Welcome!
Welcome to Centenary United Methodist Church, where we change lives by putting ministry in the hands of the people! You are welcome to join in with us as we engage the Mankato community through social justice theater, welcome our neighbors with breakfast at Holy Grounds, meditate in the beauty of nature, and worship together in our sanctuary and by live-stream. At Centenary United Methodist Church, we live our faith boldly, and you are welcome to join us!
- Rev. Amy Jo Bur
Lead Pastor
My Story
Pastor Amy Jo experienced God’s call to ordained ministry while serving as a volunteer in her congregation’s cold weather shelter in Austin, Texas. She continues to have a special passion for ministries of hospitality and inclusion that welcome all people to God’s table. As the pastor of a congregation that champions revolutionary social justice, she leads in advocacy for justice and prays for God’s kin-dom of justice and peace to come on earth as it is in heaven.
Pastor Amy Jo’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Literature from Eastern Michigan University, a Master of Divinity degree from Emory University, and a Certificate of Non-profit and Church Leadership from Dakota Wesleyan University. Her pastoral ministry is informed by her education (especially the writings of Howard Thurman), her love for nature and seeking God’s presence outdoors, her advocacy of inclusion for GLBTQIA+ persons in the life of the Church, and a life-long love of the gospel stories of Jesus.
For relaxation, you may find Pastor Amy Jo kayaking, playing the piano, swimming, cheering on her teenagers at robotics competitions or cross country meets, or spending time with her family and friends. She shares her home with her beloved spouse, two teenage children, two dogs, two guinea pigs, and an angel fish.