SERMON NOTES WELCOME TO WORSHIP
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.)
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
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SCRIPTURE — Psalm 139:1-18 THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • AUGUST 23, 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. †
Please stand as you are able
PRELUDE
Psalm-Prelude, Set 2, no. 2 (Psalm 139:11) — Herbert Howells
GREETING INTROIT
Let the People Praise Thee, O God — William Mathias Let the people praise thee, O God: yea, let all the people praise thee. O let the nations rejoice and be glad, for thou shalt judge the folk righteously, and govern the nations upon the earth. 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.
CALL TO WORSHIP We’ve come to worship the God, who loved us before we were born, who knows us better than we know ourselves, whose presence never leaves us, and whose love for us never ceases. This is our God. Let us worship together!
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HYMN OF PROCESSION #96 Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above —AMSTERDAM
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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
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. SERMON — “Summer in the Psalms: Psalm 139”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT OFFERTORY Pilgrims’ Hymn — Stephen Paulus Even before we call on Your name to ask You, O God, when we seek for the words to glorify You, You hear our prayer; unceasing love, o unceasing love, surpassing all we know. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Even with darkness sealing us in, we breathe Your name, and through all the days that follow so fast, we trust in You; endless your grace, o endless Your grace, beyond all mortal dream. Both now and forever, and unto ages and ages, Amen. 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
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#128 He Leadeth Me: O Blessed Thought — HE LEADETH ME
BENEDICTION
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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.
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POSTLUDE Improvisation sur le Te Deum — Charles Tournemire
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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 Congregational Care MUSIC Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music & Arts Tate Addis, Organist & Associate Conductor The Chancel Choir
CRUCIFER Thor Johnson TORCHBEARERS Charlie Harris Tripp Harris FLOWERS The Chancel flowers are given in loving memory of Stella Davis Stinson by Robin Stinson.
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 23, 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.
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.
IN MEMORIAM Nancy Turner Braswell Gibson August 5, 2026 Sandra Crotts Shugart August 5, 2026 Jane Edmonds Thompson August 5, 2026 The ministers and members of Centenary extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved families and pray they may know the comfort and peace of our Heavenly Father.
CHURCH-WIDE CELEBRATION
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.
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 lunch 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.
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 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 Rev. 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 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 Stephen Ministry – Seeking Care Receivers Stephen Ministers can offer a listening ear through difficult times in life. If you (or someone you know) are going through a challenging time and could benefit from a caring friend, contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck for a referral. You can also find more information and a link to an online referral form on the church website under Congregational Care. All referrals are confidential. 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 Thursday Morning Fellowship September 3 • 7:30AM-8:30AM Community Room All men of the church are invited to our morning gathering. Join us in the Community room for coffee, biscuits, and fellowship followed by a brief program by Dr. Lon Morgan, who will report on the August 7-16 Honduras medical mission trip.
MUSIC & ARTS
YOUTH MINISTRY
Register for Children’s Creative Arts Experience 2026/2027 • Begins Septemer 2 The school year has begun which means it’s almost time for CAE! We invite children ages 2 through 5th grade to join us when CAE resumes on September 2. CAE’s multifaceted 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 by August 26. Email Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.org) with any questions.
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.
Join the Chancel Choir Thursdays • 7:00PM • Choir Room Add your voice to Centenary’s Chancel Choir! Join us at our annual retreat this weekend, August 28 & 29! We seek to equip and empower the congregation to lift its collective heart and voice in praise-filled worship, whether on Sunday mornings, during special services like the beloved Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols, or in collaboration with other groups from around the Triad and beyond! Rehearsals are held each Thursday from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm. NO audition is required! Please contact Director of Music & Arts, Jonathan Emmons to learn more. YOUNG ADULTS Fall Kick-Off at the Dash Wednesday • August 26 • 6:30PM Last chance to 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. UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH UWF General Meeting Monday • September 14 • Noon • Auditorium All women are invited to kick off a new program year with United Women in Fellowship. Join the conversation as we discuss the opportunity ahead to replace our existing organ and help build a legacy for our church and community. Jonathan Emmons, Tate Addis, Mary Ann Wexler, and Rev. Willis Greene will be leading our discussion. Please RSVP to your Circle Leader by September 4. Not in a Circle? Contact Susan Grubbs at shgrubbs4@gmail.com.
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. 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. Twin City Conference Basketball Tuesdays • Oct 27 - Feb 2 • 6:00-8:00 pm Fulton YMCA Twin City Conference is a co-op basketball league in partnership with our friends at Winston-Salem Street School and other churches in Winston-Salem. If you’re a Senior High boy (9th-12th grade) who is not on your school’s varsity basketball team, come lace them up and play for Centenary! Cost is $50, and friends are welcome too. To register, scan the QR Code above. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Kevin Garrity. DIETRICH BONHOEFFER PILGRIMAGE Germany • May 17-29, 2027 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.