OUr team

From the warm smiles that greet you at the entrance, to the insightful sermons that inspire reflection, our team is a mosaic of diverse talents and unwavering commitment. Behind the scenes, our administrators ensure seamless operations, while our musicians and choir elevate our worship experience. Together, we stand united in our shared mission to foster spiritual growth, offer compassion, and create a welcoming space for all who seek solace in our church's embrace.

Our Senior Pastor

Rev. Sara Pugh Montgomery (she/her), or Pastor Sara as she is affectionately known, was born in Raleigh, NC but moved often as a pastor's kid. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with an English degree and a minor in Social and Economic Justice then continued her education with a Masters of Divinity at Candler School of Theology. Pastor Sara has served in the Appalachian Service Project, Wesley Foundations, AmeriCorps, and congregations in NYC, Virginia, and Oklahoma. Pastor Sara moved to Macon in July of 2021 where she began her appointment as our pastor at Centenary! She is married to Larry Montgomery (a nurse practitioner by trade) and has a stepson in Oklahoma (Ethan) and three children in Macon (Ruth and twin girls Millie and Olive).

Connect at sara@centenarymacon.org.

  • Beth Dunwody

    CDWF & SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR

    Beth, a West Coast native, joined the staff of Centenary in 2005 wearing many hats over the years. She assists with Centenary’s virtual presence, creating worship, and leading small groups. Beth is a member of Spiritual Directors International and a facilitator of Dr. Brene Brown’s work through The Daring Way™. She loves meeting with folks individually and collectively on their spiritual journey .Connect at beth@centenarymacon.org.

  • Rev. M. Kadar Jones

    MINISTER OF MUSIC

    A Florida native and avid Gator football fan, Kadar (he/him) earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Samford Univ. along with a master’s of church music from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. He joined the staff at Centenary in 2013 now serving as Minister of Music. He and his wife, Kim live in Vienna, where he is the music teacher at Crisp County Primary School in Cordele. Connect at kadar@centenarymacon.org.

  • Bruce Bishop

    FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATOR

    Originally from the mountains of North Carolina, Bruce (he/him) and his wife, Cam, met at Mars Hill University where they both received music degrees before graduating from the University of Illinois. Bruce serves as Centenary’s Financial Administrator and plays “a mean harmonica” along with other instruments. Connect at bruce@centenarymacon.org

  • Rose Thornburg

    OFFICE MANAGER

    Rose (she/her) comes from a military family and lived in multiple states as a child. She is a proud graduate of Marshall University in West Virginia where she earned her BA and MA degrees. Rose came to work at Centenary in 2020 as our part- time Office manager after moving to Byron to be closer to her daughter, son-in-law, and four grandsons. Connect at rose@centenarymacon.org.

  • Tish Adams, RN

    NURSERY COORDINATOR

    Tish Adams (she/her), a Macon native, discovered her passion in pediatric nursing early on in her nursing education. After 15 years of working on the children’s floor at the hospital, Tish retired to spend more time with her grandchildren. She is so grateful for the privilege to care for our precious Centenary children in her role as nursery coordinator. Connect at office@centenarymacon.org.

  • Cassie Montelongo

    CHILDREN’S MINISTRY COORDINATOR

    Cassie (she/her) is originally from Warner Robins and graduated from Wesleyan College in May of 2022 with a degree in Religious Studies. She began serving as our Children’s Ministry Coordinator in July 2022 and loves connecting with the children as they grow in their faith and serve their neighbors. Connect at cemontelongo1314@gmail.com.

  • James Smith

    TRANSITIONAL HOUSE & FACILITIES MANAGER

    James (he/him) came to work at Centenary through Central Georgia Technical School in 2010. In addition to his work at Centenary, James is enrolled at Mercer University working towards a BA in Human Services. His favorite pastime is spending time with his three grandchildren. Connect at office@centenarymacon.org.

  • Melissa Rodriguez-McClain

    CCMI EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Melissa (she/her) joined Centenary Community Ministries, Inc. in late 2021 as the new Executive Director. She holds postgraduate degrees in Industrial- Organizational Psychology and Music from Wesleyan College and Mercer University. Additionally, she holds professional certifications in both Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Ethical & Inclusive Leadership. She and her husband, Cannon, are passionate advocates for authentic and sustainable community development and use that passion to develop our ministry at Centenary Community Ministries, Inc! Connect at melissa@centenarymacon.org.

  • Elliott Dunwody

    VIDEO PRODUCTION

    Elliott Dunwody is the owner of Bright Blue Sky Productions, LLC which was a great fit for our staff when we needed to start doing some virtual worship options. His previous careers include law enforcement, EMT, and Lear Jet Captain. He attended Mercer University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. Connect at elliott@brightbluesky.com.

  • Vicki Hinson

    HOSPITALITY COORDINATOR

    Vicki (she/her) has served as Centenary’s Hospitality Coordinator since 2015 and makes serving up a delicious meal for 100+ look like the easiest thing in the world. Her pound cakes and pimento cheese are world renowned. Vicki also has a bustling pet sitting business and a booth at Forsyth Antiques & More. Connect at office@centenarymacon.org.

  • Laura Sugg

    DISABILITY COORDINATOR

    Laura Sugg (she/her) connects our congregation with parents, community members, and others seeking resources, support and care as our Disability Coordinator. She is the mother of a child with autism, a sister whose brother is intellectually disabled, a wife to a special education teacher, and a trained special education coordinator and yoga instructor. Connect at laura@centenarymacon.org.

  • Daniel Medina

    SENIOR PASTOR, NUEVA VIDA

    Rev. Daniel Medina serves two Spanish-speaking congregations – one at Centenary and the other at First United Methodist Church in Warner Robins in addition to his role as Associate Director, Office of Connectional Ministries, Hispanic Ministries. Because of his rotating schedule, we recommend contacting him for the location of services each week.

    Additional information is available through the South Georgia website.