TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • AUGUST 31, 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.
† Please stand as you are able
PRELUDE
GREETING
INTROIT
My God Is a Rock — Spiritual, arr. Shaw-Parker
My God is a rock in a weary land, shelther in a time of storm. I know He is a rock in a weary land, shelter in a time of storm.
†CALL TO WORSHIP
Welcome this day to the house of our God.
We are greeted in peace and in love.
Welcome this day to the worship of our Creator.
We worship in hope and with grace.
Welcome this day to our community of faith,
Where we are sisters and brothers in Christ.
Welcome this day to the worship of God. Blessed be the name of the Lord!
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#66 Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven — LAUDA ANIMA
†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.
(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.)
CANTICLE
You’ll Never Walk Alone (from Carousel) — Rodgers & Hammerstein When you walk through a storm, hold your head up high and don’t be afraid of the dark. At the end of the storm is a golden sky and the sweet silver song of the lark. Walk on through the wind, walk on through the rain though your dreams be tossed and blown. Walk on walk on with hope in your heart and you’ll never walk alone. You’ll never walk alone.
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
SCRIPTURE — Mark 4:35-41
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON “In the Midst of a Storm”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
You Do Not Walk Alone — Elaine Hagenberg
May you see God’s light on the path ahead when the road you walk is dark. May you always hear, even in your hour of sorrow, the gentle singing of the lark. When times are hard may hardness never turn your heart to stone. May you always remember when the shadows fall You do not walk alone.
†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
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN
#534 Be Still, My Soul — FINLANDIA
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
Amen (from Geistliches Lied, Op. 30) — Johannes Brahms
†POSTLUDE
SERMON NOTES
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Lara “Willis” Greene Senior Minister
LITURGIST
Tammy Pollock Director of Youth Ministries
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel, Organist
Jonathan Blake Borton, piano
Alden Pridgen, mezzo-soprano
The Chancel Choir
CRUCIFER
JoJo Johnson
TORCHBEARERS
Eleanor Coulter
Georgia Elliott
FLOWERS
The Chancel flowersare given in loving memory of Mary Anne Maynard by her family.
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
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 31, 2025
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
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.”
New Women’s Group Sermon Reflection & Discussion
Begins Wednesday, September 17
9:30AM –11:00AM • Room 112
A sermon is like a seed—it often needs a few days in the soil of our hearts before it begins to sprout. Join facilitators Sue Stephens and Tammy Pollock on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month as we respond to and reflect on the previous Sunday’s sermon. No preparation is needed, and you can participate even if you didn’t hear the sermon in advance. Please bring your Bible. Please scan the QR code above to register.
NOURISH
Nourish Returns • Wednesday • September 3
Dinner at 5:15PM • Programming at 6:00PM
Have you made your reservation yet for our first Nourish fellowship meal of the season? Reservations for dinner on September 3 must be made by 5 pm on September 1. We hope to see everyone for dinner at 5:15 pm followed at 6 pm by a special interview with our new senior minister Willis Greene and her husband, David. Before we finish for the evening you’ll get to hear about the many study opportunities that begin on September 10. You can find dinner menus and registration links, information on classes, and so much more by capturing the QR code at the top of the page and following the links to Nourish! Have more questions? Contact Kate May (336.724.6311 ext. 1331)
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
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
MUSIC & ARTS
Youth Handbells are Back!
Join the West End Ringers
Thursdays • 6:00PM • Handbell Room
West End Ringers begins September 11!
YOUTH MINISTRY
Youth Fall Sunday School
Sundays • 10:00AM - 10:50AM Youth Commons
Bible Sunday • September 21 9:00AM or 11:00AM Worship
Have you registered your new Kindergartener or third grader for Bible Sunday yet? Scan the QR code at the top of this page and it will take you to the events page. Select Bible Sunday under children’s ministry to register so we know what service you’re planning to attend and to make sure we spell your child’s name correctly in their Bible! If you have any questions, please be in touch with Anna Thomas (athomas@ centenary-ws.org/336.724.6311 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
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.
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
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.
Art in the Atrium Presents Steven Dunn
Open House: September 14 • Noon
Atrium Gallery & Commons
Join Art in the Atrium as we celebrate our opening exhibit by renowned artist Steven Dunn. From Noon - 2:00 pm in the Atrium Gallery and Commons, guests will meet Steven and hear about his tremendous work while enjoying his art and some refreshments. The exhibit itself will be on display until October 26. We hope you will attend!
SENIOR ADULTS
Luncheon • 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
Young Adults Kick-off
Wednesday • September 3 • 7:00PM
Following Nourish, meet in the Reception Narthex (4½ St. Entrance). From there, we’ll head downtown to hang out and enjoy the evening for a casual start to the year with good people and good vibes. Can’t make it to Nourish? No worries! Just meet us at 7 to join in!
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).
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.
Youth “Nourish” Bible Study
Wednesdays • 5:15PM - 7:00PM
Memorial Auditorium & 4th Floor
Join us for church-wide dinner from 5:15-6:00 pm (Memorial Auditorium), with Youth Bible study to follow on the 4th Floor (Middle School Room). Our study this fall uses Ben Mandrell’s book “Together for Teens” as a guide to study Acts 2. Registration for dinner is required via Realm. For any questions about registration, contact Kevin Garrity (kgarrity@centenary-ws. org/ 336.724.6311 ext. 1349)
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. Register by scanning the QR Code above and heading to the Youth Ministry webpage!
Love Thy Neighbor Dates
2025: September 14, October 5, November 2 December 7
2026: January 11, February 1, March 1, April 12, May 3
CHURCH OFFICES CLOSED
Monday • September 1 In observance of Labor Day, the church campus will be closed.
