SERMON NOTES WELCOME TO
SUNDAY • AUGUST 23, 2026
“Summer in the Psalms: Psalm 139” Psalm 139:1-18
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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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.