ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • AUGUST 24, 2025 • 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.
PRELUDE
GREETING
INTROIT
Be Not Afraid —Craig Courtney
Be not afraid: for I have redeemed you, be not afraid I have called you by name. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when you pass through the floods, they will not sweep o’er you; when you walk through the fire, you will not be consumed; you are mine; you are precious in my sight. My love for you is everlasting, my love for you shall have no end.
†CALL TO WORSHIP
We shall praise you, O God, with all our hearts! Gladly will we sing and pray to you!
We shall bow down in your holy sanctuary. For your love and faithfulness, we will praise your name!
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#339 Come, Sinners, to the Gospel Feast — HURSLEY
†AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We are not alone, we live in God’s world.
We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit. We trust in God. We are called to be the church: to celebrate God’s presence, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God. 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. Amen. Amen.
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.
BAPTISM
BAPTISMAL RESPONSE
Do you as Christ’s body, the church, reaffirm both your rejection of sin and your commitment to Christ? We do.
Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life and include Benny now before you in your care?
With God’s help we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround Benny with a community of love and forgiveness, that he may grow in his service to others. We will pray for him, that he may be a true disciple who walks in the way that leads to life.
HYMN
#191 Jesus Loves Me — JESUS LOVES ME
(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
SCRIPTURE — Luke 13:10-17
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON
“A Daughter of Abraham”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
Greater Love Hath No Man — John Ireland
Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it. Love is strong as death. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Who his own self bare our sins in his own Body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness. Ye are washed, ye are sanctified, ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus. Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. I beseech you, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
†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
†HYMN
#121 There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy — WELLESLEY
RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS
We give thanks for all that God has already given you and we welcome you in Christian love. As members together with you in the bodyof Christ and in this congregation of the United Methodist Church, we renew our covenant faithfully to participate in the ministries of the church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE Amen (from Geistliches Lied, Op. 30) — Johannes Brahms
†POSTLUDE
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
SERMON NOTES
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Lara “Willis” Greene Senior Minister
LITURGIST
The Reverend Oliver Helsabeck Associate Minister for Congregational Care
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel Organist
The Chancel Choir
CRUCIFER
Taylor Paris
TORCHBEARERS
Sloan Clark
Beverly Douglas
FLOWERS
The Chancel flowers are given in loving memory of Stella Davis Stinson by Robin Stinson.
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 • 9:00 am • Memorial Auditorium
• Worship • 11:00 am • 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. 1361/ ohelsabeck@centenary-ws.org) to schedule a time to meet.
WATCH
Each Sunday morning, our 11:00 am 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 wgreen@centenary-ws.org
Mary Ann Wexler ext. 1346 Executive Director mwexler@centenary-ws.org
Jonathan Emmons ext. 1339 Director of Music Ministries 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 • AUGUST 24, 2025
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
IN MEMORIAM
Thomas Brent Kirby
August 8, 2025
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.
Today we celebrate the baptism of James Bennett Richardson, son of Blake and Kristen Richardson and brother of Marlowe Richardson.
ADULT FORMATION
Adult Sunday School Open House
Sunday • September 7 • 10:00AM
Curious about Adult Sunday School? Join us for an Open House. Whether you have been away for a season or have never tried a class, this is a chance to see what’s offered, meet leaders, and reconnect with friends. Greeters will be at church entrances from 9:45 am to guide you to classrooms and answer questions. For more information, see full class descriptions on Centenary’s website under “Menu,” “Ministries,” then “Adult Formation.”
Interested in a Group on the Enneagram & Spiritual Growth?
This fall’s small group is full, and the waitlist has now closed. If you’d like to be considered for a spring group facilitated by Nancy Powell, please email Stacy Holley to have your name added to the interest list.
NOURISH
Nourish Returns • Wednesday • September 3
Dinner at 5:15PM • Programming at 6:00PM
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Bible Sunday September 21 • 9:00AM or 11:00AM Worship
We are gearing up for Bible Sunday! Do you know a new Kindergartner or third grader who hasn’t received any info about Bible Sunday yet? Please be in touch with Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws.org/ext.1332).
Worship Leader Celebration
Sunday • September 21 • Noon • Dining Room 4th – 12th graders, with at least one adult, are invited to enjoy a pizza lunch together while we celebrate all of our Torchbearers and Crucifers. We will spend time learning and being reminded of what it looks like to serve in these roles and why they are so important to our worship service. If you have not received an invitation in the mail with the RSVP information, please reach out to Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws.org/ext 1332). If you cannot attend but are still interested in being a torchbearer or crucifer, please still fill out the RSVP so we can collect updated contact information.
Students with Full Bellies are More Successful
Centenary has the privilege of partnering with the Backpack Program organized by Second Harvest Food Bank. We are currently partnered with Brunson Elementary and Wiley Middle School. This program helps provide food for students who receive free breakfast and lunch at school through the year, but may not have access to food over the weekends. For just $260, you can feed a child on the weekends for a whole school year! If you’re interested in getting involved, please contact Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws.org/336.724.6311 ext. 1332).
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
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 Communications 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
Join your church family each Wednesday this fall for dinner and programming for all ages! You can find all of the details including dinner menus, dinner cost, and dinner registration links on the Nourish page of the church website. Dinner reservations must be made by the Monday immediately before that week’s dinner.
This year we will kick off our programming with an interview with Willis Greene, our new Senior Minister, as well as her husband David! Then, starting September 10, we’ll have several programming options:
For Youth: “Together for Teens” facilitated by Tammy Pollock & Kevin Garrity
“The Sum of Us” Book Discussion Group facilitated by Colby Cunningham and Nicole Johnson
Fast Track Disciple Bible Study-Old Testament facilitated by Kathy Chaney and Marilyn Weiler
Growing Faith through Art facilitated by Kate May
Watch for new classes starting in October!
MEN’S MINISTRY
Thursday • September 4 • 7:30AM-8:30AM
Community Room
We will gather in the second floor Catering Kitchen for coffee, biscuits, and fellowship followed by a presentation by Rev. Willis Greene, Centenary’s new Senior Minister. To learn more about Men’s Ministry at Centenary, contact Chris Munnelly, Tanner Robinson, Michael Rogers, or Tom Lawson.
MISSIONS
Loaves & Fishes Summer Stock
Loaves & Fishes is once again collecting items for Summer Stock! Anytime this summer, you can take a brown paper bag located in the Narthex or at the 4 ½ Street entrance to fill with needed items. This year we are collecting the following foods: canned chicken, canned tuna, canned beef stew, Spam, and Vienna sausages. Please make sure the canned items are regular sized cans. You can drop your donations off at the 4 ½ Street entrance or in the Narthex to the Sanctuary. If you have any questions, contact Mary Ann Wexler
MUSIC & ARTS
Register for Children’s Creative Arts
Wednesdays • 6:00 • East Building
Begins August 27
We invite children ages 2 through 5th grade to join us when CAE resumes this Wednesday, August 27th! CAE’s multi-faceted model engages children with various levels of musical and artistic interests, all while cultivating more regular worship leadership opportunities for Centenary’s youngest! Check the events page or email Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@ centenary-ws.org) to register today!
Youth Choir Collective Returns This Fall
Thursdays • 5:30PM • Youth Commons
SENIOR ADULTS
Thursday • September 18 • Noon
Memorial Auditorium
Come join Senior Adult Ministries as we “kickoff” for Fall 2025! This month’s guest speaker is our very own Senior Minister, Rev. Willis Greene! 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 $10.00 and the signup deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 10th. 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.
YOUNG ADULTS
Join Koinonia: A New Young Adults Small Group Sunday • September 14 • 6:00PM The Gathering Room Koinonia: a fellowship of faith. Young adults are invited to join our new monthly discussionbased group! Working together to grow in purpose, cultivate our faith, and live with intention, this group will strive to support one another as we deepen our understanding of what it means to embody Centenary’s mission in our everyday lives. Join us for fellowship and discussion as we challenge each other to live our faith out loud! This group is open to all adults ages 25-40 and does not require pre-registration. Contact Colby Cunningham (colbydcunningham@gmail.com) or Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.org).
YOUTH MINISTRY
Youth Fall Sunday School
Sundays • 10:00AM - 10:50AM
Youth Commons
Shining Light on Mental Health Peer Connector Ministry
If you experience a crisis of mental health, it’s important to know you are not alone. Our Peer Connector Ministry establishes a confidential connection between you and someone with similar experiences. Peer Connectors serve as supportive friends and listening ears, can provide prayerful, emotional support, and can help to direct you to additional support or resources. Send a confidential message to Rev. Oliver Helsabeck and he will connect you with a Peer Connector.
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. From Noon -12:15 is a time for quiet reflection with music, and from 12:15-12:45 is a time for prayer, Scripture reading, and meditation. 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.
YCC returns with a bang on Thursday, August 28 at 5:30 PM! 6th – 12th graders: Bring your friends and join us for a welcome party filled with games, pizza, and music! Rehearsals are held weekly on Thursdays in the Youth Suite from 5:30 – 6:30 PM (optional dinner offered at 5:00 PM) during the school year. We can’t wait for a year filled with collaborative performances including the inaugural YCC Choir Festival with students from across the Triad! Email YCC Director Michael Martinez (momartin3200@gmail.com) for more information.
Youth Handbells are Back! Join the West End Ringers
Thursdays • 6:00PM • Handbell Room
Do you love to ring? West End Ringers begins September 11! Youth in grades 6 – 12 are invited to join this exciting ensemble this fall as they embark on a season of worship leadership and special outside performance opportunities. Previous handbell/musical experience encouraged. Those who wish to also participate in YCC will be released for handbell rehearsal each week. Email Director of Handbell Ensembles, Camille Jones (camillemurphyjones@gmail.com) for more information.
6th-12th graders are welcome for our Fall Sunday School series! Join us as we consider the unique characteristics of Mark’s Gospel -- which is known for its simple writing style, fast-paced and episodic coverage of Jesus’s life, and emphasis on the actions of Christ more than His teachings.
Niner-Niner
September 13 • 5:00PM - 7:00PM
Top Golf Greensboro Niner-Niner is a ministry for the newest members of our Senior High Ministry...our fabulous Freshman. Join us one Saturday a quarter to step outside the norm and be together with your other freshman friends to reconnect, build community, and remember you are loved, seen, and heard. To register, scan the QR Code above.
Sixers!
September 19 • 6:00PM-8:00PM
Adventure Landing
A ministry just for our newest youth in the sixth grade! Join us one Friday night a month to go on an adventure with just your grade. We love this ministry that gives us all a chance to build community, grow in our faith, and do some really fun things.
