SERMON NOTES WELCOME TO
SUNDAY • JANUARY 18, 2026
“God Believes in You”
Isaiah 49:5-7 and John 1:29-42
Preaching
Rev. Oliver Helsabeck
Associate Minster for Congregational Care
Liturgist
Tammy Pollock
Director of Youth Ministries
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 18, 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
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
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Today we celebrate the baptism of Nellie Bassett Morten, daughter of Chase and Mary Chandler Morten.
Stephen Ministry Seeking Care Receivers Stephen Ministry is an intentional caring ministry. Stephen Ministers are not counselors or therapists; rather, they are caring Christian friends who can offer a listening ear to help others through difficult times in life. Stephen Ministers are trained and supervised in their ministry. If you (or someone you know) are going through a challenging time and could use a caring friend, contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck for a referral to our Stephen Ministry. You can also find more information and a link to an online referral form on the church website under Congregational Care/Stephen Ministry. All referrals are confidential.
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. Scan the QR code above to see more information and to register. 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
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
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).
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 • 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.
MUSIC & ARTS 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 fun-filled week features singing, handbells, art, Kindermusik, and more. Check out the postcards around campus 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). UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH General Meeting Monday • February 2 • Noon • Auditorium 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 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). 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.