SUNDAY • FEBRUARY 15, 2026
“In All Things”
1 Thessalonians 5:12-22
Preaching
Rev. Lara “Willis” Greene Senior Minister
Liturgist
Rev. Oliver Helsabeck Associate Minister for Congregational Care
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 • 9:00AM • 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 11:00 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 • FEBRUARY 15, 2026
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
Thrive! Women’s Retreat Registration Closed
IN MEMORIAM
Coy Cornelius Carpenter, Jr. December 15, 2025
Alma Bullard Thompson January 17, 2026
Jean Parker Moore January 21, 2026
Julia “Judy” Parsons Hardy January 26, 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.
ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP
February 18 • Noon & 6:15PM • Sanctuary
Our Lenten journey begins with worship in the Sanctuary. We will be invited into the Lenten discipline through the imposition of ashes.
ADULT FORMATION
Nourish Resumes Wednesday • February 18
Dinner at 5:15PM • Studies at 6:00PM
Reservations due by Tuesday, February 17 at 5 pm. Learning opportunities start at 6 pm. Scan the QR code for the menu, reservations, and details.
Learning Opportunities:
•Feb. 18: Ash Wednesday Worship (Sanctuary) •Feb. 25–March 25: The Mystery of the Cross with Dr. Christopher Franks, Associate Professor of Religion at High Point University. Drawing from scripture, theology, and modern interpreters, Dr. Franks will help us explore what Christians believe about the cross to deepen our wonder at what God has done for us and illumine how God is re-making us through God’s cross-shaped love.
We are delighted to share that 65 women are now registered for the retreat! Registration and the waiting list are both closed. Thank you for the incredible enthusiasm and support—we’re holding all our retreat participants in prayer as we prepare for a meaningful time together.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Created by God: February 27 & 28
This year’s Created by God session for 4th and 5th graders and their families will be held Friday, February 27 (5:30–8:00 pm) for kids and parents, and Saturday, February 28 (9:00 am–2:00 pm for kids; 2:00–3:30 pm for parents and kids). The program helps preteens learn about their growing bodies through a Christian lens. Registration is open through February 17. Space is limited. Contact Kate May for more information.
Share your Gifts at Vacation Bible School
June 15-18 • 9:00AM-Noon
At Rainforest Falls Vacation Bible School this summer, kids will explore what it means to be rooted in relationship with God—their creator and a safe place in life’s storms. These young explorers need guides, and we invite you to share your gifts so they know God loves them, and so do we. There’s a place for everyone!
Save the dates and contact Marty Coan, Diane Eshelman, Ashley Maner, or Kate May to join our team.
You Can Help Feed Hungry Students In our Area
Centenary partners with Second Harvest Food Bank’s Backpack Program to provide weekend meals for 80 students at Brunson Elementary and Wiley Middle School. Each food bag costs $6, totaling $480 per week. Your support helps make a real difference in these students’ lives. To get involved or learn more, Contact Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws. org/336.724.6311 ext. 1332).
Support Group Interest Survey
We invite you to complete a brief, anonymous survey to help us discern which support groups would be most helpful in our congregation. Your input will guide how we can best meet needs and care for one another. Scan the QR code in the bulletin or pick up a paper copy at the welcome desk and place it in the “Prayer Concerns” box in the Narthex. Please respond by March 1. Thank you for your care and compassion.
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.
Art in the Atrium Presents: Lenten
Opening Reception • Sunday • February 22
Exhibit Dates • February 22–April 5
Art in the Atrium invites you to immerse yourself in the works of Dr. Stephen D. Martin, artist, minister, and former chair of Centenary’s Music & Arts Committee.
YOUTH MINISTRY
20th Annual Love Thy Neighbor Fundraiser February 22 • 6:00PM-8:00PM • Auditorium
Join us for the 20th annual Love Thy Neighbor Dinner, Live Auction, and Paddle Raise supporting LTN’s youth-run outreach ministry, medical clinic, and pharmacy serving our downtown neighbors. Reserve a seat or table via the QR code. Dinner is prepared by Chef Donald and served by our youth. Questions? Contact Kevin Garrity (kgarrity@centenary-ws. org /336.724.6311 ext. 1349).
MISSIONS
Blood Drive
Tuesday • February 17 • 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.
Western North Carolina Mission Work Team
March 1-7
You have an opportunity to put boots on the ground in the recovery process from Hurricane Helene. We will spend the week repairing homes that were damaged. We will return either Friday, March 6 or Saturday morning, March 7. Cost: $100/person. We have space for 12 people beyond our leadership team. If you would like to be a part of this effort, please use the QR code to register. You must be at least 18 to go. Space is limited- there will be a wait list if we exceed 12. Please email Kathy Chaney (mchainee@aol. com) or John Markle with questions.
MUSIC & ARTS
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 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
Sunday Morning Book Study:
The Church We Carry for Those Affected by Disaffiliation and Other Church Hurts
Now - April 12 • 10:00AM • Room 111
The Whitfield/Foundations Sunday school class offers this study by Will Willimon, which reflects on the disaffiliation of his home church, Buncombe Street UMC in Greenville, SC. The study offers a thoughtful, compassionate space for reflection and healing for those impacted by the trauma of disaffiliation and other church wounds and for those seeking to support them. All are welcome.
Centenary Cares: Showing Care and Sharing Encouragement from Shining Light on Mental Health
When facing challenging circumstances or mental health concerns, many of us value privacy—yet still need to know we are cared for and prayed for. Centenary Cares, a ministry of Shining Light on Mental Health, offers a simple way for our church to extend love and encouragement. To request confidential support, contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck
A Centenary Cares bag will be discreetly delivered. Learn more on the church website under Congregational Care/Shining Light.
Lenten Noontime Series
Tuesdays • February 24–March 31
Noon–12:30PM • Sanctuary
Join us each Tuesday in Lent for a 30-minute musical presentation as we center our hearts during this season of reflection and contemplation.
• February 24: Liquid Fire! Piano Duo, Barbara Lister-Sink & Jonathan Blake Borton
• March 3: Corine Brouwer, violin & Jonathan Emmons, piano
• March 10: New Day Singers
• March 17: Elektra Winds
• March 24: Virginia Sheffield, soprano & Jonathan Emmons, piano
• March 31: Joshua Sobel, organ
Listen Event: Mary Ivon Montgomery
March 1 • 5:00PM-7:00PM • Memorial Auditorium Shining Light on Mental Health & Youth Ministry will again partner to host our next community-wide LISTEN event with Mary Ivon Montgomery, a renowned therapist specializing in disordered eating and body image. Join us— and bring friends and family—for a presentation, conversation, and open Q&A on supporting teens who struggle. Register by scanning the QR code. This event is free and open to the public. Questions? Contact Tammy Pollock.
Sixers!
February 20 • 5:00PM-8:30PM Spare Time Greensboro
All 6th graders are invited to join us for an evening of laser tag, video games, and lots of pizza. Meet us at the 4½ Street entrance by 5:15 pm to load up on the bus and head to Greensboro -- we will return by 8:30 pm. You can register via Realm, or by scanning the QR Code above. If you have any questions, contact Kevin Garrity.
All-Youth Family Game NIght March 29 • 5:00PM-7:00PM • Youth Commons
This is the night to bring your family to Youth Group -- for our second annual BIG GAME NIGHT! Join us for an evening of fun, games, friendly-competition, food, and faith! All parents, younger siblings, and friends are welcome. Please just be sure to register guests ahead of time via Realm or by scanning the QR Code above. If you have any questions, contact Kevin Garrity.
Niner-Niner Goes Ziplining April 18 • 10:30AM-5:30PM
Niner-Niner, harness up and get ready for a ziplining good time! Our all-freshman ministry’s spring adventure is a full-day’s outing to French Broad Adventure in Western NC. For all details about the trip and to register, scan the QR Code above or head over to Realm. If you have any questions, contact Kevin Garrity.