FIFTH
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • JUNE 28, 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 ‘If You But Suffer God to Guide Thee’ — George Baker
GREETING
INTROIT
O Lord, Hear My Prayer — TAIZÉ
O Lord, hear my prayer. When I call answer me. O Lord, hear my prayer. Come and listen to me.
†CALL TO WORSHIP
We come together to worship the God of boundless compassion. Lord, open our hearts to your presence.
We come as people who have received grace we did not deserve. Lord, open our hearts to your mercy.
We come knowing that your love reaches farther than we can imagine. Lord, open our hearts to your call.
This is the God we worship — a God who pursues the lost, redeems the broken, and whose compassion knows no boundary. Then let us worship — for His mercy endures forever!
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#66 Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven — LAUDA ANIMA
†AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation or distress, or persecution or famine, or nakedness or peril or sword?
No! In all things we are more than conquerors through the One who loved us. We are sure that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Thanks be to God! 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
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 Ellie, 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 Ellie with a community of love and forgiveness, that she may grow in her service to others. We will pray for her, that she 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.)
CANTICLE
There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy — Calvin Hampton There’s a wideness in God’s mercy like the wideness of the sea; there’s a kindness in his justice, which is more than liberty. There is welcome for the sinner, and more graces for the good; there is mercy with the Savior; there is healing in his blood.
There is no place where earth’s sorrows are more felt than up in heaven; there is no place where earth’s failings have such kindly judgment given. There is plentiful redemption in the blood that has been shed; there is joy for all the members in the sorrows of the Head.
For the love of God is broader than the measure of the mind; and the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind. If our love were but more faithful, we should take him at his word; and our life would be thanksgiving for the goodness of the Lord.
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
SCRIPTURE — Jonah 4:1-11
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “The Key”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
If You But Trust in God to Guide You — David Cherwien
If you but trust in God to guide you, with hopeful heart through all your ways, you will find strength, with God beside you, to bear the worst of evil days; for those who trust God’s changeless love build on the rock that will not move. What gain is there in futile weeping, in helpess anger and distress? If you are in God’s care and keeping, in sorrow will God love you less? For Christ who took for you a cross will bring you safe through every loss. Be still, be still, and wait God’s pleasure in cheerful hope, with heart content, trusting that grace which knows no measure will by unbounded Love be sent; nor doubt our inmost wants are clear to One who holds us always near.
†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 GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN #378 Amazing Grace — AMAZING GRACE
†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 Symphony no. 1 in D Major, Op. 14 - VI. Final — Louis Vierne
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
Reverend Lara “Willis” Greene
Senior Minister
LITURGISTS
Reverend Oliver Helsabeck
Associate Minister for Congregational Care
Reverend Kate May
Associate Minister with Children
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music & Arts
Tate Addis, Organist & Associate Conductor
The Chancel Choir
Anna Lampidis, Oboe
CRUCIFER
Chandler Marley
TORCHBEARERS
Beverly Douglas
Blair Grdina
FLOWERS
The Chancel flowers are given in loving memory of our Sommerkamp, Stewart, and Perry family members by Ken and Susan Sommerkamp.
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
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 Kate May ext. 1331 Associate Minister with Children kmay@centenary-ws.org
ANNOUNCEMENTS • JUNE 28, 2026
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
CELEBRATION
Today we celebrate the baptism of Ellie Jane Smith daughter of Howell and Sarah Smith and sister of Barrett Smith.
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. We hope you’ll join us for this special weekend. Stay tuned—more details will be coming soon!
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.
Refresh
Wednesdays • Noon-12:45PM • Sanctuary
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!
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.
MEN’S MINISTRY
Men of Centenary...We Need Your Input! We are exploring ways to strengthen and grow our Men’s Ministry, and we need your input. We invite all men in our congregation to complete a brief survey to help us better understand your interests, needs, and priorities.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Older Elementary Mission Week
July 21-23 • 9:00AM-3:00PM
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.
Summer Sunday School
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 Communication 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
YOUTH MINISTRY
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.
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
Whether you are actively involved in church activities or looking for new ways to connect, your feedback will help shape future Bible studies, fellowship events, service projects, retreats, and other ministry opportunities.
Your responses will help us build a Men’s Ministry that encourages spiritual growth, meaningful relationships, and faithful service. Scan the QR code to be linked to our events website page and find the survey link under Men’s Ministry
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).
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
GriefShare
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.
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.
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.
DIETRICH BONHOEFFER PILGRIMAGE
Interest Meeting
Today • June 28 • 2:00PM • Dining Room
Join tour guides Rev. Lara “Willis” Greene and husband, Dr. David Greene, on a 12-Day tour through Germany as you encounter a story of courage, faith and conviction that still speaks today. Along the way, we’ll wrestle with one of history’s most urgent questions: how a deeply Christian nation became the setting for profound moral tragedy. Travel dates are May 17-29, 2027.
Join us for Summer in the Psalms as we explore the prayers and praises that give voice to every season of life. Discover how these ancient songs still speak with honesty, hope, and grace, drawing us closer to God.
