SUNDAY • NOVEMBER 16, 2025
“Celebrate Giving” Luke 6:37-38
Preaching
Rev. Lara “Willis” Greene Senior Minister
Tammy Pollock Director of Youth Ministries
Keith Byrd Alternative Music Leader
Zakiyyah Niang, vocals
Ahmad Johnson, vocals
Rodney Archie, vocals
Doug Wright bass
Jacob Anflick, drums
SCAN THE QR CODE TO SIGN UP FOR ADVENT DEOVTIONS
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 • 9:00 am • Memorial Auditorium
• Worship • 11:00 am • 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 11:00 am 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 • NOVEMBER 16, 2025
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
JOIN THE ALTAR GUILD FOR ADVENT
IN MEMORIAM
Leigh Shurley Barrett October 25, 2025
The ministers and members of Centenary extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved familiy and pray they may know the comfort and peace of our Heavenly Father.
ADVENT DEVOTIONS
During the season of Advent, we will be offering devotions based upon the sermon of the week. Daily, there will be a reflection, Scripture reference, focus question, quote and a prayer. This digital-only product, will be delivered each Sunday evening, through an email link. As we “Prepare the Way“ for the birth of Christ, join us and go deeper in your faith journey as we anctipate the birth of Christ. A registration link will be in the “Happenings“ email this week.
ANGEL TREE
Angel Trees are up! If you want to adopt an angel, stop by one of the trees in the Narthex, the 4 ½ Street Reception Narthex or at the 5th Street check-in desk.. Make sure to fill out the sign out booklet with all of the requested information! If you want to be involved but don’t want to shop, you can sponsor an angel! You can give online and select “Angel Tree”, through check or cash or email Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws.org) if you have any questions.
2025 ADVENT OFFERING: SHARE THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT IN A NEW WAY
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
Kids Day In December 13 • 9:30AM-11:30AM
Infants through 2nd graders are invited to join us for a morning of holiday themed fun full of age-appropriate crafts, games and more! The cost is $5 per child. Scan the QR code above to register.
MUSIC & ARTS
Art in the Atrium: All Things Bright & Beautiful Today • November 16 • Noon-1:30PM Atrium Gallery & Commons
After thoughtful discussion and prayerful consideration among our ministry team, we have decided not to continue the longstanding tradition of poinsettia honorariums and memorials this Christmas season. We believe in this moment we should direct our energy and generosity where it’s most needed. Our community is facing urgent challenges related to food insecurity, and we feel called to respond in a meaningful way. Instead of purchasing a poinsettia with recognition in the bulletin, we are inviting our congregation to direct their contributions to our Advent Offering, benefitting Loaves & Fishes. The Lessons & Carols offering and Christmas Eve offerings will also go to Loaves & Fishes. To give, please visit the Centenary website. Click on the Give Tab and select Give Now. Be sure to select “Advent Offering” from the dropdown menu.
The cost of Sanctuary poinsettias will be covered elsewhere in the budget.
Have you ever wondered who “decks the halls” for Advent? Altar Guild is proud to lead the way for our seasonal worship atmosphere. From Christmas trees to poinsettias to wreaths and more, our team is honored to prepare our church for these sacred seasons. We invite all who love Christmas to contact Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.org) for more information.
ADULT FORMATION
Thrive! Women’s Retreat
April 24–26, 2026 • Lake Junaluska Registration is now open for Centenary’s Thrive! Women’s Retreat—note the new date! Join us for a weekend of renewal featuring keynote speaker Rev. Lara “Willis” Greene and arts sessions with Lee Chappell Monroe. Register by January 15 to receive the early bird discount.
NOURISH
Nourish: Last One Until Ash Wednesday Dinner at 5:15PM • Programming at 6:00PM We will be making one more Chrismon! If you can follow directions, you can make a Chrismon! These beautiful ornaments made from white and gold beads that adorn our trees at church during the Advent season are symbols that teach and remind us of who God is and how much God loves us. Reservations are due Tuesday at midnight. Follow the QR code at the top of the page to access the menu, reservation link, and more details about learning opportunities.
Learning Opportunities on November 19: Chrismon Making Children’s Art Experience for children 2 years through 5th grade
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Christmas Craft Night
November 23 • 3:30PM-5:30PM
Picture this: crafting stations with an expert ready to help, family time creating Christmas decorations, and memories that will last a lifetime! We will have many crafts to choose from, with options suitable for all ages so the whole family can participate. If you can’t come to the actual event, you can register for a Take-out kit! Registration closes tomorrow, so make sure you register if you haven’t already by scanning the QR code above. Reach out to Anna Thomas with any questions (athomas@ centenary-ws.org/336.724.6311 ext. 1332).
Save our Summer 2026 Dates!
Vacation Bible School: June 15-18
Camp Tekoa: July 5-11
Music & Arts Camp: July 13-16
Older Elementary Mission Week: July 21-23
Centenary Helps Students Succeed
Did you know that we partner with 2 different schools in Winston-Salem to help provide food for students through the Backpack Program and fill 2 other on-site school food pantries? Are you interested in partnering with us to help students gain access to food? Please consider a financial donation to help us continue in this wonderful ministry! Questions? Contact Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws.org/336.724.6311 ext. 1332) and she can tell you about all the ways we need your help.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Centenary Cares: Showing Care and Sharing Encouragement from Shining Light on Mental Health When we experience challenging circumstances that affect us and involve mental health, yet we wish to remain private, it is still important that we know we are cared for, prayed for, and loved by our church family. If someone you know is stressed or has a loved one experiencing issues with mental health, submit the person’s name to Rev. Oliver Helsabeck, Associate Minister for Congregational Care. A member of Shining Light will confidentially deliver a Centenary Cares bag to the recipient. More information can be found on the church website under Congregational Care/Shining Light.
Refresh
Wednesdays • Noon-12:45 • 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.
MEN’S MINISTRY
Advent Theology on Tap • December 2
5:30M-7:00PM
Men’s Ministry invites all Centenary men and their spouses/partners to join them for the at Lesser Known Brewery (901 South Broad Street). Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy fellowship and to support ministries with a gift. For more details, please contact Tom Lawson at 336-577-2223.
MISSIONS
Blood Drive
Tuesday • December 16 • 12:30PM-5:00PM 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 or check the website.
Join us as we celebrate our community’s artistic talents! “All Things Bright & Beautiful: A Neighborhood Showcase,” Music & Arts’ annual community exhibit, opens TODAY with a public reception. Art will be displayed in the Atrium and 4 1⁄2 Street Galleries until January 8, 2026. Artists represent our congregation (including youth!) and Arbor Acres residents. See you in the gallery!
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
Centenary ornaments can be purchased and picked up now in time for holiday gift giving. You can purchase your ornament through our website at centenary-ws.org by selecting the Give tab then Give Now and enter the purchase price ($40 per ornament) and select Miscellaneous for the Fund. Please reach out Susan Grubbs at shgrubbs4@gmail.com to arrange pickup.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Stoll Into the Light Tonight • 6:00PM-7:15PM Mt. Tabor High School Track Please walk with us at the Fourth Annual “Stroll into Light.” This candle-lit event sheds light on the reality that each person fights their own battle—whether anxiety, depression, or any mental health related issue—and that no person should walk alone. Check-in is before 5:45 pm to get your candle. To register, scan the QR Code above and head to the Youth Ministry webpage.
Confirmation 2026
Wednesdays • January 9-May 13 6:00PM-7:30PM • Youth Commons
We invite all 7th graders to join our Confirmation class as we learn about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the spiritual life. Throughout Confirmation, our hope is that you will encounter Jesus in a very real way, and that your experience changes the way you live your life! Registration is now open via Realm. If you have any questions, contact Tammy Pollock
Niner-Niner!
December 13 • 2:15PM-8:00PM • iFLY 9th graders! Take a leap of faith with your fellow freshman at iFLY Indoor Skydiving. Join us for a free-falling good time of faith, friendship, and of course, food! To register, scan the QR Code above and head to the Youth Ministry webpage.
Sixers
December 5 • 5:15PM-8:00PM
Tanglewood Farm Stables
Calling all 6th graders to come take a holly-jolly hayride through Tanglewood’s Festival of lights! Be sure to bundle-up in layers, but we’ll have hot cocoa and tasty treats to keep us warm while we ride! To register, scan the QR Code above and head to the Youth Ministry webpage.