FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • SEPTEMBER 21, 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.
INTROIT
Nothing Can Trouble — TAIZÉ
Nothing can trouble, nothing can frighten, those that seek God shall never go wanting. Nothing can trouble, nothing can frighten, God alone fills us.
†CALL TO WORSHIP
Come, people of God, let us walk in the light of the Lord. For His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. In a world that often feels dark and uncertain, God’s truth guides us. We come seeking the light that never fades, the Word that leads us home. Let us open our hearts to the voice of the Spirit, Who speaks through the Word and forms our lives. Blessed be the name of the Lord!
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#529 How Firm a Foundation — FOUNDATION
†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.
PRESENTATION OF BIBLES
We rejoice in this step in your journey with God. We pray God will guide you, your family, and us as you use this Holy Bible in your home, in your church school classes, and in our worship. We will learn together and grow in our love for God’s word.
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
Grant Us Thy Peace — Felix Mendelssohn Grant us thy peace, almighty Lord, thou source of every blessing! Feeble and frail, trust we Thy word, all things in Thee possessing. In Thee is our hope and safety.
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
SCRIPTURE — John 14:27
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Prayers You’ll Want to Pray: The Serenity Prayer”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
Peace Like a River — Mack Wilberg
I’ve got peace like a river in my soul. I’ve got faith like a river in my soul. I’ve got hope like a river in my soul. I’ve got love like a river in my soul.
†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
#377 It Is Well with My Soul — VILLE DU HAVRE
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
Amen (from Geistliches Lied, Op. 30) — Johannes Brahms
†POSTLUDE
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
THE SERENITY PRAYER
God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world As it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right If I surrender to His will; So that I may be reasonably happy in this life And supremely happy with Him Forever and ever in the next.
KINDERGARTEN RECIPIENTS
Chase Beehler
Rosalind Burke
Rhett Clark
Ridge Dwiggins
Nathaniel Edwards
Champ Ernst
Virginia Mae Ernst
Prestley Johnson
Carter Karpinski
Madi Belle Mabe
Price McNames
Miller Munnelly
Mary Haskell Pitt
Callie Smith
Grant Suttle
Cal Turner
Jane Young
Amen.
THIRD GRADE RECIPIENTS
Ellie Atkinson
Henry Boehnlein
Wyatt Church
Presley Clark
Boone Coan
Sloan Conrad
Emery Elliott
Louise Henderson
Owen Isom
Tucker Jones
Fletcher Lousie Lambert
Ellen Lawrence
Madeline Maggs
Holt Mebane
Charlotte Pierce
Hattie Reid
Scarlet Saxon
Harry Seymore
Worth Stanley
Watson Terry
PARTICIPANTS
IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Lara “Willis” Greene Senior Minister
LITURGISTS
Tammy Pollock Director of Youth Ministries
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons Director of Music & Arts
Joshua Sobel Organist
The Chancel Choir
The
CRUCIFER
Matthew Lycan
TORCHBEARERS
Thomas Lycan
Thomas Saxon
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given in memory of Mr. James A. Gray, Norwood and Pauline Gray Robinson, Bahnson Gray and Anne P. Gray by their families.
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 & 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 • SEPTEMBER 21, 2025
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
CELEBRATIONS
This morning, at the 9:00 am worship serivce, we celebrated the baptism of Scarlett Faye Alston, daughter of Jacob and Susan Alston and sister of Nora Alston.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
MEN’S MINISTRY
Thursday Morning Fellowship
October 2 • 7:30AM-8:30AM • Community Room
YOUTH MINISTRY
Youth Fall Sunday School
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
ADULT FORMATION
New Women’s Group Sermon Reflection & Discussion
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.
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
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 22 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)
• The Sum of Us Discussion Group
• Growing faith through Art
• Children’s Creative Arts Experience for children 2 years through 5th grade
Plan to join us for a game night on Wednesday, October 1! We’ll play table team trivia and then have board and card game opportunities for everyone to simply enjoy time having fun together!
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
Stephen Ministry
We sometimes go through difficult times in life when we need extra care and comfort. Stephen Ministers have been trained to provide confidential, one-to-one, Christian support. They will listen, encourage, and pray with you and for you and provide consistent care. Contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck for a referral for yourself or for someone you know who needs this caring relationship and support. For additional information and for a link to a referral form, visit the Stephen Ministry page under Congregational Care on the church website.
Shining Light on Mental Health/ Stephen Ministry Event Sunday • October 19 • 5:00PM Memorial Auditorium
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.
We will gather in the second floor Catering Kitchen for coffee, biscuits, and fellowship and will hear from Mark Brewer, a member of Centenary UMC for most of his life, who serves in the Food Bank Garden and as first Sunday 11:00 am usher lead. Mark will share about his faith journey and his late career change as an actor. To learn more about Men’s Ministry at Centenary, contact Chris Munnelly, Tanner Robinson, Michael Rogers, or Tom Lawson.
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
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 Class: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Tuesdays • 6:30–8:00 PM • Atrium Gallery
Beginning this Tuesday, September 23, Music & Arts invites you to join Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, 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.
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)
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: October 5, November 2, December 7
2026: January 11, February 1, March 1, April 12, May 3
CHURCH-WIDE EVENTS
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.
