SUNDAY • AUGUST 24, 2025
“A Daughter of Abraham” Luke 13:10-17
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
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.