SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • SEPTEMBER 17, 2023 • 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
All That Hath Life and Breath — René Clausen All that hath life and breath, praise ye the Lord. Shout to the Lord, Alleluia! Praise him, laud him, Alleluia!
†OPENING PRAYER
O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#160 Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart — MARION
†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
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.
(Children, kindergartners through third grade, are invited to exit the Sanctuary for Children’s Worship. Children will return to reserved pews in the Sanctuary at the close of worship.)
CANTICLE
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
Guide My Feet — Spiritual Guide my feet while I run this race, for I don’t want to run this race in vain.
SCRIPTURE — Hebrews 10:24-25
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON OFFERTORY
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
I Shall Not Live in Vain — J. Reese Norris I shall not live in vain. If I could stop one heart from breaking or cool one pain, I shall not live in vain. If I could ease one life the aching or help one fainting robin unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain. I was hungry, I was thirsty, alone and you took me in. I was trembling, I was hurting, captive when you took my hand. I shall not live in vain.
†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 THANKSGIVING
Gracious God, giver of all gifts. We give you thanks for the blessings which you have given to us. Receive these gifts from the labor of our hands. May they be pleasing in your sight. Bless them and the ministries this offering will support. May they give hope, may they give comfort, may they bring peace, may they show your love to the world. We pray this in the name of Christ the Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever more. Amen.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
†HYMN
#557 Blest Be the Tie That Binds — DENNIS
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
Go Now in Peace — Robert Lau Go now in peace, and may God’s peace be with you. Believe and trust his holy word. Amen.
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III
Senior Minister
LITURGIST
The Reverend Susannah Pittman Assoc. Minister
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar
The Chancel Choir
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of Betty Crawford Wilson and Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Crawford, Jr. by Louisa Sohmer and Mr. and Mrs. Mark Sohmer.
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
ANNOUNCEMENTS • SEPTEMBER 17, 2023
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
Sympathy is extended to Megan and Tom Lawson on the passing of Megan’s mother, Charlotte Stevenson Carrier, on August 16, 2023.
SAVE THE DATE
“NOURISH”
Our all-new Wednesday evening dinner and programming night has begun! Learn more about programming and sign up by scanning the QR code.
5:15PM - 6:00PM
Church-wide (Register each week on Realm.)
6:00PM - 7:00PM
• Children’s Music & Arts Programming in the East Building
• United Methodist Beliefs: Leveraging Our Past to Chart a Path for the Future with Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III Adult Study • September 20 – October 25 Dining Room
• The Why’s of Faith: Why God? Why Christ? Why Pain & Suffering? with Ken Carlson Adult Study• November 1, 8, & 15 6-7 pm • Dining Room
• 3 Big Questions That Shape You with Tammy Pollock Youth Study • 6th-12th Graders September 20 - November 15 6-7 pm • Youth Commons
• Calling New Handbell Ringers! Adventures in Handbell Ringing - a Beginning Basics Bells class - is offered for all adults ages 18 to 88 who want to learn how to ring and learn about handbells. The class will be held from 6 to 7 pm beginning September 13.
• Hands-on Mission Project
September 13 • Snack bags for LEAD Girls
To learn more about “Nourish” programming and register for dinner, please scan our QR code or visit www.centenary-ws.org/nourish.
UPCOMING CHURCH-WIDE EVENTS
• Worship in the Park
October 1 • 11 am • Triad Park in Kernersville
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 R. Craig Ford ext. 1353
Associate Minister
Reverend Kate May ext. 1331
Associate Minister with Children
Reverend Meg Peters ext. 1361
Assoc. Minister of Evangelism, Engagement & Missions
Reverend Susannah Pittman ext. 1357
Associate Minister of Congregational Care & Adult Formation
Tammy Pollock ext. 1337
Director of Youth Ministries
Rick Gibbons ext. 1342
Congregational Care Assistant
Stacy Holley ext. 1359
Exec. Assistant to Senior Minister
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
• Blessing of the Animals
October 8 • 3 pm • North Lawn
• Mission Fair
October 15 • 10 am • Memorial Auditorium
ADULT FORMATION
SALT WOMEN’S BOOK AND BIBLE STUDY
1ST & 3RD WEDNESDAYS • 9:30 AM-11AM BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 6 • COMMUNITY ROOM
All women are invited to join us as we delve into the Bible study, “Romans: Good News that Changes Everything” by Melissa Spoelstra. Facilitated by Amy Lawson, this six-session study explores the Good News found in Romans to encourage and transform us. Participant workbooks can be purchased through Cokesbury or other online retailers. For questions or more information, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman
POP UP GROUPS
Join us in October for a 3-week small group experience focusing on fellowship, faith, and outreach. For more information about the groups, including dates, selected outreach projects, and registration, please visit the Nourish page on our website. For questions, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
JOIN THE CHILDREN’S MINISTRY TEAM!
Are you looking to get more involved here at Centenary? Our Children’s Ministry has endless opportunities to use your gifts and volunteer. We have created a “Volunteer Menu” that outlines different volunteer opportunities. We have tons of onetime events, seasonal ministry opportunities, we need lots of behind the scenes help and we are always looking for those who love working with kids! If you are interested or have questions, reach out to Kate May (kmay@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1331) or Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws. org/ext. 1332) and check out the volunteer menu by scanning the QR code.
TOUGH QUESTIONS
OCTOBER 15 • 5-6:45 PM
“Where are the dinosaurs in the Bible? Are the people in the Bible real people? Why did my dog die?” Kids ask great questions about faith, but they are not always easy to answer! We are inviting parents to a night where Glenn Kinken and Kate May will help you tackle some of these tough questions of faith so that you can feel empowered to have great conversations with your kids. The evening will include dinner and table conversation. Dinner and activities will be available for kids at the same time so you won’t need to get a babysitter! Cost is $10/ grown up, no cost for kids. Register now through Realm or by using the QR code.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
GRIEFSHARE LOSS OF A SPOUSE SEMINAR
SUNDAY • SEPTEMBER 24 • 2-4PM
ROOM 112 EAST BUILDING
Congregational Care invites you to GriefShare Loss of a Spouse seminar. This event includes a video featuring some of the nation’s foremost Christian experts on grief and recovery as well as group discussion. To register, please visit Centenary United Methodist Church Loss of a Spouse - GriefShare For questions or more information, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman
REFRESH MIDDAY PRAYER SERVICE
TUESDAYS IN OCTOBER
NOON-12:30 PM • CHAPEL
Through Scripture and prayer, this service offers a time to be refreshed and renewed through God’s grace. For more information, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman
STEPHEN MINISTRY
Our families are sources of great joy, but they can sometimes also cause worry and conflict. If you need someone to listen to your concerns and to support you as you navigate these delicate situations, your Stephen Ministers are here for you. Our purpose is to provide Christ-centered, nonjudgmental, confidential care to those in need.
If you or someone you know could benefit from Stephen Ministry, please contact Deena Morgan (336-692-2314), Wilba Brady (336-723-6236), Rev. Craig Ford (336-724-6311 ext. 1353) or Rev. Susannah Pittman (336-724-6311 ext. 1357).
MISSIONS
SAMARITAN MINISTRIES
Centenary has partnered with Samaritan Ministries to volunteer for their Dinner shifts from 4-7:30 pm every Sunday during the months of September and November. Each shift needs three volunteers, so ask a few friends to join you for a fun filled afternoon of volunteering at Samaritan! Scan the QR code to pick a Sunday and see more information about the opportunity. Email Rev. Meg Peters (mpeters@centenary-ws.org), if you have any questions.
MUSIC & THE ARTS
CHILDREN’S MUSIC & ART INTRODUCES CREATIVE ARTS EXPERIENCE
CMA is proud to introduce Creative Arts Experience (CAE), a part of NOURISH every Wednesday!
Programming includes activities for children ages 2 through 5th grade.
CAE will immerse young people in a wide-ranging program which will include singing, ringing, Orff, Kindermusik (ages 2-Kindergarten), drumming, visual arts, drama, and more! This diverse model will engage children with various levels of musical and artistic interests, all while cultivating more regular, more varied worship leadership opportunities for Centenary’s youngest!
Register via the QR Code. Email Music Ministries Assistant Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenaryws.org with any questions.
JOIN CENTENARY’S NEW YOUTH CHOIR!
The newest youth choir in the Triad is the Youth Choir Collective on Fifth! We welcome singers in grades 7-12 from all musical backgrounds to participate in this ensemble. Our first season is full of exciting and unique opportunities and collaborations, and we need YOU!
Rehearsals are 6:00 - 7:00 PM on Thursdays. Sign up via the QR code! Questions? Email Jonathan Emmons jemmons@centenary-ws.org).
SENIOR ADULTS
SEPTEMBER LUNCHEON
THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 21
Our keynote speaker will be Chief of Police, William Penn. We gather at 11:45 and lunch will be served at noon. To register, contact Charles Monroe (336773-0446)/chasmonroe@yahoo.com Luncheon cost is $10.00.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today
10:00 am: Sunday school (4th floor Youth Commons)
11:00 am: LTN set up (Memorial Auditorium)
12:00-2:00 pm: LTN
September 24
10:00 am: Sunday school (4th floor Youth Commons)
5:00 pm: Middle School youth (Middle school room)
6:15 pm: All youth dinner (4th floor Youth Commons)
6:45 pm: Senior High youth (Senior high room)
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
Join us every Sunday this fall at 10:00 am on the fourth floor (@Youth Commons) for ALL youth Sunday School. There will be breakfast snacks, coffee & drinks, and fellowship before the lesson every week!
God is a God who loves both unity and diversity. In the book of Revelation John shares “and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language...”
We are a diverse people! Join us as we figure out who we are and how we can be a people of unity in a world that is completely at odds with itself. Each of us, and our identities, are important to the Kingdom of God being revealed
NOURISH YOUTH BIBLE STUDY Life is all about questions.
And, WOW, there are so many questions. Questions about the world. Questions about the past. Questions about the present. Questions about the future - and more pointedly YOUR future. Join us each Wednesday this fall to explore all these questions and learn to embrace them.
Put it in your calendar now to be a part of this awesome question asking and answer seeking Bible study each Wednesday night at part of Nourish (our church’s new Wednesday night program) dinner is from 5-6pm in the Auditorium followed by our study on the 4th floor (@senior high room) from 6-7pm.
All are welcome!!
LOOKING AHEAD
September 29: Sixers! Goes to Celebration Station October 22: Scarowinds/Carowinds annual trip! 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.
LOVE THY NEIGHBOR
VOLUNTEER PROVIDERS NEEDED AT THE LOVE THY NEIGHBOR MEDICAL CLINIC NOON - 2:00 PM • SEPTEMBER 17, OCTOBER 8, NOVEMBER 5, DECEMBER 3
You may volunteer for any one or all of the events. Let Patsy Dwiggins know if you are interested in being on our volunteer list. For more information contact Dr. Eddie Pollock (kagamac@msn.com or Patsy Dwiggins (patsydwiggins@gmail.com).
MONDAY • SEPTEMBER 18
Exodus 4-6 & Psalm 18
TUESDAY • SEPTEMBER 19
Exodus 7-9 & Psalm 19
WEDNESDAY • SEPTEMBER 20
Exodus 10-12 & Psalm 20
THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 21
Exodus 13-15 & Psalm 21
FRIDAY • SEPTEMBER 22
Exodus 16-18 & Psalm 22
SATURDAY • SEPTEMBER 23
Exodus 19-21 & Psalm 23
SUNDAY • SEPTEMBER 24
Exodus 22-24 & Psalm 24
