THE PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS
SUNDAY • SEPTEMBER 14, 2025
“Prayers You’ll Want to Pray: The Prayer of St. Francis”
Mark 10:17-22
Preaching
Rev. Lara “Willis” Greene Senior Minister
Rev. Oliver Helsabeck Associate Minister with Children
Keith Byrd Alternative Music Leader
Zakiyyah Niang, vocals
Ahmad Johnson, vocals
Rodney Archie, vocals
Doug Wright bass
Jacob Anflick, drums
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
SERMON NOTES
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 wgreen@centenary-ws.org
Mary Ann Wexler ext. 1346 Executive Director mwexler@centenary-ws.org
Jonathan Emmons ext. 1339 Director of Music Ministries 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 • SEPTEMBER 14, 2025
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
IN MEMORIAM
Terry Luther Johnson August 28, 2025
The ministers and members of Centenary extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved families and pray they may know the comfort and peace of our Heavenly Father.
ADULT FORMATION
New Women’s Group
Sermon Reflection & Discussion
Begins Wednesday, September 17 9:30AM –11:00AM • Room 112
A sermon is like a seed—it often needs a few days in the soil of our hearts before it begins to sprout. Join facilitators Sue Stephens and Tammy Pollock on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month as we respond to and reflect on the previous Sunday’s sermon. No preparation is needed, and you can participate even if you didn’t hear the sermon in advance. Please bring your Bible. Please scan the QR code above to register.
Interested in a Group on the Enneagram & Spiritual Growth?
This fall’s small group is full, and the waitlist has now closed. If you’d like to be considered for a spring group facilitated by Nancy Powell, please email Stacy Holley to have your name added to the interest list.
Thrive! Women’s Retreat
April 24–26, 2026 • Lake Junaluska
Registration is now open for Centenary’s Thrive! Women’s Retreat—note the new date!
Join us for a weekend of renewal featuring keynote speaker Rev. Lara “Willis” Greene and arts sessions with Lee Chappell Monroe. Register by January 15 to receive the early bird discount.
NOURISH
Nourish Continues!
Dinner at 5:15PM • Programming at 6:00PM
Worship Leader Celebration
Sunday • September 21 • Noon • Dining Room 4th – 12th graders, with at least one adult, are invited to enjoy a pizza lunch together while we celebrate all of our Torchbearers and Crucifers. We will spend time learning and being reminded of what it looks like to serve in these roles and why they are so important to our worship service. If you have not received an invitation in the mail with the RSVP information, please reach out to Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws.org/ext 1332). If you cannot attend but are still interested in being a torchbearer or crucifer, please still fill out the RSVP so we can collect updated contact information.
Students with Full Bellies are More Successful
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. This program helps provide food for students who receive free breakfast and lunch at school through the year, but may not have access to food over the weekends. For just $260, you can feed a child on the weekends for a whole school year! If you’re interested in getting involved, please contact Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws.org/336.724.6311 ext. 1332).
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Refresh
Wednesdays • Noon-12:45PM • Sanctuary
The Refresh Prayer Ministry invites you to be refreshed in a mid-week service of worship, reflection, and prayer in a sacred space. From Noon -12:15 is a time for quiet reflection with music, and from 12:15-12:45 is a time for prayer, Scripture reading, and meditation. Parking is available in the Fifth Street parking lot; enter from the Fifth Street entrance to the sanctuary. For more information, contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck or Becky Tate.
Shining Light on Mental Health/Stephen Ministry Event
Sunday • October 19 • 5:00PM
Memorial Auditorium
MUSIC & ARTS
Music & Arts 2025/2026 Season Booklet
Music & Arts is delighted to share our brandnew year-long Program Booklet! Inside, you will find a full season of inspiring worship opportunities, events, concerts, and more that will fill Centenary with music, creativity, and community. Pick up a copy from the magazine racks around campus or explore the digital version by clicking the link on the Music & Arts page (p. 27) of Through Centenary Windows!
Art in the Atrium Presents Steven Dunn Open House: Today • Noon - 2:00PM Atrium Gallery & Commons
Join Art in the Atrium after 11:00 am worship as we celebrate our opening exhibit by renowned artist Steven Dunn. Guests will meet Steven and hear about his tremendous work while enjoying his art and some refreshments. The exhibit itself will be on display until October 26. We hope you will attend!
Art Class: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Tuesdays • 6:30–8:00 PM • Atrium Gallery
Beginning September 23, Music & Arts invites you to an in-depth exploration of portraiture and life drawing. Under the instruction of Dr. Stephen Martin, Chair of the Music & Arts Committee this class will focus on the study and reflection of the beauty and complexity of the human form. All are welcome to participate in this meaningful engagement of faith and the arts. No previous experience necessary. Email Dr. Martin (stephendmartin88@gmail.com) to sign up!
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.
YOUNG ADULTS
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 Communications 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
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, fast-paced and episodic coverage of Jesus’s life, and emphasis on the actions of Christ more than His teachings.
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)
Sixers!
September 19 • 6:00PM-8:00PM
Adventure Landing
A ministry just for our newest youth in the sixth grade! Join us one Friday night a month to go on an adventure with just your grade. We love this ministry that gives us all a chance to build community, grow in our faith, and do some really fun things. Register by scanning the QR Code above and heading to the Youth Ministry webpage!
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)
Love Thy Neighbor Dates
2025: September 14, October 5, November 2, December 7
2026: January 11, February 1, March 1, April 12, May 3
CHURCH-WIDE EVENTS
Join us for our weekly fellowship meal and learning opportunities for all ages this week.
Dinner begins at 5:15 pm and reservations are due Monday, September 15 at 5 pm. Learning opportunities begin at 6 pm. Try something out this week! Follow the QR code at the top of the page to access the menu, reservation link, and more details about learning opportunities.
Learning Opportunities available this week:
•Together for Teens (Youth offering)
•Old Testament Disciple Bible Study (make sure to register ahead of time!)
• The Sum of Us Discussion Group
• Growing faith through Art
• Children’s Creative Arts Experience for children 2 years through 5th grade
The challenges surrounding dementia impact nearly everyone. Shining Light on Mental Health and Stephen Ministry 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.
Join Koinonia: A New Young Adults Small Group Today • Sunday • September 14 • 6:00PM The Gathering Room Koinonia: a fellowship of faith. Young adults are invited to join our new monthly discussionbased group! Working together to grow in purpose, cultivate our faith, and live with intention, this group will strive to support one another as we deepen our understanding of what it means to embody Centenary’s mission in our everyday lives. Join us for fellowship and discussion as we challenge each other to live our faith out loud! This group is open to all adults ages 25-40 and does not require pre-registration. Contact Colby Cunningham (colbydcunningham@gmail.com) or Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.org).
Bed and a Book
Saturday • October 4 • 10:00AM – Noon Truist Stadium
The organization “Bed and a Book” provides beds to kids in our community who don’t currently have their own beds. We will be partnering with Bed and a Book to do some basic pre-assembly of beds that will later be delivered to families throughout our community. If you can read and follow directions, you are equipped to help! This is a great project for the whole family! There will be a registration for this event because lunch is provided! Scan the QR code above to register.
Blessing of the Animals
Sunday • 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.