ASCENSION SUNDAY • MAY 17, 2026 • 11:00AM • CONFIRMATION
THE COMMUNITY GATHERS
The prelude signifies the beginning of worship. You are invited to be in a spirit of prayer and meditation. Please silence all mobile communication devices.
PRELUDE GREETING INTROIT
Fantasiestücke, Op. 73 - I. Zart und mit Ausdruck — Robert Schumann
†CALL TO WORSHIP
†HYMN OF PROCESSION PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE THE LORD'S PRAYER
The Heavens Are Telling (from Creation) — Franz Joseph Haydn The heavens are telling the glory of God. The wonder of his work displays the firmament.
We are called to bring a new understanding of God: that God so loves the world. We are the salt of the earth. We are called to bring a new hope in God: that God gives us new life. We are the light of the world. We are called to follow the commandments and the law. The Law of God is to love God and to love one another. Come, let us be the salt of the earth, the light of the world. Let us join together in our love of God as we worship and follow Jesus.
#155 All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name — DIADEM
After each prayer, the leader may conclude: Lord, in your mercy. All may respond: Hear our 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.)
SCRIPTURE SERMON
INTRODUCTION OF SERVICE
Matthew 5:13-16
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
"Saying YES"
THE SERVICE OF CONFIRMATION
Brothers and sisters in Christ: Through the Sacrament of Baptism we are initiated into Christ's holy church. We are incorporated into God's mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through water and the Spirit. All this is God's gift, offered to us without price.
Through confirmation, and through the reaffirmation of our faith, we renew the covenant declared at our baptism, acknowledge what God is doing for us, and affirm our commitment to Christ's holy church.
PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES
RENUNCIATION OF SIN & PROFESSION OF FAITH
On behalf of the whole church, I ask you: Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of your sin?
I do.
Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves?
I do
Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior, put your whole trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as your Lord, in union with the church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations and races?
I do.
According to the grace given you, will you remain faithful members of Christ's holy church and serve as Christ's representatives in the world?
I will.
To the sponsors
Will you who sponsor these candidates support and encourage them in their Christian life?
I will.
To the congregation
To the congregation and candidates
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 these persons 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 these persons with a community of love and forgiveness, that they may grow in the trust of God, and be found faithful in their service to others. We will pray for them, that they may be true disciples who walk in the way that leads to life.
Let us join together in professing the Christian faith as contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.
Do you believe in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ?
I believe 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, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will come again to judge the living and the dead.)
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?
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.)
Camilla Anne Boehnlein
Sloan Gilbert Bonsall
Carson Margaret Church†
Borden McClellan Douglas
Brian Joseph Holden, Jr.
Arthur Brock Johnson
Charley Elizabeth Koufman
Mary Elizabeth Lassiter
Wilson Paul Lassiter
Clara Elizabeth Lawson
Merritt Montgomery Lewis
Warner Bruce Longhurst†
Reese Bonsall
TO BE CONFIRMED
Thomas Allen Lycan
Susanne Chandler Marley
Vivienne Ava McClain
Madeleine Claire Norman
Stella Jane Pierce
MacRae Alexandra Robinson
Mary Rivenbark Samuel
Jackson Baker Schweppe
Elizabeth McCall Stanley
Harper Jane Sutton
Harrison Bickett Williams
†to be baptized and confirmed
CONFIRMATION LEADERS
Lindy Cannon
Mary Dell Currie Meg Gilliam
Marianne Rowland Anne Porter Spires Jack Ward
BAPTISM & THANKSGIVING OVER THE WATER
RECEPTION INTO THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
As members of Christ's universal church, will you be loyal to The United Methodist Church, and do all in your power to strengthen its ministries?
I will.
As members of this congregation, will you faithfully participate in its ministries by your prayers, your presence, your gitfs, your service, and your witness?
I will.
Members of the household of God, I commend these persons to your love and care. Do all in your power to increase their faith, confirm their hope, and perfect them in love.
COMMENDATION AND WELCOME
We give thanks for all that God has already given you and we welcome you in Christian love. As members together with you in the body of Christ and in this congregation of The United Methodist Church, we renew our covenant faithfully to participate in the ministries of the church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service and our witness, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
To those confirmed, baptized and received
HYMN (Found on page six)
OFFERTORY
The God of all grace, who has called us to eternal glory in Christ, establish you and strengthen you by the power of the Holy Spirit, that you may live in grace and peace.
#2051 I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry — WATERLIFE
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
Love Is Little — Ron Barnett
Love is little, love is low, love will make our spirits grow: grow in peace, grow in light - love will do the thing that's right.
†DOXOLOGY
†PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
#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.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
†POSTLUDE
#399 Take My Life, and Let It Be — MESSIAH
Go Now in Peace — Robert Lau
Go now in peace, and may God's peace go with you. Believe and trust his holy word. Amen.
Crown Imperial — William Walton, arr. Herbert Murrill
ANNOUNCEMENTS
• MAY 17, 2026
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
PENTECOST CELEBRATION
Sunday • May 24
Celebrate the birthday of the Church through worship and community. Services are at 9:00 am and 11:00 am. A celebration breakfast is at 10:00 am in the Dining Room and we will have birthday cake on the porch following the 11:00 am worship service. Breakfast reservations are not required.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Camp Mail
Do you have a child attending camp this summer? We would love to send them some mail while they are away! If you can let us know when they’ll be at camp and what their address is, we will pop some love into the mailbox and send it their way! Please send information to Kate May.
Join our Children’s Sunday School Team for the 2026-2027 School Year
We hope you will consider being a part of our Sunday School team made up of amazing folks who commit to at least one semester of the school year to serve as a small group leader, large group leader, Sunday School Captain or a greeter! We provide all lesson plans, materials and any other guidance – we just need you to show God’s love! If you are interested or have questions, reach out to Kate May.
Vacation Bible School
June 15-18 • 9:00AM-Noon
Spots are filling up at Vacation Bible School! Make sure to get the kids in your life registered before May 27. Have you said yes to volunteering? Help us to continue to increase the capacity of kids we can share God’s love with! 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. Scan the QR code above to register.
Summer Sunday School
On Sunday’s May 31-August 9, rising 1st - rising 6th graders are invited to gather in the community room throughout the summer! We’ll enjoy playground Sunday school, art Sunday school (June) and kitchen Sunday school (July). Kate will be leading lessons each week and is looking for a fun grown up to join us as support in our adventures! Want to sign up? Scan the QR code above.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
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.
JUSTICE & RECONCILIATION
Creek Clean Up Day
May 17 • 4:00PM-6:00PM
Help us care for God’s creation by cleaning up around the creek near Shaffner Park! Pack a picnic dinner and enjoy the after party at the park. Contact Kate May if you are interested in participating.
MUSIC & ARTS
Children’s Music & Arts Camp 2026
All Creatures Great and Small
July 13 - 16, 2026 • Only 2 weeks left to register!!
Two by two… the animals are coming! This summer, we invite children aged 4 through rising 5th graders to step into the story of Noah and discover how God’s love and promise extends to “all creatures great and small!” Through music, art, movement, and storytelling, campers will explore this beloved biblical journey. We look forward to spending a week singing, ringing, painting and playing together! Register by June 1 via the Announcements QR code! For more information, please contact Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.org).
Provide Snacks
for Children’s Music & Arts Camp 2026
Snack time helps fuel our little artists for all the creativity ahead. Help keep our ark afloat by providing a day’s worth of snacks! Sign up as an individual or with a group of friends! Not here during camp? This is the perfect way to get involved! Snack drop-off is Sunday, July 12. To sign up, contact Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.org).
SENIOR ADULTS
Senior Adults • Save These Dates!
• June 11 - Picnic at South Fork Park
• July 23 - Trip to Barter Theatre, Abingdon, VA Register by scanning the QR code.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Youth Ministry Summer Kick-off & 9th Grade Promo Party • May 31 • 5:00PM-7:00PM
Join us for a summer kick-off party to celebrate the end of school and the promotion of our rising freshman at ROAR W-S -- for a night of bowling, simulator games and to chow down on some nuggets, burger sliders and other snacks! To register, scan the QR code above, or visit the Realm Events page. If you have any questions, please contact Kevin Garrity.
Wilderness Trail • Summer Hike
June 20-25 • Troutdale, VA
Wilderness Trail Ministry has been “leading backpacking faith adventures that bring teens closer to God and each other.” We will hop on the bus and attend our first guided summer hike this June. Cost is $375 and spots are limited. For details and registration, scan the QR code above or sign-up via Realm. If you have any questions,If you have any questions, please contact Kevin Garrity.
Waffle Wednesdays
June 3-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!
PARTICIPATING IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
Reverend Lara "Willis" Greene
Senior Minister
LITURGIST
Reverend Oliver Helsabeck, Associate Minister
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music & Arts
Tate Addis, Organist & Associate Conductor
Michael Martinez, Conductor
The Chancel Choir
Cori Trenczer, Cello
Mission Mondays
1st Mondays of Summer Months
June 1, July 6, August 3 • Project Times Vary Youth Ministry is excited to take on some half-day group mission opportunities this summer in our own backyard: The Betty & Jim Holmes Food Bank Garden (June), 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. Sign up for them all with the QR Code above, If you have any questions, please contact Kevin Garrity.
CHURCH COUNCIL & COUNCIL
Sunday • June 7 • 12:45PM • Dining Room
The Charge Conference agenda will include setting compensation for newly-appointed clergy. Voting members are Church Council members, lay delegates to annual conference, and retired clergy holding charge conference membership at Centenary. All church members are welcome to attend. Lunch will be provided to those who register online by Sunday, May 24. Please scan the QR code above to sign up.
CRUCIFER
Marianne Rowland
TORCHBEARERS
Vida Kennedy
Beau Rowland
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of Henry M. Booke, Jr. and Mr. and Mrs. Sam L. Booke, Jr. by the Henry Booke Family; and in loving memory of Ralph Atkinson, and Jim and Ruby Hartman, by Gayle Atkinson and family; and also in loving memory of Wendell H. "Bunky" Stockton by Richard Stockton and family.
STAY CONNECTED WITH CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
