SUNDAY • NOVEMBER 2, 2025
“Balcony People” Hebrews 12:1-2
Preaching
Rev. Lara “Willis” Greene Senior Minister
Liturgist
Rev. Oliver Helsabeck Associate Minister for Congregational Care
Music
Keith Byrd Alternative Music Leader
Zakiyyah Niang, vocals
Ahmad Johnson, vocals
Rodney Archie, vocals
Doug Wright bass
Jacob Anflick, drums
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 2, 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 beginning this week. For questions, contact Doug Peninger.
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 entrance. 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.
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 Continues!
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
No Children’s Worship
Today, rather than leaving for children’s worship, K-3rd graders will remain in the service with their grown-ups to participate in worship and communion together. If you did not pick up a worship bag on your way in, they are available in the narthex and outside the East transept. We look forward to having your child join us for children’s worship next week!
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 life time! Join us as a family to create Christmas decorations that can be the first ones out for the season. We will have many crafts to choose from, with options suitable for all ages. If you can’t come to the actual event, you can register for a Take-out kit! Registration will open November 4, which you can access by scanning the QR code above. If you have any leftover, non-chocolate Halloween candy, bring it in and we can use it to decorate Gingerbread Houses!
You Can Help Feed Hungry Students
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, ext 1332) and she can tell you about all the ways we need your help.
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
MEN’S MINISTRY
Thursday Morning Fellowship
November 6 • 7:30AM-8:30AM Community Room
We will gather in the second floor Catering Kitchen for coffee, biscuits, and fellowship and will hear from Kevin Garritty, Assistant Director of Centenary’s Youth Ministry. Kevin actively volunteers at the Winston-Salem Street School and will share his call to ministry and how older men can be positively involved in the lives of our younger Centenary brothers. To learn more about Men’s Ministry at Centenary, contact Chris Munnelly, Tanner Robinson, Michael Rogers, or Tom Lawson.
MUSIC & ARTS
All Saints Recital • Joshua Sobel, organ Today • November 2 • 4:00PM • Sanctuary
Music & Arts invites you to a recital of sacred music honoring the saints we have lost this year. Offered by Centenary organist Joshua Sobel, we hope you will join us this afternoon for a time of remembrance and hope.
Art in the Atrium: All Things Bright & Beautiful
Sunday • November 16 • Noon-1:30PM
Atrium Gallery & Commons
Join us as we celebrate our community’s artistic talents! “All Things Bright & Beautiful: A Neighborhood Showcase,” Music & Arts’ annual community exhibit, opens Sunday, November 16 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! Artists’ submission information is due by Tuesday, November 4.
Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
Sunday • December 14 • Sanctuary
Prelude at 4:30PM • Worship at 5:00PM
Join the Centenary Choir, Festival Chorus, Carillonneurs, West End Ringers, WinstonSalem Choral Academy, and orchestra for this beloved service.
2026 Senior High Mission Trip Registration
November 4 • 9:00AM • Puerto Rico
July 18-25, 2026
This July, if you are a Senior High youth (rising freshman-just graduated seniors), you’re invited to register for our annual YouthWorks Mission Trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Registration goes live via Realm at 9:00 am on November 4. Spots for this incredible mission trip are limited and go VERY quickly. All trip itinerary & cost details will be listed on the Realm registration site. If you have any questions ahead of time, please contact Tammy Pollock.
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
Sixers!
November 14 • 6:00PM-8:00PM
Urban Air Trampoline Park
Join us for November Sixers! A fun night of bouncing, playing, and eating with all your 6th grade friends. To register, scan the QR Code above and head to the Youth Ministry webpage. For questions, contact Kevin Garrity (kgarrity@ centenary-ws.org/ext. 1349).
Love Thy Neighbor Reader Glasses Drive
The Love Thy Neighbor Leadership Team & Medical Clinic are in need of reader glasses. If you have gently used readers, or are willing to purchase new ones for donation, please contact Kevin Garrity (kgarrity@centenary-ws. org/ 336.724.6311 ext. 1349).
CHURCH COUNCIL & CHARGE CONFERENCE
Sunday • November 9 • 12:45PM • Dining Room
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
Dinner at 5:15PM • Programming at 6:00PM This week at Nourish we will start making Chrismons! 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. 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 5:
Chrismon Making Children’s Art Experience for children 2 years through 5th grade
The last Nourish meal and learning opportunities for the fall will be Wednesday, November 19.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Veterans Day Breakfast
Tuesday • November 11 • 9:00AM Memorial Auditorium
All Veterans, their families, friends, and all who would like to honor our veterans for their service are invited to attend. There is no charge for breakfast, but donations will be accepted. Come and join us in giving thanks for our veterans and their families. To register, please contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck. Deadline for registration is Sunday, November 2.
SENIOR ADULTS
Luncheon
Thursday • November 20 • Noon
Memorial Auditorium
November’s guest speakers will share about senior programming through the YMCA. We 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, Nov. 12. 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 before the luncheon.
The business of the charge conference will include setting salaries for the appointed clergy and approving the lay leadership for Centenary for the coming year. The voting members of the Charge Conference are members of the Church Council, the lay delegates to the annual conference, and retired clergy for whom Centenary holds their charge conference membership. Members of the church may attend the meeting.