FIFTH SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY • FEBRUARY 5, 2023 • 9:00AM
THE COMMUNITY GATHERS
The gathering music signifies the beginning of worship. You are invited to be in a spirit of prayer and meditation. Please silence all mobile communication devices.
GATHERING MUSIC
GREETING
†OPENING PRAYER
Almighty God, by whose grace alone we are accepted and called to your service, strengthen us by your Holy Spirit. Make us worthy of our calling through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
OFFERTORY
Get Together — Chet Powers
†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
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 congregation is invited to follow the communion liturgy beginning on page 12 of the hymnal.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
†HYMN
#420 Breathe on Me, Breath of God — TRENTHAM
†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.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
SCRIPTURE — Matthew 5:38-48 (pew Bible New Testament page 6)
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “A New Behavior”
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 RESPONSE
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 #399 Take My Life, and Let It Be — MESSIAH
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
Emmanuel — Kenneth Wilmot Sr. Emanuel, Emanuel, his name is called Emanuel. God with us, revealed in us. His name is called Emanuel. Let every heart prepare him room. O come, O come Emanuel. God with us, revealed in us. His name is called Emanuel.
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 Meg Gaston Assoc. Minister
The Reverend Susannah Pittman, Assoc. Minister
MUSIC Martha Bassett, vocals Matt Kendrick, bass Karen Kendrick, piano Ken Wilmot, trumpet John Wilson, drums
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, scroll to the bottom of the home page and click on either Live Stream or the Live Stream arrow.
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
ANNOUNCEMENTS • FEBRUARY 5, 2023
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/engage
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
IN MEMORIAM
Anita Carter Wilson
January 1, 2023
Nelda Welch Jones
January 7, 2023
Robert “Bob” Orien Jones
January 9, 2020
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.
ALTAR GUILD
FLOWER VASES NEEDED
The Altar Guild is in need of vases with which to distribute flowers to our congregation each week. If you would like to donate, please bring them to desk at the 4 ½ St. entrance on Sunday morning or between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday-Thursday. Thank you!
ADULT FORMATION
WEEKLY LENTEN WORSHIP
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
PLAYDATE FOR INFANTS THROUGH 2 YEAR OLDS
SATURDAY • FEBRUARY 11
Come play and enjoy a time of fellowship! Infants through 2 year olds and their grown ups are invited to a playdate at the church on Saturday, February 11. Park in the 4 ½ Street parking lot and enter the building at the 4 ½ Street entrance for the auditorium. We’ll meet in the first floor playspace of the East Building. Drop in anytime between 9 and 10:30 am. Friends are welcome! Can’t make it this month? Mark your calendar for our playdate on Saturday, March 11. For more information contact Kate May kmay@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1331)
BIBLE BONANZA
SUNDAY • FEBRUARY 26 • 5-6:45 PM
We want our 3rd and 4th graders to continue to grow in their relationship with God through reading the Bible so we invite them to participate in our Bible Bonanza on Sunday, February 26 from 5-6:45 pm. This is an Escape Room style adventure and dinner with friends. Cost is $15/student and registration will open through Realm and on the Engage page of the church website on January 31. Mark your calendar now! Questions? Contact Kate May kmay@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1331)
CREATED BY GOD
MARCH 3-4
SIGN UP NOW FOR CHILDREN’S MUSIC & ART CAMP
JULY 17 - 20, 2023
CMA Camp is offered for infants through rising 5th grade. Offerings include singing, handbells, handchimes, creative movement, art, Kindermusik, and more! Snack is provided daily. The week ends with a camper-led worship service on Thursday at 12:30 pm followed by refreshments. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled week! The QR code below will direct you to the registration form. For more information, please contact Music Ministry Assistant, Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.org).
LENTEN NOONTIME SERIES
TUESDAYS • FEBRUARY 28-APRIL 4
NOON • SANCTUARY
Join us in the Sanctuary each Tuesday of Lent at Noon for a 30-minute musical presentation. Each week will feature a different musician or ensemble. Musicians include the New Day Singers of Greensboro, Joshua Sobel (Centenary’s Organ Scholar), and Corine Brouwer (Winston-Salem Symphony Concertmaster). Join us as we prepare our hearts during this season of reflection and contemplation. For questions or more information, please contact Jonathan Emmons (jemmons@ centenary-ws.org). No registration required.
YOUTH MINISTRY
EVENTS
•February 5: Love Thy Neighbor (12:00 -2:00 pm) Please arrive to help set up at 11:00 am in the auditorium.
OPEN FLOWER DATES
A wonderful way to honor or remember a loved one, friend, group, birthday, or anniversary is by providing flowers in our Sanctuary for Sunday morning services. Our Flower Calendar has several open dates available: July 2, 2023, and August 6, 2023. If you are interested, please contact Paige Morgan Foy pmorganfoy@centenary-ws.org).
REV. T. RAY BRANTON MEMORIAL SERVICE
Beloved Minister of Music for 32 years, Rev. Dr. T. Ray Branton, passed away during the COVID pandemic on January 30, 2021. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, February 12 at 2:00 pm in the Sanctuary.
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 R. Craig Ford ext. 1353
Associate Minister
Reverend Kate May ext. 1331
Associate Minister with Children
Reverend Meg Peters ext. 1361
Assoc. Minister of Evangelism, Engagement & Missions
Reverend Susannah Pittman ext. 1357
Associate Minister of Congregational Care & Adult Formation
Tammy Pollock ext. 1337
Director of Youth Ministries
Rick Gibbons ext. 1342
Congregational Care Assistant
Stacy Holley ext. 1359
Exec. Assistant to Senior Minister
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
The First Fifteen Challenge invites you to take the first 15 minutes of your day and spend it with God by reading and reflecting on God’s Word. Although it involves only a short amount of time, through God’s grace it can transform our entire day! To guide our First Fifteen this Lent, we will use the devotional, “The Sanctuary for Lent 2023”, written by Josh Scott. Each daily devotional contains a Scripture passage, a brief reflection, and life application questions. To sign up to receive this devotional electronically, please use the Weekly Email Blasts link under the Engage tab and select “First 15 Daily Devotionals” from the list. If you have signed-up before or already receive the First Fifteen, you will automatically be on the list. Limited copies of the devotional will also be available on campus.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
STEPHEN MINISTRY
A Care Receiver writes, “Hearts and Cupids are everywhere, but since my husband left, they only accentuate my pain and alienation. It seems that everybody is happy but me. My Stephen Minister listens to my lonely feelings and walks alongside me as hurt. She’s helping me feel valuable again.”
If you or someone you know could benefit from Stephen Ministry, please contact Deena Morgan (336-692-2314), Wilba Brady (336-723-6236), Rev. Craig Ford (336-724-6311 ext. 1353) or Rev. Susannah Pittman (336-724-6311 ext. 1357).
HEALING HANDS KNITTING CIRCLE
Healing Hands Knitting Circle is resuming its monthly gathering on the first Monday of the month at 10 am in the Gathering Room. Our next gathering is February 6. All knitters, beginners and experienced alike, are welcome to join! For questions or more information, please contact Dianne Moore or Rev. Susannah Pittman
Our 4th and 5th graders have growing and changing bodies, hearts, and minds. March 3-4 we will be offering our annual Created by God weekend for these growing 4th and 5th graders and their grown ups. Cost is $40/student. Registration opens January 31 through Realm and the Engage page of the church website. Space is limited so make sure to register early. Questions? Contact Kate May (kmay@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1331)
MISSIONS
WINTER OVERFLOW SHELTER
NOW – MARCH 28
This vital ministry provides persons experiencing homelessness a meal and a warm place to sleep, and we are honored to be a partner with City with Dwellings in this effort. Centenary furnishes transportation from the check-in site to the overflow shelter on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings. We are in need of drivers and ridealongs. Ride-alongs help with boarding the busses and serve as an extra pair of eyes for drivers. To volunteer as a driver or a ride-along, please contact Rev. Meg Peters mpeters@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1361) or sign-up on our Engage Page.
MUSIC & THE ARTS
BRAHMS’ GERMAN REQUIEM
Please join us on Sunday, February 26 at 4:00 pm as the Centenary Chancel Choir and the Greensboro Symphony Master Chorale present this masterwork in our sanctuary. A requiem for humankind, Brahms’ opus focuses on bringing comfort to the living soul, a perfect accompaniment to our most contemplative of seasons: Lent. Admission is free.
•February 7: No Youth Basketball
•February 8: Confirmation: The Church and John Wesley (6:00 – 7:30 pm)
•February 12: Youth Super Bowl Party!
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.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Join us every Sunday at 10:00 am on the fourth floor for ALL youth Sunday School taught by our Associate Director of Youth Ministries, Andrew Epermanis. There will be snacks and fellowship before the lesson every week! As we journey through Epiphany and Confirmation, we invite you to join us as we take a long, loving look at Jesus’ life as we see it lived out through Luke’s eyes.
CONFIRMATION
Confirmation by definition is faith formation, one part of a life-long journey. We have designed an incredible Confirmation process to help our 7th grade youth begin to claim their faith as their very own. Through our Confirmation ministry you will have opportunities, be given tools, support, and the inspiration you need to build your faith on a firm foundation. Registration is now open. Check the Youth Announcements for more details.
LOOKING AHEAD
March 4: LTN Fundraiser
March 10-12: Rest Retreat to the Trinity Center
May 5 & 6: Confirmation Retreat to Blowing Rock
May 21: Confirmation Sunday
June 4: Graduation Recognition Sunday
June 18-25: Mountain T.O.P (ALL youth) Mission Trip
July 15-22: YouthWorks Senior High Mission Trip
July 24-27: Vacation Bible School
August 27: Fall Kick-Off!