 6thGrade…on Sunday mornings at 10:15 AM. You do not have to commit to every Sunday…and “substitute teachers” are always welcome and needed. Thank you.

September 11th Anniversary Candlelight Observance at “Freedom Plaza”
There will be a Patriot’s Day Candlelight Observance at Freedom Plaza (at the Metuchen NJ Transit Station on the corner of Main Street & Woodbridge Avenue) from 7:00-7:45 PM on Friday, September 11th. The service will include presentations by community leaders, members of the Metuchen Fire & Police Departments, and prayers from members of the Metuchen Clergy.

Childhood Lead Poisoning
What You Should Know
by
Caroline Marte
Lead Education and Outreach
Friday, September 18, 2009
From 6:30 to 8:30 PM
in the Centenary Sanctuary
Dinner will be served at 6:30 PM
Childcare will be provided.
For more information call 732-548-7622
TheCentenary Book Clubwill meet for its first session of the new club year on Friday, September 18, 2009, at 7:30 PM in the Sunshine Room. The group is hoping to be selected for either a conference call or personal visit from Barbara Delinsky who is the author of our Summer Read 2009, While My Sister Sleeps. The Book Club is open to men and women ages 18 years and older.

Our Financial Stewardship
Thank Youfor your faithful financial stewardship in support of our ministry and mission at Centenary United Methodist Church. We are grateful for your many gifts. During the next few weeks our congregation will be helped greatly in meeting our ministry goals if everyone is able to become current in their financial commitments to our church. Typically, weekly contributions tend to “drop off” during the Summer months, as many persons are away on vacation or engaged in seasonal activities at home. At the same time, “start-up” expenses for the Fall place heavy demands on our cash flow. If you have missed a week or two of regular giving along the way this summer, we deeply appreciate your efforts to bring your contributions up to date in September. If you need clarification on your pledge status, or if you would like to request weekly offering envelopes with which to share your gifts, please contact our Financial Secretary, Sue Brownlow, through our Church Office. We trust you have enjoyed a time of rest and re-creation during the Summer, and we pray God’s blessings upon you and our church in these opening days of our Fall activities. —With Gratitude, Your Committee on Finance
Thank you in the name of Jesus Christ for making ministry possible.

Come One, Come All: To the Back-To-School Picnic
following Worship THIS SUNDAY, September 13 (rain date September 20).

Persons are invited to sponsor the time of coffee and refreshmentsfollowing our Sunday Worship services.Please consider sponsoring a refreshment time and signing up for one of the many available weeks on the2009Refreshment Chart in the Narthex. Information on what you need to provide is available on the information sheet attached to the Refreshment Chart.Thank you for providing hospitality on a Sunday morning.

Donations Still Welcome For Heifer Project
“Joy to the World” Fundraiser
Even though we have surpassed our $1,500 goal, the Missions Committee is continuing to accept donations for its Heifer Project “Joy to the World” mission outreach project for 2009.
The money we have raised so far ($1,762.61) through your generous giving, will enable us to donate nine animals—one heifer, two sheep, four goats, and two llamas—to impoverished families around the world to help them become self-reliant. Any additional money we collect between now and the end of the year will allow us to donate additional livestock.
If you would like to contribute to this life-changing program, place a check in the offering plate made out to Centenary United Methodist Church, and write “Joy to the World” on the memo line.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Centenary United Methodist Church

Invites you and your friends to our

Roast Beef Dinner
With all the trimmings!

Saturday, September 26, 2009
6:30 PM

Served Family Style

$15.00 for anyone 13 years and over
$ 5.00 for anyone between 6 and 12 years
Under 5 years – FREE

Please invite your friends and family to join us.
Our hearts, our minds, and our doors are always open.

Centenary United Methodist Church
200 Hillside AveMetuchen, NJ08840
Phone 732-548-7622

Do You Have Digital Photos of Church Activities?
Please share them with us for our Web Site.
We want to start collecting digital photos of church activities (including off-site photos of church-related activities such as mission trips, youth retreats, etc.) and post them on our Web site. As appropriate, we will request a “use of photo consent” before posting the photos. Please send any digital photos you might have of church events to Lois Hines at loislhines@hotmail.com. For further information or guidance, please speak with Lois (732-549-3910). Thank you.

Centenary United Methodist Women
DO YOU KNIT, CROCHET, OR DO ANY OTHER CRAFT??It is not too early to think about doing something for the Women’s booth at the Metuchen Fair. The Metuchen Fair is the first weekend in October and we need many items to sell at the fair. This is our only fund raiser for the year. If you have any ideas or can make some items for the fair, please talk to Sylvia Woodfield (732-549-9042) and give her your suggestions. If you have an idea for a craft, let her know and we can arrange for a workshop so that others may share in the craft.
CAMPBELL SOUP LABELSand other related products: We are still collecting these labels for the Red Bird Mission. There have been BIGchanges to the Labels program. The part of the label that we need is the UPC section along with the Labels for Education symbol.Please check out the UMW bulletin board (in the area near the Men’s Room) for more information on how these labels need to be collected. There is a basket in the Church Library to receive your labels. The Red Bird Mission, in Beverly, Kentucky, is a Mission Project of the United Methodist Church. The latest newsletter from the Red Bird Mission says they expect to be able to acquire a van in 2009 with their 1,600,000 points received from all the Labels that they received for the last two years.
PECANS, TRAIL MIX, CHOCOLATES, ETC.will be available in late October. This will be a fund raiser for the church budget this year.

2009 CROP Walk ? Sunday, October 18 at 12:30 PM
The Metuchen-Edison Area 2009 CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) Walk for World Hunger will begin with sign-in and registration at 12:30 PM on Sunday, October 18, and “Step-Off” on the Walk at 1:00 PM from First Presbyterian Church, 270 Woodbridge Avenue in Metuchen (to which all walkers will return at the end of the walk).
CROP Hunger Walks help children and families worldwide—and right here in the U.S.—to have food for today, while building for a better tomorrow. Each year some two million CROP Walkers, volunteers, and sponsors put their hearts and soles in motion, raising over $16 million per year to help end hunger and poverty around the world—and in their own communities. (25% of the amount raised in the Metuchen-Edison Area Walk is returned annually to the Metuchen-Edison Area Interfaith Clergy Association to be used for emergency assistance for local individuals and households.) Last year, walkers in the Metuchen-Edison Area CROP Walk raised a little over $7,000.00. Our goal for the 2009 CROP Walk is to raise $9,000.00. And you can be part of it! Look for additional information about CROP Walks around the nation, and about the Metuchen-Edison Area CROP Walk at http://www.cropwalk.org/.
Envelopes to secure sponsors for the 2009 CROP Walk will shortly be available through the Church Office.We need persons who are able to walk and those who can sponsor walkers, and others who can offer support as needed… Please speak with Dee Gillet or Pastor John Painter for additional information or to offer your assistance.

Come One, Come All: To the Back-To-School Picnic
following Worship THIS SUNDAY, September 13 (rain date September 20).

Some Thoughts for This Week

Maybe I’m not making big changes in the world, but if I have somehow helped or encouraged somebody along the journey then I’ve done what I’m called to do. – Sister Thea Bowman, African-American Franciscan (1937-1990)

Those who do not know how to weep with their whole heart don’t know how to laugh either. – Golda Meir

To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible. – Thomas Aquinas

Sometimes a majority simply means that all the fools are on the same side. – Claude McDonald

The Christian message is juxtaposed between crowns and crosses… – T.D. Jakes

You can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity. – Kahlil Gibran

God is the only one who can make the valley of trouble a door of hope. – Catherine Marshall

My father taught me that only through self discipline can you achieve freedom. Pour water into a cup and you can drink. Without the cup, the water would splash over. The cup is discipline. – Ricardo Montalban

Don’t fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things. The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have. – Louis E. Boone

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. – Eleanor Roosevelt

It is easy to love the people far away. It is not always easy to love those close to us… Bring love into your home for this is where our love for each other must start. – Mother Teresa

Real love pours itself out upon the object of its affection, without demanding any return. – Florence Scovel Shinn

In the final analysis, it’s between you and God;
Not you and others.

Face your deficiencies and acknowledge them; but do not let them master you. Let them teach you patience, sweetness, insight. – Helen Keller

Grace strikes us when we are in great pain and restlessness…. Sometimes at that moment a wave of light breaks into our darkness, and it is as though a voice were saying: “You are accepted.” – Paul Johannes Tillich, You Are Accepted

It is said that grace enters the soul through a wound. – Heather McDonald, An Almost Holy Picture

I’m an idealist. I don’t know where I’m going but I’m on the way. – Carl Sandburg

I have found that there are three stages in every great work of God: first, it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done. – Hudson Taylor

Next Sunday at Centenary: September 20, 2009
The Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost / Open House Sunday
Dedication of Sunday School Teachers & Staff

9:00 AM – Adult Study – The Prayers of Jesus(Sunshine Room)
10:15 AM – Worship & Sunday School(Pre-K through Grade 12)
Preacher:John D. Painter Theme: Welcome the Child
Lectionary Readings: Proverbs 31:10-31 James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a
Psalm 1 Mark 9:30-37
Children’s Time:Pastor Keith Swatzel
Music: Chancel Choir- God Be in My Headby Walford Davies
Celebration of Found Coins:A Future Volunteer-in-Mission Trip
11:30 AM – Fellowship Time(Room 20)
6:30 PM – United Methodist Youth Fellowship – Grades 7-12(Youth Room)

Centenary United Methodist Church
Invites you and your friends to our
OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, September 20, 2009
10:15 AM service

As we return to our fall schedule of family and church activities, we invite everyone to bring one or more friends, neighbors, or family members to experience the warm welcome of
Centenary. The service will include some special moments designed to help our
visitors learn about us, Centenary, and Methodism.

Please invite your friends and family to join us for worship.

Our hearts, our minds, and our doors are always open.

Food Collection—Sunday, September 20
Please bring cereals, staple food items in plastic jars or cans, and paper products to share with senior residents in Perth Amboy. We and they are deeply grateful for your generous sharing.
Special Appeal for Diapers and Infant/Toddler Food for Amandla Crossing:Your assistance is needed to provide diapers (sizes#3, #4, #5 & #6…andpull-ups) and infant & toddler food for children at Amandla Crossing. Please bring the items to Centenary and

Prayer for the Week of September 13:God of wisdom and truth: May the words of my mouth be acceptable and true. May the meditations of my heart be loving and pure. May the actions of my life be grace-filled and kind. May I go where Christ leads, and walk in God’s truth. Amen.

I look forward to sharing with many of you this Sunday at Centenary as we begin our “regular” schedule of Study, Worship and Christian Fellowship.

In Christ’s Love, Pastor John