TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • NOVEMBER 9, 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. PRELUDE GREETING
INTROIT
Chiming Brightly — John C. Dare
†CALL TO WORSHIP
Come, let us worship God with gladness! We come with songs of joy. The Lord gives life and hope to all His love endures forever.
Lift up your hearts!
Let all creation rejoice!
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#89 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee — HYMN TO JOY
†AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And 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, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. 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. 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.
CANTICLE
Let Us Sing a Song of Praise — Dorothy Elde Let us sing a song of praise to the Lord, our God
Come with a Grateful Heart — Lynn Shaw Bailey & Becki Slagle Mayo Come to God with a grateful heart, ready to serve and ready to praise. God made everything, all creatures great and small. God loves everyone and God is Lord of all!
(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.)
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
SCRIPTURE — Philippians 4:10-13
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Celebrate Contentment”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
Zion’s Walls — Aaron Copland, arr. Glenn Koponen
Come fathers and mothers, come sisters and brothers, come join us in singing the praises of Zion. O fathers don’t you feel determined to meet within the walls of Zion. We’ll shout and go round the walls of Zion.
†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 THANKSGIVING
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN
#733 Marching to Zion — MARCHING TO ZION
†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
LITURGISTS
Reverend Kate May
Associate Minister with Children
Reverend Oliver Helsabeck
Associate Minister for Congregational Care
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music & Arts
Joshua Sobel, Organist
Jonathan Blake Borton, piano
The Chancel Choir
Creative Arts Experience (CAE) Participants
CRUCIFER
James Edmundson
TORCHBEARERS
Glenn Young
Mack Young
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of William Andrew Copenhaver by his grandchildren Caroline, Pierce, Smoak, and Locke Copenhaver and Annie, Henri, and Spencer Fraise.
The flowers in the Narthex are given in loving memory of Donald Jeffrey Gunnell by his parents Anne and Doug Gunnell.
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 9, 2025
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
IN MEMORIAM
Paul Perkins Gwyn, Jr. October 13, 2025
Richard Lee “Rick” Rauck October 21, 2025
The ministers and members of Centenary extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved families 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
JOIN THE ALTAR GUILD FOR ADVENT
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 Continues!
Dinner at 5:15PM • Programming at 6:00PM
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. Dinner begins reservations are on Tuesdays, 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 9:
Chrismon Making Children’s Art Experience for children 2 years through 5th grade
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
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.
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
MUSIC & ARTS
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!
Lead Worship During Advent: Join CAE! Wednesdays • 6:00PM • East Building
Wondering if your child can be a worship leader during Advent? There is still time to join CAE before the end of the year! Come sing, ring, chime, and create as we prepare to share our gifts with the congregation during this most special season! Our children will next lead worship on December 7. Contact Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.org) to sign up!
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.
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).
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. For questions, contact Kevin Garrity (kgarrity@ centenary-ws.org/336.724.6311ext. 1349).
Youth Group Angel Tree Shopping November 9 • Target & Mario’s Pizza (Hanes Mall Blvd)
Join us for Angel Tree Christmas shopping! Please bring $20 to contribute to gifts for our Angel recipients. No additional money is needed for dinner. Middle School will shop from 5:00-5:45 and then walk to Mario’s Pizza for an ALL-Youth dinner at 6:00. High Schoolers join for dinner and will shop back at Target starting at 6:45 pm.
CHURCH COUNCIL & CHARGE CONFERENCE
Today • November 9 • 12:45PM • Dining Room
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! 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 Takeout kit! Registration is open! Scan the QR code above and register before November 17 (there are a limited number of each craft, so register early!) If you have any leftover, nonchocolate Halloween candy, you can drop it into the large wooden Missions Collection box in the 4 ½ St reception area, and we will use it to decorate Gingerbread Houses! Reach out to Anna Thomas with any questions (athomas@ centenary-ws.org/336.724.6311 ext. 1332).
YOUTH MINISTRY
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.
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.
