SUNDAY • MARCH 15, 2026
“Why Have You Forsaken Me?”
Mark 15:29-36
Preaching
Tammy Pollock Director of Youth Ministries
Minister
Keith Byrd Alternative Music Leader
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 • MARCH 15, 2026
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
CELEBRATION
We rejoice today that at our 9 am worship we welcome the Culp family (Nate, Addy, Ellis and Sloane) into membership with our Centenary Church family. In addition, both girls, Ellis Miller Culp and Sloane Elizabeth Culp, will be baptized along with their dad Nate.
Students with Full Bellies are More Successful!
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
ADULT FORMATION
Join Us for Nourish This Wednesday Wednesday • March 18
Don’t miss our last 2 weeks of spring Nourish! Reservations due by Tuesday, March 17 at 5 pm. Learning opportunities start at 6 pm. Scan the QR code for the menu, reservations, and details.
Learning Opportunitiy:
• March 18 & 25: The Mystery of the Cross with Dr. Christopher Franks, Associate Professor of Religion at High Point University. Drawing from scripture, theology, and modern interpreters, Dr. Franks will help us explore what Christians believe about the cross to deepen our wonder at what God has done for us and illumine how God is re-making us through God’s crossshaped love.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Vacation Bible School
June 15-18 • 9:00AM-Noon
We are excited for potty-trained 3-year-olds through rising 6th graders to join us this year at Rainforest Falls VBS! Registration will open March 29. Youth and grown-ups, you know you don’t want to miss out on all the fun! Whatever your gifts, there’s a place for you! Contact Marty Coan, Diane Eshelman, Ashley Maner, or Kate May.
Easter Candy Collection
Through March 22, we will be collecting candy to fill our easter eggs for our annual Easter Egg Hunt (April 5). Please bring individually wrapped, non-chocolate candy to the buckets at either the 4½ Street Reception Desk or the 5th Street Reception desk.
Preteen Aerial Adventure
April 19 • 2:30PM-4:30PM
As we get excited for Rainforest Falls VBS we invite 3rd through 5th graders to a high ropes course adventure at Miracle Heights Aerial Adventure Park on the campus of Crossnore Communities for Children! Register on the Realm app or by scanning the QR code above. Cost is $20/student and registration will close April 1.
Children’s Creative Arts Experience
6:00PM–7:00PM • East Building
We partner with four schools in Winston-Salem to fight student hunger. At Reynolds High and the Winston Salem Street School, we stock oncampus food pantries where students shop for take-home food. At Brunson and Wiley, we support the Backpack Program, providing weekend meals through Second Harvest. You can help through prayer, giving, or delivering backpacks. Contact Anna Thomas (athomas@ centenary-ws.org/336.724.6311 ext. 1332) with questions.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Stephen Ministry – Seeking Care Receivers
Stephen Ministry is an intentional caring ministry. Stephen Ministers are trained and supervised, and they can offer a listening ear through difficult times in life. If you (or someone you know) are going through a challenging time and could benefit from a caring friend, contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck for a referral. You can also find more information and a link to an online referral form on the church website under Congregational Care. All referrals are confidential.
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.
MISSIONS
Rise Against Hunger
April 12 • 2:00PM-4:00PM • Community Room
Come be a part of stopping world hunger! We will strive to pack 20,000 meals assembly line style in partnership with Rise Against Hunger. This is a great event for the whole family as there are jobs for everyone tall and small! For more information, reach out to Kate May.
Blood Drive
Tuesday • April 14 • 12:30PM-5:00PM Community Room
Centenary is partnering with the American 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 contact Holly Gilliam, or check the website.
MUSIC & ARTS
Art in the Atrium Presents: Lenten Expressions Exhibit Dates • Now–April 5
Art in the Atrium invites you to immerse yourself in the works of Dr. Stephen D. Martin, artist, minister, and former chair of Centenary’s Music & Arts Committee.
There’s still time for children ages 4 through 5th grade to join CAE this spring! Come explore the arts, deepen your faith, and help lead worship together as a community. Register using the announcements’ QR code or by emailing Virginia Sheffield. We look forward to seeing our CAE children next lead worship on Palm Sunday, March 29!
Lenten Noontime Series Tuesdays • March 17–March 31
Noon–12:30PM • Sanctuary
Join us each Tuesday in Lent for a 30-minute musical presentation as we center our hearts during this season of reflection and contemplation.
• March 17: Elektra Winds
• March 24: Virginia Sheffield, soprano & Jonathan Emmons, piano
• March 31: Joshua Sobel, organ
YOUTH MINISTRY
Upcoming Youth Group Nights
Tonight & March 22
All-Youth Family Game Night
March 29 • 5:00PM-7:00PM • Youth Commons
This is the night to bring your family to Youth Group -- for our second annual BIG GAME NIGHT! Join us for an evening of fun, games, friendly-competition, food, and faith! All parents, younger siblings, and friends are welcome. Please just be sure to register guests ahead of time via Realm or by scanning the QR Code above. If you have any questions, contact Kevin Garrity (kgarrity@centenary-ws. org/336.724.6311 ext. 1349).
Niner-Niner Goes Ziplining
April 18 • 10:30AM-5:30PM
Niner-Niner, harness up and get ready for a ziplining good time! Our all-freshman ministry’s spring adventure is a full-day’s outing to French Broad Adventure in Western NC. For all details about the trip and to register, scan the QR Code above or head over to Realm. If you have any questions, contact Kevin Garrity.
Save our Summer 2026 Dates
Graduation Recognition: May 10
Confirmation: May 17
Summer Kick-Off / 9th Grade Promo: May 31
Waffle Wednesday’s: Starts June 3
Sr. High Mission Trip: July 18–25
Fall Kickoff: August 16
CHANCEL FLOWERS
Sundays, March 22 and April 19 are available on our flower calendar. The cost is $450 for the two arrangements that adorn our Sanctuary each Sunday. Sponsorship may be by an individual, a family, or shared with others (cost divided accordingly). To reserve either date, please contact Paige Morgan-Foy at 336724-6311 ext. 1358 (Mondays–Tuesdays) or pmorganfoy@centenary-ws.org.
CENTENARY SCHOLASHIPS
Centenary is honored to offer endowed scholarships made possible by the dedication and generosity of past members. Emma Kapp Ogburn fund applications are due April 1. T.B. and Mary Neal Dixson fund applications are due April 27 by 5PM. For more information, please visit https://centenary-ws.org/church-events/ resources/.
HOLY WEEK AT CENTENARY
Palm Sunday Worship • March 29 9:00 am • Memorial Auditorium 11:00 am • Sanctuary & Live Stream
Monday, March 30-Friday, April 3 Holy Week Labyrinth • 9:30AM-7:00PM Memorial Auditorium
You are invited into a period of intentional reflection, prayer, and contemplation by walking a labyrinth during Holy Week. Join us for a time of self-guided spiritual practice as we conclude the season of Lent and journey toward the cross. Enter from 4½ Street and follow signage.
Tuesday • March 31 • Noon • Sanctuary Lenten Noontime Music Series
Holy Thursday Worship • April 2 • 7:00PM Sanctuary & Live Stream Worship with Holy Communion
Good Friday Worship • April 3 • 7:00PM Sanctuary & Live Stream “The Seven Last Words of Christ” by Theodore Dubois & Tenebrae (Darkness)
Easter Sunday Worship • April 5 9:00 am Worship in Memorial Auditorium 11:00 am Worship in the Sanctuary Be sure to bring flowers from your garden to help decorate our living cross, located at the entrance to the Sanctuary on 5th Street.