FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • JULY 13, 2025 • 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.
PRELUDE
Grand Choeur Dialogue — Eugene Gigout, arr. John Kuzma
GREETING
INTROIT
All That Hath Life and Breath — René Clausen
All that hath life and breath, praise ye the Lord. Shout to the Lord, Alleluia. Praise Him! Laud Him! Alleluia.
†CALL TO WORSHIP
Praise the Lord!
God is the God of all the ages. Let us praise the name divine. From everlasting to everlasting, God is our God.
As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are God’s ways higher than our ways.
With all our hearts, let us praise God’s holy name! Praise the Lord!
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#139 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty — ST. COLUMBIA
†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.
(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.)
CANTICLE
Locus iste — Philip W. J. Stopford
This place was made by God, a priceless sacrament; it is without reproach.
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
SCRIPTURE — Genesis 12:1-5a & Hebrews 11:8-12
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON
“The Next Faithful Step”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
Festival Piece on “St. Anne” — Eugene Butler
O God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home. Before the hills in order stood or earth received her frame, from everlasting thou art God to endless years the same. A thousand ages in Thy sight are like an evening gone, short as the watch that ends the night, before the rising sun. Time, like an ever rolling stream, bears all its sons away, they fly forgotten as a dream dies at the opening day.
The congregation is invited to sing: O God our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Be Thou our guide while life shall last, And our eternal Home!
†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
#140 Great Is Thy Faithfulness — FAITHFULNESS
COMMISSIONING
CELEBRATION OF NEW MINISTER
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
Go Now in Peace — Robert Lau Go now in peace, and may God’s peace go with you. Believe and trust His holy word. Amen.
†POSTLUDE
Prelude and Fugue in E-flat Major (ST. ANNE) — J. S. Bach
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
SERMON NOTES
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Lara “Willis” Greene, Senior Minister
LITURGIST
The Reverend Oliver Helsabeck, Assoc. Minister
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel, Organist
The Chancel Choir
Ken Wilmot, trumpet
Steve Sutton, trumpet
Tim Papenbrock, horn
Seth Frack, trombone
Nicholas Psihountas, tuba
CRUCIFER
Anne Scott Dwiggins
TORCHBEARERS
Sloan Clark Henry Clegg
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.
WORSHIP AT CENTENARY
SUNDAYS
9:00 am • Memorial Auditorium
11:00 am • Sanctuary
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. 1361/ 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
Mary Ann Wexler ext. 1346
Executive Director
Jonathan Emmons ext. 1339
Director of Music Ministries
Reverend Oliver Helsabeck ext. 1357
Associate Minister for Congregational Care
Reverend Kate May ext. 1331
Associate Minister with Children
Tammy Pollock ext. 1337
Director of Youth Ministries
Stacy Holley ext. 1359
Executive Assistant
John Markle ext. 1347
Director of Operations
Doug Peninger ext. 1368
Director of Communications
John Rogers ext. 1356
Director of Information Technology
ANNOUNCEMENTS • JULY 13, 2025
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
WELCOME NEW SENIOR MINISTER TODAY • NOON • AUDITORIUM
You are invited to join the Centenary family as we welcome our newly appointed Senior Minister, Rev. Lara “Willis” Greene. This will be a great time to say hello and welcome her with Centenary love. Help Our New Minister Get to Know You!
HELP OUR NEW MINISTER GET TO KNOW YOU!
Promotion Sunday & Parent Open House
Sunday • August 17 • 10 am
This is when everyone will move to their new class for the school year.
Bible Sunday
September 21 • 9 am or 11 am Worship
A time for Kindergarteners and 3rd graders to receive a Bible from us! Watch your mail for more details!
4th and 5th Grade District Retreat
September 26 – 27 • Camp Hanes Watch for more info!
MUSIC & ARTS
REGISTER FOR CHILDREN’S CREATIVE ARTS EXPERIENCE 2025/2026
Fall will be here before you know it! We invite children ages 2 through 5th grade to join us when CAE resumes on August 27! CAE’s multifaceted model engages children with various levels of musical and artistic interests, all while cultivating more regular worship leadership opportunities for Centenary’s youngest! Register via the QR Code. Email Music Ministries Assistant, Virginia Sheffield vsheffield@centenary-ws.org), with any questions.
We have and open date for Sanctuary flowers on August 3. Anyone wishing to provide flowers this date, please contact Paige MorganFoy (336.724.6311 ext. 1358/pmorganfoy@ centenary-ws.org).
One way to welcome our new Senior Minister, Rev. Willis Greene, is by helping her learn names and faces. Now is the perfect time to add a recent picture to Realm, our membership information system. Simply log into Realm on your computer or mobile device, click on your profile, and upload a picture. Need help?Need help? Scan the QR code to get started or contact Stacy Holley (sholley@ centenary-ws.org/ext. 1359).
Contact Anna Thomas (athomas@centenaryws.org) or check the events page of the website for more info!
Thank you for helping us extend a true Centenary welcome!
NOURISH RETURNS
Wednesday • September 3
Dinner at 5:15 pm • Programming at 6:00 pm
We’ll kick off with a fun interview with our new Senior Minister, Willis Greene, followed by a chance to learn about all of the great opportunities that will start September 10. There will be something for everyone: children, youth, and adults so make your plans to join us now and go ahead and start inviting your friends!
SUMMER READING
The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee
This year the recommended “Book with a Purpose” from Bookmarks bookstore is The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee which argues that our society would benefit from a more inclusive approach to how we do life together. The author will be in Winston-Salem for the Bookmarks Festival the end of September and Centenary will be offering an opportunity to have facilitated small group discussion based on the themes of the book during Nourish leading up to the festival. Consider picking up a copy of the book now at Bookmarks and adding it to your summer reading!
CHILDREN’S
MINISTRY
FAMILY SUMMER CELEBRATION
Sunday • July 20 • 4 - 5 pm
We hope you’ll join us for this amazing afternoon for the whole family! We will have a foam party, slip and slide, playground and popsicles. Park in the 5th Street parking lot and meet us on the lawn outside of the chapel. Water shoes and goggles are recommended for the foam party. You will not want to miss it!
SAVE THESE FALL DATES
Kindergarten Worship Readiness
Sunday •August 10 • 10 am • Sanctuary
All new kindergarteners and at least one grown up are invited to join us for a time to orient themselves to worshipping together.
Backpack Blessing & Sunday School Open House
Sunday • August 10 • 5:30 pm -7 pm
Dinner for the whole family, a time of blessing before the school year starts and a time to meet your Sunday school small group leaders!
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
REFRESH
Wednesdays • Noon - 12:45 pm • Sanctuary
The Refresh Prayer Ministry invites you to be refreshed in a mid-week service of worship, reflection, and prayer in a sacred space. From Noon - 12:15 is a time for quiet reflection with music, and from 12:15 - 12:45 is a time for prayer, Scripture reading, and meditation. 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.
SHINING LIGHT
ON MENTAL HEALTH
Peer Connector Ministry
If you experience a crisis of mental health, it’s important to know you are not alone. Our Peer Connector Ministry establishes a confidential connection between you and someone with similar experiences. Peer Connectors serve as supportive friends and listening ears, can provide prayerful, emotional support, and can help to direct you to additional support or resources. Send a confidential message to Rev. Oliver Helsabeck and he will connect you with a Peer Connector.
MISSIONS
LOAVES & FISHES SUMMER STOCK
Loaves & Fishes is once again collecting items for Summer Stock! Anytime this summer, you can take a brown paper bag located in the Narthex or at the 4 ½ Street entrance to fill with needed items. This year we are collecting the following foods: canned chicken, canned tuna, canned beef stew, Spam, and Vienna sausages. Please make sure the canned items are regular sized cans. You can drop your donations off at the 4 ½ Street entrance or in the Narthex to the Sanctuary. If you have any questions, contact Mary Ann Wexler (mwexler@centenary-ws. org).
BLOOD DRIVE
Tuesday • August 5 • 12:30 pm - 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 email Mary Ann Wexler mwexler@centenary-ws.org, or check the website.
YOUTH
MINISTRY
Today 10 am: What’s Faith Got To Do With It? (@ Youth Commons) 11:00 am: Commissioning of Senior High Mission Team
July 15 Sr. High Mission Trip Info Meeting 6:00-7:00 pm • Youth Commons
July 16
Waffle Wednesday 5:00-6:30pm • Youth Commons
July 19
Depart for Sr. High Mission Trip 8:00am • 4 & ½ St. Parking Lot
WHAT’S FAITH GOT TO DO WITH IT?
Youth Sunday School Hour
Sundays - August 10 • Youth Commons
Ever wondered what you might do when you grow up? All of us begin dreaming what we might be when we are little and continue to figure that out throughout our lives. Join us, once again, this summer as we host various members of our church & community to hear from them what they do, how they got there, and how their faith is lived out in their daily lives.
WAFFLE WEDNESDAYS
Wednesdays • Sundays Through August 6
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm • Youth Commons
We’re mixing things up this summer! Join us mid-week for a summer-long documentary series as we follow along with Morgan Freeman in his production “The Story of God.” Bring your appetite for thought-provoking exploration about God, and of course, an appetite for a waffle-bar spread and other breakfast-fordinner foods!
ARE YOU HEADED TO CAMP?
Calling out to all you SUMMER CAMPERS! Let us know your camp address and how long you will be there...we will send you mail from your youth ministry family! I mean, who doesn’t love to get mail!? And we certainly love to send it.
LOOKING AHEAD
July 19 - 27: YouthWorks! Senior High Mission
August 14: Youth Leadership Team
August 15: 6th Grade Promotion Party
August 17: Sunday School Open House & Fall Kick-Off
August 19: LTN Leadership Team
August 24: Love Thy Neighbor
September 3: Fall Bible Study begins (Nourish)
September 9: LTN Leadership Team
September 13: Niner, Niner
September 14: LTN
September 19: Sixers! @ Adventure Landing
For more information or to sign up to receive Youth Ministry updates by email, contact Tammy Pollock tpollock@centenary-ws.org).
Follow us on Instagram @centenary_youth.
