WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • JULY 5, 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.
PRELUDE
Prelude on ‘Malabar’ — Leo Sowerby
GREETING
INTROIT
Lead Me, Lord — Samuel Sebastian Wesley
Lead me, Lord, lead me in Thy righteousness, make Thy way plain before my face. For it is Thou, Lord, Thou, Lord, only, that makest me dwell in safety.
† CALL TO WORSHIP
Come, let us delight in the law of the Lord. Our joy is found in the love of God and neighbor. Come, let us be nourished by the Living Water. We worship the One who refreshes our spirits. Blessed be the Name of the Lord!
† HYMN OF PROCESSION
#698 God of the Ages — NATIONAL HYMN
† 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.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
SCRIPTURE — Psalm 1
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “The Law of Love”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
Guide My Feet — SPIRITUAL
Guide my feet, hold my hand, search my heart, while I run this race, for I don’t want to run this race in vain.
†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 CELEBRATE HOLY COMMUNION
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
CONFESSION AND PARDON
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Thank you for joining us in worship today. †
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
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
†HYMN
#437 This Is My Song — FINLANDIA
† 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
Baroques: V. Voluntary — Seth Bingham
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Lara “Willis” Greene Senior Minister
LITURGIST
Tammy Pollock Director of Youth Ministries
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music & Arts
Tate Addis, Organist & Associate Conductor
The Chancel Choir
CRUCIFER
Anna Jane Owens
TORCHBEARERS
Liza Harris
Tripp Harris
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 5, 2026
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
Summer Sunday School
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.
ADULT FORMATION
2027 Women’s Retreat
Save the Date • April 9-11, 2027
Mark your calendars for our Spring Women’s Retreat as we gather once again at beautiful Lake Junaluska! We look forward to a time of fellowship, renewal, and connection together. Stay tuned—more details will be coming soon!
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!
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).
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
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Centenary Cares
Showing Care and Sharing Encouragement from Shining Light on Mental Health
When facing difficult circumstances affecting mental health, privacy matters—but so does knowing you are cared for. Centenary Cares, a ministry of Shining Light on Mental Health, offers confidential encouragement through care bags. To request support for yourself or someone else, contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck at ohelsabeck@centenary-ws.org or 336-7246311, ext. 1357. Visit the church website for details.
Healing Hands Ministry
First Mondays • 10:00AM-Noon • Gathering Room
Calling all knitters and crocheters! Join Healing Hands for a time of fellowship, instruction, and service as members create prayer shawls, lap throws, and other handmade items to provide a tangible blessing for people experiencing loss, crisis, or other need for prayerful care. Items are prayed over and blessed to be given away to others in time of need. No experience is necessary. Contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck or Dianne Moore for more information.
GriefShare
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
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
No Children’s Worship
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!
Older Elementary Mission Week
July 21-23 • 9:00AM-3:00PM
Have you registered yet? Deadline is July 8! Rising 4th-6th graders are invited to join us as we do mission projects around Winston Salem and have fun fellowship time together! $45/ student. Scan the QR code above to register by July 8.
MEN’S
MINSTRY
Thursday Morning Fellowship
July 9 • 7:30AM-8:30AM • Community Room
All men of the church are invited to our Thursday morning gathering on Thursday, July 9th, at 7:30 am. Join us in the Community Room for coffee, biscuits, and fellowship followed by our program. Our speaker will be Rev. Don Haynes, retired UMC minister, author and Methodist historian, on Faith, Methodism and the Founding of America. Hope to see you there.
MISSIONS
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.
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.
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
July 6 & August 3 • Project Times Vary Youth Ministry is excited to take on some halfday group mission opportunities this summer in our own backyard: The Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC (July), and Imprints Cares (August). 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
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.
