November/December Windows

OUR CLERGY AND STAFF Reverend Lory Beth Huffman, Senior Minister lhuffman@centenary-ws.org 336-397-1362 Reverend Jonathan L. Brake, Associate Minister jbrake@centenary-ws.org 336-397-1334 Reverend R. Craig Ford, Associate Minister cford@centenary-ws.org 336-397-1353 Dr. Robert E. Frazier, Director of Music and the Arts rfrazier@centenary-ws.org 336-397-1339 Reverend Sarah S. Howell-Miller, Associate Minister showell@centenary-ws.org 336-397-1348 Reverend Kate May, Associate Minister with Children kmay@centenary-ws.org 336-397-1331 Reverend Jeremy Pegram, Assoc. Minister of Evangelism & Engagement jpegram@centenary-ws.org 336-397-1361 Tamara M. Pollock, Director of Youth Ministries tpollock@centenary-ws.org 336-397-1337 Mary Ann Wexler, Executive Director mwexler@centenary-ws.org 336-397-1346 Susan Bates, Organist and Music Associate sbates@centenary-ws.org 336-397-1340 Martha Bassett, Alternative Music Leader mbassett@centenary-ws.org 336-397-1343 Kristy Eaton, Contributions keaton@centenary-ws.org 336-397-1341 Stacy Holley, Exec. Assistant to Senior Minister sholley@centenary-ws.org 336-397-1359 John Markle, Director of Operations jmarkle@centenary-ws.org 336-397-1347 Doug Peninger, Director of Communications dpeninger@centenary-ws.org 336-397-1368

OUR PAGES Table of Contents/Clergy and Staff ~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 All Saints Evensong ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3 From the Editor ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4 Advent at Centenary ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5 Ministry Spotlight: Trustees & Finance~~~~~~~~~ 6 Page Eight: Exceptional Generosity~~~~~~~~~~~ 8 Impromptu Christmas Pageant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10 Angel Tree ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11 Stewardship 2018~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 Member Spotlight ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 14 Harvest Gifts ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 15 Who Is My Neighbor? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 16 Children’s Ministry: Kindness ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 18 UMW December Meeting ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 20 The More You Give: DayBreak ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 21 Welcome New Members ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 22 Stock Delivery/Women’s Retreat ~~~~~~~~~~~ 24 Scholarships at Centenary~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 25 The Choir Family ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 26 Lessons & Carols~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 27 Celebration of the Saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 28 Poinsettias for Advent~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 29 Calendar~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 30 Memorials ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 32 Honoraria~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 33 Exceptional Generosity: Closing Thoughts~~~~~ 34 Stewardship 2018 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 36

OUR COVER Our cover comes to us from the “Builders’ Window” found in the east transept of the Sanctuary. To the left and right of this image are found the West End Church and the Old Centenary, respectively.

The two churches were united in 1927. The opening worship service in the new Sanctuary was held on September 20, 1927. Dr. Charles C. Weaver was the pastor of the “new” Centenary. The church was dedicated on October 19, 1931.

You can learn more about the windows of the church by reading Centenary United Methodist Church Symbols: The Story Told in Glass, Stone and Fabric.

Debbie Pilson, Director of DAYBreak/Respite Care dpilson@centenary-ws.org 336-397-1345 John Rogers, Director of Information Technology jrogers@centenary-ws.org 336-397-1356 Deana Vickers, Congregational Care Coordinator dvickers@centenary-ws.org 336-397-1352 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 | 2 | CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST

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From the Editor Just hear those sleigh bells jing-a-ling, ringting-ting-a-ling too...

Oh yes, we have arrived at that time of year again. Just this morning, one of the ministers at Centenary showed me a picture of a block of wood, painted, saying, “it’s begining to look a lot like shopping.” Now, while enjoy the I festivities of the season, I am also thankful for the reason of the season.

new members. We have 12 new families who have decided to call Centenary home. I invite you to get to know them.

Throughout this season of exceptional generosity, I hope you will be inspired in new ways to share. I also hope you will be inspired to live into exceptional generosity throughout the new year.

We have numerous things happening over the next two months and I don’t want you to miss a thing! Be sure to mark your calendars for all of the special worship services during Advent as we journey to the manger.

Also, be sure to mark your calendars for Commitment Sunday on November 19. We will celebrate with two worship services at 9am and 11am and also have a celebration

brunch from 9:30am-11:30am in Memorial Auditorium, hosted by our United Methodist Women.

Througout this issue, you will read articles about more that just dollars. We are featuring articles on how your financial gifts make ministry happen. From Angel Tree to scholarships and DayBreak/ Respite Care, there is something for everyone.

One exciting feature I hope you spend a lot of time on is our

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I’ll see you at Centenary. 

Doug Peninger Director of Communications

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| ministry spotlight |

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Good Stewards I

n this issue of Through Centenary Windows, I want to celebrate two of our very involved and very generous committees that serve in leadership at Centenary. Being a member of the Board of Trustees or the Finance Committee can be both daunting at times and extremely rewarding. You are a part of the behind the scenes hard work that it takes to work with the resources God has given us to take care of our facilities and be good stewards of the church finances.

Mary Ann Wexler

mwexler@centenary-ws.org

The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines generosity as “a noble or kindly spirit. Liberal in giving or marked by abundance”. The Cambridge Dictionary defines generosity as “a willingness to give help or support, more than is usual or expected”. If you serve as a committee member of either Trustees or Finance, you soon learn that you will be giving help and support definitely more than you expected. It is truly a dedicated and sincere effort to be good stewards of all that God has given to us as a church.

The charge of the Trustees is to provide oversight of the facilities and our properties and to advise on capital and extraordinary item expenses. At the core of this is to make sure all the ministries of the church can be effective.

Trustees ultimately oversee all the gifts to the congregation and our investments.

At Centenary, the Trustees are a group of nine dedicated folks serving as Christ centered leaders who work diligently to manage the resources of the congregation.

For 2017, the following are voting members of the Board of Trustees: Sam Ogburn Sr., Bob King, Phil Thomas, Cathy Pace, Mark Dunnagan (Chair) , Thad Lewallen,

Danny Newcomb (Vice-Chair), Kate Jernigan and Sue Stephens.

Non-voting members include Marsha Bledsoe, Steve Reeder, Tom Adams, Sam Ogburn Jr., Lory Beth Huffman and myself.

If you have been asked to serve on the Finance Committee and have agreed to do so, you have said yes to providing servant leadership in working with and nurturing the financial vitality of the church. In conjunction with the Executive Director, the role of the Finance Committee is to provide financial transparency, oversee the budgeting process and make sure a successful audit is completed each year. They are generous with their time and their insight as they discern and plan for the use of our financial resources. All of this is done in conjunction with plenty of dialogue with department heads to truly work together on the budget.

As with the Trustees, there are nine voting members of the Finance Committee. For 2017, they include: Sharon Hamilton, Tom Pierce, Jay Perkinson, Kellon Tippett, Drew Cannon, Jim Monroe (Vice-Chair), Tom Adams (Chair), Libit Glenn and Jay Ward. Ex-Officio Voting Members include Marsha Bledsoe, Steve Reeder, Robin Stinson, Mark Dunnagan, Lory Beth Huffman and myself. Danny Newcomb is a nonvoting member. Both the Trustees and the Finance Committees have three year terms with rotating classes.

All of these people come together and exhibit true exceptional generosity and faithful discipleship in their ministries of Trustees and Finance. 

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8 | feature |

Page Eight

This is the issue you’ve all been waiting for— the issue where we point blank say “folks, we need your money.” I can hear the collective groans. Yes, we are going to have plenty of that, but we are also going to hear about other forms of exceptional generosity. I am going to share with you a very personal reflection on my experience with exceptional generosity.

That of one as the recipient. I thank you, in advance, for indulging me. I promise, it will all make sense in the end.

Doug Peninger

dpeninger@centenary-ws.org 336-397-1334

As many of you know, I was born and raised in Charlotte, NC. My father had a fourth grade education and my mother was a cafeteria sever for a local elementary school. She later went on to manage the cafeteria. I was so proud of her for achieving that goal. I have two brothers, still living with their families in the Charlotte area. We didn’t have much as far as possessions or monetary stability. Yes, as a child, we were the recipients of food stamps.

At that time, we attended Southside Baptist church, to which I am thankful. I was fortunate to get a strong foundation in faith and music, which have carried me throughout my life. When the holidays rolled around, on more that one occasion, my family was the recipient of the generosity of the membership. I remember all these beautifully wrapped gifts arriving at our small apartment and being placed underneath a sparse Christmas tree. I’ve never known which Sunday school class or group of folks gave those gifts, but their generosity was cherished.

Another time in my life when I was given a gift of generosity was when I was off to college. I had decided to go to Gardner-Webb College (at the time, now University) to study music, sacred music. I knew that the only way for me to ever dream of going to college

was to apply for scholarships and more than likely take out student loans. As I prepared to audition for a music scholarship, I decided to go after the “Spangler Scholarship.”

It was the highest award a music student could get. I was blessed to be awarded that scholarship which allowed me to study with the wonderful Patricia Harrelson.

Stay with me, because here is where a part of the bigger picture comes into play. When I was 17 years old, I drove up to Gardner-Webb in my 1975 Chevy Monza ( I would never let anyone I know drive off in a car in that bad of shape). I was a Spangler scholarship winner. Fast forward 30 years. I now work at Centenary. That scholarship was endowed by the family of Jane Spangler Poe. Yes, Jane Poe, whom I have had the great pleasure of working with on numerous projects over the years. Didn’t see that one coming, did you?

While working at Centenary, I decided it was time to go back to school and complete a Master’s degree in Strategic Communication at High Point University. As many of you know, the Cabaniss Fund at Centenary enables staff and members to be awarded financial assistance in order to advance their education and ministry. Being a recipient of that fund allowed me to pay a portion of that degree, to which, I am thankful.

When I look back over my life and realize the generosity that has so graciously been bestowed upon me, how can I not return the favor? How can I not “pay it forward?”

The same thing really applies to all of us. I am sure that each and every person who reads this article can share a story or two on how generosity has touched their life—a story of how they have been the recipient of the good fortune of others.

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Yes. But it is about so much more. We have the opportunity to help the next child in the small apartment with nothing under the Christmas tree. We have the opportunity to help the next struggling student realize their full potential.

We have the opportunity to define exceptional generosity as no other generation has before.

Where will it take us? 

But, what about all of those important ministries at Centenary? It also takes actual pledge dollars to help make those happen. It’s just that simple.

I remember, several years ago, during the stewardship season, the plea went out from the pulpit, “what would you want to give up?” As that sinks in, I have to ponder it as well. What would I want to give up? My heart yells out, NOTHING! I only want Centenary to grow and shine like a beacon of faith in our community.

Over the last few weeks, we have been having “Renovation Conversations” as we consider the future of our great church. I won’t delve into that here, but I want to share what I said at each meeting I attended. When asked one thing I would say about Centenary, I always said “endless possibilities.”

Endless because we have been blessed with a congregation who understands that it is better to give than receive. We have a congregation that looks outside of its walls on 5th Street into the surrounding communities and extends generosity to those in need. We have a congregation who steps up to the plate in times of need in order to make ministry happen.

So, I leave you with this: is it about the dollars?

CORE VALUE

Exceptional Generosity- We joyfully share and wisely utilize the resources with which we are richly blessed, including the gifts of time, talents, finances and intellect for the advancement of God’s kingdom.

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LOVING GOD AND LOVING NEIGHBOR

With that in mind, how do we bestow our gifts of time, talent and gifts to others? Many of us are volunteers. I can’t begin to count the untold hours that our members give in service to the many ministries at Centenary. Maybe you deliver flowers to our shut-ins, maybe you help our neighbors at Loaves & Fishes, maybe you assist the print shop to help make sure all of the publications get out on time. To each and everyone of you, I extend a heart felt thank you. Centenary could not exist without you.

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| exceptional generosity |

Angel Tree

O

ne of our congregation’s core values is exceptional generosity. We live into this core value in a multitude of ways, but one of the times it is most evident to me is through our Angel Tree ministry. Each year there are families who have a much brighter Christmas because of the exceptional generosity of our members who find great joy in shopping for children from our sister organizations as though they were their own children.

Rev. Kate May

kmay@centenary-ws.org 336-397-1331

know the joy of Christmas and expressed it through word, through song, through dance, and simply through smiles (which my non-Spanish speaking self understood most easily). From this beautiful congregation and from each organization we partner with I bring you good tidings of great gratitude for your generosity. ď Ž

Last Christmas a group of us had the opportunity to be a part of the evening of worship when our sister church, El Aposento Alto celebrated Christmas together and handed out the gifts from our Centenary families to the children of their members. The night was filled with glory, with joy, with celebration, with praise, and with gratitude.

These are folks who

Where: The Hub Trees Go Up: Sunday, November 5 Gifts returned to the Church by: Sunday, December 3 We can use your help! Want to do more than simply shop for this great ministry? Contact Ashley Maner (336-3971332/amaner@centenary-ws.org) if you would be willing to help prep angels or sort gifts.

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| exceptional generosity |

Exceptional Generosity

I

f it were up to my teenagers, the car would always have five and even ten dollar bills to give to the homeless, panhandlers, and the neighbors they share time and a meal with on “Love Thy Neighbor” Sundays. Per Katie’s urging, I’ve quietly tucked a small gift in the shoe of a gentleman sleeping soundly on a gas station bench, because she knew him from LTN. They’ve shared part of their allowance with panhandlers, hoping to help someone in a small way.

Tracy Mohr

Stewardship Co-Chair

I am NOT advocating this approach to helping our vulnerable neighbors. There are many ways to assist those in need that are likely better and more effective than my daughter’s preferred approach.

But, these experiences have sparked good conversations about how we should support individuals asking for help. It is heartbreaking to pass by someone and offer nothing. Should we stock our car with snack bags? Keep cards with LTN dates and brochures from local agencies who might help? We want to show kindness and offer words of encouragement; it’s hard to know what to do.

What if the gift is used to buy cigarettes?

Or alcohol? Or drugs? These types of questions lead to tough conversations about uncomfortable realities.

Gifts, by definition, are given freely, out of love, no strings attached. I believe this, but admit it seems a little naïve. Still, my answer is, “how someone uses a gift is their choice. If we cannot give unconditionally, understanding the possibility for poor choices, we shouldn’t give anything.”

When God gave us His Son, He did so knowing we’d stumble, fall short, and make bad choices. And yet, He gave freely. We talk about this and the girls offer all kinds of crazy, “what if” scenarios related to God’s love. I hope the power of the exceptional,

generous and humbling gift of His love sinks in. I hope my clumsy analogy is something my daughters always remember.

Our congregation will reflect on the spiritual practice of generosity and gratitude during stewardship this fall. I am grateful to live in this amazing country and blessed to be part of a church family where the Spirit is alive and vibrant, experienced every ordinary day through our relationships with each other, and in our community outreach.

Calling Centenary home has helped my family grow in faith and strengthened our commitment to follow Jesus and his example of radical grace and exceptional, generous love.

For nearly 90 years, Centenary has shared Christ’s love through worship, mission and supportive community inside and outside the walls of the church. I believe the church, maybe more than ever, has a critical role in shaping our lives and our community. How do we, members of the body of Christ, the church, stand as a witness to His exceptional generosity to the community? As members of Centenary, how can each of us grow in our understanding of Christ’s sacrificial love through the practice of exceptional generosity and gratitude?

Imagine what wonderful things might happen in the life and mission of Centenary if each of us gave freely, to the best of our ability, as Christ so freely gave to us?

This season, when we see someone asking for help….and Maribeth says “Mom…..,” In responding, we’ll remember the exceptional generosity of our God, who sent Jesus, love incarnate, freely. No strings attached.

We’ll give thanks for the incredible gift of grace. May this gratitude and exceptional love guide each of us as we make our commitment to Centenary, His church, on November 19. 

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Commitment Sunday • November 19 Worship Services at 9:00am and 11:00am in the Sanctuary Celebration Brunch 9:30am - 11:30am in Memorial Auditorium NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 | 13 | CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST

| celebrating our membership |

We welcome you in Christian love The Douglas Family

By Rev. Jeremy Pegram

I

recently had the opportunity to have lunch with two of Centenary’s newest members, Dixon and Gaines Douglas. These two actually met when they were both in middle school while their respective families vacationed at the beach. Dixon, from Winston-Salem, and Gaines from Greensboro also saw each other throughout their middle school and high school years on the athletic fields when Greensboro Day and Summit would compete against one another. Their college years placed a little more geographical distance between them as Dixon remained in Winston-Salem to attend Wake Forest University and Gaines headed east on I-40 to attend North Carolina State University.

are the subjects of Dixon’s children’s book series “The Adventures of Lovey”.

The books share the memories of a father around experiences of Beverly and “Lovey”.

I imagine if you read between the lines you will discover the love that this family has for one another. They are now members of the Centenary family, which just happens to be Dixon’s childhood church home.

Please join me in welcoming the Douglas Family along with all of our new members to Centenary. 

After tossing their mortarboards into the air and with college degrees in tow they headed to Charlotte to begin their careers in marketing. Dixon has specialized in sports and consumer marketing and Gaines’ background is in real estate marketing. They were married in 2010 and this family of two became three when their daughter Beverly arrived four years ago. Soon they will be a family of four as not too long after this article is published they will have welcomed another baby to the Douglas home.

In January of 2017, family, friends, and a job change made for an easy move from Charlotte to WinstonSalem. Dixon is now employed by ProLogic Retail Services, and Gaines has her time joyfully filled with matters related to being an attentive mother of a vibrant and energetic little girl. Beverly and Lovey, a toy that has received much affection,

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Who is my neighbor?

Don Dwiggins Guest Writer

D

o libraries still matter? After all, everything you need to know in life is but a click away on the Internet, right?

The brand new 106,000 sq. ft. Central Library is a 180° degree change from the old library built in 1952 with an addition added in 1979. A three story atrium greets you as you enter the building. To the right is Coffee Park, where you can order coffee, lattes and other assorted beverages as well as pastries and light snacks.

you can sign up for free instruction on anything from learning today’s popular software programs to how to use e-bay.

Leaving the computer lab you’ll pass our AV section, overflowing with movies and music from practically every genre and every era, from the 1940’s right up to present day. So what does it cost? It’s absolutely free. All you need is your library card which is also free.

A 289 seat auditorium is fully wired for technology and includes a Dolby Surround Sound system, wi-fi, blu ray video disc system and in-house video cameras for recording events. In addition to the auditorium you can reserve any of five additional public meeting rooms also fully wired for technology.

Walking toward our children’s area you’ll wish you were a kid again when you see what we have for the little ones. First there is technology galore with 12 computers loaded with software for early learners. We’ve also added three private rooms for tutoring and there are tons of music CDs and movie DVDs available for checkout. And books, books and more books for any age and any interest.

Over 90 public access Internet computers are located throughout the building including a 20 seat computer learning center where

On the second floor we have an expanded teen area that includes a video production corner with green screen, studio lighting,

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Ok genealogist and local history buffs, your ship has come in. Our expanded NC/Local History Room is a sight to see. Maps from the early 1900s, bound volumes of military rolls for both Confederate and Union armies, census reports, old telephone books, city directories and an incredible photo collection that includes the work of some of Winston-Salem’s most famous photographers and photos from the last 140 years.

Libraries are the soul of a community, a crossroads where divergent thought and opinions are presented, analyzed and debated in a spirit of respect and civility regarded as critical to the survival of our nation by our founding fathers. Libraries are a cornerstone of the community’s past accomplishments and a building block for its future successes. So, do libraries still matter? Yes they do, now more than ever. 

While the list of what’s new in the library is long and impressive, one thing remains constant.

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LOVING GOD AND LOVING NEIGHBOR

video cameras and editing technology. Next door is our new Makerspace that features our new 3D printer as well as other tools and implements that promote experimentation with design and construction of anything you can imagine.

| exceptional generosity |

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Kindness Can Change the World

A

Rev. Kate May

kmay@centenary-ws.org 336-397-1331

bout a year ago Children’s council began considering what it would mean if we wanted to infuse the DNA of children’s ministry with an expectation of kindness. We were overwhelmed with the news we saw about what was going on in our world. Kindness was not the word we would have used to describe what we saw and heard and we sensed that as much as that grieved us that it was breaking God’s heart. So we began to think and pray about how we could lay a foundation of kindness.

It all started with a children’s book, Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed.

In this book an ordinary child, Mary, does a small act of kindness that is passed on until it changes the whole world. So with that in mind we launched our Kindness Initiative on Promotion Sunday, August 27.

Here’s how our plan works. Each of our kids receive a kindness jar. Each time they attend a children’s ministry event they will receive 5 pennies and be encouraged to do acts of kindness.

Each time they do an act of kindness they get to put one of their pennies into their kindness jar. Why did we choose pennies? Well first we didn’t want to give the impression that we are paying kids to do kindness, the penny is mostly symbolic, after all what can you buy for a penny? But it is also our hope that kids will do more than 5 acts of kindness in a week. Since we are using pennies, after kids move all of their pennies into their jar, parents

can give them additional pennies for additional acts of kindness.

But here’s the other thing about pennies. Even though one penny might be pretty worthless, a whole bunch of pennies can become meaningful. So the next step is that when the kids fill their penny jars they will bring them to church and add them to our fish tank collection. When our fish tank is full we will count the pennies and donate them to H.O.P.E, an organization chosen by our kids who participated in Older Elementary Mission Week uses kindness to change the world by feeding hungry children. It is our hope that we can give our kids some tangible examples of how small acts of kindness can change the world!

So how can you support us?

We challenge you to be aware of opportunities to share kindness. You never know who is watching! We ask that you pray for our kids and families that they would see opportunities for kindness and have the courage to live into those opportunities. The other thing you can do is to collect pennies!

We have a lot of kids and our hope is they will do lots of acts of kindness so we are going to need lots of pennies!

Bring them by the Reception Narthex at the auditorium entrance or the 1960s building lobby.

I wonder how many times we’ll fill the fish tank? I wonder how our kids will change the world? 

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| exceptional generosity |

The More You Give

“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”

I

f you enter Centenary at 4 l/2 Street, turn right and walk down the hall, you will see in action a beautiful ministry – the Daybreak Respite Care program.

Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., volunteers willingly give of their time to provide older adults with memory impairment an opportunity to have a good day and to give their caregivers some time off from caregiving.

Laura Young Guest Writer

The volunteers – Leon and Carol Leinbach, John and Glenda Williams, Mary Dwight, Hayes Foster, Paul and Nancy Gwyn, Michelle Cobb, Becky Foster, Deedee Fenwick, Jim Gledhill, Fran Hawkins and Judy Ditmore – come from 2-5 hours weekly – some in the morning, some in the afternoon. Under the leadership of Debbie Pilson, Program Director, volunteers serve light snacks, participate in group conversations with the participants, help serve lunch, play games, do activities, including artwork, exercise and, from to time to time, go with the participants on outings.

The paradox of life is the more you give, the more you get. You find your life by losing it. These volunteers are true examples of this paradox. They say they get so much more than they give. Leon Leinbach, a volunteer for over 10 years, says “I saw a need, and I could do it. I enjoy the people, the personalities of everyone, and I think about each one, even when I’m not there.” John Williams quotes Albert Schweitzer saying “The purpose of human life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others.”

Glenda Williams says: “I love their positive reaction to our interest in them.”

Should you decide that you can be generous with your time by volunteering to help in this program, please contact Debbie Pilson, 336-397-1345. And when you see these people who so willingly give of their time, please give them a thank-you for their exceptional generosity. 

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New Members We welcome you in Christian love...

Richard & Janice Anderson

Brian & Amy Calicott (Caitlin & Ella)

Brad & Julie Clark (Sloan & Presley)

Josh & Mary Katherine Crane Bo & Lucy

Dixon & Gaines Douglas (Beverly)

Charles & Elizabeth Frost (Charlie)

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Scott Huber

Pat Guyer

Sue Morgan

Chris & Annsley Munnely

Jim Ruckart & Kathryn Waugh

Alden Smith & Jennie Mostellar

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Stock Delivery Instructions Making a gift of securities to Centenary United Methodist Church is another way to contribute to the church. Such a gift offers tax savings to most donors. Electronic transfer is the most common method of delivering a gift of securities to Centenary.

To deliver your gift of securities electronically, please follow these simple instructions.

(1) Instruct your broker that your DTC-eligible securities are to be transferred electronically to:

Centenary United Methodist Church

Federal Tax ID # 56-0552783 (2) Provide Centenary or instruct your broker to provide Centenary with:

1. a description (name of stock) and the amount of your securities to be transferred 2. the name of brokerage firm 3. the name of the fund to be credited or the purpose of the gift

(3) Provide your broker with the list of brokerage firms listed below that Centenary has accounts with: Charles Schwab Account # 2184 0742 DTC # 0164 Commission: $5 per transaction

Scottrade Account # 20746083 DTC # 0705 Commission: $7 per transaction

Stephens, Inc. Account # 160980382 DTC # 0419 Commission: $50 per transaction

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kristy Eaton (336-397-1341)/keaton@centenary-ws.org.Always be sure to notify Centenary when you authorize an electronic transfer of securities.

February 23-25, 2018 Pinehurst Resort & Spa

Open to all women, post-high school or “better�

Come enjoy a weekend of rest, fellowship, and spiritual renewal with an intergenerational group of Christian women Cost: $??** Limited scholarships available Visit www.centenary-ws.org/sign-up for more information and to register Contact Stacy Holley (sholley@centenary-ws.org / 336-397-1359) with questions NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 | 24 | CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST

| exceptional generosity |

Scholarships at Centenary “That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed.”

Matthew 13

T Tammy Pollock

tpollock@centenary-ws.org

his is truly one of my most favorite scriptures, especially when I think of generosity. When I close my eyes and hear this parable I can see in my minds-eye a farmer with his bag of seed, hanging at his side, digging his hands deep into the bag and throwing the seed far and wide. Most often farmers are very precise when it comes to planting seed, however, there is a method called broadcast seeding, where the farmer literally, generously scatters the seed all over the field. For me this a genuine reflection of the grace and love God offers to us through Jesus. His grace is extravagant and scandalous at times.

He casts the seeds of truth and salvation over us all the time hoping it will land in a place that is ready to receive the beauty and life God longs for us to have.

I think that there is a generosity that is similar here at Centenary. One of the things I am most confident about and know to be true is that our people are constantly wanting to give generously so that others may have and may experience life-giving growth. Each year, in our youth ministry, we take mission trips, retreats, ski trips, go on all kinds of adventures, and we have a new Confirmation class…all of which costs money. Not all our youth can afford to go on all these ministry moments but they get to go anyway because of the generosity of our people. Year after year I am always grateful for the ways our people want to help, not only support our ministry, but support our youth so they can have the opportunity to encounter Jesus. There is tremendous hope in that. People wanting to give what they have so that others might have a chance to grow in ways they otherwise wouldn’t be able to.

college bound youth, achieve their dreams of going to college and graduate school. There are currently three scholarship funds that give hope and help to those longing to grow in their education.

The scholarships that are available include the T.B. and Mary Neal Dixson Foundation, The Cabaniss Fund and The Emma Kapp Ogburn Fund. You can find more details go to our website under the ‘engage’ tab and then the ‘resources’ tab. There you can also find the applications for each of these generous scholarships.

In the parable of the Sower, hope is the reason behind sowing the seed in the first place. If the seed is sown it has a chance to grow. My dear friend, Anne Pierce, once gave me a picture she took of a flower growing up out of a concrete construction sight. It is a stunning picture! Anne wrote on the photo, “Tammy, all seeds want to grow, no matter their circumstance.” That is the hope of the sower, that wherever the seed may land, it may grow into something magnificent.

The generosity of the Sower, or the Giver, is the hope all of us need. Thanks be to God for the absurd and extravagant way our people want to give and help and see opportunity rise up for our youth and for one another. 

Our church is also rich in opportunities to help people, of all ages, but especially our

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| exceptional generosity |

The Choir Family

W

hat does it mean to be a part of the Choir Family here at Centenary? What does it mean to give of your time and talents to make a joyful noise unto the Lord every Sunday?

Being a volunteer choir member means showing up for rehearsals and singing in worship on Sundays, but it is also so much more. Giving of your time and talents in choir connects you with those around you in a profoundly Cat Zachary intimate way czachary@centenary-ws.org and helps you 336-397-1336/1342 grow in your faith together as you sing the Word in song. The generosity of our devotion to God and to the choir rewards each choir member with much more than any one of us could ever give individually.

Ranging in age from teen to golden years, our choir family includes many generations. Some are related by blood or marriage. Melanie Collins started singing in the choir in 1979 as a paid soloist while studying at North Carolina School of the Arts and now volunteers her time and talents. Now she is also joined in choir by her daughter and granddaughter. Oh how meaningful it is to sing with her family she says, “What can I say? To look across the

room and see my daughter, Chris Martin and my granddaughter, Sara Lynch fills my heart with joy and pride.

Music and all of its wonders is something we share and cherish.”

All of us though, are related by faith and love.

Sara Lynch, who moved back to the area just last year, said “Our choir family means the world to me. Many of these people have known me my whole life and have watched me grow up. The genuine friendship and love among them is a true sign of God’s presence among a group of people who gather to worship.

I’ve learned many lessons in my faith through my choir family.”

Suzanne Maggs, whose mother Anne Saxon also sings in choir and encouraged Suzanne do the same when she moved back to Winston Salem, got to know her husband, Jeff Maggs, by singing in the choir.

She says, “It means the world to me that I can sing alongside my mother, and I love that my daughters get to see me participate in worship with my family. My best friends are choir members, and choir is a huge and important part of my life; they restored my faith

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after a few very hard years, and if I didn’t come back to singing I don’t think I would come to church at all. The choir was a vessel for me to plant my roots of faith.”

As we celebrate the Exceptional Generosity of our church family, I celebrate the generosity of our volunteer choir members in particular. There is no better example of generosity and stewardship than the incredible donation of these singers’ time, talents, and love. May we all strive to be as generous with our own time and talents. ¢

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We remember...

On Sunday, November 5, Centenary will celebrate All Saints Sunday when we will remember the Saints who have gone before us. May the fire of their devotion light our way. * William L. Ball, Jr Frederick “Fred” Christian Bauer Raymond “Ray” A. Blevins, Jr. Elizabeth “Liz” Brady Jean Ann Puppe Brown Joseph Glenn Butler William “Bill” Edward Caldwell Sophia Spivey Cody Hylton “Betty” K Crotts Algie Crutchfield Samuel “Sam” S Dalton Eleanor Adlessie Dinkins Catherine “Kitty” Dobbs Robert “Bob” O. Dockery Frances Farthing Charles E. Frye, Jr. Richard “Dick” Vance Fulp Richard “Dick” R. Glenn Harriet Ann Grant Maxine Halverson Dwight Everett Harmon William “Bill” Guy Hathcock Alice Williams Hinman Milburn “Millie” H Hinshaw Barbara Wall Holcomb Jacqueline Hunt

Evelyn Johnson Margaret Rock Keely Ruth Ellen Long John Marvin Martin Maxwell “Max” Lee Morgan, Sr. Elizabeth “Elsie” Diggs Orr John “Jack” E Parker, Jr. Mary Ann Parrish L. Gordon Pfefferkorn, Jr. Durward “Ed” Edmond Randolph Mary Irvin Thompson Reavis Willie Brownlow Reavis Fern G. Rhodes Donald Martin Shutt Sue Travis Smith Hugh A. Snow Randall Worth Sparger, Jr Sarah White Stedman Dorothy “Dottie” Tomlinson Marian Townsend

*List current as of October 9, 2017 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 | 28 | CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST

Lawrence “Larry” Crumpler Walker, Jr. Catherine “Cacky” Choate Ward William “Bill” Heath Whiteheart Pat Williard Ada Harvey Worley

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Be sure to mark your calendars with the events on these pages. For the most current information, be sure to see the Sunday bulletins and the church website, as well as the weekly “Engage” email blast.

November

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December

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Memorials

We remember the saints who have gone before....

Back Pack Program

& Hayden Kepley.

Stephen Ministry

In memory of Robert P. “Bob” Noble by The Mark Bible Class. In memory of Helen Ann Lerian Humphrey by Hayden & Mary Kepley. In memory of Donald Ray House by Mary & Hayden Kepley.

DayBreak/Respite Care

In memory of Robert P. “Bob” Noble by Theresa & Bailey Liipfert, Fred, Melanie, Craig, & Emma Park, Judith Ingram.

Centenary Fund In memory of Dorothy “Dotty” Gray Ellis Tomlinson by James & Cynthia Logan, Dan & Deborah Greer, Linda & Paul Norman.

In memory of Durwood Edmond “Ed” Randolph by Circle #5, Dan & Christine Bland, Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Shough, Michael & Christian Dew, Wanda S. Dorsett. In memory of Dilworth Stroud Cook, Jr. by Ann’s Accounting & Tax Professionals. In memory of Raymond Anderson Blevins, Jr. by the Bowden Lab at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. In memory of Sarah White Stedman by Lloyd & Ann Hamlet, James Bunn lll, Vernon & Frankie Winters, Frank & Sara Rayburn, Mr. & Mrs. James E. Martin, David Blanco, Mary & Hayden Kepley. In memory of Barbara Ann Wright Wall Holcomb by Frances & Stuart Vaughn, Don & Kelly White, Rayburn Wright, Eric, Belinda, Will & Ben Pike, Kathryn & Bobby Edwards, Mrs. Douglas Dillard, Morris & Beverly Marley, Charles & Sandy Shelton, Edwin & Dotti Shelton, Ryan’s Restaurants LLC, Northern Hospital of Surry County, Kay & Ken Chalk, Thomas Gray and Paul Zickell, Betty Hamm, Rick & Carole Vaughn, Kyle Quinlivan & the Wells Fargo Private Bank Team, Piedmont Carolina Nursery & Landscaping, William & Katherine Hoyt.

In memory of Richard Vance Fulp by Mr. & Mrs. James E. Martin. In memory of Joseph Glenn Butler by Thomas Gray, Sharon & Ron Shealy, Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Vaughn, Mr. & Mrs. Ed Battle, Ken & Susan Sommerkamp, Jarman & Janie Fleenor Jenkins, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Hauser, Mr. & Mrs. Cliff Perry Jr., Jim & Elizabeth Holmes, Chuck & Elizabeth Duckett. In memory of Ada Harvey Worley by Barbara Cole, Jim Newbury & Anne Shoulders, Jarman & Janie Fleenor Jenkins, Angel Fund Foundation Inc., Amy & Bill Sage, Kathryn Murray, Carol & Mike Morgan. In memory of Robert F. McCracken by James R. McCracken. In memory of James Michael Randleman by Jim & Elizabeth Holmes. In memory of Sue Travis Smith by Hayden & Mary Kepley. In memory of Russell Cobb Nickens by Mary

In memory of Ann Sullivan Eickmeyer

by Esther & Leslie Preston, Ashley Clark Hopkins, Hayes & Gail McNeill, John & Donna Fitzgerald, Barbara & Wayne Anderson. In memory of Richard Vance Fulp by Mr. & Mrs. W. R. Watson, Phyllis Dunning, Paul & Nancy Gwyn, Vernon & Frankie Winters, Anita & Tom Ogburn, Caroline Mitchell, Deedee Fenwick, C. Rudisill lll, Kaye P. Watts, Music & the Arts Ministry Team, Ben & Ann Parks.

In memory of Joseph Glenn Butler by Caroline Mitchell. In memory of Reverend Jerry Moore by Jan Sawyer, Winston Salem Newcomers and Neighbors, Deedee Fenwick, Ruth Ann Phillips. In memory of Sarah White Stedman by Caroline Mitchell.

General Fund In memory of Joseph Glenn Butler by Elizabeth Crockett.

Music & the Arts

In memory of Richard “Dick” Fulp by Jean Burroughs. In memory of Sarah White Stedman by Jean Burroughs.

Sacred Music In memory of John Marvin Martin by James R. Jarrell, Mr. & Mrs. Ralph T. White Jr., Joan & Jerry Murdock. In memory of Sara Fountain Lore by Ann Lore. In memory of Barbara Ann Wright Wall Holcomb by Caroline Mitchell.

Senior Adult Ministry In memory of Robert O. “Bob” Dockery

by Mrs. Mary Lois Bynum, Jack & Ellen Broome.

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Youth Ministry In memory of Sarah Roberts Albaugh by Tom & Megan Lawson.

Honoraria

We celebrate the kingdom of God among us...

Children’s Ministry

Loaves & Fishes

In honor of Fletcher Louise Lambert by Kaye & David Lambert.

In honor of Reverend George Robinson by Nancy & Dan Culp.

DayBreak/Respite Care

Senior Adult Ministry

In honor of Charles White by Mr. & Mrs. R. Sutton Edmondson lll. In honor of Barbara Fulp and family by Kaye P. Watts.

In honor of Reverend Craig Ford by Lindsay Holcomb Jr.

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Shining Light on Mental Health In honor of Camille Smith’s 80th birthday

by Grier Novinger, Becky Schneider, Ginna Mashburn, Gail Anderson.

Youth Missions In honor of Caroline Welch on her mission trip to Detroit by Meredith & Win Welch.

| senior minister |

Exceptional Generosity

D

octors have metrics for measuring a person’s health and well-being.

They look at blood pressure, temperature, body weight, blood sugar, etc. Financial consultants have metrics in which they can measure a person’s financial health.

They look at how much is in available savings, how much is being contributed towards retirement, cash flow, and amount of debt, etc. in order to calculate one’s financial health.

Rev. Lory Beth Huffman

But what about pastors?

What metrics do we have to measure and assess one’s spiritual health? Worship attendance and stewardship patterns are easier to assess. But of course participation in small group discipleship and service opportunities are two other important metrics to consider.

lhuffman@centenary-ws.org 336-397-1362

I say all of this to make the point that how we live into the stewardship of the resources God has blessed us with is directly correlated to our spiritual maturity as we travel our faith journey. It should be one of the metrics that we as individuals use to assess our own spiritual well being.

I want to encourage you to reflect on whether you fall on the exceptional side of the spectrum or the scarcity side of the continuum. Is this an area that needs some maturing in your personal life?

This church has the capacity to be extremely generous.

This generosity comes from both having hearts willing to share with those in need as well as having capacity of resources to be shared. The issue is whether we choose to share those resources or not.

And whether we choose to share them with God’s church.

Because I know that our folks get asked to support multiple good causes throughout the year. The question is: Are those good causes kingdom causes and is your giving giving back to God for God to use those gifts? That’s Biblical tithing not charitable giving.

Centenary lifts up as one of our core values Exceptional Generosity. We believe we are a church that values giving in order to support God’s Kingdom work. Whether that is giving of our own talents and giftedness, sharing our precious time or giving of our valuable financial resources, we have a history of generosity. We want to build on that history and secure a bright and vibrant future by continuing this legacy of generosity.

When this church comes together bringing all of its resources, there is truly nothing this church can’t do for God. When we as individuals remember how important our stewardship practice is to God, we can faithfully respond to the call to give generously for God’s

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purposes. When we recognize that while the Bible offers 500 verses on prayer and less than 500 verses on faith there are over 2000 verses on money and possessions. When we remember that emphasis, we begin to take seriously how we use our own money and possessions. We begin to find ways to grow our own generosity so that our spiritual health grows stronger and stronger.

Our theme for stewardship this season is Thankful Giving.

Much will be demanded from everyone who has been given much, and from the one who has been entrusted with much, even more will be asked. Luke 12:48b Friends, a great deal is being asked of you this Stewardship season. While this past year had some bumps along the way, we know that Centenary is capable of providing all the resources that are needed for a vital, Christ-loving congregation to fruitfully do ministry. We also believe that while we are supporting the operating and ministry expenses of our church, we are heading into a Capital Campaign renovation project that will ask for above and beyond. Let us be clear, our first fruits go to our Stewardship campaign as the baseline support for the ministries of our church. That is our first fruit offerings to

Because so much has been entrusted to each one of us, God is asking even more. What I believe so strongly we will discover is that as we step up to what God is asking of us, we will receive the amazing blessing of joy and multiplication.

Joy comes in selflessly giving to others and being free to share what we have with others. Followed close behind that joy in sharing is the multiplication that God always does with the gifts we give. Then we get to be amazed at how our God operates and humbly realize it is more about what God can do than it is about our own giving. I truly hope you have experienced that kind of generosity blessing that only comes when you give to God freely and generously.

of worship, your opportunities to serve and love others, and especially your stewardship patterns. Do a little spiritual health self check-up.

Much is being asked of each one of us. But God’s capacity to bless and multiply all that we do is worth every second that we give and every dollar that we offer. And to be a part of God’s plans through strong giving is ultimately a sign of our faith and increased spiritual well-being.

“Giving is more than a responsibility—it is a privilege; more than an act of obedience—it is evidence of our faith.” William Arthur Ward (1921-94), American educator Grace and Peace,

Lory Beth Huffman

As we wind up this significant year in the life of Centenary, with so many exciting things taking place, I pray that you will spend some time assessing your own spiritual health. I pray that you will consider your worship attendance, your participating in some kind of small group that provides spiritual formation opportunities outside

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LOVING GOD AND LOVING NEIGHBOR

God to put it in Biblical terms. The Capital Campaign are gifts above and beyond our regular giving. A special one time ask (although it may be paid out over a couple of years), it is not meant to be in lieu of our yearly tithing to God.

(USPS 628-480)

Periodicals Postage Paid at Winston-Salem, NC

Published By: Centenary United Methodist Church PO Box 658 Winston-Salem, NC 27102-0658 Church Office: (336) 724-6311 Fax: (336) 723-5840 Website: www.centenary-ws.org Postmaster Send Address Changes to: Centenary United Methodist Church PO Box 658 Winston-Salem, NC 27102-0658 A Stephen Ministry Congregation Printed on recycled paper

Commitment Sunday • November 19 Worship Services at 9:00am and 11:00am in the Sanctuary Celebration Brunch 9:30am - 11:30am in Memorial Auditorium