THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT • MARCH 8, 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
INTROIT
Lay Me Low (from Shaker Songs) — arr. Kevin Siegfried Lay me low, where the Lord can find me, own me, bless me.
†CALL TO WORSHIP
From where will our help come?
Our help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Who is our keeper?
The Lord is our keeper, by day and by night.
How long will God protect us?
God will keep our going out and our coming in from this time on and forevermore. and then after these questions we sing Ask ye what great thing I know!
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#163 Ask Ye What Great Thing I Know — HENDON
†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.
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 Hardy 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 Hardy with a community of love and forgiveness, that he may grow in his service to others. We will pray for him, that he 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
Psalm 23 — Paul Basler
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
SCRIPTURE — John 19:25-27
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Woman, Behold, Your Son! Behold, Your Mother!”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
He Watching Over Israel, from Elijah — Felix Mendelssohn He watching over israel, slumbers not, nor sleeps. Shouldst thou, walking in grief, languish, He will quicken thee.
†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
†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
Reverend Oliver Helsabeck
Associate Minister of Congregational Care
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music & Arts
Joshua Sobel, Organist
The Chancel Choir
Jonathan Blake Borton, Piano
CRUCIFER Mac Packard
TORCHBEARERS
Liza Harris
Elle Reid
FLOWERS
The
†HYMN
#297 Beneath the Cross of Jesus — ST. CHRISTOPHER
†BENEDICTION
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 8, 2026
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
Today we celebrate the baptism of Hardy Kennon Renegar, son of Blake and Michelle Renegar and brother of Bowman Renegar.
ADULT FORMATION
Join Us for Nourish This Wednesday Wednesday • March 11 Reservations due by Tuesday, March 10 at 5 pm. Learning opportunities start at 6 pm. Scan the QR code for the menu, reservations, and details.
Learning Opportunitiy:
• March 11–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 cross-shaped 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
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.
MUSIC & ARTS
Lenten Noontime Series
Tuesdays • March 10–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 10: New Day Singers
• March 17: Elektra Winds
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.
SENIOR ADULTS
Luncheon • Thursday • March 19 • Noon
Memorial Auditorium
Our guest speaker will be Rev. Dr. Chris Donald, University Chaplain at Wake Forest University. We gather at 11:45 am 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, March 11. 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 am before the luncheon.
Sanctuary Ornaments & Church Cookbook Now Available
Commemorate baptisms, weddings, confirmations, or joining the church with a personalized Centenary sanctuary ornament. The cookbook Be Present at Our Table features cherished recipes, photos, and our congregation’s history—perfect for gifts. Both items are available at the Reception Desk. Proceeds support missions serving women, children, and families locally and around the world. For purchases or questions, contact Laurie Dray at (336.830.4701).
YOUTH MINISTRY
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
• March 24: Virginia Sheffield, soprano & Jonathan Emmons, piano
• March 31: Joshua Sobel, organ
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 Creative Arts Experience
6:00PM–7:00PM • East Building
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!
Sundays, March 15, 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/.
