SUNDAY • DECEMBER 7, 2025
“Prepare the Way: Treasure Keepers” Luke 1:26-38
Preaching
Rev. Lara “Willis” Greene Senior Minister
Rev. Oliver Helsabeck Associate Minister for Congregational Care
Keith Byrd
Alternative Music Leader
Zakiyyah Niang, vocals
Ahmad Johnson, vocals
Rodney Archie, vocals
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. 1357/ 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 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 Kate May ext. 1331 Associate Minister with Children kmay@centenary-ws.org
ANNOUNCEMENTS • DECEMBER 7, 2025
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
ANGEL TREE
Join us today from 3-5 pm for a Wrapping Party in the Community Room! Let’s fellowship and spread Christmas cheer!
2025 ADVENT OFFERING: SHARE THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT IN A NEW WAY
After thoughtful discussion and prayerful consideration among our ministry team, we have decided not to continue the longstanding tradition of poinsettia honorariums and memorials this Christmas season. Our community is facing urgent challenges related to food insecurity, and we feel called to respond in a meaningful way. Instead of purchasing a poinsettia with recognition in the bulletin, we are inviting our congregation to direct their contributions to our Advent Offering, benefitting Loaves & Fishes. The Lessons & Carols offering and Christmas Eve offerings will also go to Loaves & Fishes. To give, please visit the Centenary website. Click on the Give Tab and select Give Now. Be sure to select “Advent Offering” from the dropdown menu.
The cost of Sanctuary poinsettias will be covered elsewhere in the budget.
ADULT FORMATION
Thrive! Women’s Retreat
April 24–26, 2026 • Lake Junaluska If you haven’t registered for the 2026 Women’s Retreat, now is the time! This special weekend is designed for women of all ages to step away from daily routines, rest, and reconnect with God and one another. Our keynote speaker, Rev. Lara “Willis” Greene, Centenary’s Senior Minister, will lead us in exploring what it means to cultivate a thriving spiritual life. The Early Bird Registration Discount ends on January 15. Scan the QR code above to see more information and to register.
Impromptu Christmas Pageant
Sunday • December 21 • 10:00AM • Sanctuary
Join us as we gather in the Sanctuary where everyone will choose a costume and take part in creating a beautiful picture of what the first Christmas might have looked like as the story is told through rhyme and song. There will be no Sunday school for elementary aged kids. We will be collecting hats, gloves and scarves for students at Wiley Middle School on our Tree of Warmth.
Kids Day In
December 13 • 9:30AM-11:30AM
Infants through 2nd graders are invited to join us for a morning of holiday themed fun full of age-appropriate crafts, games and more! The cost is $5 per child. Scan the QR code above to register.
Mother/Son Bowling
Sunday • January 11 • 2:30PM-4:30PM
We hope mothers and sons of all ages will join us at Bowlero for bowling, arcade games, snacks, and dessert! $10/person, register by January 5 through the QR code above.
Centenary Helps Students Succeed
Did you know that we partner with four different schools in Winston-Salem to help provide food for students through food pantries or the Backpack Program? Schools determine students who may not have access to food over the weekend and are partnered with an organization through the Second Harvest Food Bank. Are you interested in partnering with us to help students gain access to food? Contact Anna Thomas (athomas@centenaryws.org,/336.724.6311 ext. 1332) or consider a financial donation through the Backpack Program Fund on our online giving portal.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
A Service for Hope and Healing
Stephen Ministry • A Friend in Need
In times of trouble, we look to caring Christian friends to listen to us while we work through our feelings. A Stephen Minister can be such a friend, either to you or to someone you know.
Stephen Ministers are committed to providing Christian care for people experiencing many different needs, especially through the holidays and beyond. If you or someone you know could benefit from the trained, caring presence and listening ear of a Stephen Minister, contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck for a referral to our Stephen Ministry. All referrals are confidential.
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.
MISSIONS
Blood Drive
Tuesday • December 16 • 12:30PM-5:00PM Community Room
Centenary is partnering with the 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 or check the website.
MUSIC & ARTS
Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
Sunday • December 14
Prelude at 4:30PM • Service at 5:00PM
Join the Centenary Choir, Festival Chorus, Carillonneurs, West End Ringers, WinstonSalem Choral Academy, and orchestra for this beloved worship service.
Sign Up Now for Children’s Music & Arts Camp July 13 - 16, 2026
SENIOR ADULTS
Luncheon
Thursday • December 18 • Noon • Auditorium
Join Centenary’s Senior Adults as we celebrate the joys of the season with a special music program featuring Virginia Sheffield, Oliver Helsabeck, and Jonathan Emmons! We will 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, December 10. If you need transportation to the luncheon, please let Rev. Oliver Helsabeck know. The Senior Adult Council will meet briefly in the choir room at 11:00 am before the luncheon.
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
Centenary ornaments can be purchased and picked up now in time for holiday gift giving. You can purchase your ornament through our website at centenary-ws.org by selecting the Give tab then Give Now and enter the purchase price ($40 per ornament) and select Miscellaneous for the Fund. Please reach out Susan Grubbs at shgrubbs4@gmail.com to arrange pickup.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Confirmation 2026
Wednesdays • January 9-May 13
6:00PM-7:30PM • Youth Commons
We invite all 7th graders to join our Confirmation class as we learn about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the spiritual life. Throughout Confirmation, our hope is that you will encounter Jesus in a very real way, and that your experience changes the way you live your life! Registration is now open via Realm. If you have any questions, contact Tammy Pollock
Niner-Niner!
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
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!
Save our Summer 2026 Dates!
Vacation Bible School: June 15-18
Camp Tekoa: July 5-11
Music & Arts Camp: July 13-16
Older Elementary Mission Week: July 21-23
Sunday • December 21 • 5:00PM • Sanctuary Christmas is a season filled with joy and warmth, but for some, it can be a reminder of loss. Whether you are grieving someone you love, a lost opportunity, a strained relationship, stress about current events, or just having a hard time when others are celebrating, our Service for Hope and Healing can be a safe space for remembrance, prayer, Holy Communion, and healing on the longest night. Virginia Sheffield and Jonathan Emmons will provide worship music. Join us for an intimate evening where we can acknowledge our grief and yet embrace hope together. For more information, contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck.
Register now for CMA Camp 2026! Open to ages 4 through rising 5th graders, this funfilled week features singing, handbells, art, Kindermusik, and more! The highlight of Camp each year is the camper-led worship service that concludes our week together. Stay tuned for hints of this year’s theme! Register now via the Announcements QR code for a special early bird discount! For more information, please contact Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@ centenary-ws.org).
Children;s CAE Continuesin January New Particpants Welcome
Is your child leading in worship today? These truly talented children are a part of our Children’s Creative Arts Experience and we are looking for new friends to join us in 2026! Programming includes activities for children ages 2 through 5th grade. CAE’s multi-faceted model engages children with various levels of musical and artistic interests, all while cultivating more worship leadership opportunities for Centenary’s youngest! Current participants need not register again. Email Virginia Sheffield ( vsheffield@centenary-ws.org) to register!
December 13 • 2:15PM-8:00PM • iFLY 9th graders! Take a leap of faith with your fellow freshman at iFLY Indoor Skydiving. Join us for a free-falling good time of faith, friendship, and of course, food! To register, scan the QR Code above and head to the Youth Ministry webpage.
Youth & Youth Alumni Basketball Game December 28 • 3:00PM-5:00PM
William G. White YMCA
We are so excited to host our 2nd annual allyouth & youth-parents’ scrimmage! If you are a member (or former member) of our Twin City team, if you like basketball, or if you just want to play some pick-up, then come out for what is sure to be a fun afternoon of church-ball.
Lessons & Carols All-Youth After Party
December 14 • 6:30PM-8:30PM • Youth Commons ALL youth are welcome to join us upstairs after the Lessons & Carols service for dinner, an ornament exchange, games, and a Christmas devotion! No sign-up required, just come hungry and ready for holiday cheer!