FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER • MAY 18, 2025 • 11:00AM • CONFIRMATION SUNDAY
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
†OPENING PRAYER
In God Alone — TAIZÉ
Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE LORD'S PRAYER
#545 The Church's One Foundation — AURELIA The Chancel Choir will sing stanza three.
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
Luke 22:39-46
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON
THE SERVICE OF CONFIRMATION
INTRODUCTION OF SERVICE
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 congregation
Will you who sponsor these candidates support and encourage them in their Christian life?
I will.
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.
To the congregation and candidates
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.)
Reece Allen Carrigan
Rebecca Ann Coppley
Joshua Robert Crane, Jr.
Hazel Rebecca Crompton
Emma Kate Donley
Luca Timothy Duda
Robert Broyhill Dugan
Kevin William Garrity
Anne Thatcher Lemons
TO BE CONFIRMED
Evelyn Chappell Neelon
Taylor Grace Paris
Sally Frances Powers
Georgia Rae Pressly
Vivian McLean Sessions
William Meyer Suttle
Robert Edwin Welch, Jr.
Jackson Edward Willer
CONFIRMATION LEADERS
Annie Koufman Sophie Johnson 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
OFFERTORY †DOXOLOGY †PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
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.
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
This Is the Day — John Rutter
#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.
Gracious God, giver of all gifts. We give you thanks for the blessings which you have given to us. Receive these gifts from the labor of our hands. May they be pleasing in your sight. Bless them and the ministries this offering will support. May they give hope, may they give comfort, may they bring peace, may they show your love to the world. We pray this in the name of Christ the Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever more. Amen.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN
(Found on page six)
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE †POSTLUDE
#2051 I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry — WATERLIFE
The Lord Bless You and Keep You — John Rutter
#2051 I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
LOVE OFFERING
Sunday, June 1 will be Rev. Meg Peters’ last Sunday with us before she embarks on her new adventure in England. A reception will follow after the 11 am service.
If you would like to make a love offering to Meg in gratitude for her service, we encourage you to provide this gift directly to her. Gifts made payable to the church cannot be considered charitable gifts and will be taxable for Meg.
However, if you prefer, you can visit centenary-ws.org, select the Give tab, then “Love Offering Peters” in the dropdown for Fund. An option to make a Love Offering to Rev. Glenn Kinken will be available in June.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
VBS 2025
June 16-19 • 9 am-Noon
Registration is open! Please note that VBS is a different week this summer than usual! We hope that all 4-year-olds through rising 6th graders will join us for an awesome week where we learn to Trust Jesus in a Wild World! Register using the QR code.
OLDER ELEMENTARY MISSON WEEK
July 22-24 • 9 am – 3 pm
An amazing chance for rising 4th – 6th graders to serve the community through daily mission projects and spend time in fellowship! $45/ student, t-shirt, daily activities and more included! Please note this is a different week than when we typically have done OEMW. Register using the QR code – we have a limited capacity.
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 Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws.org).
FAMILY SUMMER CELEBRATION
Sunday • July 20 • 4-5 pm
Save the date for this amazing afternoon for the whole family! We will have a foam party, slip and slide, playground and popsicles. You won’t want to miss it!
SUMMER ART SUNDAY SCHOOL AND HELPER SIGN UP
This summer, all Sundays from May 25-August 10, rising 1st – 6th graders will meet in the community room at 10 am and move down to the art room to experience a bible story through art each week! Rev. Kate May will be leading our lessons but each week we need a grown-up helper to make sure we all have a beautiful time! Want to join us? Scan the QR code. Want more information? Reach out to Kate May (kmay@ centenary-ws.org).
BACKPACK PROGRAM STUDENT SPONSORSHIP
Many and endless thanks to those of you who sponsored a student for the 2024-2025 school year. It’s time to start gathering sponsors for the 2025-2026 school year. For $6.25 a week, you can provide weekend food for a student – that’s about $280 to make it through the school year! If you would love to join forces with us, please select “Backpack Program” in the giving portal drop down menu or reach out to Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws.org) for more information.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
REFRESH
Wednesdays • Noon - 12:45 pm • Sanctuary
The Refresh Prayer Ministry invites you to be refreshed in a midweek service of worship, reflection, and prayer in a sacred space. From Noon - 12:15 is a time for quiet reflection with music, and from 12:15 - 12:45 is a time for prayer, Scripture reading, and meditation. 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
BLOOD DRIVE
Tuesday • June 10 • 12:30 - 5 pm
Community Room
Centenary is partnering with the 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 email Mary Ann Wexler (mwexler@centenary-ws.org) or check the website.
MUSIC & ARTS
MOZART REQUIEM
Today • 3 pm
Join the Centenary Chancel Choir and members of the Greensboro Symphony Master Chorale as they present Mozart’s final masterpiece. This profound and timeless work, rich with emotional depth and dramatic intensity, remains a favorite with audiences. Don’t miss this moving afternoon of music and reflection!
SENIOR ADULTS
SUMMER PICNIC
Thursday • June 12 • Noon
South Fork Park
Senior Adults will gather at South Fork Park (4403 Country Club Road) for a picnic lunch catered by Grecian Corner. Lunch will be skewers of chicken souvlaki, Greek salad, Tzatziki sauce, pita bread, and baklava for dessert. Lemonade and tea will be provided, or you can bring your own drink. We will enjoy the park and play Bingo with door prizes! To register, send an email to seniorlunch@ centenary-ws.org or call the church office during business hours. Cost is $10.00 and the signup deadline is Sunday, June 8.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today
10 am: Youth Sunday school (@ Youth Commons) 11 am: Confirmation Recognition Service Noon: Confirmation Cookie Reception (church lawn) *NO YOUTH GROUP*
May 25
10 am: Youth Sunday school (@ Youth Commons) *NO YOUTH GROUP* - Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
SUMMER IN THE CITY 2025
This summer, for the first time, our Youth Ministry will team up with our missional partners to serve right here in Winston Salem for a local mission week. Plan to spend June 1012, 2025 at Centenary and serving each day at these various partner organizations, worshiping together, growing in your faith & friendships, experiencing some incredible evening activities, and witnessing God in our midst right in our own ‘backyard’. Cost for this mission experience is $200 per person. Mark your calendar and watch for registration and more details coming soon!
WAFFLE WEDNESDAY’S
Wednesdays • 5 pm - 6 pm • Youth Commons
We’re mixing things up this summer! Join us mid-week for a summer-long documentary series as we follow along with Morgan Freeman in his production “The Story of God.” Bring your appetite for thought-provoking exploration about God, and of course, an appetite for a waffle-bar spread and other breakfast-for-dinner foods!
LOOKING AHEAD
June 1: Summer Kick-Off/9th Grade Promotion (@ ROAR)
July 19 - 27: YouthWorks! Senior High Mission
Trip
August 17: Sunday school open house & Fall Kick-Off
For more information or to sign up to receive Youth Ministry updates by email, contact Tammy Pollock (tpollock@centenary-ws.org). Follow us on Instagram @ centenary_youth.
OPEN FLOWER DATES
There are two open dates on our Flower Calendar, June 22 and July 13. The cost of flowers is $450.00 for the two arrangements you see each Sunday adorning our altar. These may be taken by an individual, a family, or shared. If shared, the cost is then divided among the number of people sponsoring the flowers. If interested, please contact Paige Morgan-Foy (pmorganfoy@centenary-ws. org/ext. 1358). Paige can be reached on Mondays and Tuesdays.
PARTICIPATING IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III
Senior Minister
LITURGIST
Tammy Pollock, Director of Youth Ministries
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel, Organist
The Chancel Choir
Sam Howell, Music Ministry Intern
CRUCIFER
Katy Cox
TORCHBEARERS
MacRae Robinson
Elle Reid
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers on May 11 were given in loving memory of Mr. Clifford Perry, Jr., Mrs. Elizabeth Perry Sommerkamp, Pauline Davis "Pinkie" & Clifford W. Perry, Sr., Mr. Frank Perry, Mrs. Elizabeth Fetter Perry, and Miss Dorothy Perry by the family.
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 Jim and Ruby Hartman, and Ralph Atkinson, by Gayle Atkinson and family; and in loving memory of Wendell H. "Bunky" Stockton by Richard Stockton and family.
STAY CONNECTED WITH CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
646 West Fifth Street • Winston-Salem, NC 27101 336.724.6311 • www.centenary-ws.org
