WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • AUGUST 2, 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.
PRELUDE
Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott — Johann Pachelbel GREETING
INTROIT
Within Our Darkest Night — TAIZÉ
Within our darkest night, you kindle the fire that never dies away.
† CALL TO WORSHIP
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Therefore we will not fear, for the Lord is with us.
Though the earth trembles, God’s steadfast love never fails. The God of Jacob is our fortress, our hope, and our peace. “Be still, and know that I am God,” says the Lord, who reigns over all creation. We come to be still before God and to trust in God’s unfailing presence.
† HYMN OF PROCESSION
#110 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God — EIN’ FESTE BURG
† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. 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
COMMISSIONING
SCRIPTURE — Psalm 46
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Be Still and Know”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
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.
†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!
†PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Toccata on ‘How Firm a Foundation’ — Craig Phillips † Please stand as you are able
WE CELEBRATE HOLY COMMUNION
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
CONFESSION AND PARDON
(The congregation is invited to follow the communion liturgy beginning on page 12 of the hymnal.)
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
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.
RECEIVING OF ELEMENTS
MUSIC AT COMMUNION
CLOSING PRAYER
Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for others, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN
#529 How Firm a Foundation — FOUNDATION
† BENEDICTION
† 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.
† POSTLUDE
SERMON NOTES
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
Reverend Oliver Helsabeck
Associate Minister for Congregational Care
LITURGIST
Reverend Dianne Lawhorn
Associate Minister of Outreach & Adult Formation
MUSIC
Tate Addis, Organist & Associate Conductor
Michael Martinez, Guest Conductor
The Chancel Choir
CRUCIFER
Reese Bonsall
TORCHBEARERS
Clark Bonsall
Sloan Bonsall
FLOWERS
The Chancel flowers are given in loving memory of Thomas Brent Kirby by his family.
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 • 9:00AM • 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.
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
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 wgreene@centenary-ws.org
Mary Ann Wexler ext. 1346 Executive Director mwexler@centenary-ws.org
Jonathan Emmons ext. 1339 Director of Music & Arts jemmons@centenary-ws.org
Reverend Oliver Helsabeck ext. 1357
Associate Minister for Congregational Care ohelsabeck@centenary-ws.org
Reverend Dianne Lawhorn ext. 1361
Associate Minister of Outreach & Adult Formation dlawhorn@centenary-ws.org
Reverend Kate May ext. 1331
Associate Minister with Children kmay@centenary-ws.org
ANNOUNCEMENTS • AUGUST 2, 2026
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
Summer Sunday School
SUMMER CAMP MAIL
Headed to Summer Camp? Let’s Stay Connected! Do you have an elementary-aged child or youth heading off to summer camp this year? Let us know where they’ll be and how long they’ll be away! We’d love to brighten their day with a note or card from their church family while they’re at camp. Please send us their camp mailing address and dates of attendance:
• Elementary Children: Contact Rev. Kate May
• Youth: Contact Tammy Pollock
A little mail from home—and from your church family—can make a big difference. Help us share some encouragement and camp-time smiles!
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
No Children’s Worship
Today, rather than leaving for children’s worship, K-3rd graders will remain in the service with their grown-ups to participate in worship and communion together. If you did not pick up a worship bag on your way in, they are available in the narthex and outside the East transept. We look forward to having your child join us for children’s worship next week!
Backpack Blessing & Open House
Sunday • August 9 • 5:30PM-7:00PM
As the new school year approaches students of all ages along with their whole family are invited for an evening to check out their new Sunday school room, enjoy a pizza dinner, play games, and have their backpack blessed. Enter through the 5th Street East Building entrance and join us in the Community Room. RSVP to help us plan by using the QR code above. Questions? Contact Kate May.
Kindergarten Worship Readiness
Sunday • August 9 • 10:00AM • Sanctuary
On Sunday’s through August 9, rising 1st - rising 6th graders are invited to gather in the community room at 10 am! We’ll enjoy playground Sunday school and kitchen Sunday school (July).
Fall Children’s Ministry Events
Bible Sunday
Sunday • September 20 4th & 5th Grade District Retreat
September 25-26
Mark your calendars and more info coming soon
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
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. 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.
MEN’S MINISTRY
Men of Centenary...We Need Your Input!
MISSIONS
Blood Drive
Tuesday • August 4 • 12:30PM-5:00PM Community Room
Centenary is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive. If you would like to sign up to donate blood, you may do so by scanning the QR code or visiting our website. If you cannot give blood but would like to volunteer, please contact Holly Gilliam.
Fall Mission Opportunity
There’s more work to do! As we go about our daily lives, there are people in Western NC who are still struggling with the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Centenary is planning to help the week of October 25. We will be heading north to Ashe County to work on homes. If you would like to be a part of this team, mark your calendar and look for future info and sign-ups. If you can only come for a few days, that’s ok as well. All levels of skill can be used so don’t be afraid to sign up to share Christ’s love through our caring actions. Questions? Contact Rev. Dianne Lawhorn.
MUSIC & ARTS
Register for Children’s Creative Arts
Experience 2026/2027
We invite children ages 2 through 5th grade to join us when CAE resumes on September 2! 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@centenaryws.org) with any questions.
YOUTH MINISTRY
What’s Faith Got to Do With It?
Summer Sunday School • 10:00AM-10:50AM Weekly-August 9 • Youth Commons
Waffle Wednesdays
Weekly-August 5 • 5:00PM-6:30PM
Youth Commons
Join us mid-week for a summer-long film & Bible study series as we explore Christian themes in The Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of The Rings Bring your appetite for thought-provoking exploration, and of course, an appetite for a waffle-bar and other breakfast-for-dinner foods!
Fall Kick Off
Sunday • August 16 • 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.”
Youth Save the Date
• August 14: 6th Grade Promotion Pool Party
• August 23: First Love Thy Neighbor
• August 30: Class Dinners
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.
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 Communication 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
All brand new kindergarteners along with at least one grown up are invited to the Sanctuary to explore, learn more about what it means to worship together with our church family, and how children’s worship works. This will also be the first Sunday that our new kindergarteners are invited to participate in children’s worship during the 11 am worship service. Questions? Contact Kate May.
Promotion Sunday & Parent Open House
Sunday • August 16 • 10:00AM • East Building
On Promotion Sunday all of our kids move to their new classes for the ‘26-’27 school year. Their classes are based on their age/grade on August 31, 2026 so that they can move through children’s ministry with their peers. As the kids dive into Sunday School, grown ups are invited to room 304 for a time of food, fellowship, and learning about upcoming events in children’s ministry! Questions? Contact Kate May.
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.
Thursday Morning Fellowship
August 6 • 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Community Room
All men of the church are invited to Join us in for coffee, biscuits, and fellowship followed by our program. Our speaker will be Rev. Joe Kenaston, retired UMC minister, who will share his personal story and thoughts about John Wesley. Hope to see you there.
Did you know, even during the summer months, we continue to have our fantastic Youth Sunday school hour? Join us as we share brunch and welcome some incredible guest speakers who will share with us “What’s Faith Got to Do With It?” Come listen as our guests share their hearts about who they are, what they do, how they got to where they are, and how they live out their faith in the jobs and lives they have.
Mission Mondays
August 3 • Project Times Vary
For August, we will complete our half-day group mission opportunities by working with Imprints Cares. Meet us at the church for morning prayer before we set out by bus for the day’s service project. After a morning of work, we’ll stop on our way back to church for lunch, fellowship, and devotional reflection. You are welcome to sign up for one project or sign up for them all! Scan the QR Code above, or head on over to Realm for all the details! If you have any questions, please contact Kevin Garrity.
