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 9, 2026
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
Refresh
Wednesdays • Noon-12:45PM • Sanctuary
IN MEMORIAM
Mary Lois Ridings Bynum July 5, 2026
Mary Ceile Ogburn July 7, 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.
CELEBRATION
Today we celebrate the baptism of Katherine Mae (Kit) Hughett daughter of Clay and Jennie Hughett and sister of Mary Clayton Hughett.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
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.
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
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
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! 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.
MISSIONS
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
Join the Chancel Chour Thursdays • 7:00PM • Choir Room
Beginning August 20
Add your voice to Centenary’s Chancel Choir! Join us as we return to our weekly rehearsal schedule Thursday, August 20, at 7:00 PM or at our annual retreat on 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 - 8:30 PM. NO audition is required! Please contact Director of Music Ministries, Jonathan Emmons (jemmons@centenary-ws.org) to learn more.
Niner-Niner
September 12 • 5:00PM-7:00PM • Top Golf GSO
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. Register by scanning the QR Code above and heading to the Youth Ministry webpage!
Love Thy Neighbor Dates
2026: August 23, September 20, October 18, November 8, December 6 2027: January 10, February 7, March 7, April 11, May 2
YOUNG ADULTS
Fall Kick-Off at the Dash
Wednesday • August 26 • 6:30PM
Summer may be winding down, but we’re just getting started! Join Young Adults Ministry as we kick off the fall with an evening 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 to get involved throughout the year. Whether you’ve been part of YAM for years or are looking to make new connections, we’d love to have you join us! Contact Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@ centenary-ws.org) to reserve your spot.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Promotion Pool Party
Friday • August 14 • 5:00PM-7:00PM
Westwood Club Pool
We want to celebrate our rising 6th graders as they transition to youth ministry! We invite all new 6th graders along with at least one grown up to join us at Westwood Club for a pool party, dinner, and finding out all about youth ministry! Scan the QR Code above to register! If you have any questions, please contact Kate May.
Fall Kick Off
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 Kate May.
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.
Did your kids love CMA Camp? Keep the creativity, joy, and friendship going all year long with the Creative Arts Experience! We invite children ages 2 through 5th grade to join us when CAE resumes on September 2nd! 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.
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.”
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.
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.