WELCOME
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost SEPTEMBER
13,
2026
Traditional Worship SANCTUARY
646 W. FIFTH STREET WINSTON-SALEM, NC
centenary-ws.org
The Community Gathers
WELCOME
The prelude signifies the beginning of our worship. You are invited to be in a spirit of prayer and meditation. Please silence all mobile communication devices.
Thank you for choosing to worship with us today. We invite you to pass the fellowship folders, found at the end of the pew and then greet one another with joy and affection.
PRELUDE GREETING INTROIT
WORSHIP LEADERS TODAY PREACHING
Rev. Lara “Willis” Greene Senior Minister
CALL TO WORSHIP
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LITURGISTS
Rev. Kate May Associate Minister with Children Rev. Dianne Lawhorn Associate Minister of Outreach & Adult Formation
#64 Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty — NICAEA
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We are not alone, we live in God’s world.
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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.
Tate Addis Organist & Associate Conductor
CRUCIFER
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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.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE THE LORD’S PRAYER
TORCHBEARERS
Scott Johnson Thomas Saxon
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.)
MOMENT OF GRACE
Each week, following the proclamation of God’s Word, we will share a brief moment of holy reflection. May this be a time to receive God’s grace, to consider what you have heard, and to seek the Spirit’s guidance as you carry Christ’s love into the coming week.
Come and worship the Lord, who turns water into wine. We come to worship the God of abundance and grace. When our joy runs low, Jesus meets us with hope. When our hearts are weary, Jesus fills us with new life. Christ provides more than we need and blesses us beyond measure. We trust in His goodness and rejoice in His love. Let us worship the One whose grace never runs out. Let us worship God with glad and grateful hearts. Amen.
HYMN OF PROCESSION
MUSIC
Meg Gilliam
Sanctus (from St. Cecilia Mass) — Charles Gounod Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Hosanna in the highest.
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Jonathan Emmons Director of Music & Arts
The Chancel Choir
Holy, Holy, Holy — Dan Miller Festal Praises — Sharon Elery Rogers
CANTICLE
All Things New — Elaine Hagenberg Light after darkness, gain after loss, strength after weakness, crown after cross; sweet after bitter, hope after fears, home after wandering, praise after tears. Alpha and Omega, beginning and the end, He is making all things new, springs of living water shall wash away each tear. Sight after mystery, sun after rain, joy after sorrow, peace after pain; near after distant, gleam after gloom, love after loneliness, life after tomb.
We Hear the Word Proclaimed SCRIPTURE
John 2:1-11 This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON MOMENT OF GRACE
“Party at a Wedding”
We Renew Our Commitment OFFERTORY
Rhosymedre — Douglas E. Wagner
DOXOLOGY
#94 Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow — LASST UNS ERFREUEN Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
† PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
We Go as God’s People Into the World HYMN
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#79 Holy God, We Praise Thy Name — GROSSER GOTT (stanzas one through four)
COMMISSIONING BENEDICTION
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BENEDICTION RESPONSE
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POSTLUDE
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Go Now in Peace — Robert Lau Go now in peace, and may God’s peace go with you. Believe and trust his holy word. Amen. Toccata — Théodore Dubois
Thank you for joining us in worship today. Sermon Notes
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The offertory anthem was selected because it is a fine piece of work.
WELCOME! The congregation and staff of Centenary are excited to welcome you to today’s worship.
OUR MINISTRY TEAM Reverend Lara “Willis Greene”
Senior Minister wgreene@centenary-ws.org | ext. 1362
Mary Ann Wexler
Executive Director mwexler@centenary-ws.org | ext. 1346
Reverend Oliver Helsabeck
Associate Minister for Congregational Care ohelsabeck@centenary-ws.org | ext. 1357
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 • 9:00AM • Memorial Auditorium • Worship • 11:00AM • 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 to schedule a time to meet.
Reverend Dianne Lawhorn
WATCH Each Sunday morning, our 11:00AM 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.
Reverend Kate May
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.
Associate Minister of Outreach & Adult Formation dlawhorn@centenary-ws.org | ext. 1361
Associate Minister with Children kmay@centenary-ws.org | ext. 1331
Jonathan Emmons
Director of Music & Arts jemmons@centenary-ws.org | ext. 1339
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.centenaryws.org. You may also contact our receptionist who will guide you to the appropriate ministry area. STAY CONNECTED
Reception Desk • 336-724-6311
Stacy Holley
Executive Assistant sholley@centenary-ws.org | ext. 1359
John Markle
Director of Operations jmarkle@centenary-ws.org | ext. 1347
Doug Peninger
Director of Communication dpeninger@centenary-ws.org | ext. 1368
ANNOUNCEMENTS • SEPTEMBER 13, 2026 Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
Tammmy Pollock
Director of Youth Ministries tpollock@centenary-ws.org | ext. 1337
John Rogers
Director of Information Technology jrogers@centenary-ws.org | ext. 1356
For the minister on call, please dial 336-724-6311 and select promt 2.
IN MEMORIAM James “Jim” Beres February 26, 2026
Jefferson Bivins Helms, Jr. March 17, 2026
Wilma Barker Rush March 11, 2026
JoAnn Bingham Testo-Curlee March 22, 2026
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.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY Worship Leader Celebration Sunday • August 30 • Noon-1:30PM Students fourth grade and older have the opportunity to serve as torchbearers at our 11 am worship service and then crucifers once they participate in confirmation. On Sunday, August 30 we will celebrate all of our student worship leaders and train those who would like to join our team. Interested? Contact Kate May. Bible Sunday September 20 Do you know of a kindergartener or third grader who should receive a Bible this year? If that child has not received any information about Bible Sunday on September 20 please be in touch with Kate May. Tween District Retreat September 25-26 4th and 5th graders from churches all over the Yadkin Valley District will descend on Camp Hanes September 25-26 for a retreat filled with good food, lots of fun (games, boats, zipline & more), and time to connect with one another and with God. Cost is $85/student. Register by September 2 using the QR code at the top of the page. Questions? Contact Kate May. Centenary Helps Students Succeed Back-to-school season is here, and Centenary has an opportunity to support local students by helping provide weekend meals for children facing food insecurity. Through our Backpack Program partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, we serve students at Brunson Elementary, Wiley Middle School, Reynolds High School, and the Winston-Salem Street School. Would you like to help make a difference? To learn how you can support this ministry, contact Rev. Kate May. CONGREGATIONAL CARE
MEN’S MINISTRY Men of Centenary...We Need Your Input! Help us strengthen and grow Centenary’s Men’s Ministry! All men are invited to complete a brief survey sharing your interests, needs, and priorities. Your feedback will help shape future Bible studies, fellowship events, service projects, retreats, and other opportunities for connection, spiritual growth, and service. Scan the QR code to visit our Events page and find the survey link under Men’s Ministry. MISSIONS Fall Mission Opportunity There’s more work to do! As we go about our daily lives, there are people in Western NC who are still struggling with the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Centenary is planning to help the week of October 25. We will be heading north
to Ashe County to work on homes. If you would like to be a part of this team, mark your calendar and look for future info and sign-ups. If you can only come for a few days, that’s ok as well. All levels of skill can be used so don’t be afraid to sign up to share Christ’s love through our caring actions. Questions? Contact John Markle. MUSIC & ARTS Register for Children’s Creative Arts Experience 2026/2027 • Begins Septemer 2 Did your kids love CMA Camp? Keep the creativity, joy, and friendship going all year long with the Creative Arts Experience! We invite children ages 2 through 5th grade to join us when CAE resumes. CAE’s multi-faceted model engages children with various levels of musical and artistic interests, all while cultivating worship leadership opportunities for Centenary’s youngest! Register via the Announcements QR Code. Email Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.org) with any questions. Join the Chancel Chour Thursdays • 7:00PM • Choir Room Beginning August 20 Lift your voice with Centenary’s Chancel Choir! Join us as rehearsals resume on Thursday, August 20, or be part of our annual choir retreat on August 28–29. Rehearsals are held every Thursday from 7:00 pm–8:30 pm, and no audition is required. To learn more, contact Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
SENIOR ADULTS
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
Senior Adult Summer Picnic Thursday • June 11 • Noon Senior Adults will gather at South Fork Park (4403 Country Club Road) on Thursday, June 12 (note: second Thursday) for a picnic lunch catered by Grecian Corner. Lunch will be skewers of chicken souvlaki, Greek salad, Tzatziki sauce, pita bread, and baklava for dessert. Lemonade and tea will be provided, or you can bring your own drink. We will enjoy the park and play Bingo with door prizes! To register, send an email to seniorlunch@ centenary-ws.org or call the church office during business hours. Cost is $12.00 and the signup deadline is Sunday, June 7.
Sanctuary Ornaments & Church Cookbook Now Available Commemorate baptisms, weddings, confirmations, or joining the church with a personalized Centenary sanctuary ornament. The cookbook Be Present at Our Table features cherished recipes, photos, and our congregation’s history— perfect for gifts. Both items are available at the Reception Desk. Proceeds support missions serving women, children, and families locally and around the world. For purchases or questions, contact Laurie Dray at (336) 830-4701.
YOUNG ADULTS
YOUTH MINISTRY
Fall Kick-Off at the Dash Wednesday • August 26 • 6:30PM Summer may be winding down, but we’re just getting started! Join Young Adults Ministry as we kick off fall at the Dash! Enjoy baseball, reconnect with friends, meet new people, and learn about our weekly trivia nights, Grace in Common: Young Women’s Group, and other opportunities throughout the year. Whether you’re new or have been part of YAM for years, we’d love to have you! Contact Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@ centenary-ws.org) for details.
Class Dinners Sunday • August 30 • 5:00PM-6:30PM Homes of Grade Hosts (TBA) We are so excited for our back-to-school class dinners, a chance for each individual grade to gather at a youth ministry family’s home for dinner, connection, games and bible study. Addresses of host families will be shared via the Youth Ministry email blast the week of Class Dinners. No registration is required, but if you have questions ahead of time, please contact Tammy Pollock.
SIXERS! September 18 • 6:00pm-8:00pm Adventure Landing Calling all sixth graders! Join us one Friday each month for fun, friendship, and faith. This month we’re heading to Adventure Landing for mini golf, arcade games, bumper boats, and pizza! Scan the QR code to register. For more information, contact Kevin Garrity at kgarrity@ centenary-ws.org. Love Thy Neighbor Dates 2026: August 23, September 20, October 18, November 8, December 6 2027: January 10, February 7, March 7, April 11, May 2
DIETRICH BONHOEFER TRIP Germany • May 17-29, 2027 Join tour guides Rev. Lara “Willis” Greene and husband, Dr. David Greene, on a 12-Day tour through Germany as you encounter a story of courage, faith and conviction that still speaks today. Along the way, we’ll wrestle with one of history’s most urgent questions: how a deeply Christian nation became the setting for profound moral tragedy. For more information, contact Stacy Holley.
A Stephen Ministry Congregation
Printed on recycled paper