SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • SEPTEMBER 28, 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
Praise Him, All Ye Little Children — Carey Bonner Praise Him, praise Him, all ye little children, God is love, God is love. Thank Him, thank Him, all ye little children, God is love, God is love. Love Him, love Him, all ye little children, God is love, God is love.
†CALL TO WORSHIP
God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.
Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.
You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.
Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.
I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#170 O How I Love Jesus — O HOW I LOVE JESUS
†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.
CANTICLE
Lord, We Praise You — Otis Skillings Lord, we praise You. We praise You, Lord.
Guide Us, Lord — Mark Patterson Guide us through these days, O, Lord; help us to seek your way, trusting as you lead us with love, teach us again to pray. Help us know you more clearly, help us love you more dearly, help us follow you more nearly day by day, day by day. Guide us, Lord, we pray. When we stray and fall to sin help us find your path again; draw us closer in your fellowship of love.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
PRAYER RESPONSE
The Lord’s Prayer — Albert Hay Malotte 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. 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.)
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
SCRIPTURE — Matthew 6:5-15
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Prayers You’ll Want to Pray: The Lord’s Prayer”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
The Lord Is My Shepherd — John Rutter
The Lord is my shepherd: therefore can I lack nothing. He shall feed me in a green pasture: and lead me forth beside the waters of comfort. He shall convert my soul: and bring me forth in the paths of righteousness, for his Name’s sake. Yea, though I walk thro’ the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff comfort me. Thou shalt prepare a table for me against them that trouble me: thou hast anointed my head with oil, and my cup shall be full. But thy loving kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
†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
†HYMN #540 I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord — ST. THOMAS
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE Amen (from Geistliches Lied, Op. 30) — Johannes Brahms
†POSTLUDE
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
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.
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
Tammy Pollock Director of Youth Ministries
LITURGISTS
Reverend Kate May
Associate Minister with Children
Reverend Oliver Helsabeck Association Mininster for Congregational Care
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music & Arts
Joshua Sobel, Organist
The Chancel Choir Children’s Creative Arts Experience Participants
Virginia Sheffield, soprano
Sara Lynch, oboe
CRUCIFER
JoJo Johnson
TORCHBEARERS
Matthew Frye
Christopher Frye
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of Thomas Brent Kirby by his family.
The flowers in the Narthex are from the wedding of Jane Lucian Thomas and Samuel Reilly Haus and in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Gross, Mr. and Mrs. Ken Thomas, Mr. Bert Haus, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Barnes and in honor of Mrs. Anne Haus.
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 28, 2025
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
IN MEMORIAM
William Richard Wyatt Sr. September 13, 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.
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 29 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
Learning Opportunities beginning/continuing October 8:
• Book of James Bible Study
• Together for Teens (Youth offering)
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
Centenary Cares: Showing Care and Sharing Encouragement from Shining Light on Mental Health
When we experience challenging circumstances that affect us and involve mental health, yet we wish to remain private, it is still important that we know we are cared for, prayed for, and loved by our church family. Centenary Cares, a ministry of Shining Light on Mental Health, is a simple way that our church can extend care and encouragement. If someone you know is stressed or has a loved one experiencing issues with mental health, submit the person’s name to Rev. Oliver Helsabeck, Associate Minister for Congregational Care. A member of Shining Light will confidentially deliver a Centenary Cares bag to the recipient. More information can be found on the church website under Congregational Care/Shining Light.
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.
MEN’S MINISTRY
• Children’s Art Experience for children 2 years through 5th grade
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
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).
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 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!
Creative Arts Experience 2025/2026
Wednesdays • During Nourish
This morning we celebrate our Children’s Creative Arts Experience participants as they make their first worship appearance of the season! Their voices, creativity, and joy bless our congregation in powerful ways. There is still time to register your child for CAE! We invite all children ages 2 through 5th grade to join us each Wednesday as we sing, ring, drum, play, paint and create together! Contact Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.org) for more information
SENIOR ADULTS
Thursday Morning Fellowship
October 2 • 7:30AM-8:30AM • Community Room
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.
Luncheon •
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.
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)
CHURCH-WIDE EVENTS
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.
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 preassembly 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.
