RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBER
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 • 11:00AM
THE COMMUNITY GATHERS
The prelude signifies the beginning of worship. You are invited to be in a spirit of prayer and meditation. Please silence all mobile communication devices.
PRELUDE
GREETING
INTROIT
Create in Me — Michael Burkhardt
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of thy salvation, and uphold me with your free Spirit.
†OPENING PRAYER
Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#451 Be Thou My Vision — SLANE
†AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We are not alone, we live in God’s world. We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit. We trust in God. We are called to be the church: to celebrate God’s presence, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God. Amen.
†GLORIA PATRI
#71 Glory Be to the Father — GREATOREX
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
SCRIPTURE — Mark 7:1-8, 14-15
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON
OFFERTORY
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
Fantasy on ‘Go Down, Moses’ — arr. Kirsty Mitchell
†DOXOLOGY
#95 Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow — OLD 100th Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below; praise God above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
†PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Receive these offerings, O Lord. We give you thanks for the blessings which you have bestowed upon us. We pray these gifts, the employment of our talents, the labor of our hands, the prayers of our hearts, and the witness of our lives will show the world the magnitude of your love and grace. Let us put you first in our lives. Use us this week to build your Kingdom. We ask this in the name of Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever more. Amen.
WE CELEBRATE HOLY COMMUNION
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another. Therefore, let us confess before God and one another.
CONFESSION AND PARDON
The congregation is invited to follow the communion liturgy beginning on page 12 of the hymnal.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
RECEIVING OF ELEMENTS
MUSIC AT COMMUNION
Peace Medley — arr. Linda Lamb
CLOSING PRAYER
Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for others, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN
#605 Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters — BEACH SPRING
We give thanks for all that God has already given you and we welcome you in Christian love. As members together with you in the body of Christ and in this congregation of the United Methodist Church, we renew our covenant faithfully to participate in the ministries of the church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE Amen (from Geistliches Lied, Op. 30) — Johannes Brahms
†POSTLUDE
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
SERMON NOTES
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III
Senior Minister
LITURGISTS
The Reverend Meg Peters, Assoc. Minister
The Reverend Oliver Helsabeck, Assoc. Minister
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar
The Chancel Choir
Chamber Handbell Ensemble; Camille Jones, Director
CRUCIFER
Chandler Robinson
TORCHBEARERS
MacRae Robinson
Stella Jane Pierce
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of Mary Anne Maynard by her family.
WELCOME!
The congregation and staff of Centenary welcome you to today’s worship.
It is our honor to have you with us! Our ministers, staff, welcome team and ushers are happy to assist you with any questions you may have. We hope our worship will inspire, comfort and challenge you as we hear God’s message proclaimed through preaching, music, prayer and liturgy.
WORSHIP AT CENTENARY
SUNDAYS
9:00 am • Memorial Auditorium
11:00 am • Sanctuary
MEMBERSHIP
We are eager to share Centenary’s story with you. If you are interested in learning about church membership, please contact Rev. Meg Peters (336-724-6311 ext. 1361)/mpeters@ centenary-ws.org to schedule a time to meet.
WATCH
Each Sunday morning, our 11:00 am worship service is broadcast on the Internet through our Live Stream. Visit www.centenary-ws.org. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the home page and click on either Live Stream or the Live Stream arrow.
HEARING LOOP
Our Sanctuary is fitted with a Hearing Loop system. Please switch your hearing device to T-coil. If you need a listening device, please contact one of our ushers. Be sure to sit in the pews located on the floor of the Nave.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CENTENARY
There is always something happening at Centenary and we invite you to join us. To learn more about Centenary ministries and events, visit our website at www.centenary-ws.org. You may also contact our receptionist who will guide you to the appropriate ministry area.
STAY CONNECTED
Reception Desk • 336-724-6311
CENTENARY LEADERSHIP CONNECTIONS
336.724.6311 + Extension (for the Minister on Call • Option 2)
Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III ext. 1362
Senior Minister
Mary Ann Wexler ext. 1346
Executive Director
Jonathan Emmons ext. 1339
Director of Music Ministries
Reverend Oliver Helsabeck ext. 1357
Associate Minister for Congregational Care
Reverend Kate May ext. 1331
Associate Minister with Children
Reverend Meg Peters ext. 1361
Associate Minister of Outreach
ANNOUNCEMENTS • SEPTEMBER 1, 2024
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CHURCH-WIDE EVENTS
BLOCK PARTY
SUNDAY • SEPTEMBER 22 • NOON - 2 PM
We are having a Block Party and Engagement Fair! This will be a time for fun, fellowship, and food! Keith Byrd will provide music. We will also have a bounce house in the playground, and food trucks. Bring towels or lawn chairs to spread out on the North Lawn and invite your friends! If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Meg Peters (mpeters@centenary-ws.org).
ADULT FORMATION
FIRST FIFTEEN: WHAT’S NEXT?
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
NO CHILDREN’S WORSHIP TODAY
Today, rather than leaving for children’s worship, K-3rd graders will remain in the service with their grown-ups to participate in worship and communion together. If you did not pick up a worship bag on your way in, they are available in the narthex and outside the East transept. We look forward to having your child join us for children’s worship next week!
BIBLE SUNDAY: SEPTEMBER 15
MUSIC & ARTS
CHILDREN’S CREATIVE ARTS EXPERIENCE RETURNS THIS FALL
FALL YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
Tammy Pollock ext. 1337
Director of Youth Ministries
Rick Gibbons ext. 1342 Congregational Care Assistant
Stacy Holley ext. 1359
Adult Discipleship Specialist & Pastoral Assistant
John Markle ext. 1347
Director of Operations
Doug Peninger ext. 1368
Director of Communications
John Rogers ext. 1356
Director of Information Technology CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 646 W. FIFTH STREET • WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27101
WWW.CENTENARY-WS.ORG • 336-724-6311
Nearly a year ago our congregation began an intentional practice of starting each day with scripture reading and prayer with the goal of reading the entire Old and New Testaments. The 2023-2024 readings end this month in the book of Revelation. We’ve put together a list of resources to help you get started with a new practice of reading and prayer. Most of these resources will be accessed online, but there will also be one printed reading plan available for pickup at the church and some printed devotional books you can order. For more information contact Stacy Holley (sholley@centenary-ws.org/ ext. 1359).
We are thrilled to give our kindergarteners and third graders bibles each year! On September 15 at both worship services, we will have a special moment of presenting bibles to kindergarteners and third graders and celebrate their growth as children and in their relationship with God. If you know a kindergartener or third grader who has not received information about Bible Sunday, please contact Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1332) as soon as possible. Registration closes on September 6.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
FLOWER MINISTRY
ADULT DISCIPLESHIP SMALL GROUPS
For more information or help with registration please contact Stacy Holley (sholley@centenaryws.org/ext. 1359).
SALT: WOMEN’S BOOK AND BIBLE STUDY
BEGINS SEPTEMBER 18 • 9:30 - 11:30 AM ROOM 112
“Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did.” In his book Practicing the Way author John Mark Comer calls us to become apprentices of Jesus. We meet on the first, third and fifth Wednesdays of each month to explore what this means. Facilitated by Amy Lawson. Please use our QR code to register and see more information.
DISCIPLE BIBLE FAST TRACK: OLD TESTAMENT WEDNESDAY NIGHTS AT NOURISH
BEGINS SEPTEMBER 18 • 5:45 - 7:00 PM ROOM 115 AND ON ZOOM
Each week after Sunday worship, the Altar Guild takes the beautiful altar flowers from Centenary’s Sanctuary and creates several small arrangements that are shared with church members and friends who may be homebased, those who may be recovering from surgery, or who just may need a sign of love and care from our congregation. We are in need of someone to help coordinate this congregational care ministry. Volunteers who have a couple hours a week to deliver flowers are also needed. Associate Minister for Congregational Care, Rev. Oliver Helsabeck, will provide the list of persons to receive flowers each week. If you feel a calling to lead this ministry or to help deliver flowers, please let Oliver know at ohelsabeck@ centenary-ws.org.
MEN’S MINISTRY
THURSDAY MORNING FELLOWSHIP
SEPTEMBER 5 • 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
COMMUNITY ROOM
This group will cover major themes of the Old Testament using the Disciple Fast Track study material designed to give busy people comprehensive engagement with the Bible over time. You do not need to know anything about the Bible to join this study. We meet for twelve sessions: Sept 18 - Nov 20 then Jan 8-15. Group participants will spend about 30 minutes a day reading and reflecting on scripture in preparation for weekly group meetings, led by Kathy Chaney and Rev. Marilyn Weiler. Cost is $20 for the study guide and you may also want to purchase a recommended study Bible. Books available for pickup September 11 at Nourish. Childcare is available. Please use our QR code to register by Monday September 9.
EAT, LEARN, GROW: THE MONASTIC HEART WOMEN’S SMALL GROUP ON SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
BEGINS SEPTEMBER 24 • NOON – 1:00 PM ROOM 111 • LUNCH INCLUDED
We will gather in the second floor Catering Kitchen for coffee, biscuits, and fellowship. Then we move to the Community Room for prayer, announcements and a brief program. You may enter the East Building from the 4 1⁄2 Street or 5th Street entrances. To learn more about Men’s Ministry at Centenary, contact Chris Munnelly, Tanner Robinson, Michael Rogers, or Tom Lawson.
MISSIONS
MISSIONS FAIR
WEDNESDAY • SEPTEMBER 11 • 6 PM
We will be having a Mission Fair on the first floor! You are invited to come and meet our mission partners, learn more about volunteer opportunities, and see how your mission dollars are at work! Contact Rev. Meg Peters mpeters@centenary-ws. org) if you have any questions.
OCTOBER MISSION TRIP
We are partnering with Carolina Cross Connection for a mission trip in Boone, NC October 10-13. Adults and children ages 12 and older are welcome to join us! Please email Rev. Meg Peters (mpeters@ centenary-ws.org) if you have any questions.
A BED & A BOOK
In The Monastic Heart: 50 Simple Practices for a Contemplative and Fulfilling Life, Joan Chittester writes, “Monasticism is the single-hearted search for what matters in life. Any life. Every life.” Centenary’s women are invited to a small group that will provide an opportunity to discuss and practice spiritual disciplines that help us draw closer to God in community. The group will meet bi-weekly for six sessions and be facilitated by certified Spiritual Director, Nancy Powell. Your registration fee includes six boxed lunches. Please use our QR code to register by September 16.
SATURDAY • OCTOBER 5 • 10 AM
Join us at the Dash Stadium as we partner with A Bed and A Book. We will be building beds from 10 am - Noon, hotdog lunch included. Email Meg Peters (mpeters@centenary-ws.org if you have any questions.
CAE returns on September 11! This program includes activities for children ages 2 through 5th grade during Nourish each week. Our 2and 3-year-olds will wiggle, giggle and grow in a Kindermusik class, and children ages 4+ will have a blast in our Creative Arts Experience exploring singing, chimes, Kindermusik, Orff instruments, drumming, creative movement, drama, visual art, worship leadership and more! Register now via the QR Code. Email Music Ministries Assistant Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenaryws.org with any questions.
Maybe your head knows that God is always good, but your heart is not so sure. Or perhaps while reading Scripture, you’ve wondered if our Creator Redeemer went through a personality change—from strictly enforcing the rules in the Old Testament to loving the outcast in the New!
Starting September 8, we’ll discover divine love in the often overlooked and misunderstood passages in Scripture. And you’ll be delighted to find that Jehovah of the Old Testament is the same redemptive and compassionate God we see through Jesus Christ in the New Testament. He has always been and will always be for us! We hope you’ll join us in the Youth Commons for a light brunch and study.
YOUTH CHOIR COLLECTIVE IS BACK
NOURISH YOUTH BIBLE STUDY ‘THE WAY OF LOVE’
YCC returns this Thursday, September 5 at 5:30 pm! 7th – 12th graders: Bring your friends and join us for a welcome party filled with games, pizza, and music! Rehearsals are held weekly on Thursdays in the Youth Suite from 5:30 – 7:00 PM (optional dinner offered at 5:00 PM) during the school year. We can’t wait for a year filled with collaborative performances and worship leadership opportunities! Sign-up via the QR code today! Email Music Ministries Assistant Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.org) with any questions.
SENIOR ADULTS
LUNCHEON THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 19 • NOON MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
This month’s speaker is Music Director of the Winston-Salem Symphony, Michelle Merrill. We gather at 11:45 and lunch will be served at noon. To register, send an email to seniorlunch@centenaryws.org or call the church office during business hours. Luncheon cost is $10.00 and the signup deadline is Wednesday, September 11.
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
SANCTUARY ORNAMENT
Centenary United Methodist United Women in Faith (UWF) are offering a limited-edition Centenary Sanctuary ornament. The ornaments are hand-painted and made of blown glass. They include a historically accurate depiction of Centenary’s Sanctuary stained-glass windows. The measurements are 5 ¾” (length) x 3” (width) x 3 ¼” (height).
The ornaments are scheduled to arrive in September and you will have opportunities to pick up pre-ordered ornaments once they arrive.
Cost: $40 per ornament. Cash or check accepted. Must pay at time of order. Vist the UWF page on the church website to order.
SEPTEMBER MEETING
MONDAY • SEPTEMBER 9 • NOON
MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
Our speaker will be Mary Ann Wexler, Executive Director of Centenary and the cost is $13.00 for lunch. Reservations are due by Sunday, September 1. If you are interested in attending, please contact your circle leader. If you are not in a circle you can contact Amy Lawrence.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today NO YOUTH GROUPS – Enjoy the long Labor Day weekend with your family
September 8
10:00 am: Youth Sunday school 5:00 pm: Middle school youth group 6:15 pm: All youth dinner - $3 6:45 pm: Senior high youth group
All youth (6th-12th grades) are invited to join us as we explore what it means to follow the Way of Jesus. The way Jesus lived, and the way Jesus loved. We all know that scripture calls us to love God and love neighbor... however, together we will explore how to do just as Jesus did by spending each Wednesday looking at a word a week that will help us understand the Way of Jesus better. Those words? Turn. Learn. Pray. Worship. Bless. God. Rest. We are so excited to grow in our understanding of Jesus and how he invites us to live and hope you will be too! Begins on Wednesday, September 11 at 6:00 pm.
THINGS HAVE CHANGED WITH DAVID MAGEE Centenary Youth ministry and Shining Light on Mental Health welcomes David Magee to our church and community Sunday, October 27 at 10:00 am for youth Sunday school (@ Youth Commons) and then again at 5:00 pm for a LISTEN event (@Memorial Auditorium) for our church community. David is a bestselling author of the award- winning “Dear William: A Father’s Memoir of Addiction, Recovery, Love, and Loss”, a Publisher’s Weekly bestseller featured on CBS Mornings, and other books including his forthcoming memoir, “A Little Crazy” (September, 2024) a sequel to “Dear William” about mental health and finding purpose and joy.
LOOKING AHEAD
October 20: Annual ALL Youth trip to Carowinds/ Scarowinds October 27: LISTEN event with guest, David Magee November 1: 2025 Senior High Mission trip registration opens November 6: 2025 Confirmation registration opens (7th graders)
For more information or to sign up to receive Youth Ministry updates by email, contact Tammy Pollock tpollock@centenary-ws.org). Follow us on Instagram @centenary_youth.
THE MINISTRY OF SERVING
Vital and vibrant congregations are characterized as faith communities in which the members of the church use their gifts, talents, and passions to make disciples and provide a concrete witness to our faith. At Centenary we connect people’s passions, gifts, and talents to the ministries of the church through two avenues. First, our Nominations and Lay Leadership Committee aids in staffing the program and administrative ministry committees of the church so that these committees will effectively align the ministries of the church with our mission and vision. Second, our ministry staff and teams recruit people to do the work of the church under each ministry umbrella. To be successful in both endeavors we want to engage the entire Centenary family. This is where we need your help. Please complete the simple survey by scanning our QR code. This will help us identify and align your gifts, talents, and passions with the work of the church, and invite you to help us be more successful in our mission to transform the world around us.
