2016 September/October WINDOWS

Through Centenary

WINDOWS 3 From the Editor 4 Senior Minister

A Kingdom Difference 6 Jeremy Pegram

A Great Place to Start 7 Spectrum of the Arts 8 Music & the Arts 9 Phantom of the Organ 10 Senior Adults

Fall Events 11 Worship in the Park

12 United Methodist Women 13 Missions 14 Consecration Sunday • Starting Point

15 Wonder-filled Wednesdays 16 Creation Care

Creating a More Hospitable Planet 18 Sermon Series

Five Fruitful Practices of Faithful Congregations 19 DAYBreak/Respite Care • Stocks

Sunday School Classes & Small Groups in Mission 20 Adult Education

Fall into Faith 21 Centering Prayer 22 Memorials & Honoraria 23 Pointsettias for Advent & Christmas 24 Children's Ministry

Back to School Blessing •The Faith We Sing 26 Youth Ministry

Living into God's Love

“Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can.

To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.” ~ John Wesley

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dpeninger@centenary-ws. org 336-397-1368

From the Editor

Every Day, Another Door Doug Peninger Director of Communications

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any of you will recall that back in 2012, the cover of Through Centenary Windows featured a painting of the east transept door. At that time, I walked all over the Centenary campus studying different architectural features that I found to be interesting or perhaps different than what we might normally think about or spend time looking at.

To this day, people still talk about how much they enjoyed that cover. I am thankful.

For this issue, I thought it important to look at another door. Again, I walked all around the Centenary campus and as fate would have it, the west transept door caught my eye this time. Trust me, this was not planned, it simply revealed itself to me.

Why in the world am I showing a door again. It's a great question and I want you to take a journey with me as I explain.

For this issue of Through Centenary Windows, all of the articles are about getting engaged in the life and ministries, though countless opportunities, here at the church.

Trust me, there is something for all age groups from birth to 110!

If you aren't sure what you might be interested in, then read on. I'll bet you can find something. If not, talk with Jeremy Pegram, our all-

new Minister of Evangelism and Engagement. He can help guide you in your quest.

me. When Timothy comes, don’t intimidate him. He is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am."

Back to the door journey... Every time we come to the Centenary campus, we enter through a door.

According to www.lifeofanarchitect. com, the significance of a door, in particular a front door includes things like security (both real and perceived), protection from the weather, warm and inviting (hopefully – although maybe this isn’t always desired) reception point.

That's what this door and others at Centenary do. They welcome all of God's people in for worship and discipleship. They welcome us in for choir rehearsals and breaking bread together. They welcome us in to nurture one another as well as have our important meetings. But, they don't only let us in. They also send us out into the world to do the work of the Kingdom.

Folks, there is a lot of work to be done and this work needs you, all of you. Together, we can do wonderful and amazing things.

As you leave through any of the doors, you are taking the light of Christ with you. Perhaps it's in your workplace or boardroom, or maybe it's in working at Loaves and Fishes or maybe you help out with the backpack program. Maybe you are out on the H.O.P.E. truck on Sunday afternoons. Maybe, you are volunteering by delivering Meals-onWheels, the list can go on and on.

One Biblical reference from 1 Corinthians 16:9-10 says "There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose

In October, our stewardship season will kick into high-gear and you will see several representations of doors throughout the church. Walk though them. Go through one way as an entrance and then turn around and walk through it as an exit. Ask yourself, where is this door leading me for Christ and for Centenary?

I know I've rambled a bit, but here is my point. Every day we go through doors. How we choose to live into the moment is all important. I invite you to come through the doors at Centenary with fresh eyes and fresh ideas. Fall is going to go fast and I don't want you to miss a minute of it. •

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lhuffman@centenary-ws. org 336-397-1362

Senior Minister

What Is Vision?

By Rev. Lory Beth Huffman

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hat is vision? I went to an ophthalmologist for the first time in my life a few months ago. I began to notice that I was squinting at times to read some fine print. So to the doctor I go fearing the moment had finally arrived and it was time for me to need glasses.

After being tested the doctor smiled at me and told me my vision was 20/25 and that if I wanted to buy a pair of over the counter readers for night time when my eyes were tired that would be enough and she would see me in two years.

I was shocked. After we talked some more I shared with her my vision had been 20/10 and then she almost laughed at me. So yes, my vision was in fact deteriorating noticeably and my eyes were particularly sensitive to those moments when I can no longer see the fine print as in the past. Now I have my little cheap readers and periodically I put them on, thankful that my vision is still pretty much intact – for the moment.

What is organizational vision? Any organization, but especially the church, needs to be able to see clearly where it is going and what it is trying to do.

Since arriving at Centenary a year ago, I have been trying to determine what path is Centenary on. What direction is it headed in? As Senior Minister at Centenary, it is part of my job to help lead this church. One of the pieces that

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was missing was a clearly defined vision for where this church was headed for its future. A church’s vision is a snap shot of what God is calling this church to do and who God is calling this church to be over the next three to five years.

• SWOT Analysis to identify our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats

There has been a fabulous group of people* who have been working with me since January of this year to discern a vision and core values in order to help inspire and guide this church. We already have a mission that is biblically and denominationally mandated. There is no need to recreate that wheel. Our mission is “To make disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” But how is Centenary going to make disciples is the question we have been trying to listen for.

• Read several different books on church vision and change

In order to enhance our listening and our seeing of what is happening around us that God might be calling us to respond to we have done the following: • Studied the Book of Acts and the Letter to the Ephesians • Studied our United Methodist basic theological tenets • Studied statistical demographics for a one mile, three mile and selected radius • Talked with community organizations around us •Visited other churches to identify best practices

• Reviewed the “Latte with Lory Beth” data from the fall listening session

• Did a walking and driving tour of the downtown Winston-Salem area • Steeped everything above in deep prayer and discernment As you can see, our Visioning process did not consist of people sitting around a room trying to make up a vision statement to guide the church. This has been hard and intentional work giving space for God to unfold what the next chapter of Centenary will look like.

The vision team presented the draft of both the vision statement and the core values to Church Council towards the end of August. These drafts will then be presented to the congregation for input and feedback during the month of September. Our deepest desire is that we can touch each member of the church with an opportunity to hear an explanation of the vision and core values and offer feedback or ask questions. That input will be received and considered and if needed, we will tweak the drafts. The Church Council will adopt a new vision and core values

for Centenary in October and we will begin the work of aligning to, and living out, our vision.

These are exciting days in the life of this church. Come and see!

I invite you to please participate in these discussions and opportunities that will be made available (check the website and the bulletin for details). We intend to meet with small groups, hold town hall meetings, “fireside chats”, provide information in our bulletins and on Facebook and website. We will use all channels of communication to vet our vision with our congregation so that we can collectively bless the adoption of our church vision and core values.

Grace and Peace,

Remember what Proverbs 29:18 teaches: Where there is no vision, the people perish. (KJV) It is imperative for our church to put on it’s readers and see clearly where God is leading us so that we can be faithful to the future direction of this beautiful and exciting church.

As we watch the downtown explode around us, as we see the growing need for relevant and vibrant churches to positively impact our community and world for God’s Kingdom, as we strive to do our best to figure out how to Love God and Love Neighbor as Jesus instructed us, let us spend a month hearing and seeing the possibilities God has placed all around us and within us.

Lory Beth

*Vision Team Members Marianne Bach Marsha Bledsoe Steve Bumgarner Nancy Cannon Peter Epermanis Bob Gordon Lory Beth Huffman Tom Hunt Kate May Doug Peninger Elaine Phelps Steve Reeder Lara Wilson

Be sure to ready Lory Beth’s blog, Faith Meets Life, each week.

Visit www.faithmeetslifecumc.org each week for inspiration, reflection and challenge.

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Evangelism and Engagement

jpegram@centenary-ws. org 336-397-1361

A Great Place to Start...

By Rev. Jeremy Pegram

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s I write this article, I have only had two Sunday mornings at Centenary as the Associate Minister for Evangelism and Engagement. Thank you for the way you have welcomed my family and me.

We have been inspired and blessed during Centenary’s amazing worship, but most of all we have been blessed by the people that make up this God-filled, aweinspiring church.

Over these past two weeks I have been busy learning about many ministries and programs like DayBreak Respite Care , Senior Adult Ministry, Loaves and Fishes just to name a few! Centenary has a ministry opportunity for every age and every spiritual gift. I am so thankful to be a part of such a dynamic community of faith in downtown Winston-Salem.

In 2002, it was our jobs that brought Allison and I to WinstonSalem. During our very first weekend in town we were eager to find a place where we could worship God. We found a church that we fell in love with the moment we walked in the

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front door. The beautiful music and messages during worship warmed our souls. The people were extremely friendly and welcoming. We looked no further as that church felt like home to us. Sadly, 18 months later we left that church for one reason and

one reason only. We were not engaged beyond Sunday morning worship. We participated in as many events as we could, but yet we struggled to find a place to learn and serve. Essentially, we slipped out the back door of that church without being noticed. Finding another church was not easy, but God led us to a place where we could belong and engage in ways that we had never imagined.

I share that part of my journey to say that I am very passionate about everyone having a place to belong and engage here at Centenary. I am still learning, almost daily, about the gift Centenary is to the community.

A gift made possible by people like you who engage in the

missions and ministries that God has put before us.

If you are a newcomer to Centenary, or a life-long member and you are struggling with how you might be engaged, I would love to have a conversation with you. Considering that I am a newcomer to Centenary also, together we can find ways for you to engage based upon your areas of interest and your gifts. I am more than happy to meet with you in person. I am happy to meet with individuals, couples, families, or groups with a common interest.

We can meet face-to-face over coffee or a meal; we can chat via Skype, email, text, Facebook, or have a good old fashioned phone call.

If you want to be engaged and don’t know how, talking with me will be a great place to start. • To contact Jeremy Pegram, Associate Minister of Evangelism and Engagement email him at jpegram@centenary-ws.org; call or text at (336) 682-8591; or you may find him on FaceBook and Twitter. (Sorry, no smoke signals please!)

rfrazier@centenary-ws. org 336-397-1339

Music and the Arts

Music and the Arts Fall Offerings “Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into His presence with singing! (Psalm 100:2)

By Dr. Robert E. Frazier

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s you can see from our list of upcoming events for the fall, there are many wonderful opportunities to get involved with musicmaking at Centenary. It is my prayer that you will make this your year to sing, ring, play your instrument in worship, or join our Music and the Arts ministry team.

Did you know that singing or participating in a musical activity is good for your mental and physical well-being? The following scientific evidence has been thoroughly researched and confirmed. (ChoraLine, August 5, 2016 newsletter)

Cortisol One study revealed that after just 40 minutes of group singing or ensemble playing, cortisol - the stress hormone - had fallen much more quickly than it would with the normal passage of time. Our cortisol levels normally taper off at the end of the day but by singing or playing an instrument, the process can be accelerated.

Endorphins The act of singing or playing an instrument requiring breath, causes the body to release endorphins, which are the body's feel good chemicals and associated with pleasure.

These activities make us take deep breaths, which in turn increases blood flow around the body and helps increase the endorphins' effect. It has been found that we get a similar endorphin rush when we laugh, or eat chocolate!

Dopamine Singing and playing instruments triggers the release of dopamine. This is an important neurotransmitter that is linked to basic human biological needs. One recent study found that we release more dopamine when we hear music that we enjoy. Dopamine is

also linked to less tangible stimulants such as falling in love.

Oxytocin Singers in choirs and ensemble musicians have been found to produce the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin is sometimes called the ‘love hormone’. We release it when we hug and it enhances feelings of trust and bonding. This could account for why ensemble musicians experience feelings of friendship and togetherness when making music as part of a group.

Aerobic Exercise Singing and playing instruments is an aerobic activity, and when we sing we draw more oxygen into the bloodstream, improving circulation.

Immune System Research with a choral ensemble in Frankfurt, Germany, showed that they produced antibodies in the blood which enhanced their immune system.

Again, make this your year to get into mental, physical, and spiritual shape by joining our music ministry team! The ultimate benefits are way beyond this world. •

Fall Offerings Chancel Choir Rehearsals Begin!

Thursday, August 25 7 - 8:30 pm in the Choir Room Chamber Singers of Centenary Auditions August-September Interested in singing great repertoire with a small group of singers? Audition for our Chamber Singers ensemble! Call or email Rob Frazier for an audition time in

early September: rfrazier@centenary-ws. org~704-975-5407.

Cantus Youth Choir Rehearsals Begin Wednesday, August 31 6:45 - 7:30 pm in the new Choir Room (now in the 1960’s building) West End Ringers Rehearsals Begin Wednesday, August 31 5:30 - 6:30 pm in the Bell Room (now in the 1960s building) Spectrum of the Arts Series Tuesdays at 7:00 pm in Memorial Auditorium • September 27: "All the Light We Cannot See", A review and commentary by Dr. Tony Abbott • October 11: "The Many Voices of Love", A lecture and poetry reading by Dr. Ed Wilson • October 25: "Love Letters", A two person play by A.R. Gurney, presented by Robin Voiers & John Hohn Phantom of the Organ October 27 & 28 at 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary Come out for this Spooktacular event full of music you love, celebrating the organ!

All Saints Vespers November 6 at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary Chilcott's Requiem presented by the Chamber Singers of Centenary and VOX with instrumentalists from the WinstonSalem Symphony.

Lessons and Carols December 11 at 5:00 pm in the Sanctuary Come out for this wonderful annual holiday service celebrating the music and the message of the Advent and Christmas Season! It's sure to get you in the spirit of of the season and filled with the truth and meaning of Christmas.

Winton-Salem Symphony's Messiah December 13 &14 at 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary Experience Handel's Messiah as it should be heard!

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cford@centenary-ws. org 336-397-1353

Senior Adults

Fall Events for Senior Adults Please remember that our Senior Adult meetings are the third Thursday in each month: September 15, October 20, November 17, December 15. For luncheon reservations, contact Charles Monroe (336-773-0446)/chasmonroe @yahoo.com.

By Rev. R. Craig Ford

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phrase that I enjoy using is “the senior adults are the best of the best, of the best.” I say that frequently because I believe it to be true. It is truly a joy to have the opportunity to know and work with the Senior Adults of Centenary. I am looking forward to Fall and the upcoming meetings we will enjoy.

In September, we will have the privilege of hearing one of the outstanding persons of the medical field, Dr. David Kelly, speak to the Senior Adults. Dr. Kelly is a neurosurgeon who practiced medicine here in Winston-Salem for many years prior to his retirement a few years ago.

Many people in the Winston-Salem area benefited by Dr. Kelly’s practice and the quality of care he provided. He will share insights from his career which will give understanding of the possibilities for improvement of quality of life he was able to give throughout his career of medical practice.

In October, we will be honored to hear Dr. Thomas Koontz. Dr. Koontz was also an outstanding surgeon practicing here in Winston-Salem. The program that Dr. Koontz will give is about a project in which he is involved, The Boston-Thurman Project.

Dr. Koontz, like many, has a great heart for people who are experiencing hunger and poverty. He has pointed out what many people have noted: there are places right here in Winston-Salem where children do not have enough to eat and poverty is a real and rampant problem. The BostonThurman Project is an effort to attempt to address that critical need.

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The program in November will be given by Hobie Cawood. Hobie’s career was with The National Park Service. Soon after my joining the staff here at Centenary, Janet and I had the privilege of traveling on the Senior Adult trip to Philadelphia where Hobie spent almost twenty years of his career. It was interesting to see how Hobie and Addie Lou were so fondly remembered by so many people several years after Hobie’s retirement.

lives lost in battle and to think of all those serving in the military today.

We will soon be celebrating Veteran’s Day of 2016. Some way, somehow, we have to be better. I often think of the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace…” and of the hymn, ”Let There be Peace on Earth. “ The words of that prayer and that hymn follow: The Prayer of St. Francis

This year, 2016, is the one-hundredth celebration of The National Park Service.

America has benefited greatly from the National Parks located throughout this country, and Hobie and Addie Lou have played a major role in the service that has been provided. In their home, they have a wall of pictures displaying their associations with many famous people with whom they shared the National Park experience.

You may recall that last year, at our December meeting, Deborah Steele told about a special gathering she had at her home. Well, she has a special rendition of “The Night Before Christmas,“ that I think everyone will enjoy. Catherine Zachary, one of our outstanding soloists in the Chancel Choir, will then present a program of beautiful Christmas music.

Now, I want to share a very meaningful experience. On July 6, Janet and I went to the Arlington National Cemetery for the service for Lester Peter Halverson. The service was conducted the week that our country experienced expressions of hatred, with the death of three African-Americans and the murder of five policemen in Dallas.

In the initial formation, the band played “Be Thou My Vision.” When the procession moved to the graveside, the band played “Amazing Grace.“ These beautiful hymns were followed by “America the Beautiful.”

Looking at the thousands of white crosses, one is reminded of the service men and women who have served in the armed forces in support and defense of our county. It brought tears to think of all the

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; To be understood, as to understand; To be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. ~St. Francis of Assisi Let There Be Peace on Earth Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me; Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.

With God our creator, children all are we.

Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me; let this be the moment now.

With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow; To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally.

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. ~ Sy Miller and Jill Jackson

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showell@centenary-ws. org 336-397-1348

Missions

Back-To-School Isn’t Just for Kids Rev. Sarah S. Howell

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all is back-to-school time. Even if you don’t have kids, you can’t avoid it—the college gear and school supplies suddenly become more prominently advertised in every store you visit; backpack drives are happening at churches and agencies all around you; and your neighbor’s kid somehow seems taller and older than just a few months before.

But back-to-school time holds meaning not just for children, families, and students, but also for missions here at Centenary. As I thought about the fall kickoff season, it occurred to me that going back to school is a theme in a number of our local and international missions partnerships: The Backpack Program serves Wiley Middle School, and as those tweens and teens head back to school, the food we provide over the weekend will be vital to their health and growth.

H.O.P.E. (Help Our People Eat), the food truck ministry that grew out of Centenary into a community-wide response to childhood food insecurity, supplements initiatives like the backpack program by providing kids in food deserts nutritious meals on Sundays, the hungriest day of the week, so they can be energized and focused in school on Monday morning.

In Port-au-Prince, Haiti, education is a key part of the holistic work of Haiti Outreach Ministries, our partner agency there. HOM’s schools serve children from preschool into high school, offering a rare and vital quality education alongside spiritual, practical, and medical services.

Teams from Centenary will visit these schools in October and February.

Over the summer, we formed a Good Neighbor Team with World Relief, a refugee resettlement agency here in the Triad. This fall, children of refugee families will head into schools in our area, some just learning English, many having to adjust to a brandnew way of being in school.

Fall means that Stop Hunger Now is coming, so as kids go back to school and learn about people in other parts of the world, everyone at church has the opportunity to pack meals that will be sent all around the globe to feed hungry families.

Centenary kids and youth will be returning to their schools energized by summer experiences like Vacation Bible School, Older Elementary Mission Week, the youth trip to Hinton Rural Life Center, and the senior high trip to Chicago.

Children who participated in the Pathway to K school readiness program in July will be starting kindergarten better prepared than they would have been without it, thanks

to the collaboration between the East Winston Missional Network of the UMC and the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System.

We don’t like to think about it, but many children in our school system are hungry, even homeless, or their parents are incarcerated or otherwise unable to care for them. Through our support of Samaritan Ministries, the Bethesda Center, Forsyth Jail & Prison Ministries, Loaves & Fishes, Love Thy Neighbor, and more, we offer hope and assistance to families that can help reduce the stress poverty puts on young kids who need all their energy and attention to be focused on their learning and growth.

Back-to-school isn’t just for kids; it’s for everyone engaged with every kind of mission work here at Centenary and beyond. To find out how you can get back in the school of service and advocacy, contact Rev. Sarah Howell (336-3971348)/showell@centenary-ws.org. •

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Wonder-filled Wednesdays

at Centenary

Play & Worship

Chapel Chimes

Wednesdays | 6:00 - 6:20 pm

Wednesdays | 6:00 - 6:30 pm

Preschoolers

Director: Mandy Ross Preschoolers love to praise God through song, story, and movement. Parents are invited to share this special time with their children.

Ready, Set, Go!

Pre-K & Kindergarteners

First & Second Graders Director: Jennifer Rogers

Carol Choir

First & Second Graders Wednesdays | 6:30 - 7:00 pm

Children’s Ministry Staff and Mandy Ross

Director: Beth Frack

This class provides opportuntities wherechildren can use all their senses and creative minds to connect with God. They will express themselves through musical moments and creative moments, while engaging in communituy with one another.

Praising God with your voice is one way to show how much we love God. Come and learn new songs to make a joyful noise to God in rehearsal and worship leadership.

Child Friendly Dinner

Choir Kick-Off

An easy dinner optionfor the family before choir.

The whole family is invited to our choir kickoff on September 7. A pizza dinner will be served from 5:30 - 6:00. When dinner is over we will play games, sing songs, and hear about all of the fun we’ll be having throughout the year in choir. We’ll finish the evening with a special dessert. Make your reservation with Ashley Maner (amaner@centenary-ws.org) by September 2.

Reservations are not required, and dinner fees can be paid by cash or check.

Cost for Dinner: $5 for 6th Graders - Adults $3 for 3 year olds - 5th Graders Free for those younger than 3 We’ll finish dinner with a family devotion before everyone goes to choir.

3rd, 4th & 5th Graders Wednesdays | 6:00 - 6:30 pm

Director: Beth Frack Our growing musicians get to begin using their love of music to praise God by using chimes in As you grow, so does your ability to use your voice to praise God. Come and be challenged and rehearsal and worship learn how much fun praising God can be.

Wednesdays | 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Wednesdays 5:00 - 6:00 pm

Cathedral Choir

September 7 Rehearsals begin September 14

Joyful Noise Ringers

3rd, 4th & 5th Graders Wednesdays | 6:30 - 7:00 pm Director: Jennifer Rogers Children further develop their musical skills with handbells using a curriculum developed especially for elementary age ringers.

Childcare

Wednesdays | 5:45 - 7:15 pm Childcare provided for younger siblings as well as children who are not involved in Children’s Choir.

Centenary

Children’s

Ministry

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jbrake@centenary-ws.org 336-397-1334

Creation Care

Creating a More Hospitable Planet Rev. Jonathan L. Brake The Centenary Creation Care Ministry seeks to educate about our stewardship responsibilities, raise awareness of the needs of God’s Creation, and lead our people to be actively involved in the community and world. In his book Hospitable Planet, Dr. Stephen Jurovics wrote that “At the beginning of this third millennium, Americans must add chemicals to water to destroy the contaminants we have added; must breathe air we have polluted; consume food with residues of insecticides and antibiotics given to animals who contract diseases because of how we raise them; and battle or succumb to diseases, many traceable to an unhealthful environment and food supply. We can do better” (p.47).

This fall we will offer a three-week book discussion group in advance of the Annual Creation Care Dinner where Dr. Jurovics will be the featured speaker. In addition, we will view the documentary Racing Extinction, looking into the hidden world of endangered species black markets and carbon emissions that are leading to extinctions in our lifetime. We will compost food waste at Worship in the Park and plant trees on Community Roots Day. In addition, we are excited to offer an online course called Biblical Bases to Care for Creation, taught by our very own Rev. Jonathan Brake. With a worship focus at Roots Revival, teachings in the children & youth Sunday school classes, and at least 50 households completing a Home Energy Pledge, by the time winter arrives Centenary should have earned the Greenfaith Energy Shield, a merit badge designation for congregations!

Check out these wonderful ways that you can be engaged this fall. Find more details online at www.centenary-ws.org/?p=2110.

Hospitable Planet: Faith, Action, and Climate Change by Stephen Jurovics

Book Discussion • Thursdays • September 15, 22, 29 • 6:30-8:00 pm • The Hub (2nd Floor) What does the Bible really say about how we are to Care for Creation? What did Jesus know and think about issues that are affecting us in this 21st Century? How might our faith and connection with God lead us to save and heal our planet from environmental catastrophe? And how can the church work along with scientists, business people, politicians, and communities to choose life for this earth and all its inhabitants? Join us for this informal discussion. Register online or contact Rev. Jonathan Brake.

Racing Extinction Documentary

Screening • Sunday • September 18 • 2:00 pm • Memorial Auditorium Throughout history, there have been five mass extinctions, we are now entering the sixth. However, the difference is that this one is human-caused and can be human-corrected. As Christians, God has given us the responsibility to be caretakers of creation. Come see this wonderful film, the beautiful creatures that are endangered, and learn what we can do about it, before it’s too late for them … and for us.

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Biblical Bases to Care for Creation 8-Week Online course starts September 18

Rev. Jonathan Brake will be teaching online this fall. Most of what we hear about the environment come from secular sources. But as Christians, what does our Bible have to say about the way we treat the natural world that God created? The Creation Care Ministry will buy your books for any Centenary member who takes this course. Full description and registration can be found at www.beadisciple.com/online-christian-courses/ifd335-biblical-bases-tocare-for-creation.

The Big Sweep

Saturday • October 1 • 9:00am-Noon • Shaffner Park on Yorkshire Rd. The Centenary Creation Care Ministry sponsors a part of the Silas Creek Greenway and we take a team to help clean it up each spring and fall. This is a great intergenerational opportunity for families, includes a t-shirt and lunch. Contact Frank Hassell if you are planning to come: c_frank_hassell@yahoo.com or 336-456-4399.

Composting at Worship in the Park Sunday • October 2 at the Covered Dish Lunch

All of our food waste at Tanglewood Park will be composted again this year with Gallins Farm who gives compost to the Food Bank Garden each year to complete the cycle!

Creation Care Worship at Roots Revival

Wednesday • October 5 • 7:00pm • Memorial Auditorium Rev. Jonathan Brake will bring the message, sharing how Scripture lays out our responsibility to be stewards of God’s natural world.

Annual Creation Care Dinner

Sunday • October 9 • 6:00 pm • Memorial Auditorium Local, organic, healthy, and delicious farm-to-table foods, door prizes, and more will accompany this year’s message from Dr. Stephen Jurovics, an engineer in climate change mitigation and author of Hospitable Planet: Faith, Action, and Climate Change (which is our text for the Book Discussion Group in September). Tickets are $12 (students are $8) and can be ordered online or from the church office.

Creation Care Team Meetings

September 13 and October 13 • 6:30 pm • Room 222

We meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month to plan and prepare the activities of Centenary Creation Care. These meetings are always open to anyone who has an interest, curiosity, or idea about our stewardship of God’s natural world.

Community Roots Day

Saturday • October 15 • 9:00am-Noon (location TBD) Planting trees is an important part of beautifying our community and cleaning our air.

We invite families, classes, and individuals to lend your hand this fall. Contact Frank Hassell if you are planning to come: c_frank_hassell@yahoo.com or 336-456-4399

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dpilson@centenary-ws.org 336-397-1345

DAYBreak/Respite Care

Debbie Pilson DAYBreak Respite Care, a ministry of Centenary, provides older adults who have some degree of memory impairment the opportunity to engage in social, spiritual, and recreational activities while giving the caregiver a break from the full-time care of their loved one. Music, exercise, outings to restaurants and cultural sites, and creative arts are all activities the DAYBreak participants enjoy. The Respite ministry operates four days a week (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays) from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm in Room 116 of Centenary.

Volunteers are welcome to assist the participants in activities, serving snacks & lunch, accompany the group on outings, and interacting with this special group. Opportunities are also available for volunteers to play music and lead sing-alongs, display and possibly provide guidance to the group in an art project, share expertise on an aspect of nature or travelling, or just talk about a particular subject. DAYBreak Respite Care has spaces available for additional participants with memory impairment. If there is an interest participating in the DAYBreak Respite ministry or volunteering to assist, contact Debbie Pilson (336-397-1345)/dpilson@centenary-ws.org. •

Stock Delivery Instructions Making a gift of securities to Centenary United Methodist Church is another way to contribute to the church. Such a gift offers tax savings to most donors. Electronic transfer is the most common method of delivering a gift of securities to Centenary. To deliver your gift of securities electronically, please follow these simple instructions.

(1) Instruct your broker that your DTC-eligible securities are to be transferred electronically to: Centenary United Methodist Church Federal Tax ID # 56-0552783 (2) Provide Centenary or instruct your broker to provide Centenary with:

1. a description (name of stock) and the amount of your securities to be transferred 2. the name of brokerage firm 3. the name of the fund to be credited or the purpose of the gift

(3) Provide your broker with the list of brokerage firms listed below that Centenary has accounts with: Charles Schwab Account # 2184 0742 DTC # 0164 Phone #: 1-800-435-4000 Commission: Less than $10 per transaction

Scottrade Account # 20746083 DTC # 0705 Phone #: (336) 794-0044 Commission: Less than $10 per transaction

Stephens, Inc. Account # 160980382 DTC # 0419 Phone # (336) 251-0423 Commission: $50 per transaction

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kristy Eaton (397-1341)/keaton@centenary-ws.org.Always be sure to notify Centenary when you authorize an electronic transfer of securities.

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jbrake@centenary-ws. org 336-397-1334

Adult Education

Fall into Faith Rev. Jonathan L. Brake

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ir grows cooler and dryer. Leaves turn vibrant and flutter to the ground.

Festivals celebrate apples and pumpkins.

Life settles into a more regular rhythm.

And our faith shifts into another gear.

Or does it? What plans do you have for the development of your faith this fall?

When you joined the church, you stood in front of the congregation and agreed to support Centenary with your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness. But the congregation also made a commitment to you, to welcome you in Christian love and to be in covenant together as we all grow in faith.

For that reason, Centenary offers a variety of ways to develop new friendships, discover meaning from scripture, wrestle with living authentically in a crazy world, and take our faith to a new level. Adult ministries offer a variety of small groups and Bible studies as well as 10 Sunday School classes each week.

New this fall will also bring a Mid-Week Bible Study on Wednesdays at Noon in the Dining Room facilitated by Rev. Jonathan Brake.

The church will provide beverages and you are invited to bring your own lunch to enjoy during our study time. Also, each Thursday morning at 11:00am, come experience Centering Prayer on the 4th Floor. Check out many of the wonderful ways that a new season of growth can be part of your autumn this year. •

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Small Groups www.centenary-ws.org/?p=262

Sunday School Classes www.centenary-ws.org/?p=40

Centering Prayer on Thursdays www.centenary-ws.org/?p=46

The Big Silence Retreat in January www.centenary-ws.org/?p=4860

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Memorials Centenary Choir Fund In memory of Rita Bjork by Ellen Crowther, Frank & Kate Craver, Glenn & Judith Griffiths, Anne Saxon.

Centenary Fund In memory of Judy Lynn Morris Jones by John & Janice Jenkins, Harry & Nancy Fitzgerald.

In memory of Augustus Horace Deudney

by Walter & Anne Henley, Mary Alice Love, Mrs. Henry Stock. In memory of William M. “Buck” Butler, Jr. by Henry & Jane Stokes, Mr. & Mrs. Ernie White, Don & Donna Ingram, Ms. Ann King Windham, William & Betsy Blue, Harry & Nancy Fitzgerald, Mrs. Caroline C. Mitchell, Dr. & Mrs. L. Andrew Koman, Ridge & Jane Harris, Mr. & Mrs. Tom L. Ogburn, Jr. In memory of George Clyce Newman by Mr. & Mrs. John C. Whitaker, Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Vaughn, Mr. & Mrs. Frederick P. Spach, Elizabeth & Jim Holmes, Charles V. Taft, Mrs. J. Robert Elster, Kay & Bill Baldridge, George & Susan Ragland, Dottie &Barry Cook, Linda Turner, Jim & Edie Garrett, Katta Shanthi Kumar, James T. Holt, Jr., Cortlandt C. Freeman, Lynn & Jeff Young, Andrew & Jill Halverson, Andrew W. Halverson, Jane & Penn Craver, Ellen & Logan Jackson, Beth & Jim Einstein, Beth Donovan, Lucy & Steve Mullen, Elizabeth & Phil Pleasants, Dr. & Mrs. William McCall, Jr., Mr. & Mrs. F. Borden Hanes, Jr., Mr. & Mrs. Marvin L. Slate, Jr., Ed & Melanie Broyhill, George & Patsy Horney, H. Frances Dixon, Glenn & Maria Tilley, Gilman School, Inc., David & Phyllis Tate, Claudia & Gary Fleming, Raine & Jane Remsburg, The Minor-Pace Family, Alex & Elliott Turner, Kate & Mickey Boles, Roane & Ann Cross, Allston & Mary Stubbs, Nella P. Fulton, Carroll & David McCullough, Frankie & Vernon Winters, James & Grace Broughton, Dr. & Mrs. L. Andrew Koman, Mr. & Mrs. John Lovet, Mr. & Mrs. Tom L. Ogburn, Jr., John & Mary Dewees, Ted & Mary Jane Keith, Sandra P. Adams. In memory of Anna Bland Faison Fisher by Betty Ann & Dewey Chapple, Dr. & Mrs. George Plonk, Jr., Sean & Amy Furlong.

In memory of Gerald Bethea Manning by David & Debra Owens. In memory of John W. Hunt by Charles & Susan Hauser. In memory of Ann Shippey Lewallen King "Annie" Spencer by Carroll & David McCullough, Harry & Nancy Fitzgerald, Mrs. Caroline C. Mitchell, Dr. & Mrs. L. Andrew Koman, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas B. Rice, lll & family, Dewey & Betty Ann Chapple. In memory of James Alexander Yates, lll by Dr. & Mrs. L. Andrew Koman, Mr. & Mrs. John Lovett. In memory of Mary Tacy Allen Mann by James Bunn, lll. In memory of Todd Hatcher Greenwood

by Megan & Tom Lawson. In memory of

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Honoraria Kimberlee Lambe Masich by Mr. & Mrs. Archie G. Allen, Jr., Megan & Tom Lawson, R. Harold Gibson, Gibson & Company, PA, Dennis & "Fleet" Roberts, Margaret Stevens Mauney, Sandra P. Adams, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Douglas, Mr. & Mrs. Sam C. Ogburn Sr. & Elizabeth A Ogburn.

Gail Dunning Memorial Garden In memory of Gail Dunning by Glenn & Judith Griffiths.

Glad Tidings Window Fund In memory of Judy Lynn Morris Jones by Dr. & Mrs. L. Andrew Koman.

Loaves and Fishes In memory of George Clyce Newman by Janie & Jarman Jenkins. In memory of Enid Petteway White by Janie & Jarmen Jenkins.

Love Thy Neighbor

by Glenn & Judith Griffiths

Missionary Friendship Fund In memory of Anna Bland Faison Fisher by Elizabeth Fenwick. In memory of Minnie Louise Smith by James & Nancy Donald.

Music and the Arts In memory of William M. “Buck” Butler by Dr. & Mrs. Greg Holthusen.

Respite Care

by Glenn & Judith Griffiths

Sacred Music In memory of Bob L. Myers by Tom & Stella Chambliss. In memory of Jennie Brookshire Knott by Anne Lore. In memory of Lespie Stewart Smith by Michael G. Smith. In memory of Mary Ellen Hill Davis by Paul & Anne Saxon.

Second Harvest Food Bank In memory of Bob L. Myers by Chris Myers.

Centenary Fund In honor of Tom Lawson by Richard Slutzky.

In honor of Sarah Howell by Sonja & Craige Murray. In honor of Martha Bassett by Sonja & Craige Murray. In honor of Pat Lawrence

by Sonja & Craige Murray. In honor of Sam Frazier by Sonja & Craige Murray.

Loaves and Fishes In honor of Dr. George Robinson by Dan & Nancy Culp.

Sacred Music Fund In honor of Rev. Don Davis by Paul and Anne Saxon.

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kmay@centenary-ws. org 336-397-1331

Children’s Ministry

Back to School Blessing

By Rev. Kate May of that great love and those powerful prayers.

Back to school time always brings up a flood of emotions. For kids they might be excited to get back to seeing their friends as well as new school clothes, shoes, and school supplies. But it can also be a time of anxiety wondering what their teacher will be like and will they have any friends in their class. Parents are often excited to get their kids back into the rhythm of the school year and are feeling bittersweet as they watch their children grow up with a mix of pride and nostalgia. For all of us it brings back memories of our own time in school. Sometimes those memories bring smiles and other times we are simply relieved to have completed that phase of our lives, or maybe it makes us wish for what feels now like a much simpler time.

No matter what emotions this time of year brings about for you (I personally get great joy from simply walking through all the school supply aisles), it is my prayer that this year as you see the sale fliers, see the school buses, and just watch as everyone returns to the rhythm of the fall, that you will also remember the promises we all make to the families and children who are a part of our church family at each baptism. These children are ours and we have promised to nurture them in their faith and life as they grow into the amazing people God created them to be. I would invite you to be in prayer for the children who are going back to school, the parents who send them off praying that they have done everything they can to prepare their children for their year, and all of those who are a part of our

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So how can you live into those baptismal promises that you made to our kids? You can pray for them. If you need something to get you started try this one:

education system who work so diligently to pour wisdom and knowledge into our children each day.

One of the things that we as a children’s ministry department will have done by the time you read this is host a backpack blessing for our kids and their families. On Sunday, August 21 we will gather together in the auditorium for a pizza dinner, a time of family worship, and then we will take time for each family to come forward so that each child can receive a blessing. This way they can head off to school knowing that God loves them and that they have a whole church family who loves and is praying for them as well. We also give them a small something to attach to their backpack that can be a visual reminder

Dear God, our great teacher, today I pray for students. May they grow in knowledge and in wisdom. I pray that they might show kindness to all they meet and that you would protect them from any hurts flung in their direction. Today I pray for teachers and all school staff.

May they be gentle and guided by your Spirit to be not only teachers, but also mentors to the students, colleagues, and parents they encounter each day. Today I pray for parents.

That they would find peace as they send their children to school knowing that they are in your care. AMEN. If you feel like maybe God is calling you to do more consider being an extra set of hands in one of our Sunday School classes or being a helper at children’s worship or children’s choir. Maybe being with kids is not your cup of tea but you love talking to people, you could serve as a greeter on Sunday mornings in the children’s building lobby and extend God’s love through a ministry of hospitality. All of these are ways that you can dip your toe into children’s ministry, but you will be making an enormous impact by supporting and loving on our kids. Be sure to contact Rev. Kate May for further information. •

The Faith We Sing I

n 2000 the United Methodist Church adopted a hymnal supplement called The Faith We Sing. What I love the most about this supplement is its title and the affirmation that not only do we speak and live our faith but we also sing it. Plus as an educator, what an amazing tool music is to share and teach our faith to our youngest church family members.

This is exactly what our children’s music ministry aims to do, share our faith with our amazing kids through music.

This fall we kick-off our children’s music ministry year on Wednesday, September 7 with a celebration for the whole family. We are so excited that this year all of children’s music ministry will live in the second floor of the 1960s building making it easy for families to navigate our Wednesday evening offerings. We have musical offerings for 2 year olds through 5th graders beginning at 6 pm on Wednesday evenings.

2 and 3 year olds along with a grown up get to participate in Play and Worship.

This time to play together and sing

together gives our youngest musicians a chance to begin to explore their faith through music alongside of adults and friends who love them. This group finishes by 6:30 pm.

Pre-K and Kindergarteners are invited to be a part of Ready, Set, Go from 6-7 pm.

These kids play and learn together with one of our children’s ministry staff from 6-6:30 and then have music time from 6:30-7 pm.

1-2 graders make huge leaps in their choir options as they, from 6-6:30, have the opportunity to begin playing handchimes and then, from 6:30-7 pm, have a structured choir time where they continue to develop the use of their voices to worship God joyfully.

As our kids continue to grow physically, academically, and spiritually they have tremendous opportunities to also grow musically. The 3-5th graders have the opportunity to be leaders in our choral music program and to begin playing handbells. They have choir from 6-6:30 pm and handbells from 6:30-7 pm.

This year you will see our kids leading worship at Worship in the Park (we’ll be singing a song from VBS so if your kids came they already know the first song and can help us teach everyone else.)

You’ll also see them in worship along with the youth choir on consecration Sunday and then as we prepare for Thanksgiving.

We are excited to have them participate in Lessons and Carols again this year as well as join the adult choir in leading Christmas Caroling at Love Thy Neighbor, and that’s just the first semester!

We love for anyone and everyone to come and give choir a try and would love to answer any questions you have that would help your child and your family join us for a great year in children’s music ministry.

Would you like more information?

Contact Kate May (336-397-1331)/ kmay@centenary-ws.org. •

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tpollock@centenary-ws. org 336-397-1337

Youth Ministry

Living into God's Love

By Tammy Pollock

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s I sit to type this, my laundry is whirling around in the washer and dryer so that I can pack it one more time for our last trip to the beach this summer. It's hard to believe that the goodness and freedom of summertime is coming to an end once again and we are preparing our hearts and our backpacks for another year of school.

It's been a good and beautiful summer filled with beach trips, family, friends, lazy mornings, bible study, mission trips, and Vacation Bible School. But as the rhythm of life continues, we must let these moments propel us forward into the fall.

Tyler (our Resident in Youth Ministry), our Youth Leadership Team, and I are so excited about the fall in our Youth Ministry. We have planned and prayed as we have put our hopes and dreams

on the calendar and trust that God has already blessed this year for all that we have planned has been inspired by what He has put on our hearts. We kicked off the fall with “Color Calamity”, an incredibly colorful event that brought us all great joy and also reminded us of the amazing story of Joseph (Genesis 30,35,37,39-50).

Joseph was loved so much by his father and was lost to him due to the selfishness of his brothers. Through many trials and much faithfulness, God brought redemption and reunion to Joseph and his family and the truth of God was revealed to the world. Our hope this year, as we sit with this story, is that we will be able to push past the darkness and selfishness of the world, remember that God loves us so very much, and through our faithfulness, God will be revealed to the world.

We have so many great opportunities to come together in Christ-centered community this year. Each Sunday there will be Sunday school, Youth Group, Love Thy Neighbor (one Sunday a month). This year we are starting a brand new Sunday school class for parents of teenagers. West End Ringers (our youth bell choir) and CANTUS (our youth choir) will rehearse each Wednesday night and starting in January, our 7th grade class will begin a brand new Confirmation class. Confirmation is one of our most favorite things in youth ministry. We journey though the Apostles Creed and explore many spiritual practices as a way of forming our faith and falling

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in love with Jesus. One Friday night a month we take our 6th graders on an adventure in our ministry called “Sixers!”. All throughout the year we take retreats, ski trips, mission trips, we go to incredible places, meet amazing people, and have the chance to really get to know God and God’s people.

Tyler and I love our church, love God’s people, and adore our youth! We firmly believe our youth ministry exists "love our youth on behalf of Jesus in hopes of loving them to Jesus". We pray you will come and join us in all things youth ministry this year so that you too can be a part of this amazing ministry. •

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(USPS 628-480) Published By: Centenary United Methodist Church PO Box 658 Winston-Salem, NC 27102-0658 Church Office: (336) 724-6311 Fax: (336) 723-5840 Website: www.centenaryonline.com Postmaster Send Address Changes to: Centenary United Methodist Church PO Box 658 Winston-Salem, NC 27102-0658 A Stephen Ministry Congregation Printed on recycled paper

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