SERMON NOTES WELCOME TO
SUNDAY • AUGUST 16, 2026
“Paying God Back” Psalm 116:1-7, 12-19
Preaching
Rev. Lara “Willis” Greene Senior Minister
Liturgist
Rev. Oliver Helsabeck
Associate Minister for Congregational Care
Music
Keith Byrd
Alternative Music Leader Zakiyyah Niang, vocals Ahmad Johnson, vocals Rodney Archie, vocals Doug Wright, bass Jacob Anflick, drums
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Join us for Summer in the Psalms as we explore the prayers and praises that give voice to every season of life. Discover how these ancient songs still speak with honesty, hope, and grace, drawing us closer to God.
ANNOUNCEMENTS • AUGUST 16, 2026
WELCOME!
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
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.
IN MEMORIAM Todd Alexander Calloway July 26, 2026 The ministers and members of Centenary extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved family and pray they may know the comfort and peace of our Heavenly Father.
CELEBRATION
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
Today we celebrate the baptism of Eloise Longley Lipe daughter of Alex and Maddie Lipe. CHURCH-WIDE CELEBRATION Back to Church Sunday Picnic Sunday • September 13 • Noon • West Lawn Join your Centenary family for worship at 9:00 am in Memorial Auditorium or 11:00 am in the Sanctuary as we kick off a new season of ministry. Following the 11:00 am worship service, we will have a catered picnic on the west lawn, beside the library. Be sure to bring your lawn chairs or blankets. ADULT FORMATION Women’s Wednesday Sermon Study 1st & 3rd Wednesdays Begins September 16 9:30AM • Room 112 This group convenes twice a month to reflect upon sermon themes and topics from the Centenary pulpit. Please register via the Announcements QR code. If you would like more information about this exciting discussion group, contact Sue Stephens or Tammy Pollock.
Reception Desk • 336-724-6311
CENTENARY LEADERSHIP CONNECTIONS 336.724.6311 + Extension (for the Minister on Call • Option 2) Reverend Lara “Willis” Greene Senior Minister wgreene@centenary-ws.org
ext. 1362
Tammy Pollock Director of Youth Ministries tpollock@centenary-ws.org
ext. 1337
Mary Ann Wexler Executive Director mwexler@centenary-ws.org
ext. 1346
Stacy Holley Executive Assistant sholley@centenary-ws.org
ext. 1359
Jonathan Emmons Director of Music & Arts jemmons@centenary-ws.org
ext. 1339
John Markle Director of Operations jmarkle@centenary-ws.org
ext. 1347
Reverend Oliver Helsabeck ext. 1357 Associate Minister for Congregational Care ohelsabeck@centenary-ws.org
Doug Peninger Director of Communication dpeninger@centenary-ws.org
ext. 1368
Reverend Dianne Lawhorn ext. 1361 Associate Minister of Outreach & Adult Formation dlawhorn@centenary-ws.org
John Rogers Director of Information Technology jrogers@centenary-ws.org
ext. 1356
Reverend Kate May ext. 1331 Associate Minister with Children kmay@centenary-ws.org CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 646 W. FIFTH STREET • WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27101 WWW.CENTENARY-WS.ORG • 336-724-6311
Women’s Book Study: Joyful Anyway Biweekly on Tuesdays Begins September 22 Noon-1:00PM • Room 115 This study, led by Nancy Powell, will discuss Joyful Anyway by Kate Bowler. Bowler is a Duke seminary professor, podcaster, writer, and a wise and funny person. The group will meet for six sessions every other Tuesday from September 22 to December 1. Register via the Announcements QR Code. The registration deadline is September 16 as there is a short reading assignment to complete before the first session. Questions? Contact Rev. Dianne Lawhorn. CHILDREN’S MINISTRY Worship Leader Celebration Sunday • August 30 • Noon-1:30PM Students fourth grade and older have the opportunity to serve as torchbearers at our 11 am worship service and then crucifers once they participate in confirmation. On Sunday, August 30 we will celebrate all of our student worship leaders and train those who would like to join our team. Interested? Contact Kate May.
Bible Sunday September 20 Do you know of a kindergartener or third grader who should receive a Bible this year? If that child has not received any information about Bible Sunday on September 20 please be in touch with Kate May. Tween District Retreat September 25-26 4th and 5th graders from churches all over the Yadkin Valley District will descend on Camp Hanes September 25-26 for a retreat filled with good food, lots of fun (games, boats, zipline & more), and time to connect with one another and with God. Cost is $85/student. Register by September 2 using the QR code at the top of the page. Questions? Contact Kate May. Centenary Helps Students Succeed Back-to-school season is here, and Centenary has an opportunity to support local students by helping provide weekend meals for children facing food insecurity. Through our Backpack Program partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, we serve students at Brunson Elementary, Wiley Middle School, Reynolds High School, and the Winston-Salem Street School. Would you like to help make a difference? To learn how you can support this ministry, contact Rev. Kate May. CONGREGATIONAL CARE Refresh Wednesdays • Noon-12:45PM • Chapel 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 4½ Street parking lot. For more information, contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck or Becky Tate. MEN’S MINISTRY Men of Centenary...We Need Your Input! Help us strengthen and grow Centenary’s Men’s Ministry! All men are invited to complete a brief survey sharing your interests, needs, and priorities. Your feedback will help shape future Bible studies, fellowship events, service projects, retreats, and other opportunities for connection, spiritual growth, and service. Scan the QR code to visit our Events page and find the survey link under Men’s Ministry.
MISSIONS
YOUTH MINISTRY
Fall Mission Opportunity There’s still work to do. Join Centenary as we serve families in Ashe County recovering from Hurricane Helene the week of October 25. Whether you can serve for a few days or the entire week, all skill levels are welcome. Watch for registration details, and contact Rev. Dianne Lawhorn with any questions.
Love Thy Neighbor Dates 2026: August 23, September 20, October 18, November 8, December 6 2027: January 10, February 7, March 7, April 11, May 2
MUSIC & ARTS Register for Children’s Creative Arts Experience 2026/2027 • Begins Septemer 2 Did your kids love CMA Camp? Keep the creativity, joy, and friendship going all year long with the Creative Arts Experience! We invite children ages 2 through 5th grade to join us when CAE resumes. CAE’s multi-faceted model engages children with various levels of musical and artistic interests, all while cultivating worship leadership opportunities for Centenary’s youngest! Register via the Announcements QR Code. Email Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@ centenary-ws.org) with any questions. Join the Chancel Cho1r Thursdays • 7:00PM • Choir Room Beginning August 20 Lift your voice with Centenary’s Chancel Choir! Join us as rehearsals resume on Thursday, August 20, or be part of our annual choir retreat on August 28–29. Rehearsals are held every Thursday from 7:00 pm–8:30 pm, and no audition is required. To learn more, contact Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries. YOUNG ADULTS
Fall Kick Off Tonight • 5:00PM-7:00PM Skate Haven USA • 120 Hood Dr. • WSNC We are excited to kick off the school year and “Glow All Out” into a new year of Youth Ministry! Join us for our glow-party themed fall kick-off at Skate Haven USA. No sign up necessary. Feel free to wear something neon, bring a friend, and come roll around the rink with us for games, pizza, and a glowing devotional reminder that “you are the light of the world.” Class Dinners Sunday • August 30 • 5:00PM-6:30PM Homes of Grade Hosts (TBA) We are so excited for our back-to-school 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. Niner-Niner September 12 • 5:00PM-7:00PM • Top Golf GSO Calling all freshmen! Niner-Niner is a ministry created just for you. Join us one Saturday each quarter to reconnect with friends, build community, and grow together in faith. Scan the QR code to register through the Youth Ministry webpage.
Fall Kick-Off at the Dash Wednesday • August 26 • 6:30PM Summer may be winding down, but we’re just getting started! Join Young Adults Ministry as we kick off fall at the Dash! Enjoy baseball, reconnect with friends, meet new people, and learn about our weekly trivia nights, Grace in Common: Young Women’s Group, and other opportunities throughout the year. Whether you’re new or have been part of YAM for years, we’d love to have you! Contact Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.org) for details.
SIXERS! September 18 • 6:00pm-8:00pm Adventure Landing Calling all sixth graders! Join us one Friday each month for fun, friendship, and faith. This month we’re heading to Adventure Landing for mini golf, arcade games, bumper boats, and pizza! Scan the QR code to register. For more information, contact Kevin Garrity at kgarrity@ centenary-ws.org.
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
Germany • May 17-29, 2027
Sanctuary Ornaments & Church Cookbook Now Available Commemorate baptisms, weddings, confirmations, or joining the church with a personalized Centenary sanctuary ornament. The cookbook Be Present at Our Table features cherished recipes, photos, and our congregation’s history—perfect for gifts. Both items are available at the Reception Desk. Proceeds support missions serving women, children, and families locally and around the world. For purchases or questions, contact Laurie Dray at (336) 830-4701.
Join tour guides Rev. Lara “Willis” Greene and husband, Dr. David Greene, on a 12-Day tour through Germany as you encounter a story of courage, faith and conviction that still speaks today. Along the way, we’ll wrestle with one of history’s most urgent questions: how a deeply Christian nation became the setting for profound moral tragedy. For more information, contact Stacy Holley.
DIETRICH BONHOEFFER PILGRIMAGE