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.)
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
†POSTLUDE Thank you for joining us in worship today. WELCOME
CANTICLE
FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • AUGUST 25, 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
Keep Your Lamps — André Thomas
Keep your lamps trimmed and burning, the time is drawing nigh. Children don’t get weary ‘till your work is done.
†OPENING PRAYER
Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#79 Holy God, We Praise Thy Name — GROSSER GOTT
†AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. 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
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing — arr. Mack Wilberg Come, thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace; streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above. Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it, mount of thy redeeming love. Here I raise my Ebenezer; hither by thy help I’m come; and I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home. Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God; he, to rescue me from danger, interposed his precious blood. O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be! Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; here’s my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above.
SCRIPTURE — Ephesians 6:10-20
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
Festival Piece on “Saint Anne” — Eugene Butler
O God our Help in ages past, our Hope for years to come, our Shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home. Before the hills in order stood or earth received her frame, from everlasting Thou art God to endless years the same. A thousand ages in Thy sight are like an evening gone, short as the watch that ends the night, before the rising sun. Time like an ever rolling stream bears all its sons away. They fly forgotten as a dream dies at the opening day.
The congregation is invited to sing:
O God our Help in agest past, our hope for years to come, be Thou our guide while life shall last, and our eternal Home!
†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
Almighty God, giver of every good and perfect gift, teach us to render to you all that we have and all that we are, that we may praise you, not with our lips only, but with our whole lives, turning the duties, the sorrows, and the joys of all our days into a living sacrifice to you; through our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
The Lord Bless You and Keep You — John Rutter
The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. Amen.
†HYMN
#580 Lead On, O King Eternal — LANCASHIRE
†BENEDICTION
SERMON NOTES
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III, Senior Minister
LITURGIST
Tammy Pollock, Director of Youth Ministries
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar
The Chancel Choir
CRUCIFER
Meg Gilliam
TORCHBEARERS
Beverly Douglas Taylor Paris
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of Stella Davis Stinson by Robin Stinson.
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
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
ANNOUNCEMENTS • AUGUST 25, 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
STUDENTS WITH FULL BELLIES ARE MORE SUCCESSFUL
MUSIC & ARTS
FALL YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 646 W. FIFTH STREET • WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27101
HTTPS://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).
Centenary has the privilege of partnering with the Backpack Program organized by Second Harvest Food Bank. We are currently partnered with Brunson Elementary, Wiley Middle School, Reynolds High School and the Winston Salem Street School. This program helps provide food for students who receive free breakfast and lunch at school through the year, but may not have access to food over the weekends. For just $200, you can feed a child on the weekends for a whole school year! You can give through the giving portal on the church website or by check. If you have any questions, please contact Anna Thomas athomas@ centenary-ws.org/ext 1332).
BIBLE SUNDAY: SEPTEMBER 15
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.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
ADULT DISCIPLESHIP SMALL GROUPS
For more information or help with registration please contact Stacy Holley (sholley@centenaryws.org/ext. 1359).
FLOWER MINISTRY
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
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
SEPTEMBER 5 • 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM COMMUNITY ROOM
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.
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.
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.
CHILDREN’S CREATIVE ARTS EXPERIENCE RETURNS THIS FALL 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 below. Email Music Ministries Assistant Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.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
YCC returns on 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!
JOIN A GROWING CHANCEL CHOIR!
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.
The Chancel Choir continues to grow, and we want YOU to join us! Our regular season kicks off with an on-site retreat on Friday, August 23, and Saturday, August 24. Don’t miss a year full of worship leadership, collaborations, and special programs. Contact Jonathan Emmons (jemmons@ centenary-ws.org), Director of Music Ministries, for more information!
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 5:00 pm: Middle school youth group 6:15 pm: All youth dinner - $3 6:45 pm: Senior high youth group September 1 10:00 am: Youth Sunday school NO YOUTH GROUPS – Enjoy the long Labor Day weekend with your family
David is a sought-after speaker in communities, businesses, schools and universities, about mental health and substance misuse challenges and solutions and he was involved in creating the William Magee Institue for Student Wellbeing at the University of Mississippi, named after his late son. He and his wife, Kent, a yoga for addiction teacher, live in Oxford, Mississippi. We hope anyone who is a teenager, who has a teenager, loves a teenager, or wants to understand the challenges they face in today’s culture, will join us for these free events.
LOOKING AHEAD
September 11: Nourish begins - Youth Bible Study September 22: Church-wide Block Party! October 20: Annual ALL Youth trip to Carowinds/ Scarowinds October 27: LISTEN event with guest, David Magee
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.
SANCTUARY PEWS
A piece of Centenary can be yours, for free! We have approximately 25 pew sections from our Sanctuary that are looking for a new home. Each is 4 to 5 feet in length. You must be able to transport them yourself. If you are interested or have questions, please contact John Markle (jmarkle@centenaryws.org/ext. 1347). These pews were replaced with our new Sanctuary chairs.
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.
