EPIPHANY SUNDAY • JANUARY 4, 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.
WE HEAR
THE WORD PROCLAIMED
SCRIPTURE — Ecclesiates 3 (selected verses)
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Rethink Time”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
What Star Is This? — Richard Shephard
What star is this with beams so bright, more lovely than the noon-day light? ‘Tis sent to herald forth a King, glad tidings of our God to bring. True spake the prophet from afar who told the rise of Jacob’s star; and eastern sages with amaze upon the wondrous token gaze. To God the Father, heavenly Light, to Christ, revealed in earthly night, to God the Holy Ghost we raise our equal and unceasing praise. Amen.
†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
CALL TO WORSHIP
For everything there is a season:
And a time for every matter under heaven:
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted.
A time to break down, and a time to build up.
A time to weep and a time to laugh.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to be silent and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.
God has made everything suitable for its time.
God has put a sense of past and future into our minds.
God has done this,
We come now to worship the God who endures forever!
† HYMN OF PROCESSION
#254 We Three Kings — KINGS OF ORIENT
† 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
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
SERMON NOTES
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
†HYMN
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
#220 Angels from the Realms of Glory — REGENT SQUARE
†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) † Please
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Lara “Willis” Greene Senior Minister
LITURGIST
The Reverend Kate May Associate Minister with Children
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music & Arts
Joshua Sobel, Organist
The Chancel Choir
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 4, 2026
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
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.
Women’s Wednesday Sermon Study 1st & 3rd Wednesdays • 9:30AM • Room 112 Resumes This Week
Twice a month, this group convenes to reflect upon the sermon themes and topics from the Centenary pulpit. Our fellowship will resume on January 7 and continue through May. If you would like more information or want to be a part of this exciting discussion group, please contact Sue Stephens or Tammy Pollock.
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
No Children’s Worship
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
MEN’S MINISTRY
Thursday Morning Fellowship
January 8 • 7:30AM-8:30AM
Community Room
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 Thursday, January 22 at 8 pm. 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:
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!
Mother/Son Bowling
Sunday • January 11 • 2:30PM-4:30PM
We hope mothers and sons of all ages will join us at Bowlero for bowling, arcade games, snacks, and dessert! $10/person, register by January 5 through the QR code above.
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.
All men of the church are invited to attend our Thursday morning gathering with coffee, biscuits, fellowship, and a talk by our featured speaker, Rev. Willis Greene. Her topic is “6 Months of Sundays: A Pastor’s Reflections.”
Come and hear Willis reflect on what she has learned, observed, and come to appreciate in her first six months at Centenary—and how those insights are shaping her hopes for the months ahead. To learn more about Men’s Ministry at Centenary, contact Chris Munnelly, Tanner Robinson, Michael Rogers, Tom Lawson, or Doug Haynes.
MUSIC & ARTS
Art in the Atrium: All Things Bright & Beautiful, a Neighborhood Showcase
Concludes January 8 • Atrium & 4 ½ St. Galleries
Only one more week to see Music & Arts’ annual community exhibit! This multi-generational show spans both the Atrium and 4 ½ Street Galleries. 10% of all art sales will be donated to the Winston-Salem Street School. We hope you will take a moment to appreciate our community’s artistic talents!
Children’s CAE Resumes This Wednesday New Participants Welcome?
Children’s Creative Arts Experience resumes this Wednesday and we are looking for new friends to join us! 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@centenaryws.org) to register!
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 as we kick off 2026 with our annual January Jumpstart THIS WEEKEND (1/9 & 10), which will include preparation of music for Lent, Easter and more!
Rehearsals are held 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.
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. To register, send an email to seniorlunch@ centenary-ws.org or call the church office during business hours. Luncheon cost is $10.00 and the signup deadline is Wednesday, Jan. 7. 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.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Confirmation 2026
Wednesdays • January 9-May 13
6:00PM-7:30PM • Youth Commons
We invite all 7th graders to join our Confirmation class as we learn about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the spiritual life. Throughout Confirmation, our hope is that you will encounter Jesus in a very real way, and that your experience changes the way you live your life! Registration is now open via Realm. If you have any questions, contact Tammy Pollock
All-Youth Ice Skating
Today • 1:15PM-3:30PM Fairgrounds Arena Ice Rink
Meet us at the rink for an afternoon of ice skating! Cost is $15 per person -- which includes skate rental and a pizza lunch. Friends are welcome, but please register them ahead of time. You can 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).
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).
