WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • OCTOBER 5, 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
O Be Joyful in the Lord, All Ye Lands — Charles Wood O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands.
†CALL TO WORSHIP
On this World Communion Sunday, people around the globe gather at the table. We gather with them in heart and mind. Around the world the broken body is made whole. As part of that body we join in its unity.
Around the world the banquet of God is prepared for all. We, who share in the banquet, come eager to be fed. Thanks be to God who welcomes us to the table!
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#339 Come, Sinners, to the Gospel Feast — HURSLEY
†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
SCRIPTURE — Luke 14:12-24
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “At the Table: The Great Banquet”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands — Spiritual, arr. Margaret Bonds He’s got the whole world in his hands. He’s got the world and the waters in His hands, He’s got the sun and the moon right in His hands, He’s got the whole world in His hands. He’s got the birds and the bees right in His hands, He’s got the beasts of the field right in His hands, He’s got the whole world in His hands. He’s got you and me right in His hands, He’s got everybody in His hands, He’s got the whole world in His hands.
†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 CELEBRATE
HOLY COMMUNION
The congregation is invited to follow the communion liturgy beginning on page 12 of the hymnal.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another. Therefore, let us confess before God and one another.
CONFESSION AND PARDON
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
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.
RECEIVING OF ELEMENTS
MUSIC AT COMMUNION
To This Table, Lord, We Come — Howard Hughes, SM
To this table, Lord, we come rich and poor, both great and small. Teach us care, compassion, love, that in you we may be one. Everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. This is my commandment that you love one another as I have loved you. Whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them; we will come to them and make our home with them.
(The congregation will be invited to sing the refrain found on the next page.)
CLOSING PRAYER
Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for others, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN
#610 We Know That Christ Is Raised — ENGELBERG
†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.
PREACHING
The Reverend Lara “Willis” Greene Senior Minister
LITURGIST
The Reverend Oliver Helsabeck
Associate Minister for Congregational Care
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons Director of Music & Arts
Joshua Sobel, Organist
The Chancel Choir
Kristin Schwecke, soprano
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP The anthem texts are printed with permission. One License A-707342 To This Table, Lord, We Come: Copyright 2000 GIA Publications
CRUCIFER
Hamilton Norman
TORCHBEARERS
Beverly Douglas
Chandler Marley
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of our mother, Barbara Long Welch and our father, Edwin L. Welch, Sr., by their children, Lynn Welch
and 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 5, 2025
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
IN MEMORIAM
Raymond Eugene Ebert Jr. September 17, 2025
The ministers and members of Centenary extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved familiy 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 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 about - and even join - the Guild!
Please email Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@ centenary-ws.org) to RSVP by October 15.
NOURISH
Nourish Continues!
Dinner at 5:15PM • Programming at 6:00PM
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
No Children’s Worship
Today, rather than leaving for children’s worship, K-3rd graders will remain in the service with their grown-ups to participate in worship and communion together. If you did not pick up a worship bag on your way in, they are available in the Narthex and outside the East transept. We look forward to having your child join us for children’s worship next week!
Save the Date for Christmas Craft Night November 23 • 3:30PM-5:30PM
Registration will open November 4! Watch for more details coming soon.
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.
Shining Light on Mental Health/ Stephen Ministry Event
Sunday • October 19 • 5:00PM • Auditorium
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.
MUSIC & ARTS
Art in the Atrium Presents Steven Dunn
September 14–October 26
Art in the Atrium invites everyone to visit our fall exhibit, “Let the Earth be Glad . .” by Steven Dunn. A renowned artist, Steven’s work is exceptional. Focused on moments in nature, this exhibit showcases the beauty of God’s creation. Art is available for purchase with 10% of each sale donated to the Shalom Project. Take some time to stroll through the beauty of our earth in the Gallery!
SENIOR ADULTS
Senior Adult Day Trip • Fall Color Tour
Thursday • October 23 • 9:00AM–6:00PM
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!
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 begin a Bible Study of the Book of James! We’ll focus on practical Christian living and the connection between faith and action. Join us for a time of learning and community. Reservations are due Monday, October 6 at 5 pm. Follow the QR code at the top of the page to access the menu, reservation link, and more details about learning opportunities.
Learning Opportunities beginning/continuing October 8:
• 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.
Peer Connector Ministry
If you experience a crisis of mental health, it’s important to know you are not alone. Our Peer Connector Ministry establishes a confidential connection between you and someone with similar experiences. Peer Connectors serve as supportive friends and listening ears, can provide prayerful, emotional support, and can help to direct you to additional support or resources. Send a confidential message to Rev. Oliver Helsabeck, and he will connect you with a Peer Connector.
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.
Luncheon • Thursday • October 16 • Noon
Memorial Auditorium
October’s guest speakers will be from a local agency, Seniors Helping Seniors who will provide practical strategies and assistance for online safety and protection. We gather at 11:45 am 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, Oct. 8. 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.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Youth Fall Sunday School
Sundays • 10:00AM-10:50AM • Youth Commons 6th-12th graders are welcome for our Fall Sunday School series! Join us as we consider the unique characteristics of Mark’s Gospel -which is known for its simple writing style, fastpaced and episodic coverage of Jesus’s life, and emphasis on the actions of Christ more than His teachings.
October 24 • 5:15PM-9:30PM 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).
CHURCH-WIDE EVENT
Blessing of the Animals Today • October 5 • 2:00PM Bring your leashed or crated pets for a time of fellowship and blessing of our animal companions. We will be on the front steps of the church. There will be a drive-thru option in the Fifth Street parking lot for pets who do better staying in their vehicle.
