SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • JULY 12, 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.
† Please stand as you are able
PRELUDE
Great Is Thy Faithfulness — Dan Miller
GREETING
INTROIT
Lost in the Night — Finnish folk tune, arr. Hal H. Hopson
Lost in the night do the people yet languish, longing for morning the darkness to vanquish, plaintively heaving with hearts full of anguish. Will not day come soon?
†CALL TO WORSHIP
To you, O Lord, I cried and to you I made supplication: What profit is there in my death, if I go down into the pit?
Will the dust praise you, will it tell of your faithfulness?
Hear, O Lord and be gracious to me, O Lord, be my helper!
You have turned my mourning into dancing, you have loosened my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness. O Lord, my God, I will give thanks to you forever.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#89 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee — HYMN TO JOY
†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.
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.
COMMISSIONING
(Following the commissioning, 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 — Psalm 30
(The congregation is invited to turn to page 762 in the hymnal for the responsive reading of the Psalm.)
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Praise from the Pit”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
He Never Failed Me Yet — Robert Ray I will sing of God’s mercy, every day, every hour, he gives me power. I will sing and give thanks to Thee for all the dangers, toils, and snares that He has brought me out. He is my God and I’ll serve Him, no matter what the test. Trust and never doubt, Jesus will surely bring you out. He never failed me yet. I know God is able to deliver in time of storm. I know that He’ll keep you safe from all earthly harm. One day when my weary soul is at rest, I’m going home to be forever blessed.
†DOXOLOGY
#94 Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow — LASST UNS ERFREUEN Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
†PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN
#140 Great Is Thy Faithfulness — FAITHFULNESS
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
A Clare Benediction — John Rutter
May the Lord show his mercy upon you; may the light of his presence be your guide: may he guard you and uphold you; may his spirit be ever be your side. When you sleep, may his angels watch over you; when you wake, may he fill you with his grace: may you love him and serve him all your days, then in heaven may you see his face.
†POSTLUDE
Scherzo-Fantasia — Carl McKinley
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
Reverend Dianne Lawhorn
Assoiciate Minister of Outreach & Adult Formation
LITURGIST
Reverend Lara “Willis” Greene
Senior Minister
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music & Arts
Tate Addis, Organist & Associate Conductor
The Chancel Choir
Virginia Sheffield, soprano
Muffy Underwood, mezzo-soprano
CRUCIFER
Anna Jane Owens
TORCHBEARERS
Charlie Harris
Tripp Harris
FLOWERS
The Chancel flowers are given in loving memory of Charlie & Lois Oakes, Ronnie Oakes, James L. & Corrine L. Newcomb and Ronald Newcomb by Danny & Kathy Newcomb and 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 • 9:00AM • Memorial Auditorium
• Worship • 11:00AM • 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 11:00AM 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
Tammy Pollock ext. 1337 Director of Youth Ministries tpollock@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 Dianne Lawhorn ext. 1361 Associate Minister of Outreach & Adult Formation dlawhorn@centenary-ws.org
Reverend Kate May ext. 1331 Associate Minister with Children kmay@centenary-ws.org
ANNOUNCEMENTS • JULY 12, 2026
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
IN MEMORIAM
Cornelius Vanstory King, Jr, June 20, 2026
The ministers and members of Centenary extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved family and pray they may know the comfort and peace of our Heavenly Father.
WELCOME NEW CLERGY RECEPTION
Today • Noon • Memorial Auditorium
You are invited to join the Centenary family as we welcome our newly appointed Associate Minister of Outreach & Adult Formation, Rev. Dianne Lawhorn. This will be a great time to say hello and welcome her with Centenary love.
ALTAR FLOWERS
An altar flower sponsorship is available for Sunday, August 2, 2026. The cost is $450 for two altar arrangements and may be shared among multiple individuals or families. To sponsor or learn more, contact Paige MorganFoy at 336-724-6311 ext. 1358 (Mondays and Tuesdays) or pmorganfoy@centenary-ws.org.
SUMMER CAMP MAIL
Headed to Summer Camp? Let’s Stay Connected!
Do you have an elementary-aged child or youth heading off to summer camp this year? Let us know where they’ll be and how long they’ll be away! We’d love to brighten their day with a note or card from their church family while they’re at camp. Please send us their camp mailing address and dates of attendance:
• Elementary Children: Contact Rev. Kate May
• Youth: Contact Tammy Pollock
A little mail from home—and from your church family—can make a big difference. Help us share some encouragement and camp-time smiles!
Summer Sunday School
On Sunday’s through August 9, rising 1st - rising 6th graders are invited to gather in the community room at 10 am! We’ll enjoy playground Sunday school, art Sunday school (June) and kitchen Sunday school (July).
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Stephen Ministers Are Here for You
We sometimes go through difficult times in life when we need extra care and comfort.
Stephen Ministers have been trained to provide confidential, one-to-one, Christian support. They will listen, encourage, and pray with you and for you and provide consistent care. Contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck for a referral for yourself or for someone you know who needs this caring relationship and support. For additional information and for a link to a referral form, visit the Stephen Ministry page under Congregational Care on the church website.
GriefShare
Centenary is exploring offering a GriefShare support group this September for those grieving the loss of a loved one. This Christcentered program provides encouragement, practical support, and hope through videos, discussion, and personal reflection. If you may be interested, please contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck. Expressing interest does not commit you to attend; it simply helps determine whether there is sufficient interest to offer the program this fall.
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
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
MUSIC & ARTS CAMP
A Prayer for Children’s Music & Arts Camp: All Creatures Great & Small
Gracious God, as we gather for camp this week, may we grow in our relationship with you. As our children sing, ring, paint, play, and explore the story of Noah, help them discover your love, faithfulness, and promises. We give thanks for the volunteers who will freely share their time and talents, and for those who have generously provided snacks and supplies to support this ministry. May every child leave camp knowing they are deeply loved by you and by the church community that surrounds them. Amen.
SENIOR ADULTS
Trip to Barter Theater • July 23
Join us for a day trip to see “Guys and Dolls!”
We’ll depart by chartered Holiday Tours bus at 9:00 AM from the Fifth Street parking lot and return by approximately 8:00 PM. Lunch from Salem Kitchen (sandwich, chips, and dessert) is included.
Cost is $50 per person. Optional cash for the bus driver tip is appreciated. For registration assistance, email seniorlunch@centenary-ws. org or call the church during business hours.
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
Sanctuary Ornaments & Church Cookbook Now Available
Commemorate baptisms, weddings, confirmations, or joining the church with a personalized Centenary sanctuary ornament. The cookbook Be Present at Our Table features cherished recipes, photos, and our congregation’s history—perfect for gifts. Both items are available at the Reception Desk. Proceeds support missions serving women, children, and families locally and around the world. For purchases or questions, contact Laurie Dray at (336) 830-4701.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Fall Children’s Ministry Events
Kindergarten Worship Readiness
August 9 • 10 am
Backpack Blessing & Open House
Sunday • August 9 • 5:30-7 pm
Promotion Sunday & Parent Open House
Sunday • August 16
Bible Sunday
Sunday • September 20
4th & 5th Grade District Retreat
September 25-26
Mark your calendars and more info coming soon
Fall Mission Opportunity
There’s more work to do! As we go about our daily lives, there are people in Western NC who are still struggling with the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Centenary is planning to help the week of October 25. We will be heading north to Ashe County to work on homes. If you would like to be a part of this team, mark your calendar and look for future info and sign-ups. If you can only come for a few days, that’s ok as well. All levels of skill can be used so don’t be afraid to sign up to share Christ’s love through our caring actions. Questions? Contact John Markle.
What’s Faith Got to Do With It?
Summer Sunday School • 10:00AM-10:50AM
Weekly-August 9 • Youth Commons
Did you know, even during the summer months, we continue to have our fantastic Youth Sunday school hour? Join us as we share brunch and welcome some incredible guest speakers who will share with us “What’s Faith Got to Do With It?” Come listen as our guests share their hearts about who they are, what they do, how they got to where they are, and how they live out their faith in the jobs and lives they have.
Mission Mondays
August 3 • Project Times Vary
For August, we will complete our half-day group mission opportunities by working with Imprints Cares. Meet us at the church for morning prayer before we set out by bus for the day’s service project. After a morning of work, we’ll stop on our way back to church for lunch, fellowship, and devotional reflection. You are welcome to sign up for one project or sign up for them all! Scan the QR Code above, or head on over to Realm for all the details! If you have any questions, please contact Kevin Garrity.
Waffle Wednesdays
Weekly-August 5 • 5:00PM-6:30PM
Youth Commons
Join us mid-week for a summer-long film & Bible study series as we explore Christian themes in The Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of The Rings Bring your appetite for thought-provoking exploration, and of course, an appetite for a waffle-bar and other breakfast-for-dinner foods!
Save the Date
• August 14: 6th Grade Promotion Pool Party
• August 16: Youth Sunday School Open House & Fall Kick-Off
• August 23: First Love Thy Neighbor
• August 30: Class Dinners
DIETRICH BONHOEFFER PILGRIMAGE
Germany
• May 17-29, 2027
Join tour guides Rev. Lara “Willis” Greene and husband, Dr. David Greene, on a 12-Day tour through Germany as you encounter a story of courage, faith and conviction that still speaks today. Along the way, we’ll wrestle with one of history’s most urgent questions: how a deeply Christian nation became the setting for profound moral tragedy. For more information, contact Stacy Holley.
