FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT • MARCH 22, 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.
Please stand as you are able
PRELUDE
Beyond Borders — Tom Shelton Stardust — B. E. Boykin
GREETING
INTROIT
Kind Hearts — Bruce Tippette
Kind hearts are the gardens, kind thoughts are the roots. Kind words are the flowers, kind deeds are the fruits. Take care of your garden and keep out the weeds. Fill it with sunshine, kind words, kind deeds.
†CALL TO WORSHIP
In this season of Lent, return to the Lord your God, for God is gracious.
Confess to the Lord your God, for God is merciful.
Repent to the Lord your God, for God is slow to anger.
Praise the Lord your God, for God abounds in steadfast love.
Worship the Lord your God. Together, let us worship God!
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#397 I Need Thee Every Hour — NEED
†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
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. (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
Inscription of Hope — Z. Randall Stroope I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining, and I believe in love, even when there’s no one there. And I believe in God, even when God is silent; I believe through any trial, there is always a way. But sometimes in this suff’ring and hopeless despair, my heart cries for shelter, to know someone’s there. But a voice rises within me, saying “hold on my child”. I’ll give you strength, I’ll give you hope, just stay a little while.
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
SCRIPTURE — John 19:28-29
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “I Thirst”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
Like as the Hart — Herbert Howells
Like as the hart desireth the waterbrooks: so longeth my soul after thee, O God. My soul is athirst for God, yea, even for the living God: when shall I come to appear before the presence of God? My tears have been my meat day and night: while they daily say unto me, Where is now thy God?
†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 THANKSGIVING
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN
#301 Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross — NEAR THE CROSS
†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
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
Reverend Lara “Willis” Greene
Senior Minister
LITURGIST
Tammy Pollock
Director of Youth Ministries
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music & Arts
Joshua Sobel, Organist
The Chancel Choir
Winston-Salem Choral Academy
Anne Saxon, Founder & Artistic Director
Suzanne Saxon Maggs, Anna Wade, Brandon Winbush, Assistant Directors
Cynthia Saylor, Collaborative Pianist
CRUCIFER
Hamilton Norman
TORCHBEARERS
Hank Conrad
Mary Claire Norman
FLOWERS
The Chancel flowers are given by Frank and Becky Foster in celebration of their 56th Wedding Anniversary, today and in memory of their daughter, Julie Foster Hedrick. (Interested in flower sponsorship? Contact Paige MorganFoy at pmorganfoy@centenary-ws.org.)
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 22, 2026
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
ADULT FORMATION
Join Us for Nourish This Wednesday Wednesday • March 25
Don’t miss our final week of Nourish! Reservations due by Tuesday, March 24 at 5 pm. Learning opportunities start at 6 pm. Scan the QR code for the menu, reservations, and details.
Learning Opportunitiy:
• March 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 Egg Hunt
Sunday • April 5 • 10:00AM • Front Lawn
Please join us with your Easter basket for a fun egg hunt! There will be special hunting for children of all ages. There will be no Sunday school for kindergarten-5th graders. If there is rain, come in through the 5th Street entrance to the East Building and meet us in the Community Room (East Building 206).
Preteen Aerial Adventure
April 19 • 2:30PM-4:30PM
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
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,.
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.
SENIOR ADULTS
Luncheon
Thursday • April 16 • Noon – Auditorium
Our guest speaker will be Centenary UMC member, Assistant Police Chief Katie Allen with the Winston-Salem Police Department. We gather at 11:45 and lunch will be served at noon. To register, send an email to seniorlunch@ centenary-ws.org or call the church office during business hours. Luncheon cost is $12.00 and the signup deadline is Wednesday, April 8th. If you need a ride to the luncheon, please let Rev. Oliver Helsabeck know. The Senior Adult Council will meet briefly in the choir room at 11:00 before the luncheon.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Upcoming Youth Group Nights Tonight & March 29
All-Youth Family Game Night
Tonight • 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.
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
Holy Week Labyrinth
Monday • March 30-Friday • April 3
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.
Lenten Noontime Music Series
Tuesday • March 31 • Noon • Sanctuary
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
Easter Flower Cross • April 5 No matter what time you come to celebrate Easter, we hope you will visit the Flower Cross on the front porch of the Sanctuary. You’re encouraged to bring some of your favorite flowers from your garden or the store and help us to transform the cross into a beautiful symbol of hope and new life. Questions? Contact Kate May.
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.
Students with Full Bellies are More Successful!
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.
MUSIC & ARTS
Lenten Noontime Series
Tuesdays • March 24–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 24: Virginia Sheffield, soprano & Jonathan Emmons, piano
• March 31: Joshua Sobel, organ
This will be Josh’s final recital before he joins the staff of St. John’s Abbey Organ Builders in Collegeville, Minnesota in late spring.
Wilderness Trail • Summer Hike
June 20-25 • Troutdale, VA
Calling ALL YOUTH to save the date on your summer calendars! Do you love camping, hiking, and campfires? Then this trip is for you! For 38 years, Wilderness Trail Ministry has been “leading backpacking faith adventures that bring teens closer to God and each other.” Join our youth ministry as we hop on the bus and attend our first guided summer hike this June. Registration will go live via Realm on April 1st. Cost is $375 and there are 13 spots available. If you have any questions, please 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
