WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY • FEBRUARY 1, 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
INTROIT
My God Is a Rock - arr. Shaw/Parker
My God is a rock in a weary land, shelter in a time of storm.
† CALL TO WORSHIP
Come, people of God, whether you carry joy or worry. We come, trusting God is at work in all things.
Trials can shape perseverance within us.
Perseverance forms character and gives rise to hope.
This present hope will not disappoint us.
God’s love has been poured into our hearts.
† HYMN OF PROCESSION
#117 O God, Our Help in Ages Past — ST. ANNE
† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation or distress, or persecution or famine, or nakedness or peril or sword?
No! In all things we are more than conquerors through the One who loved us. We are sure that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 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
SCRIPTURE — James 1:2-4 & Romans 5:3-5
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Contented People Use Trials as Growth Opportunities”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
Awake My Heart — Jane Marshall
Awake my heart, and render to God thy sure defender, thy Maker, thy preserver, a song of love and fervor. Confirm my deeds and guide me: my day, with thee beside me, beginning, middle, ending,
†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
CELEBRATE HOLY COMMUNION
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
CONFESSION AND PARDON
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
#368 My Hope Is Built — THE SOLID ROCK
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
The Lord Bless You and Keep You — John Rutter
The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. Amen. (Numbers 6: 24-26)
†POSTLUDE
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Oliver Helsabeck Associate Minister of Congregational Care
LITURGIST
The Reverend Kate May Associate Minister with Children
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music & Arts
Joshua Sobel, Organist
The Chancel Choir
CRUCIFER
Hamilton Norman
TORCHBEARERS
Eleanor Coulter Thomas Saxon
FLOWERS
The Chancel flowers are given in loving memory of Sally DeRamus, Judson and Tom DeRamus, Elizabeth and Joe Edmondson, and Margaret and Brady Trull by the DeRamus 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 • 9:00 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 • FEBRUARY 1, 2026
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP
Our Lenten journey begins on February 18 with worship at noon and 6:15 pm in the Sanctuary. Rev. Oliver Helsabeck will be preaching, and we will be invited into the Lenten discipline through the imposition of ashes.
Created by God: February 27 & 28
MEN’S MINISTRY
Thursday Morning Fellowship
February 5 • 7:30AM-8:30AM • Community Room
General Meeting
Monday • February 2 • Noon • Auditorium
ADULT FORMATION
Nourish Resumes
Wednesday • February 18
Dinner begins at 5:15 pm; weekly reservations are due by Monday 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, exploring Christian understanding of the cross through scripture, theology, and modern interpretation.
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.
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. Scan the QR code above to see more information and to register.
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; space is limited. Contact Kate May for more information.
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).
Share your Gifts at Vacation Bible School
June 15-18 • 9 am-Noon
At Rainforest Falls Vacation Bible School this summer, our kids will explore what it means to be rooted in relationship with God, their creator, a safe place in life’s storms. These young explorers will need guides in their adventures, and we hope you’ll consider sharing your gifts with our kids so that they know that God loves them and so do we! No matter what your gifts might be, we have a place for you to share them at Vacation Bible School. Put the dates on the calendar and reach out to Marty Coan, Diane Eshelman, Ashley Maner, or Kate May to join our team!
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Support Group Interest Survey
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!
As part of our commitment to walking alongside one another in every season of life, we invite you to complete a survey about potential support groups in our congregation. Your responses will help us discern which groups may be most helpful and meaningful, and where we can best meet needs. The survey is anonymous and takes just a few minutes. You can scan the QR code on the bulletin for the online form or fill out a paper copy from the welcome desk and place it in the “Prayer Concerns” box in the Narthex. Please make submissions by February 15. Thank you for helping us care for one another with intention 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.
Join us in the Community Room for coffee, biscuits, and fellowship followed by a brief presentation by Centenary member Richard Anderson, CEO of Horizons Residential Care Center, which serves adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Richard will share his calling and more about Horizons, which is a Centenary community partner. All men of the church are invited.
MISSIONS
Loaves & Fishes
Loaves & Fishes was humbled by the $47,000 donated during Advent—nearly five months of assistance for about 40 households each month with rent, utilities, and food. These gifts also allow us to purchase extra food so clients receive what they need at each visit. As requests for help increase, we are grateful to continue this work through eight client-interview volunteers and six food-distribution volunteers. You are Centenary, blessing our neighbors. Thank you.
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.
Future trips are also in the planning. An orientation meeting will be held on Feb. 9 to familiarize you with our trip. Please email Kathy Chaney (mchainee@aol.com) or John Markle with questions.
SENIOR ADULTS
Luncheon
Thursday • February 19 • Noon • Auditorium
February’s guest speakers will be Rebecca Sink, Director of Community Relations and Sarah Orpurt, Volunteer Team Lead from Trellis Supportive Care. To register, send an email to seniorlunch@centenary-ws.org or call the church office during business hours. Luncheon cost is $12.00 and the signup deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 11. 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.
All women are invited to join us for lunch with Rev. Willis Greene as our speaker. Whether you’re a longtime member or just curious about UWF, we’d love to see you there. The cost is $13 (cash, check to CUMC-UWF, or pay on Realm).
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. This special event helps support LTN—our youthrun outreach ministry, medical clinic, and pharmacy—and serves downtown neighbors who are homeless or marginally-housed. Use the QR Code above to reserve a seat (or table) for dinner prepared by Chef Donald and served by our youth. If you have any registration questions, contact Kevin Garrity ((kgarrity@ centenary-ws.org/ 336.724.6311 ext. 1349).
Listen Event: Mary Ivon Montgomery March 1 • 5:00PM-7:00PM • Memorial Auditorium
Shining Light on Mental Health & Youth Ministry will partner once again to bring Mary Ivon Montgomery, a renowned therapist who specializes in disordered eating and body-image issues, for our next community-wide “LISTEN” event. Come (and bring friends & family) for Mary’s presentation and conversation with us about body image, disordered eating, and how we can be more present to our teenagers struggling. There will also be a time of open Q&A discussion about these most important topics. To register, just scan the QR Code above. If you have any questions, contact Kevin Garrity.
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 4 1/2 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 • 5:00-7:00 pm • 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.
