EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • OCTOBER 12, 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.
† Please
PRELUDE
GREETING
INTROIT
The Spirit Helps Us (from “A New Creation”) — René Clausen
The spirit helps us in our weakness, for we know not how to pray. The spirit pleas for us, with sighs too deep for words; and God, who searches us, knows the mind of the spirit. A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you. You shall be my people, and I shall be your God.
†CALL TO WORSHIP
Called by God, we have come to rejoice!
Called by Christ, we have come to follow. Called by the Spirit, we will listen and pray. Called together, we have come to worship!
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#98 To God Be the Glory — TO GOD BE THE GLORY
†AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We are not alone, we live in God’s world.
We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit. We trust in God. We are called to be the church: to celebrate God’s presence, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God. 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
Standing in the Need of Prayer — Spiritual, arr. Moses Hogan It’s me, it’s me, oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer. Not my brother, not my sister, not my mother, not my father, not the deacon, not the preacher, but it’s me, oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer.
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
SCRIPTURE — Luke 5:27-39
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “At the Table: With Sinners”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
Hymn of Mercy — Dan Forrest Gracious Lord, Thy mercy filleth all the earth below; and from heaven’s throne it falleth when to Thee I go. Mercy flowing, swift pursuing like a river strong, sympathizing with my weakness; mercy suffering long. Mercy calling with compassion: “Oh, return to Me.” Wounded are the Hands extended, loving is the plea. How can I refuse Thy mercy? Whither would I flee? From my idol shrine I turn, Lord, reaching up to Thee.
†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
#378 Amazing Grace! How Sweet the Sound — AMAZING GRACE
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 Kate May
Associate Minister with Children
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music & Arts
Joshua Sobel, Organist
The Chancel Choir
CRUCIFER
Meg Gilliam
TORCHBEARERS
Mary Blythe Maner
Thomas Saxon
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Sylvester Douglas, Jr., and Mr. and Mrs. Beverly Kyle Millaway, Jr., by their family.
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 • OCTOBER 12, 2025
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
IN MEMORIAM
David Robert Halliday November 13, 2024
The ministers and members of Centenary extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved family and pray they may know the comfort and peace of our Heavenly Father.
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.
ALTAR GUILD
Altar Guild Gathering: All Are Welcome
Sunday • October 19 • Noon • Atrium Gallery
Join us directly after 11:00 am worship next Sunday for a potluck-style luncheon in the Atrium Gallery (Room 108, East Building). We invite all who are a part of the Altar Guild or are interested in our work to come and enjoy fellowship, ask questions, and hear about upcoming ways to serve. Bring a favorite dish to share and bring a friend to learn aboutand even join - the Guild! Please email Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.org) to RSVP by this Wednesday, October 15.
NOURISH
Nourish Continues!
Dinner at 5:15PM • Programming at 6:00PM
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Save the Date for 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 lifetime! 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! Watch for more details coming soon.
Angel Tree
Angel Trees will be up and full of angels ready to be adopted on October 29. We have lots of opportunities for you to plug in even beyond adopting an angel, including organizing the gifts, helping others adopt angels, wrapping gifts and more! Be in touch with Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws.org) if you have any questions.
You Can Help Feed Hungry Students
Did you know Centenary has the privilege of partnering with the Backpack Program organized by Second Harvest Food Bank? We are currently partnered with Brunson Elementary and Wiley Middle School and with your help, we are providing weekend meals for 75 students each week. Each weekend food bag is $6. That means each week, we need $454 to pay for all of the weekend food. Want to be a part of making a difference in these kids lives? Please contact Anna Thomas (athomas@ centenary-ws.org, ext 1332).
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Shining Light on Mental Health/ Stephen Ministry Event
Sunday • October 19 • 5:00PM • Auditorium
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.
MISSIONS
Blood Drive
Tuesday • October 21 • 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 at the top of the page or visiting our website. If you cannot give blood but would like to volunteer, please email Mary Ann Wexler, or check the website.
Youth “Nourish” Bible Study
Wednesdays • 5:15PM-7:00PM
Memorial Auditorium & 4th Floor
Join us for church-wide dinner from 5:15-6:00 pm (Memorial Auditorium), with Youth Bible study to follow on the 4th Floor (Middle School Room). Our study this fall uses Ben Mandrell’s book “Together for Teens” as a guide to study Acts 2. Registration for dinner is required via Realm. For any questions about registration, contact Kevin Garrity (kgarrity@centenary-ws. org/ 336.724.6311 ext. 1349)
Annual Trip to Carowinds/SCarowinds October 19th • 12:15PM - 11:00PM All Youth are invited to join us on our annual trip to Carowinds (by day) turned SCarowinds (by night). Registration and details for this event can be found by scanning the QR Code above and heading to the Youth Ministry webpage. For any questions, contact Kevin Garrity (kgarrity@ centenary-ws.org/ext. 1349).
SIXERS!
October 24 • 5:15PM-9:30PM
MUSIC & ARTS
All Saints Recital • Joshua Sobel, organ
Sunday • 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 for this time of remembrance and hope.
Alpha & Omega Corn Maze ALL 6th graders are invited to join us for an A-MAZ-ING evening at Alpha & Omega Corn Maze in Hamptonville, NC. The cost of this twisty & turny adventure is $20 (and includes dinner). We will meet at church at 5:15 pm to travel by bus. 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).
SENIOR ADULTS
Senior Adult Day Trip • Fall Color Tour
Thursday • October 23 • 9:00AM–6:00PM
Join us for a scenic day on the Blue Ridge Parkway and a stop at the WNC Farmer’s Market. Cost is $40 (transportation only); lunch at Moose Café is on your own. Our 56-passenger charter bus departs at 9:00 am and returns by 6:00 pm.
Sign up by Sunday, October 19. Register online, phone the church office or email seniorlunch@ centenary-ws.org. Payment is required to hold your seat. Questions? Contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck.
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
This week at Nourish we will continue our Bible Study of the Book of James! We will focus on practical Christian living and the connection between faith and action. Join us for a time of learning and community. Reservations are due each Tuesday at midnight.Follow the QR code at the top of the page to access the menu, reservation link, and more details about learning opportunities.
• Book of James Bible Study
• Together for Teens (Youth offering)
• 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.
The challenges surrounding dementia impact nearly everyone. We invite you to “Anchored in Love: Understanding the Aging Brain and Dementia; Supporting Parents, Family & Loved Ones as Care Partners” – an important program about how to understand, support, and care for those living with dementia and their loved ones. This event will provide practical resources, compassionate insight, and faithful encouragement from a prominent expert in dementia awareness: Dr. Ed Shaw, who founded the Memory Counseling Program that serves individuals, couples, and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease or dementia as part of the Sticht Center at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. This program is open to everyone—whether you are a caregiver, have a loved one experiencing dementia, or simply want to learn more. Keith Byrd will provide special music.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Youth Fall Sunday School
Sundays • 10:00AM-10:50AM • Youth Commons 6th-12th graders, join us for our latest Sunday school series developed by Yale Divinity School’s Youth Ministry Institute. For the next five Sunday’s, our study focuses on different Women in the Bible (Sarah & Hagar, Ruth, Esther, Elizabeth, Mary).
