THE CENTENNIALThe Pastor’s Perspective By: Pastor Renae Extrum-Fernandez

“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins…” Luke 5:37-38

Ever find yourself whistling or humming a catchy jingle from among the hundreds that pass through our ears

every day? Once they wriggle their way into your mind… you often just can’t get ‘em out! You know how that

is. You may even have no interest whatsoever in the product, but the slogan sticks.

This summer I have been inviting you to actually watch and listen for those slogans. Whether you whistle is up

to you! But please, put up your antennae and pay attention to what various businesses say to get us to

change our behavior. Why? Because those ads often work!

What makes one slogan better than another? The best slogans accomplish at least 5 things: 1) they make one

particular product or organization “stand out” from the rest, 2) they communicate a particular benefit to the

target audience, 3) they convey the general mission of the company, and 4) they point to a company’s values

and commitment. That’s quite a lot in one short pithy and memorable phrase isn’t it?

To be able to pack all of that important information for the public into one sentence or phrase is an art form!

But it is also effective. Can you imagine DeBeers, Meow-mix, The Milk Advisory Board, or any other for-profit

enterprise being “fuzzy” about its mission, values, and commitments? (If you are wondering why these, you’ve

missed a worship service or two!) Yet we in the Church of Jesus often are unclear about what exactly we want

to communicate to others. Perhaps, we are even unclear that we are CALLED to communicate effectively to

others.

Let me invite you to look for a business slogan that you think would be helpful for us to reflect on as the Body

of Christ. Catchy slogans catch our attention. In the mainline congregations, our attention has wandered away

from our mission: “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world,” – and no wonder.

August 2018, Volume 2, Issue #8

THE CENTENNIAL - August 2018

The breakdown of Constantine’s Christendom in our nation and world brings us challenges the Church

hasn’t faced for 1,700 years! Spiritual alternatives to “institutional religion” abound. Old financial models

strain under rising costs and falling giving units. Traditional styles of worship and “old school” ministry

programs are not bearing up under the pressures of a new age.

Reflecting on slogans that catch our attention could be a good way for us to re-focus our attention on the

mission, values and commitments that we want our neighbors to know about us. Changing our attention has

the power to change our conversations which have the power to change our culture and therefore, our

behaviors. It’s time Centennial to actively seek the “new thing” God has in mind for us and Sacramento. Let’s

do it!

Pastor Renae

CUMC STAFF

Pastor Renae Extrum-Fernandez

Music Ministry Director Rick Schlosser

Hand Bell Director Loretta Fransham

Preschool Director Denise Tessman

Office Manager Sonja Hazzard-Webster

Administrative Assistant Petrice Taplin

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Pastor’s Perspective

F.Y.I.

Family Literacy

For the Family

Thanks, Well Wishes & Stuff

Church Calendar

THE CENTENNIAL, monthly publication | August 2018 | Volume 2, Issue #8 Centennial United Methodist Church 5401 Freeport Blvd., Sac. CA 95822

www.cumcsac.org 916.452.4477

F. Y. I.UMW Book Club - August Selection By: Callie Smith, CUMC Member

We will read, The Great Emergence-How Christianity Is Changing and Why, for discussion at our meeting in August. It was written by Phyllis Tickle an internationally known religion expert. She quotes Reverend Mark Dyer, an Anglican Bishop, who proposes that the structure of institutional Christianity changes every 500 years and we are living in such a period of change. The book has a reading guide which should help in understanding her perspective on the emergence theory. She addresses three (3) questions, What is the Great Emergence; How did it come to be; and, Where is it going, or, where is it taking us?

Read the book and join us for the discussion on Monday, August 13th at noon at the home of Callie Smith. Bring your sack lunch.

CUMC Library News By: Lesley Pilcher, CUMC Librarian and Member

There is a new book for our library, I’m Still Here, by Austin Channing Brown. The subtitle is Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness. It was donated by Director of Music Ministries Rick Schlosser.

If you have ever thought “What white privilege? I’ve worked hard for everything I’ve ever gotten!,” then this might be an eye-opening book for you. I know that it was for me.

I’m Still Here shows how exhausting it is to be a Black American in workplaces and public places where the culture is mostly white. Our country does not so far recognize that white

ways of doing things are not necessarily better or even right. There are other ways of being that are just as good, just as truthful, and just as valid.

One important quote: “ . . .while Jesus may be cool with racial diversity, America is not. The ideology that whiteness is supreme, better, best, permeates the air we breathe—in our schools, in our offices, and in our country’s common life. White supremacy is a tradition that must be named and a religion that must be renounced. When this work has not been done, those who live in whiteness become oppressive, whether intentional or not.”

Ms Brown demonstrates how pervasive racism against Black Americans is in the United States today. This is a fact we would prefer to deny while believing that racist words and actions are only committed by a few bad actors like the KKK. But that is not the truth.

This book has shown me the privilege that I have to just look away and not see truths that make me uneasy. I have no relatives who told me stories of lynchings, beatings, terrorizing incidents that they witnessed. I don’t have to worry that my two nephews might end up dead if pulled over by the police while driving. I know that I benefit every day from white privilege. No one looks at me and sees a possible threat to their safety. But The other strong takeaway for me is this: Why in America is Black seen as wrong, and white seen as right?

THE CENTENNIAL - August 2018

As a white person, I want to believe that we are doing better in this modern, post-Civil Rights era. And we are doing better. But not doing as much better as we could. And if we are Christian, truly Christian, shouldn’t we want more?

Every Woman Needs A Will By: The Permanent Endowment Fund Committee

On the average, women live longer than men; in fact, they live more than seven years longer than their husbands of the same age. Because women earn more money of their own today than ever before and successfully invest it, they have assets of their own to give.

When you add this to what married women receive at the death of their spouses, there is no way a thoughtful woman will want to leave the disposition of her

property to the state. She will decide for herself to make a will of her own.

Like men, many women do not have valid wills. Many women in the church who put thought and care into their giving overlook the importance of having up-to-date wills. But most charitable bequests to all charitable causes in this country come from women; therefore, it is important to remind the women of our church how important this planning is.

Influencing others

Besides the impact your own will can have, you may play an important role in urging your spouse or other family members to have their wills drafted. “What would become of the children if something happened to both of us on a trip?” you may wonder aloud. “Shouldn’t we have wills so we can be sure they are taken care of?”

Advantages of having a will

• You can be sure your estate will be distributed as you wish.

• You can name your own executor or executrix.

• You can name guardians for your minor children.

• You can bequeath more to an especially dependent relative.

• You can establish a trust fund so that a dependent can have regular income without money management worries.

• You can include a bequest for the work of Christ through the Endowment Fund.

If you have not made a will, or reviewed an existing will lately, make an appointment with your estate planning advisor today! Endowment Committee members can assist you with a list of local advisors if you need help. Should you have questions, please contact Archie Parker 916-706-9375 or Ken Iritani 916-996-8611 of the Endowment Committee.

Family Literacy: Book Recommendations By: Brenda Cunningham, CUMC Member

There are lots of children storybooks written specially to help when you don’t know quite how to talk to

children about serious subjects. There are different age groups levels and they make great points for you to

broach a subject.

After you read the story together, ask some gentle questions about their understanding of the story, what it

was about and what they would do if they were the character in the story. The books listed below are

recommended for using as a tool to discuss with the children in your lives, the topic of immigration.

Coming to America: The Story of Immigration Author: Betsy Maestro

Grades: Primary

When Jessie Came Across the Sea Author: Amy Hest

Grade: Intermediate Elementary-Middle School

All the Way to America: The Story of a Big Italian Family and a Little Shovel Author: Dan Yaccarino Grades: Pre-K-Primary

The Naming Jar Author: Yansook Choi

Grades: Primary

One Green Apple Author: Eve Bunting

Grade: Primary

The Journey Author: Fancesca Sanna

Grades: Primary and up (Great family discussion book)

My Name is Sangoel Author: Karen Williams and Khadra Mohammed

Grades: Primary (Recommended for teaching empathy)

Mama’s Nightingale: A Story of Immigration and Separation Author: Edwidge Danicat

Grades: Primary (Strongly suggest read aloud with child, follow with discussion questions)

THE CENTENNIAL - August 2018

For the Family: Words & Wisdom By: Brenda Cunningham, CUMC Member

THE CENTENNIAL - August 2018

SERIES SUMMARY

In 2015 the UMC Council of Bishops wrote a

pastoral letter on racism. A few of the powerful

statements contained in the letter are as follows: “The evidence is overwhelming that race still

matters, that racism is woven into institutional life and is problematic to communal health.  This

reality impacts every area of life – in the church

and in the world. As bishops of the Church, we cast a vision for a

world community where human worth and dignity defeat acts of xenophobia and racism.

We acknowledge that silence in the face of

systemic racism and community fears serves only to make matters worse.

We commit to lead, model and engage in honest dialogue and respectful conversation and invite

people of faith everywhere to join us.

We renew our commitment to work for a Church that is anti-racist and pro-humanity, believing that

beloved community cannot be achieved by ignoring cultural, racial and ethnic differences,

but by celebrating diversity and valuing all

people.”

The letter challenged us both individually and

collectively as the local body of Christ, the church, to prayerfully embark on a journey to fully realize

Centennial’s vision of being “a church that

embraces diversity” by taking the following steps:

1. Determine who we are and what we believe about our faith relative to racism

2. Specify what is racism and identify examples of racism in our world, community, and church

3. Determine what is our vision for our church regarding racism

4. Plan our specific goals, objectives and activities for putting our vision into action

5. Determine responsibilities, accountabilities, and how we will assess progress in moving forward

The question was where and how to begin. In late summer of 2016 the Annual Conference sponsored

a three (3) hour guided (facilitated) conversation

that addressed racial issues at personal, systemic and institutional levels. The main objectives of the

workshop were to raise awareness and offer tools to address issues and organize programs locally

that help to dismantle racism in systemic ways in

order to encourage implementations within local churches.

Seven members from Centennial attended the workshop. During the workshop we had the

opportunity to meet as a team and discuss what this

might mean for Centennial.

Members of the team that attended the guided

conversations shared their observations at a Balcony Team meeting. The decision was made to

request technical assistance from the workshop

facilitators on how we could begin to implement the objectives of the conversations at Centennial.

Based on discussions with the workshop facilitators Centennial convened a workshop for church

leadership and lay members tailored to our needs.

The goal of the workshop was to create a safe place for a conversation on race, racism and racial justice

to take place. It was designed to increase our understanding and appreciation for the value of the

diversity we are blessed with having within our

congregation and serve as a catalyst for addressing these issues within our church and community.

In addition, beginning in 2016 the Centennial Newsletter has included a series of articles

addressing topics related to increasing our ability

to provide worship, discipleship, fellowship and social justice ministries necessary to effectively

Racial Justice and Cultural Competency By: Michael Cunningham, CUMC Member

serve and meet the needs of a racially and ethnically diverse congregation. The articles included a twelve (12)

part series presenting Standards for Culturally Proficient Ministry. These standards are based on the

importance of understanding, valuing and incorporating cultural differences in America’s diverse population. The Culturally Proficient Ministry standards below are designed to provide guidance to churches and other

spiritual and religious organizations that serve, or wish to serve, individuals and families from many different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. That was followed by a six (6) part series on the topics and

recommendations for addressing racism from a Christian perspective in the book entitled America’s Original

Sin: Acknowledging and Repenting of the Embedded Sin of Racism. The final articles in this series focused

on insight and guidance learned from the experience of churches and other religious organizations working

to achieve racial reconciliation. A Roadmap to Reconciliation presented guidance on steps we can take to move forward as instruments of reconciliation within our church and community.

Information and guidance based on experience and research are critical elements to assist us in being “a church that embraces diversity”. Information and knowledge is necessary, but it is not sufficient. Addressing

issues regarding racism, reconciliation and social justice requires passion, commitment and courage by the

members, leaders and staff of Centennial. I pray that this Franciscan benediction that concludes A Roadmap to Reconciliation touches your hearts and spirits as it has touched mine:

May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships so that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work

for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war, so that you

may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in the world,

so that you can do what others claim cannot be done to bring justice and kindness to all our children

and the poor.

Amen.

Shalom, Michael Cunningham

THE CENTENNIAL - August 2018

Luis Aguilar 08/11

Masella Ashe 08/25

Jean Denton 08/19

Jan Deter 08/10

Fran Eldredge 08/12

Temalesi Fakalawa 08/02

Emosi Duke Finau Jr. 08/12

Nilasoni Joshua Finau 08/20

Victoria Fonua 08/19

Connor Gusman 08/31

Jessica Hendrickson 0 08/25

Gerlene Kwan 08/06

Ruci Leweniqila 08/10

Nakura Logavatu 08/30

Laraine McQuillen 08/22

Adi Mocenanuma 08/03

William Naulivou 08/24

Neomai Niu 08/17

Robert Oates 08/16

Christine Ratekin 08/18

Carolyn Rokke 08/02

Unaisi Takiveikata 08/03

Falanisi Taukeiaho 08/06

John Tawake 08/23

Shirley Trimble 08/09

Semisi Vavae Jr. 08/20

Atela Velasquez 08/30

Vanessa Velasquez 08/24

Samisoni Viriviri 08/15

Finance reports are located on the bulletin board.

Church Council meeting minutes are located on the bulletin board.

Church Directory is located under the Church leadership mailboxes or use the online directory in Realm.

Contact Info Update Forms are located under the Church Leadership mailboxes or update your information on Realm.

Charge Conference meeting minutes are located under the Church Leadership mailboxes.

CUMC INFO AVAILABLE IN THE CHURCH OFFICE

Dear Pastor Renae & the Centennial Family

We would like to thank you all for the many gifts, cards, well wishes, prayers & love shown to us as we transitioned to our new church. It was sad to

leave you all but we are comforted to know that we are connected in our faith in the ONE who sends us forth wherever we go.

We treasure the many experiences and fellowship that we gained while being part of the Centennial family.

May our good Lord continue to bless each and every family at church in your days ahead. 

Maina & Family. 

Thanks, Well Wishes & Stuff By: CUMC Staff

August 2018SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2 3 4

5 Communion Sunday

6 Preschool Summer Session

7 Preschool Summer Session

8 Preschool Summer Session

9 Preschool Summer Session

10 Preschool Summer Session

11

12 Trustee Committee Meeting - Noon - Rm 7

13 14 Church Council Meeting - 7pm - Rm 7

15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 Finance Committee Meeting - Noon - Rm 7

27 28 29 30 31

Heads Up!

Northern Lights UMW Circle is on summer break.

Esther Friendship UMW Circle is on summer break.

The Chancel Choir is on summer break until September 6th.

The Hand Bell Choir is on summer break until October. Please contact the Hand Bell Choir Director for a return date.

Fijian Prayer & Bible Study meets every

Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:30

pm - 10:00 pm at members homes.

Contact Virisila Batiratu (vsbyou@yahoo.com) or

Sireli Rokoyawa (srokoyawa@yahoo.com)

for a schedule of locations.

Fijian Choir Rehearsalmeets every Saturday

from 7:00 - 8:00 pm in the Fireside Room.

Tongan Devotion Group meets every Tuesday

from 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm in the Fireside Room.

(Choir precedes devotion.)

Men’s Covenant Group meets monthly. Contact

Ken Iritani or Mark Hanzlik for details.

UMW Fellowship meets quarterly. Please see your

Circle Leader or a UMW Board member for the

yearly schedule.

Church Council meets every 2nd Tuesday from

7:00 - 8:30 pm in Room 7.

Finance Committee meets every 4th Sunday

from Noon - 1:00 pm in Room 7.

Trustee Committee meets every 2nd Sunday

from Noon - 1:00 pm in Room 7.

Hollywood Park Neighborhood Association meets every second Monday from

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm in the Fireside Room.

West Sacramento Community Orchestra

meets every Tuesday from 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

in the Fellowship Hall.

Food Addicts meet

Wednesday from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm in the

Fireside Room.

Zumba meets every

Saturday from 8:00 am - 10:00 am in the

Fellowship Hall.

Alcoholics Anonymous Speakers Bureau meets every second Saturday

from 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall.

Note: If your committee meeting dates and times

have changed, please email the Church office.

E-mail address: centennialumc@cumcsac.org

THE CENTENNIAL - August 2018

Centennial United Methodist Church 5401 Freeport Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95822

 “I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know Him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the

hope to which He has called you…” Ephesians 1: 17 - 18