THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY • JANUARY 25, 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.
INTROIT
My God Is a Rock - arr. Shaw/Parker
My God is a rock in a weary land, shelther in a time of storm.
†CALL TO WORSHIP
Come, let us lift our hearts in praise to the Lord. We rejoice in the Lord who gives life and hope. The Lord is our refuge and our strength. We come, longing for the living water that satisfies. Open your hearts to the One who renews and restores. Let us worship God whose steadfast love endures forever!
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#117 O God, Our Help in Ages Past — ST. ANNE
†AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. 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
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.
BAPTISM
BAPTISMAL RESPONSE
Do you as Christ’s body, the church, reaffirm both your rejection of sin and your commitment to Christ? We do.
Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life and include Everett now before you in your care?
With God’s help we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround Everett with a community of love and forgiveness, that he may grow in his service to others. We will pray for him, that he may be a true disciple who walks in the way that leads to life.
HYMN
#191 Jesus Loves Me — JESUS LOVES ME
(Following the baptism, children, kindergartners through third grade, are invited to exit the Sanctuary for Children’s Worship. Children will return to reserved pews in the Sanctuary at the close of worship.)
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
SCRIPTURE — Jeremiah 2:13 & Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV)
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “What’s Our Business”
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 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
Reverend Lara “Willis” Greene
Senior Minister
LITURGIST
Reverend Oliver Helsabeck
Associate Minister for Congregational Care
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music & Arts
Joshua Sobel, Organist
The Chancel Choir
CRUCIFER
Louise Johnson
TORCHBEARERS
Scott Johnson
Thor Johnson
FLOWERS
The
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 • JANUARY 25, 2026
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
IN MEMORIAM
Douglas Dunning Walker December 17, 2025
Roger William Herrmann, Sr. December 25, 2025
Robert “Bob” Edwin Curlee, Jr. January 4, 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.
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
Today we celebrate the baptism of Everett Michael Calva, son of Cole and Meredith Calva, brother of Easton Calva.
ADULT FORMATION
Sunday Morning Book Study:
The Church We Carry for Those Affected by Disaffiliation and Other Church Hurts
January 25 - 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
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Created by God: February 27 and 28
This year’s Created by God session for 4th and 5th graders and their families will be held Friday, February 27 from 5:30-8 pm for kids and parents and Saturday, February 28, 9 am – 2 pm for kids and 2-3:30 pm for parents and kids. This program gives our pre-teens an opportunity to learn about their growing and changing bodies through a Christian lens. Registration will open January 27, with limited space available. Contact Kate May for more information.
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!
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.
MEN’S MINISTRY
Thursday Morning Fellowship
February 5 • 7:30AM-8:30AM • Community Room
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
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
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. We 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 $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.
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
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
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.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Support Group Interest Survey
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.
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).
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 kgarrity@centenary-ws.org/336.724.6311 ext. 1339).
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.
