Centenary United Methodist Church has been central to my life since April of 1988. I had just moved back home to St. Louis. I had an exciting job (at Market and Broadway,) and an apartment downtown. I loved walking to work and I wanted to find a church I could walk to as well. I remember the first time I walked into Centenary. I entered through the big red doors and saw the beautiful marble entry foyer. I walked up this amazing staircase and entered our breathtaking sanctuary where I encountered some of the most welcoming people I had ever met. I made deep and wonderful friendships with many of those people that continue to this day.
On Christmas Eve in 1991, I met my husband at Centenary and two years later we were married here as well. Centenary also holds a significant place in my life for two other reasons. Our first child was baptized here and my call to ordained ministry was affirmed and nurtured through this church.
I left a successful career in the telecom industry to pursue my call to ministry at Eden Theological Seminary in Webster Groves from which I graduated with a Masters of Divinity in 2000. I was ordained as an Elder in 2006. My husband, Jim and I are the parents of three children; Andy age 15, and two 10 year olds, Jesse and Grace.
I have had the honor of serving as Senior Pastor of Centenary since July, 2007. We are a bit different now, and, (dare I say it? a little bit older.) However, many of the same caring and courageous people are still here with an even stronger commitment to serving the city of St. Louis. Our members and our church stepped out in faith and provided a significant part of St. Louis’ plan to end homelessness thru The Bridge, the primary drop-in center for the City of St. Louis. Thru our Bridge ministry, we served over 300,000 meals to homeless and food insecure persons since November 2005, and provide many additional social services as well. Although it is now closed, it was one of our most successful ministries.
We are committed to living out the example of what it means to be a faith community, and we are excited about the opportunities that are in store for us in the future. We believe that God is doing great and amazing things in the city of St. Louis, and we are on a great adventure trusting that God will lead us to help accomplish the great transformation that God has in store for St. Louis.
Whether you live in the neighborhood and can walk to church or you have to jump on a highway to get here, you are welcome to worship with us. Come and see how you can be a part of an exciting faith community that is making a significant impact in both the lives of individuals and in our community as well.
Centenary UMC 