SERMON NOTES WELCOME TO WORSHIP
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.)
EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • SEPTEMBER 27, 2026 • 11:00AM
THE COMMUNITY GATHERS
CANTICLE Live-a Humble — arr. Marvin Mills A-live a humble, humble yourself, the bell’s done rung. Glory and honor, Praise King Jesus, Praise the Lamb. Oh, my Lord’s done just what He said, He healed the sick and He raised the dead. Did you ever see such a man as God, who gave up His Son for to come and die, just to save my soul from a burning fire.
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 stand as you are able
PRELUDE
Prelude on Down Ampney — Beverly Ward
GREETING INTROIT
Love Is Little (from Shaker Songs) — Kevin Siegfried Love is little, love is low, love will make our spirits grow. Grow in peace, grow in light, love will do the thing that’s right.
CALL TO WORSHIP Why do we call Him “Lord, Lord” and do not do what He says? Come, let us hear His words and put them into practice. We come to build our lives on the solid rock of Christ. The one who hears His words and obeys is like a wise builder, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. When the storms came, the house stood firm. Today, we come to worship the One who is our sure foundation.
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HYMN OF PROCESSION #559 Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation — WESTMINSTER ABBEY
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AFFIRMATION OF FAITH We believe in God the Father, infinite in wisdom, power, and love, whose mercy is over all his works, and whose will is ever directed to his children’s good. We believe in Jesus Christ, Son of God and Son of man, the gift of the Father’s unfailing grace, the ground of our hope, and the promise of our deliverance from sin and death. We believe in the Holy Spirit as the divine presence in our lives, whereby we are kept in perpetual remembrance of the truth of Christ, and find strength and help in time of need. We believe that this faith should manifest itself in the service of love as set forth in the example of our blessed Lord, to the end that the kingdom of God may come upon the earth. Amen.
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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. Amen. Amen.
RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBER 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.
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED SCRIPTURE — Luke 6:46-49
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This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. SERMON — “Questions Jesus Asked: Why Do You Call Me ‘Lord, Lord’ and Then Do Not Do What I Say?”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT OFFERTORY Be Thou My Vision — Bob Chilcott Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart, be all else but naught to me, save that thou art; be thou my best thought in the day and the night, both waking and sleeping, thy presence my light. Be thou my wisdom, be thou my true word; be thou ever with me, and I with thee, Lord; be thou my great Father, and I thy true son; be thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one. Be thou and thou only the first in my heart; O Sovereign of heaven, my treasure thou art; great heart of my own heart, whatever befall, still be thou my vision, O Ruler of all. 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.
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PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
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WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD HYMN
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#121 There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy — WELLESLEY
BENEDICTION
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BENEDICTION RESPONSE 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.
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POSTLUDE Festive Scherzo — Malcolm Archer
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Thank you for joining us in worship today.
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP PREACHING Reverend Dianne Lawhorn Associate Minister of Outreach & Adult Formation LITURGISTS Reverend Kate May Associate Minister with Children Reverend Oliver Helsabeck Associate Minister for Congregational Care MUSIC Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music & Arts Tate Addis, Organist & Associate Conductor The Chancel Choir Virginia Browne, soprano Alden Pridgen, mezzo-soprano
CRUCIFER Taylor Paris TORCHBEARERS Thompson Dugan Mary Blythe Maner FLOWERS The Chancel flowers are given in loving memory of Mr. James A. Gray, Norwood and Pauline Gray Robinson, Bahnson Gray and Anne P. Gray by their families.
The anthem texts are printed with permission. One License A-707342 By entering the Sanctuary, you grant to Centenary United Methodist Church unrestricted right to use and publish, transmit or telecast photographs or likenesses that might be taken of you this day for use in communications related to the church.
ANNOUNCEMENTS • SEPTEMBER 27, 2026
WELCOME!
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
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 • 9:00AM • 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 (336-724-6311 ext. 1357/ ohelsabeck@centenary-ws.org) to schedule a time to meet.
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.
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
CENTENNIAL CONVERSATIONS
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
You are invited to join the conversation as we discuss the opportunity ahead to replace our existing organ and help build a legacy for our church and community. Rev. Willis Greene, Mary Ann Wexler, Jonathan Emmons and Tate Addis will be our presenters.
Bible Celebration Sunday • October 25 • 5:00PM-6:45PM Third and Fourth Graders along with at least one grown up are invited to join us for a fun night of food, fellowship, and Dude Perfect Style Challenges to help you get to know your Bible! Use the QR code above to register by October 21. Questions? Contact Rev. Kate May.
• September 30 2:00PM • Arbor Acres • Piner Hall CHURCH-WIDE OPPORTUNITY Angel Tree is Coming! Even though it is only September, Angel Tree will be here before we know it! As we prepare to make Christmas merrier for over 300 local children we are looking for folks who can help make it all happen! If you would like to help with data entry, assist with angel adoption, organize gifts, wrap presents, or deliver gifts let us know! Contact Rev. Kate May. Bishop Will Willimon Visits Centenary Sunday • October 4 Bishop Will Willimon preaches at both the 9:00AM and 11:00AM services on World Communion Sunday, exploring the topic “Invited to the Table, Together” (Luke 15:1-7). At 6:00PM in Memorial Auditorium, he speaks on “Church Fights: Lessons Learned in the UMC Disaffiliation,” reflecting on his recent book, The Church We Carry. All are welcome to attend. ADULT FORMATION
CENTENARY LEADERSHIP CONNECTIONS 336.724.6311 + Extension (for the Minister on Call • Option 2) Reverend Lara “Willis” Greene Senior Minister wgreene@centenary-ws.org
ext. 1362
Tammy Pollock Director of Youth Ministries tpollock@centenary-ws.org
ext. 1337
Mary Ann Wexler Executive Director mwexler@centenary-ws.org
ext. 1346
Stacy Holley Executive Assistant sholley@centenary-ws.org
ext. 1359
Jonathan Emmons Director of Music & Arts jemmons@centenary-ws.org
ext. 1339
John Markle Director of Operations jmarkle@centenary-ws.org
ext. 1347
Reverend Oliver Helsabeck ext. 1357 Associate Minister for Congregational Care ohelsabeck@centenary-ws.org
Doug Peninger Director of Communication dpeninger@centenary-ws.org
ext. 1368
Reverend Dianne Lawhorn ext. 1361 Associate Minister of Outreach & Adult Formation dlawhorn@centenary-ws.org
John Rogers Director of Information Technology jrogers@centenary-ws.org
ext. 1356
Reverend Kate May ext. 1331 Associate Minister with Children kmay@centenary-ws.org CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 646 W. FIFTH STREET • WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27101 WWW.CENTENARY-WS.ORG • 336-724-6311
Women’s Book Study: Joyful Anyway Biweekly on Tuesdays • Begins September 22 Noon-1:00PM • Room 115 This study, led by Nancy Powell, will discuss Joyful Anyway by Kate Bowler. Bowler is a Duke seminary professor, podcaster, writer, and a wise and funny person. The group will meet for six sessions every other Tuesday from September 22 to December 1. Register via the Announcements QR Code. The registration deadline is September 16 as there is a short reading assignment to complete before the first session. Questions? Contact Rev. Dianne Lawhorn. Join Great Conversations: Short Story Reading Group Love to read and enjoy great conversation? Join our monthly short story discussion group, meeting the second Tuesday of each month, September–May, from 6:00–7:30PM, with an optional dinner afterward at West End Cafe. This fall, we’ll continue exploring A Century of Fiction in The New Yorker, 1925–2025, featuring some of the finest short stories of the past century. New readers are always welcome! Contact Steve Karr at karrsp@gmail.com for more information.
$6.18 Feeds a Student for the Weekend! Our backpack program helps provide food for students over the weekend when they cannot enjoy the free breakfast and lunch available to them at school. For about the cost of a grade frappuccino you could provide for a student over the weekend and help set them up for success for the next week! Do you want to help students succeed? You can do so by contacting Rev. Kate May. CONGREGATIONAL CARE Refresh Wednesdays • Noon-12:45PM • Chapel The Refresh Prayer Ministry invites you to be refreshed in a mid-week service of worship, reflection, and prayer in a sacred space. Parking is available in the 4½ Street parking lot. For more information, contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck or Becky Tate. MEN’S MINISTRY Thursday Morning Fellowship October 1 • 7:30-8:30AM • Community Room All men of the church are invited to our morning gathering. Join us for coffee, biscuits, and fellowship followed by a brief program by Wake Forest Athletic Director John Currie.
MUSIC & ARTS A Table Prepared: The Pottery of Rev. Andrew Craver Open House • September 27 Noon-2:00PM • Atrium Gallery & Commons Join Art in the Atrium today as we celebrate our opening exhibit by potter Rev. Andrew Craver. Guests will meet Andrew and hear about his tremendous work while enjoying his art and some refreshments. The exhibit, inspired by Psalm 23, will be on display until November 15. We hope you will attend! SENIOR ADULTS Luncheon Thursday • October 15 • Noon • Auditorium October’s guest speaker will be Rev. Dianne Lawhorn, Centenary’s Associate Minister of Outreach and Adult Formation. We gather at 11:45 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 $12.00 and the signup deadline is Wednesday, October 7th. 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. UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH 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. YOUTH MINISTRY
MISSIONS A Bed and a Book Saturday • October 3 • 10:00AM-Noon Truist Stadium A Bed and a Book provides beds to kids in our community who don’t have their own. We’re partnering with them to pre-assemble beds for later delivery to local families. No special skills needed—just the ability to read and follow directions. A great project for the whole family! A Bed and a Book will provide lunch, so please register soon. Scan the QR code above, or contact Rev. Dianne Lawhorn for more information.
Twin City Conference Basketball Tuesdays • Oct. 27-Feb. 2 • 6:00-8:00 pm Fulton YMCA Twin City Conference is a co-op basketball league in partnership with our friends at Winston-Salem Street School and other churches in Winston-Salem. If you’re a Senior High boy (9th-12th grade) who is not on your school’s varsity basketball team, come lace them up and play for Centenary! Cost is $50, and friends are welcome too. To register, scan the QR Code above. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Kevin Garrity.
SIXERS! October 16 • 6:00PM-8:00PM Alpha & Omega Corn Maze A ministry just for our newest youth in sixth grade! Join us one Friday night per month for an adventure with your grade to build community, grow in faith, and do some really fun things. This month we’re headed to Alpha & Omega Corn Maze for an evening of finding our way, falltime play, and, of course, grub! To register, scan the QR Code above. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Kevin Garrity. Annual Trip to C/Scarowinds October 25 • 12:15pm - 11:00pm All Youth are invited to join us on our annual trip to Carowinds (by day) turned SCarowinds (by night). SCarowinds is rated PG-13 for its scare-factor. If you’re worried you might not enjoy being scared/going through haunted houses, this might not be the event for you. For registration and details, scan the QR Code above. For any questions, contact Kevin Garrity. DIETRICH BONHOEFFER PILGRIMAGE 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.