PALM SUNDAY • MARCH 29, 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 GREETING
INTROIT
Hosanna! — Christian Gregor Hosanna, blessed is He that comes, He that comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!
†CALL TO WORSHIP
Awake to the day of triumph for our Savior!
We give thanks for this day that leads to the cross. Come with your branches, hosannas, and songs! We lift our voices in praise, “Hosanna in the highest!” Fill the air with welcome to the Lord!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#280 All Glory, Laud and Honor — ST. THEODULPH
†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.
CANTICLE
Lift High the Palms of Praise — Brad Nix Lift high the palms of praise! Hosanna! Hosanna! Sing out! Prepare the way! Hosanna! Hosanna! As he slowly rides along, people shout a joyful song. Now we add our voices strong, hosanna to the King! Let the people now rejoice. All creation find her voice. Come and make a joyful noise, hosanna to the King! Open wide the gates of every heart. Wave the palms and let the celebration start. With our strength, God’s glory we proclaim. With our might, we praise His holy name!
(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.)
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
Thank you for joining us in worship today. †
SCRIPTURE — John 19:29-30 & Luke 23:44-46
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “It Is Finished”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross — Gilbert M. Martin When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ, my God! All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to his blood. See, from his head, his hands, his feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down! Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown? Were the whole realm of nature mine that were a present far too small; love, so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all! Amen!
†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
#278 Hosanna, Loud Hosanna — ELLACOMBE
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
Ride On, Ride On in Majesty — Howard Helvey
Ride on, ride on in majesty. In lowly pomp, ride on to die, bow your meek head to mortal pain, then take, O Christ, your power and reign.
†POSTLUDE
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
Reverend Lara “Willis” Greene
Senior Minister
LITURGIST
Reverend Oliver Helsabeck
Associate Minister for Congregational Care
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music & Arts
Joshua Sobel, Organist
The Chancel Choir
Creative Arts Experience (CAE)
CRUCIFER
TORCHBEARERS
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 29, 2026
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
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.
CENTENARY SCHOLASHIPS
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
MISSIONS
Rise Against Hunger
April 12 • 2:00PM-4:00PM • Community Room
Luncheon
Thursday • April 16
• Noon – Auditorium
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/churchevents/resources/.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
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
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.
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 opens today! Scan the QR code above. Youth and grownups, 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.
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. Registration opens today! Scan the QR code above.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Healing Hands Minisry • First Mondays
10:00AM-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.
Centenary Cares
Showing Care and Sharing Encouragement
When life becomes challenging—especially with mental health concerns—many people prefer privacy but still need care and prayer. Centenary Cares, a ministry of Shining Light on Mental Health, offers a simple way to share encouragement. If someone you know is struggling or supporting a loved one with mental health challenges, contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck, Associate Minister for Congregational Care. A Shining Light member will confidentially deliver a Centenary Cares bag. Learn more on the church website under Congregational Care/Shining Light.
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.
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.
MEN’S MINISTRY
Thursday Morning Fellowship
April 2 • 7:30AM-8:30AM • Community Room
All men of the church are invited to our Thursday morning gathering. Join us for coffee, biscuits, and fellowship followed by a brief presentation by Ken Carlson and Jim Mabry of the Boy Scouts of America Old Hickory Council and Centenary’s history with this organization.
MUSIC & ARTS
Lenten Noontime Series
Tuesday • March 31 • Josh Sobel, organ Noon–12:30PM • Sanctuary
Join us for a special final Lenten Noontime offering as Joshua Sobel presents his final recital as organist at Centenary. Joshua soon will be joining the staff of St. John’s Abbey Organ builders in Collegeville, Minnesota, one of the leading teams in our country, after nearly four years of service to Centenary. We invite you to attend and honor his time with us.
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.
Children’s Music & Arts Camp 2026
July 13 - 16, 2026 • Sign Up Now
Theme Announcement Easter Sunday
Do you think you have our camp theme figured out? Check out the postcards around campus for some hints and see if you can guess before next Sunday! Open to ages 4 through rising 5th graders, this fun-filled week features singing, handbells, art, Kindermusik, and more. Register by April 1 via the Announcements QR code for a special early bird discount! For more information, please contact Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.org).
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.
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
May
Luncheon
May 4 • Noon • Memorial Auditorium
Did you know Loaves & Fishes has served our community for decades, providing food and financial help to families in need with compassion and dignity? All women are invited to hear Marianne Bach, longtime Centenary member and Loaves & Fishes leader, who will share about this volunteer ministry. The cost us $15 (cash, check to CUMC-UWF, or Realm). Resgister by April 24 to your Circle Leader, or contact Susan Grubbs (shgrubbs4@ gmail.com) if you’re not in a Circle.
YOUTH MINISTRY
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.
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.
