CHRIST THE KING SUNDAY • NOVEMBER 23, 2025 • 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.
INTROIT
Come Into God’s Courts with Praise — Michael Helman
†CALL TO WORSHIP
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. God’s steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his name.
Make known God’s deeds among the peoples!
God blesses us with gifts of love: with food and clothing, home and family.
God blesses us with daily work: and all we need from day to day.
God calls us into relationship with him: and forms us into one holy people, the Church of Jesus Christ. Therefore, let us offer thanks and praise to the Lord our God. O Lord our God, we give thanks to you forever.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#694 Come, Ye Thankful People, Come — ST. GEORGE’S WINDSOR
†AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is one true church, apostolic and universal, whose holy faith let us now declare:
We believe in God the Father, infinite in wisdom, power, and love, whose mercy is over all his works, and whose will is ever directed to his children’s good. We believe in Jesus Christ, Son of God and Son of man, the gift of the Father’s unfailing grace, the ground of our hope, and the promise of our deliverance from sin and death. We believe in the Holy Spirit as the divine presence in our lives, whereby we are kept in perpetual remembrance of the truth of Christ, and find strength and help in time of need. We believe that this faith should manifest itself in the service of love as set forth in the example of our blessed Lord, to the end that the kingdom of God may come upon the earth. 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.
(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
O Clap Your Hands — John Rutter
O clap your hands together all ye people: O sing unto God with the voice of melody. For the Lord is high and to be feared: he is the great King upon all the earth. He shall subdue the people under us: and the nations under our feet. He shall choose out an heritage for us: even the worship of Jacob whom he loved. God is gone up with a merry noise; and the Lord with the sound of the trump. O sing praises, sing praises unto our God: O sing praises, sing praises unto our King. For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
SCRIPTURE — Colossians 3:15-17
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Celebrate Gratitude”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
My Eternal King — Jane Marshall
My God, I love Thee; not because I hope for heaven thereby, nor yet because who love Thee not must die eternally. Thou, O my Jesus, Thou didst me upon the cross embrace; for me didst bear the nail and spear, and manifold disgrace. Why, then why, o blessed Jesus Christ, should I not love Thee well? Not for the hope of winning heaven, or of escaping hell; not with the hope of gaining aught, not seeking a reward; but as Thyself hast loved me, O everloving Lord! E’en so I love Thee, and will love, and in Thy praise will sing; solely because Thou art my God, and my Eternal King.
†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 COMMITMENT & THANKSGIVING
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS
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.
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
The Lord Bless You and Keep You — John Rutter
The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. Amen. (Numbers 6:24-26)
†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 for Congregational Care
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music & Arts
Joshua Sobel, Organist
The Chancel Choir
West End Ringers; Camille Jones, director
CRUCIFER
Reese Bonsall
TORCHBEARERS
Clark Bonsall
Sloan Bonsall
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of Betty & Eben Alexander by their children and grandchildren.
†HYMN
#102 Now Thank We All Our God — NUN DANKET
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 23, 2025
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
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
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. 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.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Impromptu Christmas Pageant
Sunday • December 21 • 10:00AM • Sanctuary
Join us as we gather in the Sanctuary where everyone will choose a costume and take part in creating a beautiful picture of what the first Christmas might have looked like as the story is told through rhyme and song. There will be no Sunday school for elementary aged kids. We will be collecting hats, gloves and scarves for students at Wiley Middle School on our Tree of Warmth.
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
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.
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
Shining Light on Mental Health: Peer Connector Ministry
MEN’S MINISTRY
Advent Theology on Tap
December 2 • 5:30PM-7:00PM
Men’s Ministry invites all Centenary men and their spouses/partners to join them 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.
Thursday Morning Fellowship
December 4 • 7:30AM-8:30AM
Community Room
We will gather in the second floor Catering Kitchen for coffee, biscuits, and fellowship and will begin the Advent season by hearing a reading of the Christmas Story from Rev. Oliver Helsabeck. To learn more about Men’s Ministry at Centenary, contact Chris Munnelly, Tanner Robinson, Michael Rogers, or Tom Lawson.
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.
MUSIC & ARTS
Art in the Atrium: All Things Bright & Beautiful
November 16 – January 8
Atrium & 4 ½ St. Gallery
Music & Arts’ annual community exhibit is open and filled with art from all age groups! The show spans both the Atrium and 4 1⁄2 Street Galleries. 10% of all art sales will be donated to the Winston-Salem Street School. We hope you will take a moment to appreciate our community’s artistic talents!
Save the Date: Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
Luncheon
Thursday • December 18 • Noon • Auditorium
Join Centenary’s Senior Adults as we celebrate the joys of the season with a special music program featuring Virginia Sheffield, Oliver Helsabeck, and Jonathan Emmons! We will 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 $10.00 and the signup deadline is Wednesday, December 10. If you need transportation 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.
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
All-Youth Friendsgiving
November 30 • 5:00-7:00 pm • Location (TBA) Come celebrate a belated Thanksgiving with all your youth ministry friends! Turkey and ham will be provided, but you are invited to bring either your favorite side-dish or dessert. Keep your eye out for an update on where. If you are interested in hosting, or have questions, contact Kevin Garrity (336.724.6311 ext. 1349).
Confirmation 2026
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
The cost of Sanctuary poinsettias will be covered elsewhere in the budget.
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.
If you experience a crisis of mental health, it’s important to know you are not alone. Our Peer Connector Ministry establishes a confidential connection between you and someone with similar experiences. Peer Connectors serve as supportive friends and listening ears, can provide prayerful, emotional support, and can help to direct you to additional support or resources. Send a confidential message to Rev. Oliver Helsabeck, and he will connect you with a Peer Connector.
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.
Sunday • December 15
Prelude at 4:30PM • Service at 5:00PM
Join the Centenary Choir, Festival Chorus, Carillonneurs, West End Ringers, WinstonSalem Choral Academy, and orchestra for this beloved service.
NOURISH
Nourish Returns For Lent
What a wonderful fall Nourish season we had! Our Wednesday meals and programming will be taking a break through the holidays and new year and start back up again on Ash Wednesday, February 18, with a meal followed by the Ash Wednesday worship service. Beginning February 25, we will resume meals and programming through March 25. Watch for more information in the new year about our programing options for the spring.
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 hollyjolly 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. For questions, contact Kevin Garrity.
