WELCOME TO WORSHIP
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BAPTISM
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POSTLUDE Fantasy on ‘Walk Together, Children’ — André J. Thomas
BAPTISMAL RESPONSE Do you as Christ’s body, the church, reaffirm both your rejection of sin and your commitment to Christ? We do.
We give thanks for all that God has already given you and welcome you in Christian love. With God’s help we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround Eloise with a community of love and forgiveness, that she may grow in her service to others. We will pray for her, that she may be a true disciple who walks in the way that leads to life.
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. Please stand as you are able
PRELUDE
Variations sur ‘Lasst uns erfreuen’ — Denis Bédard
HYMN
Day by Day — Harold Friedell Day by day, dear Lord, of Thee three things I pray: to see Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly, follow Thee more nearly, day by day.
CALL TO WORSHIP Praise the Lord! We love you, Lord, for you hear our voices. How can we repay the Lord for all his goodness to us? We will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. Come, let us worship God together. With grateful hearts, we come to give thanks to the Lord
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED SCRIPTURE — Psalm 116: 1-7. 12-19
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HYMN OF PROCESSION #540 I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord — ST. THOMAS
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AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is one true church, apostolic and universal, whose holy faith let us now declare:
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We believe in God the Father, infinite in wisdom, power, and love, whose mercy is over all his works, and whose will is ever directed to his children’s good. We believe in Jesus Christ, Son of God and Son of man, the gift of the Father’s unfailing grace, the ground of our hope, and the promise of our deliverance from sin and death. We believe in the Holy Spirit as the divine presence in our lives, whereby we are kept in perpetual remembrance of the truth of Christ, and find strength and help in time of need. We believe that this faith should manifest itself in the service of love as set forth in the example of our blessed Lord, to the end that the kingdom of God may come
upon the earth. 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.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
#191 Jesus Loves Me — JESUS LOVES ME
(Stanzas one and two. Following the baptismal parade, 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.)
GREETING INTROIT
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life and include this family, now before you, in your care?
TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • AUGUST 16, 2026 • 11:00AM
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BENEDICTION RESPONSE A Clare Benediction — John Rutter May the Lord show his mercy upon you; may the light of his presence be your guide: may he guard you and uphold you; may his spirit be ever be your side. When you sleep, may his angels watch over you; when you wake, may he fill you with his grace: may you love him and serve him all your days, then in heaven may you see his face.
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.
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. SERMON — “Paying God Back”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT OFFERTORY The Majesty and Glory of Your Name — Tom Fettke When I gaze into the night skies and see the work of your fingers; the moon and stars suspended in space. Oh, what is man that you are mindful of him? You have given man a crown of glory and honor and have made him a little lower than the angels. You have put him in charge of all creation: the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, the fish of the sea. O Lord, our God the majesty and glory of your name transcends the earth and fills the heavens. O Lord, our God; little children praise You perfectly, and so would we. Alleluia! The majesty and glory of Your name. DOXOLOGY #94 Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow — LASST UNS ERFREUEN Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
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PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
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WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD HYMN
SERMON NOTES
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PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP PREACHING Reverend Lara “Willis” Greene Senior Minister LITURGIST Reverend Oliver Helsabeck Associate Minister for Congregational Care MUSIC Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music & Arts Tate Addis, Organist & Associate Conductor The Chancel Choir
CRUCIFER Louise Johnson TORCHBEARERS Liza Harris Scott Johnson FLOWERS The Chancel flowers are given in loving memory of Sally Brooks Pullen Kelly by Dr. David Kelly and family.
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#474 Precious Lord, Take My Hand — FOUNDATION
BENEDICTION
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The anthem texts are printed with permission. One License A-707342 By entering the Sanctuary, you grant to Centenary United Methodist Church unrestricted right to use and publish, transmit or telecast photographs or likenesses that might be taken of you this day for use in communications related to the church.
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