SERMON NOTES WELCOME TO
SUNDAY • JANUARY 11, 2026
“A Defining Act” Luke 3:21-22
Preaching
Rev. Lara “Willis” Greene Senior Minster
Liturgist
Rev. Oliver Helsabeck
Associate Minister for Congregational Care
Music
Keith Byrd
Alternative Music Leader Zakiyyah Niang, vocals Ahmad Johnson, vocals Rodney Archie, vocals Doug Wright, bass Jacob Anflick, drums
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ANNOUNCEMENTS • JANUARY 11, 2026
WELCOME!
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
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
IN MEMORIAM Marion Lewis Avera November 24, 2025 Robert Hugh Reed December 11, 2025 John Scott May December 11, 2025 Elizabeth “Liz” Tucker Rudisill December 17, 2025 A.D. “Sonny” Kornegay, Jr. December 26, 2025 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.
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. CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
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
Today we celebrate the baptism of Wyatt Lee Robertson, son of Grayson and Caroline Robertson. 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.
CENTENARY LEADERSHIP CONNECTIONS 336.724.6311 + Extension (for the Minister on Call • Option 2) Reverend Lara “Willis” Greene Senior Minister wgreene@centenary-ws.org
ext. 1362
Tammy Pollock Director of Youth Ministries tpollock@centenary-ws.org
ext. 1337
Mary Ann Wexler Executive Director mwexler@centenary-ws.org
ext. 1346
Stacy Holley Executive Assistant sholley@centenary-ws.org
ext. 1359
Jonathan Emmons Director of Music & Arts jemmons@centenary-ws.org
ext. 1339
John Markle Director of Operations jmarkle@centenary-ws.org
ext. 1347
Reverend Oliver Helsabeck ext. 1357 Associate Minister for Congregational Care ohelsabeck@centenary-ws.org
Doug Peninger Director of Communication dpeninger@centenary-ws.org
ext. 1368
Reverend Kate May Associate Minister with Children kmay@centenary-ws.org
John Rogers Director of Information Technology jrogers@centenary-ws.org
ext. 1356
ext. 1331
CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 646 W. FIFTH STREET • WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27101 WWW.CENTENARY-WS.ORG • 336-724-6311
Eat, Learn, Grow: The Enneagram & Spiritual Growth Every Other Tuesday • January 27- April 21 Noon to 1:00PM Another Eat, Learn, Grow small group is forming soon to discuss the Enneagram and spiritual growth. This is a repeat of the fall group content. The registration fee includes seven boxed lunches, and participants need to purchase The Enneagram Made Easy by Baron and Wagele. Please use the QR code at the top of the page to register as soon as possible as space is limited. Facilitated by Nancy Powell.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY Created by God Parent Info Session January 22 • 8:00PM • Zoom This year’s Created by God session for 4th and 5th graders and their families will be held Friday evening, February 27 and Saturday, February 28. This program gives our preteens an opportunity to learn about their growing and changing bodies through a Christian lens. Registration will open January 27, with limited space available. As you are deciding if this is the right year for your child to participate, we invite you to be a part of a Parent Info Session on Zoom. Even if your child is not yet in 4th or 5th grade, you are welcome to join. Contact Kate May for more information. You Can Help Feed Hungry Students In our Area Did you know 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 and with your help, we are providing weekend meals for 75 students each week. Each weekend food bag is $6. That means each week, we need $454 to pay for all of the weekend food. Want to be a part of making a difference in these kids lives? Contact Anna Thomas (athomas@ centenary-ws.org/336.724.6311 ext. 1332). CONGREGATIONAL CARE Centenary Cares: Showing Care and Sharing Encouragement from Shining Light on Mental Health When we experience challenging circumstances that affect us and involve mental health, yet we wish to remain private, it is still important that we know we are cared for, prayed for, and loved by our church family. Centenary Cares, a ministry of Shining Light on Mental Health, is a simple way that our church can extend care and encouragement. If someone you know is stressed or has a loved one experiencing issues with mental health, submit the person’s name to Rev. Oliver Helsabeck, Associate Minister for Congregational Care. A member of Shining Light will confidentially deliver a Centenary Cares bag to the recipient. More information can be found on the church website under Congregational Care/Shining Light. 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.
MUSIC & ARTS
YOUTH MINISTRY
Children’s CAE Continues Wednesday New Participants Welcome! Children’s Creative Arts Experience is looking for new friends to join us this winter! 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!
Sixers! Go to the Movies January 23 • 5:45PM-8:15PM The Grand 18 (5601 University Pkwy) Sixth graders are invited to a night at the movies for a viewing of the new animated film “David” (based on the young, biblical King David). Cost is $20 per person and includes nachos, popcorn, candy, a drink, and our private viewing of the movie. Register via the QR Code above, or through the Youth Ministry weekly email. If you have any questions, contact Kevin Garrity (kgarrity@centenary-ws.org/ 336.724.6311 ext. 1349).
Join the Chancel Choir in 2026 Looking to begin the year in the spirit of service? The Chancel Choir is proud to serve our congregation and always eager to welcome those who love to sing! Join us for rehearsal each Thursday at 7:00 pm. Come be a part of a growing and vibrant community of song! Contact Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music & Arts, with questions or for more information. Sign Up Now for Children’s Music & Arts Camp July 13 - 16, 2026 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). SENIOR ADULTS Luncheon Thursday • January 15 • Noon • Auditorium Start off 2026 with Senior Adult Ministries for our January Senior Adult Luncheon! January’s guest speaker will be our own Doug Peninger, Centenary’s Director of Communication. We gather at 11:45 am and lunch will be served at noon. 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.
20th Annual Love Thy Neighbor Fundraiser February 22 • 6:00PM-8:00PM Memorial 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 kgarrity@centenary-ws.org/336.724.6311 ext. 1339). Save our Summer 2026 Dates • Graduation Recognition: May 10 • Confirmation: May 17 • Summer Kick-Off / 9th Grade Promo: May 31 • Waffle Wednesdays: Starts June 3 • Sr. High Mission Trip: July 18 – 25 • Fall Kickoff: August 16 CHURCH OFFICES CLOSED Monday • January 19 The Centenary campus will be closed in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.