As a part of Centenary’s 100th Anniversary Celebration in 1996, Phyllis Oyama was the editor of “100 Years of God’s Faithfulness” in which members of the Centenary family wrote a devotional or inspirational reading for each day of the year. We are creating a new version of the devotional booklet for Centenary’s 125th Anniversary Celebration, which will have all of the original 100th Anniversary devotionals and new entries from anyone who has been a part of Centenary’s 125 years of ministry. This includes YOU!
Your devotional may be about…
your faith journey
a favorite memory of Centenary
your favorite Bible verse or hymn
a saying or quote
a poem
or…your own idea for a devotional
During our October 2021 - October 2022 celebration, devotionals will be featured in the Chimes. Check them out for personal inspiration and writing ideas.
You may send your submission by August 15, 2022 to Centenary United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 412797, Los Angeles, CA 90041 or complete the form at https://bit.ly/32w3DV1. Proceeds from the 125th Anniversary Devotional Booklet will be used to fund the future ministries of Centenary.
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My favorite scripture is: Matthew 7:7-8. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
This scripture tells us that opportunities are waiting for us out there; that our lives have a purpose. But most importantly, WE are the ones who make it happen for ourselves. It reminds me of how my husband, Kris, and I came to Centenary. Although it was Rev. Nieda who asked us to come, it was up to us to make it happen. Even when we got there, it was still up to us to seek out the opportunities like making new friends. There has been nothing to regret. The friendships we have made will last a lifetime. Centenary is a very special place, with very special people. No wonder it has lasted so long. Praise be to God!
- Robin Vensel - Centenary’s 100th Anniversary Devotional Booklet
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“You’re such a fake,” a dear friend said to me about my faith through the years. Being a dear friend I didn’t take offense but rather took a look at my faith journey.
Divorce, financial difficulties, family relationships, even job difficulties all affected my faith journey. With my personality, I kept most of life’s difficulties close and private. Depression was part of that journey.
So the fact that people didn’t know of my difficulties actually did not make me a ‘fake’ but rather an example of how the Lord was with me every step of my journey. Though I face a health crisis now, I still wake up every morning and see how blessed I am. I have another day with people I love. More importantly, I know I am loved by the Lord.
- Phyllis Oyama - Centenary’s 125th Anniversary Devotional Booklet