SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • JULY 27, 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
GREETING
INTROIT
Bless the Lord — TAIZÉ
Bless the Lord, my soul, and bless God’s holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life.
†CALL TO WORSHIP — Psalm 66 (selected verses)
Shout for joy to God, all the earth; Sing the glory of his name; Give to Him glorious praise!
Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!”
All the earth worships you and sings praises to you ; We sing praises to your name!
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#98 To God Be the Glory — TO GOD BE THE GLORY
†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 Brooks, 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 Brooks 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 — Matthew 20:1-16
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON “Five O’Clockers”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
For Everyone Born — arr. Tom Trenney
For everyone born, a place at the table, for everyone born, clean water and bread, a shelther, a space, a safe place for growing, for everyone born, a star overhead. And God will delight when we are creators of justice and joy, compassion and peace: yes, God will delight when we are creators of justice and joy. For young and for old, a place at the table, a voice to be heard, a part in the song. The hands of a child, in hands that are wrinkled, for young and for old, the right to belong. For everyone born, a place at the table, to live without fear, and simply to be, to work, to speak out, to witness and worship, for everyone born, the right to be free!
†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
†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
†HYMN
#378 Amazing Grace — AMAZING GRACE
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
SERMON NOTES
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Lara “Willis” Greene Senior Minister
LITURGIST
Tammy Pollock Director of Youth Ministries
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel Organist
The Chancel Choir
CRUCIFER
Thomas Doud
TORCHBEARERS
Leighton Doud Thomas Lycan
FLOWERS
The chancel flowers are given in loving memory of Susan Womble Abernethy, Francis Tucker Kimball, James Barry Smith, and Rev. Richard R. Hanner Jr. by Mr. and Mrs. Judson Davis and family and the Smith 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
E
ach 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 wgreen@centenary-ws.org
Mary Ann Wexler ext. 1346 Executive Director mwexler@centenary-ws.org
Jonathan Emmons ext. 1339 Director of Music Ministries 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 • JULY 27, 2025
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
Today we celebrate the baptism of Brooks Lee Breeden, son of Spencer and Rebecca Breeden and brother of Ward Breeden.
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, Rev. 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
SAVE THESE FALL DATES
Kindergarten Worship Readiness
Sunday • August 10 • 10 am • Sanctuary
All new kindergarteners and at least one adult 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
STUDENTS WITH FULL BELLIES ARE MORE SUCCESSFUL
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. This program helps provide food for students who receive free breakfast and lunch at school through the year, but may not have access to food over the weekends. For just $260, you can feed a child on the weekends for a whole school year! If you’re interested in getting involved, please contact Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws.org/336.724.6311 ext. 1332).
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.
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
MUSIC & ARTS
REGISTER FOR CHILDREN’S CREATIVE ARTS EXPERIENCE 2025/2026
We invite children ages 2 through 5th grade to join us when CAE resumes on August 27! CAE’s multi-faceted model engages children with various levels of musical and artistic interests, all while cultivating more regular worship leadership opportunities for Centenary’s youngest! Email, Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@ centenary-ws.org) with any questions.
YOUTH MINISTRY
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 • 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
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)
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 Communications 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
Join us in the Community Room for a pizza dinner, time to see your new Sunday school classroom, meet your Sunday school small group leader, fun games with your friends and family and receive a blessing from one of our ministers! Please help us get a head count by registering using the QR code at the top.
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!
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 or check the website.
MEN’S MINISTRY
Thursday Morning Fellowship
August 7 • 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Community Room
We will gather in the second floor Catering Kitchen for coffee, biscuits, and fellowship followed by a brief presentation by Jon Musser, World Relief/Piedmont Triad. Centenary has a long history with World Relief, and Jon will share an update on the Triad area immigrants, their effort to achieve citizenship, and how they are being impacted by changes in Government policies. To learn more about Men’s Ministry at Centenary, contact Chris Munnelly, Tanner Robinson, Michael Rogers, or Tom Lawson.
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 Follow us on Instagram @ centenary_youth.
