FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • JULY 6, 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. Please silence all mobile communication devices.
PRELUDE
GREETING
INTROIT
Hymn of Praise — René Clausen Alleluia. Praise God in His holy temple. Amen, amen, alleluia, amen! (Psalm 150)
†OPENING PRAYER
Lord of mercy and compassion, be with us this day as we hear of the healing love of Jesus. Remind us that we are also recipients of his compassion and we are called to bring the same hope and love to others. Open our eyes, our ears, and our hearts to the God of Life. Prepare us for service in his name. Amen.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#57 O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing — AZMON
†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
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
SCRIPTURE — Mark 7:31-37
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Opening Up!”
OFFERTORY
My Shepherd Will Supply My Need — Mack Wilberg
†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 DEDICATION
God of all good gifts, you pour out blessings, each and every day, like the water which comes from a natural spring. Knowing we are made in your image, we pray you will receive these tithes, gifts, and offerings, multiply them for good, and put them to use. Accept our desire to honor you with what we have given, and help us celebrate the ways this offering will become a blessing for others. Amen.
WE CELEBRATE HOLY COMMUNION
The congregation is invited to follow the communion liturgy beginning on page 12 of the hymnal.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another. Therefore, let us confess before God and one another.
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
Every Time We Eat this Bread — Ken Canedo The congregation is invited to sing: Every time we eat this bread, every time we drink this cup, we proclaim the death of the Lord until He comes.
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
#451 Be Thou My Vision — SLANE
†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
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Oliver Helsabeck, Assoc. Minister
LITURGISTS
The Reverend Kate May, Assoc. Minister
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel, Organist
The Chancel Choir
CRUCIFER
FLOWERS
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)
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 6, 2025
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
WELCOME NEW SENIOR MINISTER
Sunday • July 13 • Noon Memorial 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!
Our new senior minister, Rev. Willis Greene, is arriving in July, and we’d love to give her a warm and welcoming start by helping her learn names and faces. One way you can help is by updating your photo in Realm, our membership information system.
Now is the perfect time to add a recent picture. Simply log into Realm on your computer or mobile device, click on your profile, and upload a picture. Need help? Scan the QR code to get started or contact Stacy Holley (sholley@ centenary-ws.org/ext. 1359).
Thank you for helping us extend a true Centenary welcome!
ADULT FORMATION
SAVE THE DATE! 2026 WOMEN’S RETREAT
April 17–19, 2026
Lake Junaluska Conference Center
Mark your calendar now for a weekend of renewal, connection, and spiritual growth in the Blue Ridge Mountains. More details coming soon—but for now, plan to join us and save the date!
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
NO CHILDREN’S WORSHIP TODAY
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!
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 won’t want to miss it!
OLDER ELEMENTARY MISSON WEEK
July 22-24 • 9 am – 3 pm
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.
CENTENARY CARES: 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 (ohelsabeck@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1357). 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.
HEALING HANDS MINISTRY
First Mondays • 10 am - 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.
MEN’S MINISTRY
THURSDAY MORNING FELLOWSHIP
July 10 • 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 Dr. Russell Smith who leads the WSSU Spatial Justice Studio. Dr. Smith will share his communitywide research to better understand current community housing based on past practices. To learn more about Men’s Ministry at Centenary, contact Chris Munnelly, Tanner Robinson, Michael Rogers, or Tom Lawson.
FOOD BANK GARDEN
The Betty and Jim Holmes Food Bank Garden needs volunteers this summer. It is a great outdoor mission opportunity for families, individuals and groups. The garden is located at Crossnore Communities for Children, 1001 Reynolda Road and is open on Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings. If you are able to help one time or several times, contact us through our website at foodbankgarden.org or call 336-306-0690.
BLOOD DRIVE
LOOKING AHEAD
July 19 - 27: YouthWorks! Senior High Mission
Trip
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
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 646 W. FIFTH STREET • WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27101
An amazing chance for rising 4th – 6th graders to serve the community through daily mission projects and spend time in fellowship! $45/student, t-shirt, daily activities and more included! Please note this is a different week than when we typically have done OEMW. Register using the QR code – we have a limited capacity.
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).
Tuesday • August 5 • 12:30 - 5 pm 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.
MUSIC & ARTS
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.
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 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! Register via the QR Code. Email Music Ministries Assistant Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.org) with any questions.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today
10 am: What’s Faith Got To Do With It? @ Youth Commons)
July 9 5 - 6:30 pm: Waffle Wednesday (@ Youth Commons)
July 13
10 am: Youth Sunday School (@ Youth Commons)
WHAT’S FAITH GOT TO DO WITH IT?
Youth Sunday School Hour • Now - 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 • Now - August 6 • 5 - 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.
