PRAYERS OF
ASCENSION SUNDAY • JUNE 1, 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
I’ve Got the Joy Down in My Heart — arr. Valerie W. Stephenson
GREETING
INTROIT
Sanctus — Bob Chilcott
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts. Heaven and earth are full of thy glory.
†CALL TO WORSHIP
Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit
We rejoice in that promise
Because of his Ascension, Christ is with us always We give thanks for his presence
We pray that we might also ascend in heart and mind Lord, grant us this grace
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#312 Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise — LLANFAIR
†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
†AFFIRMATION RESPONSE
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
SCRIPTURE — Acts 1:1-11
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
Bread of the World — Margaret R. Tucker
†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
Loving God, without You we would be nothing. Help us to give back to others in the way that you have given to us. Your love guides us, protects us, and models for us the ways in which we are called to live. All that we are and all that we have is yours. May our offerings be just part of what we give to you this day and always, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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
Ave Verum Corpus, K. 618 — W. A. Mozart
Hail, true Body, born of the Virgin Mary, who has truly suffered, was sacrificed on the cross for mortals, whose side was pierced, whence flowed water and blood: be for us a foretaste of heaven during our final examining. O Jesu sweet, O Jesu pure, O Jesu, Son of Mary, have mercy upon me. Amen.
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 #156 I Love to Tell the Story — HANKEY
CELEBRATION OF MINISTRY
†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.
SERMON NOTES
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Meg Peters, Assoc. Minister
LITURGISTS
The Reverend Kate May, Assoc. Minister
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar
The Chancel Choir
Sam Howell, Music Ministry Intern Carillonneurs: Camille Jones, Director
CRUCIFER Taylor Paris
TORCHBEARERS
Camilla Boehnlein
Beverly Douglas
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of Mildred & Marion Nash and Nancy & Dick Crowder by Rick & Sara Crowder, Brian Crowder and Ann Brown Crowder.
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. Meg Peters (336-724-6311 ext. 1361)/mpeters@ 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 Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III 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
Reverend Meg Peters ext. 1361 Associate Minister of Outreach
ANNOUNCEMENTS • JUNE 1, 2025
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
IN MEMORIAM
Florence Severn Strang Burkhart May 12, 2025
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
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!
DISCIPLE BIBLE COURSE GRADUATES
We celebrate those who have completed the Disciple Bible Fast Track Course—a year-long journey through the Old and New Testaments. Participants spent significant time engaging with Scripture, gaining a deeper understanding of the Bible’s overarching story. They’ve explored how the Old and New Testaments are deeply connected and why the Old Testament is essential for fully understanding the life and ministry of Jesus. Interested in joining this transformative experience? Contact Stacy Holley for more information.
Kathy Chaney
Ben Hodge
Ondra Walker
Marilyn Weiler
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!
PRAY FOR OUR VBS
Tammy Pollock ext. 1337 Director of Youth Ministries
Stacy Holley ext. 1359 Adult Discipleship Specialist & Pastoral Assistant
John Markle ext. 1347 Director of Operations
Doug Peninger ext. 1368 Director of Communications
John Rogers ext. 1356 Director of Information Technology
OLDER ELEMENTARY MISSON WEEK
July 22-24 • 9 am – 3 pm
MUSIC
&
ARTS
SIGN UP NOW FOR CHILDREN’S MUSIC & ART CAMP 2025
WAFFLE WEDNESDAY’S
Wednesdays • June 4 - August 6 • 5 - 6 pm Youth Commons
July 14 - 17, 2024
June 16-19 • 9 am-Noon
Dear God, thank you for going before us as we prepare for VBS. Help us meet any need of supplies, decoration, and volunteers we may have. Provide the opportunity for families far and wide to attend VBS. Thank you for the opportunity to pour into the lives of these kids in deep and meaningful ways. We pray that above all else you are glorified in our VBS.
If you have not registered your 4-year-olds through rising 6th graders yet, there is still room! Register using the QR code through June 4.
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.
CAMP MAIL
Do you have a child attending camp this summer? We would love to send them some mail while they are away! If you can let us know when they’ll be at camp and what their address is, we will pop some love into the mailbox and send it their way! Please send information to Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws.org).
FAMILY SUMMER CELEBRATION
Sunday • July 20 • 4 - 5 pm
Save the date for this amazing afternoon for the whole family! We will have a foam party, slip and slide, playground and popsicles. You won’t want to miss it!
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 (ohelsabeck@centenaryws.org) and he will connect you with a Peer Connector.
MEN’S MINISTRY
THURSDAY MORNING FELLOWSHIP
June 5 • 7:30 - 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 Mike and Tanner Robinson who will share their family’s faith journey with the church. To learn more about Men’s Ministry at Centenary, contact Chris Munnelly, Tanner Robinson, Michael Rogers, or Tom Lawson.
MISSIONS
BLOOD DRIVE
Tuesday • June 10 • 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.
Only one week left to register! Get ready to bring joy to the world and share festive carols with everyone who will listen at CMA Camp 2025! Open to ages 4 through rising 5th graders, this fun-filled week features singing, handbells, art, Kindermusik, and more! Register by June 1 via the QR code. For more information, please contact Music Ministry Assistant, Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.org).
PROVIDE SNACKS FOR CHILDREN’S MUSIC & ARTS CAMP 2025
We’re decking the halls for Children’s Music & Arts Camp 2025: Christmas in July — and we need YOU to help make it merry & bright! Each day, our campers spend time singing and ringing, painting and playing, moving and grooving: it is hungry work! Snack is a crucial part of our camp day, fueling our little Mozarts and Picassos for the fun they have in store. Help us keep our campers creating and provide a day’s worth of snacks for our kids! Not here the week of camp? No problem! Snack drop-off is Sunday, July 13. To volunteer, please contact Music Ministry Assistant, Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.org).
SENIOR ADULTS
SUMMER PICNIC
Thursday • June 12 • Noon
South Fork Park
Senior Adults will gather at South Fork Park (4403 Country Club Road) on Thursday, June 12 (note: second Thursday) for a picnic lunch catered by Grecian Corner. Lunch will be skewers of chicken souvlaki, Greek salad, Tzatziki sauce, pita bread, and baklava for dessert. Lemonade and tea will be provided, or you can bring your own drink. We will enjoy the park and play Bingo with door prizes! To register, send an email to seniorlunch@ centenary-ws.org or call the church office during business hours. Cost is $10.00 and the signup deadline is Sunday, June 8.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today 10 am: Youth Sunday school (@ Youth Commons)
5 - 7 pm: Summer Kick Off & 9th Grade Promo Party (@ ROAR)
June 4
5 - 6 pm: Waffle Wednesday (@ Youth Commons)
June 8
10 am: Youth Sunday school (@ Youth Commons)
YOUTH MINISTRY SUMMER KICK-OFF & 9TH GRADE PROMO PARTY
Today • 5 - 7 pm • ROAR WS
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!
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: Love Thy Neighbor Leadership Team
August 24: Love Thy Neighbor
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.
Calling ALL youth, and most especially you rising freshman! Join us for a summer kick-off party to celebrate the end of school and the promotion of our rising freshman at ROAR WS -- for a night of bowling, simulator games and to chow down on some nuggets, burger sliders and other snacks!
