FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY • FEBRUARY 2, 2025 • 11:00AM
THE COMMUNITY GATHERS
The prelude signifies the beginning of worship. You are invited to be in a spirit of prayer and meditation. Please silence all mobile communication devices.
PRELUDE
GREETING
INTROIT
Teach Me, O Lord — Thomas Atwood
Teach me, O Lord, the way of Thy statutes, and I shall keep it unto the end.
†OPENING PRAYER
Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#529 How Firm a Foundation — FOUNDATION
†AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. 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.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
SCRIPTURE — Luke 6:37-49
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “What’s Happened to You?”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
Be Thou My Vision — arr. Mack Wilberg
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; naught be all else to me, save that thou art. Thou my best thought, by day or by night, waking or sleeping, thy presence my light. Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true word; I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord; thou and thou only, first in my heart, great God of heaven, my treasure thou art. Great God of heaven, my victory won, may I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s Sun! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, still be 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.
†PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Almighty and forgiving God, we your unworthy servants give you most humble thanks for all your goodness and loving kindness, to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. Give us such an awareness of your mercies, that our hearts may be thankful, and that we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to your service and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
WE CELEBRATE HOLY COMMUNION
The congregation is invited to follow the communion liturgy beginning on page 12 of the hymnal.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another. Therefore, let us confess before God and one another.
CONFESSION AND PARDON
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
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.
RECEIVING OF ELEMENTS
MUSIC AT COMMUNION
Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God — Carl F. Mueller
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. WE
CLOSING PRAYER
Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for others, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN
#368 My Hope Is Built — THE SOLID ROCK
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
The Lord Bless You and Keep You — John Rutter
The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. Amen. (Numbers 6: 24-26)
†POSTLUDE
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
SERMON NOTES
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III Senior Minister
LITURGISTS
The Reverend Oliver Helsabeck Assoc. Minister
The Reverend Kate May, Assoc. Minister
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar
The Chancel Choir
Sam Howell, Music Ministry Intern
CRUCIFER
Meg Gilliam
TORCHBEARERS
Taylor Paris
Chandler Marley
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.
WORSHIP AT CENTENARY
SUNDAYS
9:00 am • Memorial Auditorium
11:00 am • Sanctuary
MEMBERSHIP
We are eager to share Centenary’s story with you. If you are interested in learning about church membership, please contact Rev. Meg Peters (336-724-6311 ext. 1361)/mpeters@ 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 Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III ext. 1362
Senior Minister
Mary Ann Wexler ext. 1346
Executive Director
Jonathan Emmons ext. 1339 Director of Music Ministries
Reverend Oliver Helsabeck ext. 1357
Associate Minister for Congregational Care
Reverend Kate May ext. 1331
Associate Minister with Children
Reverend Meg Peters ext. 1361
Associate Minister of Outreach
Tammy Pollock ext. 1337 Director of Youth Ministries
Stacy Holley ext. 1359
Adult Discipleship Specialist & Pastoral Assistant
John Markle ext. 1347 Director of Operations
Doug Peninger ext. 1368 Director of Communications
John Rogers ext. 1356 Director of Information Technology CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 646 W. FIFTH STREET • WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27101
WWW.CENTENARY-WS.ORG • 336-724-6311
ANNOUNCEMENTS • FEBRUARY 2, 2025
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
ADULT FORMATION
2025 JOURNEY THROUGH LUKE & ACTS
Join us for a year-long journey through the books of Luke and Acts, featuring sermons, Bible studies, a weekly reading plan, study guides, and other opportunities to engage with these transformative scriptures. For more details, please scan the QR code.
THRIVE! 2025 WOMEN’S RETREAT
“TENDING THE SOIL OF YOUR SOUL”
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
HEALING HANDS MINISTRY
First Mondays • 10 am - Noon Wednesdays during Nourish • 6-7 pm Gathering Room
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
CENTENARY ORNAMENT
The Centenary ornament is still available. It would make a great gift to honor a baptism, confirmation and/or wedding that take place in our beautiful Sanctuary. If you would like to reserve one, please contact Susan Grubbs. All proceeds go towards the mission projects of the UWF.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today 10:00 am: Youth Sunday school (@ Youth Commons)
11:00 am: LTN set up (@Memorial Auditorium)
Noon - 2:00 pm: Love Thy Neighbor and Medical Clinic 2:15 pm: LTN clean up (@Memorial Auditorium)
April 4-6, 2025 • Lake Junaluska Centenary women and their friends are invited to join us for the Thrive! 2025 Women’s Retreat, a weekend dedicated to spiritual renewal and deepening your faith. Held at the beautiful Lake Junaluska Conference Center, this retreat will feature sessions led by keynote speaker Rev. Meg Peters, Centenary’s Associate Minister of Outreach, and worship led by musician, Brittany Bethel. Come explore how to cultivate a thriving spiritual life while connecting with God and others. Don’t miss out—sign up now to take advantage of the early bird discount! Scholarships are available to ensure everyone can participate.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
NO CHILDREN’S WORSHIP TODAY
Today, rather than leaving for children’s worship, K-3rd graders will remain in the service with their grown-ups to participate in worship and communion together. If you did not pick up a worship bag on your way in, they are available in the narthex and outside the East transept. We look forward to having your child join us for children’s worship next week!
BACKPACK PROGRAM
Help us finish the school year strong by providing weekend meals for students in Winston-Salem. Please join us in prayer and consider a financial contribution to sponsor a child. For $200, you can sponsor a child’s weekend meals for a whole school year! Reach out to Anna Thomas (athomas@centenaryws.org) with any questions.
CREATED BY GOD
February 28 & March 1
Calling all knitters and crocheters! Join Healing Hands for a time of fellowship, instruction, and service as members create prayer shawls, lap throws, and other handmade items to provide a tangible blessing for people experiencing loss, crisis, or other need for prayerful care. Items are prayed over and blessed to be given away to others in time of need. No experience is necessary. Contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck or Dianne Moore for more information.
REFRESH PRAYER MINISTRY
Wednesdays • Noon - 12:45 PM
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.
MEN’S MINISTRY
THEOLOGY ON TAP
Monday • February 3 • 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Centenary UMC Men’s Ministry invite all men to join them for the winter gathering at Radar Brewing Company (216 East Ninth Street). Our mission focus will be New Story Church. Call or text Tom Lawson (336-577-2223) to let him know you’re attending or to learn more details.
THURSDAY MORNING FELLOWSHIP
February 6 • 7:30 am - 8:30 am
Community Room
We will gather in the second floor Catering Kitchen for coffee, biscuits, and fellowship. Then we move to the Community Room for prayer, announcements and a brief program. February’s program is with Rev. Reggie Hunt. You may enter the East Building from the 4 1⁄2 Street or 5th Street entrances. To learn more about Men’s Ministry at Centenary, contact Chris Munnelly, Tanner Robinson, Michael Rogers, or Tom Lawson.
SENIOR ADULTS
February 5 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm: Confirmation – The Story (@ Youth Commons)
February 6 & 7 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Twin City Conference Basketball Playoffs (@ Fulton YMCA)
February 9 10:00 am: Youth Sunday school (@ Youth Commons)
6:00 pm - Halftime: Super Bowl Party
19th ANNUAL LOVE THY NEIGHBOR DINNER, AUCTION & PADDLE RAISE
Join us on Sunday, February 23 at 6:00 pm in the Memorial Auditorium for the 19th annual Love Thy Neighbor Dinner, Live Auction and Paddle Raise. This annual event supports our Love Thy Neighbor ministry—which builds relationships and loving care with our community in downtown Winston-Salem. For more information and to reserve your seat for a yummy dinner (prepared by Chef Donald and served by our youth), scan here!
YOUTH MINISTRY SKI & SNOWBOARD TRIP
Calling all Youth ski and snowboard enthusiasts for a weekend on the slopes of Winterplace, WV! Join us on this overnight trip Friday (2/7) to Saturday (2/8). Spots are limited, so please sign up ASAP!
LOOKING AHEAD
February 21: Sixers! Goes Bowling/Laser Tag (@ Spare Time Greensboro)
Created by God is an event for 4th and 5th graders and their families that gives our preteens an opportunity to learn about their growing and changing bodies through a Christian lens. Join us Friday evening, February 28 from 5 –7:15 pm with dinner and separate sessions for students and grown-ups, and Saturday, March 1 from 9 am – 3 pm with multiple sessions and lunch for students. Register through the QR code; there is limited space available. The cost is $60 per student and includes dinner on Friday and lunch on Saturday, resources, and some leadership costs. You can add additional dinner reservations for $10/adult, $7 for younger siblings and free for kids 3 and younger. Contact Kate May for more information.
LUNCHEON
Thursday • February 20 • Noon
Memorial Auditorium
This month’s guest speaker is Patrick Pate, City Manager for the city of WinstonSalem. 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 $10.00 and the signup deadline is Wednesday, February 12. The Senior Adult Council will meet briefly in the choir room at 11:00 before the luncheon.
February 23: Love Thy Neighbor Annual Fundraiser
April 25-26: Confirmation Retreat to Blowing Rock
April 27: LISTEN event with Dr. Williams May 11: Graduation Recognition Sunday May 18: Confirmation Sunday
Love Thy Neighbor Dates 2025: March 2, April 6, May 4
For more information or to sign up to receive Youth Ministry updates by email, contact Tammy Pollock (tpollock@centenary-ws.org). Follow us on Instagram @centenary_youth.