SUNDAY • NOVEMBER 30, 2025
“The Waiting Place” Luke 1:5-25
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 30, 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 are 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
Stop by one of the Angel Trees in the Narthex, the 4 ½ Street Reception Narthex or at the 5th street check-in desk and 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. Please return gifts by December 3. Join us next Sunday, December 7 from 3-5 pm for a Wrapping Party in the Community Room! Let’s fellowship and spread Christmas cheer!
2025 ADVENT OFFERING: SHARE THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT IN A NEW WAY
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
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.
SENIOR ADULTS
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
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
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.
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.
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
Healing Hands Ministry
First Mondays • 10:00AM-Noon Gathering Room
Calling all knitters and crocheters! Join Healing Hands for a time of fellowship, instruction, and service as members create prayer shawls, lap throws, and other handmade items to provide a tangible blessing for people experiencing loss, crisis, or other need for prayerful care. Items are prayed over and blessed to be given away to others in time of need. No experience is necessary. Contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck or Dianne Moore for more information.
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.
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
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.
All-Youth Friendsgiving Tonight • 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
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.