FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER • APRIL 26, 2026 • 11:00AM
THE COMMUNITY GATHERS
Welcome to worship at Centenary! We are a church for everyone. As you prepare for worship, we invite you to greet your neighbor and share the love of Christ. Please silence all mobile communication devices.
†CALL TO WORSHIP
We come to worship remembering: it is not we who chose Christ, but Christ who chose us.
We come not because of our goodness, but because of Christ’s grace.
We come not to enlighten ourselves, but to be enlightened by Christ.
We gather now to worship God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength
Let every voice be lifted in praise.
Let us worship the risen Lord!
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#163 Ask Ye What Great Things I Know — HENDON
†AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation or distress, or persecution or famine, or nakedness or peril or sword?
No! In all things we are more than conquerors through the One who loved us. We are sure that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
† AFFIRMATION RESPONSE
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
A Merry Heart — arr. Cynthia Dobrinski
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
SCRIPTURE — John 21:4-19
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Close the Gate”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
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.
†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
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN
#581 Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service — BEACH SPRING
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
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. (Numbers 6: 24-26)
†POSTLUDE
SERMON NOTES
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
Reverend Lara “Willis” Greene
Senior Minister
LITURGIST
Reverend Oliver Helsabeck
Associate Minister for Congegational Care
MUSIC
Michael Martinez, Conductor
Joshua Sobel, Organist
Jonathan Blake Borton, piano
The Chancel Choir
West End Ringers: Camille Jones, Director
CRUCIFER Mac Packard
TORCHBEARERS
Elle Reid
George Schultz
FLOWERS
The Chancel flowers are given by Ann & Bob King in memory of Gloria King, Tim King, Talmadge Hinkle, Debbie Hinkle Thompson and Susan Hinkle.
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.
SUNDAY MORNINGS AT CENTENARY
• Worship • 9:00AM • Memorial Auditorium
• Worship • 11:00AM • Sanctuary
• Sunday School for all Ages • 9:45AM or 10:00AM (Based on Classes & Ministry Area)
• Nursery is available for infants through pre-kindergarteners during both worship services and Sunday school on the first floor of the East Building.
MEMBERSHIP
We are eager to share Centenary’s story with you. If you are interested in learning about church membership, please contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck (336-724-6311 ext. 1357/ ohelsabeck@centenary-ws.org) to schedule a time to meet.
WATCH
Each Sunday morning, our 11:00AM worship service is broadcast on the Internet through our Live Stream. Visit www.centenary-ws.org. Once there, click on the Live Stream link at the top of the home page.
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 Lara “Willis” Greene ext. 1362 Senior Minister wgreene@centenary-ws.org
Mary Ann Wexler ext. 1346 Executive Director mwexler@centenary-ws.org
Jonathan Emmons ext. 1339 Director of Music & Arts jemmons@centenary-ws.org
Reverend Oliver Helsabeck ext. 1357 Associate Minister for Congregational Care ohelsabeck@centenary-ws.org
Reverend Kate May ext. 1331 Associate Minister with Children kmay@centenary-ws.org
ANNOUNCEMENTS • APRIL 26, 2026
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
CENTENARY SCHOLARSHIPS
Centenary is honored to offer endowed scholarships made possible by the dedication and generosity of past members. T.B. and Mary Neal Dixson fund applications are due April 27 by 5PM. For more information, please visit https://centenary-ws.org/church-events/ resources/.
JUSTICE & RECONCILIATION
Creek Clean Up Day
May 17 • 4:00PM-6:00PM
Help us care for God’s creation by cleaning up around the creek near Shaffner Park! Pack a picnic dinner and enjoy the after party at the park. Contact Kate May if you are interested in participating.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Vacation Bible School
June 15-18 • 9:00AM-Noon
We are excited for potty trained 3-year-olds through rising 6th graders to join us this year at Rainforest Falls VBS! Register by scanning the QR code above. Youth and grownups, you know you don’t want to miss out on all the fun!
Contact Marty Coan, Diane Eshelman, Ashley Maner, or Kate May.
Older Elementary Mission Week
July 21-23 • 9:00AM-3:00PM
Rising 4th-6th graders are invited to join us as we do mission projects around Winston Salem and have fun fellowship time together! $45/ student. Scan the QR code above to register.
Centenary Helps Students Succeed Centenary has the priviledge to partner with the Backpack Program through Second Harvest Food Bank, serving students at Brunson Elementary, Wiley Middle, Reynolds High, and the Winston-Salem Street School. This program provides weekend meals for children who rely on school breakfast and lunch during the week. Just $216 feeds one child for an entire school year. To get involved, contact Anna Thomas at athomas@centenary-ws.org (ext. 1332).
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Stephen Ministry
Seeking Care Receivers
Tammy Pollock ext. 1337 Director of Youth Ministries tpollock@centenary-ws.org
Stacy Holley ext. 1359 Executive Assistant sholley@centenary-ws.org
John Markle ext. 1347 Director of Operations jmarkle@centenary-ws.org
Doug Peninger ext. 1368 Director of Communication dpeninger@centenary-ws.org
John Rogers ext. 1356 Director of Information Technology jrogers@centenary-ws.org
CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
646 W. FIFTH STREET • WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27101 WWW.CENTENARY-WS.ORG • 336-724-6311
SENIOR ADULTS
Luncheon
Thursday • May 21 • Noon • Auditorium
May’s guest speaker will be Lee Covington, President and CEO of Senior Services. We gather at 11:45 and lunch will be served at noon. To register, send an email to seniorlunch@ centenary-ws.org or call the church office during business hours. Luncheon cost is $12.00 and the signup deadline is Wednesday, May 13. If you need a ride to the luncheon, please let Rev. Oliver Helsabeck know. The Senior Adult Council will meet briefly in the choir room at 11:00 before the luncheon.
Senior Adults • Save These Dates!
MEN’S MINISTRY
Thursday Morning Fellowship
May 7 • 7:30AM-8:30AM • Community Room
All men of the church are invited to our Thursday morning gathering! Join us in the Community Room for coffee, biscuits, and fellowship followed by a brief presentation by Craig Darden of the American Red Cross who will update us on the local blood situation which is a key service initiative for CUMC. To learn more about Men’s Ministry at Centenary, contact Doug Haynes, Chris Munnelly, Tanner Robinson, Michael Rogers, or Tom Lawson.
MUSIC & ARTS
Children’s Music & Arts Camp 2026
All Creatures Great and Small
July 13 - 16, 2026
Two by two… the animals are coming! This summer, we invite children aged 4 through rising 5th graders to step into the story of Noah and discover how God’s love and promise extends to “all creatures great and small!” Through music, art, movement, and storytelling, campers will explore this beloved biblical journey. We look forward to spending a week singing, ringing, painting and playing together! Register now via the Announcements QR code! For more information, please contact Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws. org).
Stephen Ministry is a lay caring ministry. Stephen Ministers are not counselors or therapists; rather, they are caring Christian friends who can offer a listening ear to help others through the tough times in life. Stephen Ministers are trained and supervised in their ministry. If you (or someone you know) are going through a tough time and could use a caring friend, contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck for a referral to our Stephen Ministry. All referrals are confidential.
Refresh Wednesdays • Noon-12:45PM • Sanctuary
The Refresh Prayer Ministry invites you to be refreshed in a mid-week service of worship, reflection, and prayer in a sacred space. Parking is available in the Fifth Street parking lot; enter from the Fifth Street entrance to the Sanctuary. For more information, contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck or Becky Tate.
Volunteer for Children’s Music & Arts Camp 2026 July 13–16, 2026
Two by two, they’re coming aboard and we need YOU to help lead the way! Children’s Music & Arts Camp 2026: All Creatures Great & Small invites our campers into the story of Noah, filled with elephants and giraffes, lions and monkeys, doves and dolphins and plenty of creativity along the way! We are seeking volunteers of all ages to serve as counselors, crossing guards, room/activity assistants, and more. Whether you can help for a day or the whole week, you’ll help keep our ark afloat and our campers thriving! To volunteer, contact Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws. org).
• June 11 - Picnic at South Fork Park
• July 23 - Trip to Barter Theatre, Abingdon, VA Registration is now open in Realm.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Class Dinners
April 26 • 5:00PM-6:30PM Homes of Grade Hosts (TBA)
We are so excited for our springtime class dinners, a chance for each individual grade to gather at a youth ministry family’s home for dinner, connection, games and bible study. Addresses of host families will be shared via the Youth Ministry email blast the week of Class Dinners. No registration is required, but if you have questions ahead of time, please contact Tammy Pollock.
Graduation Recognition
Sunday • May 10 • 11AM Worship
SIXERS! Goes to Total Escape
Friday • May 15 • 5:45PM-8:00PM
Join us for the last Sixers! outing before summer break. We’ll have an exciting evening of escaperooming with dinner and devotion to follow at Total Escape at 280 Charlois Blvd. Bring your best detective skills and a can-do attitude for a fun night of team building. 6th Grade friends are welcome, but please register them ahead of time. To register, scan the QR Code above or sign into Realm.
Youth Ministry Summer Kick-off & 9th Grade Promo Party
May 31 • 5:00PM-7:00PM
Calling ALL youth, and most especially you rising freshman! Join us for a summer kick-off party to celebrate the end of school and the promotion of our rising freshman at ROAR W-S -- for a night of bowling, simulator games and to chow down on some nuggets, burger sliders and other snacks! To register, scan the QR code above, or visit the Realm Events page. If you have any questions, please contact Kevin Garrity. Wilderness
June 20-25 • Troutdale, VA
Do you love camping, hiking, and campfires?
Then this trip is for you! For 38 years, Wilderness Trail Ministry has been “leading backpacking faith adventures that bring teens closer to God and each other.” Join our youth ministry as we hop on the bus and attend our first guided summer hike this June. Cost is $375 and spots are limited. For details and registration, scan the QR code above or sign-up via Realm. If you have any questions,If you have any questions, please contact Kevin Garrity.
