EPIPHANY • JANUARY 5, 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
Brightest and Best — arr. Shawn Kirchner
Hail the bless’d morn, see the great Mediator down from the regions of glory decend! Shepherds go worship the babe in the manger, lo, for his guard the bright angels attend. Brightest and best of the stars of the morning, dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid. Star in the East, the horizon adorning, guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.
†OPENING PRAYER
O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the Peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#254 We Three Kings — KINGS OF ORIENT
†AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is the one true church, apostolic and universal, whose holy faith let us now declare:
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.
†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 2:41-52
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Holy Habits”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
We Three Kings — arr. Mark Hayes
†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
Receive these offerings, O Lord. We give you thanks for the blessings which you have bestowed upon us. We pray these gifts, the employment of our talents, the labor of our hands, the prayers of our hearts, and the witness of our lives will show the world the magnitude of your love and grace. Let us put you first in our lives. Use us this week to build your Kingdom. We ask this in the name of Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever more. 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
The Road Home — Stephen Paulus
Tell me, where is the road I can call my own, that I left, that I lost so long ago. All these years I have wandered. Oh, when will I know there’s a way, there’s a road that will lead me home. After wind, after rain when the dark is done, as I wake from a dream in the gold of day, through the air there’s a calling from far away. There’s a voice I can hear that will lead me home. Rise up, follow me, come away is the call, with love in your heart as the only song; there is no such beauty as where you belong. Rise up, follow me, I will lead you home.
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
†HYMN
#220 Angels from the Realms of Glory — REGENT SQUARE
†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.
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III
Senior Minister
LITURGISTS
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
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of Mary Elizabeth
for their tireless service in ministry with the Senior Adults.
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
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
ANNOUNCEMENTS • JANUARY 5, 2025
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CHURCH-WIDE OPPORTUNITIES
NOURISH RETURNS
MISSIONS
BLOOD DRIVE
TUESDAY • JANUARY 28 • 12:30 - 5 PM
YOUTH MINISTRY
COMMUNITY ROOM
BACKPACK PROGRAM
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
Our Wednesday evening church-wide dinner and spiritual formation classes returns on January 8. We invite you to join us as we begin the new year taking exciting steps in our faith journey. There is something for everyone! For a full listing of courses available and weekly dinner menus, visit www.centenary-ws.org/nourish or scan our QR code.
ADULT FORMATION
Thank you all so much for your generosity during the holiday season as we sent additional food home for Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks. School returns on January 6 and we will resume our weekly food distribution. For $200, you can sponsor a child’s weekend meals for a whole school year! Reach out to Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws.org) with any questions.
CREATED BY GOD PARENT INFO SESSION
JANUARY 16, 2025 • 8 PM
DISCIPLE BIBLE FAST TRACK: NEW TESTAMENT
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS AT NOURISH BEGINNING JANUARY 15, 2025 5:45 - 7:00 PM • ROOM 115 • ZOOM
This group will cover major themes of the New Testament using the Disciple Fast Track study material designed to give busy people comprehensive engagement with the Bible over time. You do not need to know anything about the Bible to join this study. We meet for twelve sessions: Jan 15 – April 9. Group participants will spend about 30 minutes a day reading and reflecting on scripture in preparation for weekly group meetings, led by Kathy Chaney and Rev. Marilyn Weiler. Cost is $20 for the study guide and you may also want to purchase a recommended study Bible. Childcare is available. Please click here/ use our QR code to register by Wednesday, January 8.
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.
INTRODUCTION TO LUKE & ACTS
SUNDAY • JANUARY 26 • 10 AM
MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
Led by Dr. Christopher Franks, Owen D. and Mattie Holt McPherson Associate Professor of Religion and Department Chair at High Point University. Dr. Franks will orient us to Luke and Acts, offering insights to deepen our understanding and help us become more faithful readers.
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!
This year’s Created by God session for 4th and 5th graders and their families will be held Friday evening, February 28 and Saturday, March 1. This program gives our preteens an opportunity to learn about their growing and changing bodies through a Christian lens. Registration will open January 28, with limited space available. As you are deciding if this is the right year for your child to participate, we invite you to be a part of a Parent Info Session on Zoom Thursday, January 16 at 8 pm. Even if your child is not yet in 4th or 5th grade, you are welcome to join. Contact Kate May for more information.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
HEALING HANDS MINISTRY
FIRST MONDAYS • 10 AM - NOON GATHERING ROOM
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. Look for a Healing Hands opportunity during Nourish on Wednesday evenings starting in January! No experience is required.
REFRESH PRAYER MINISTRY
WEDNESDAYS • NOON - 12:45 PM SANCTUARY
Join the Refresh Prayer Ministry for a midweek service of reflection, music, and prayer. From 12:00-12:15 there will be a time for quiet reflection with music, and then the service will begin at 12:15 and finish by 12:45. Parking will be available in the Fifth Street parking lot, and you may enter from the Fifth Street entrance to the sanctuary. Services will resume on January 8. For more information, contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck or Becky Tate.
MEN’S MINISTRY
THURSDAY MORNING FELLOWSHIP
JANUARY 9 • 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. 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.
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 or visiting our website. If you cannot give blood but would like to volunteer, please email Rev. Meg Peters (mpeters@centenaryws.org).
MUSIC & ARTS
JOIN THE CHANCEL CHOIR IN 2025!
Looking to begin the year in the spirit of service? The Chancel Choir is proud to serve our congregation and always eager to welcome those who love to sing! Join us as we kick off 2025 with our annual January Jumpstart (1/10 & 11), which will include preparation of music for Lent, Easter and as well as Mozart’s Requiem. Rehearsals are held each Thursday at 7:00 pm. Come be a part of a growing and increasingly vibrant community of song! Contact Jonathan Emmons Director of Music Ministries (jemmons@centenary-ws. org) with questions or for more information.
SIGN UP NOW FOR CHILDREN’S MUSIC & ART CAMP 2025 JULY 14 - 17, 2024 Register now for CMA Camp 2025! Open to infants through rising 5th graders, this fun-filled week features singing, handbells, art, Kindermusik, and more! The highlight of Camp each year is the camper-led worship service that concludes our week together. Register now via the QR code for a special early bird discount! For more information, please contact Music Ministry Assistant, Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@ centenary-ws.org).
Today 10:00 am: Youth Sunday school 1:15 pm - 3:00 pm: ALL Youth Ice Skating (@ Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, 414 Deacon Blvd., WinstonSalem, NC 27105) Meet us at the rink for an afternoon of ice skating! Cost is $10 per person -- which covers your admission, skate rental, and some goodies & treats for refreshment while we skate! As always, friends are welcome!
January 7
7:00 pm: Twin City Conference Basketball game – Centenary vs. W-S Street School (@ Fulton YMCA)
January 8 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm: Confirmation Orientation for Confirmands (@ Youth Commons)
January 9 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Confirmation Orientation for Shepherds (@Youth Commons)
January 10-11
“Trust” - Jr./Sr. Retreat (@ Blowing Rock Conference Center, 1818 Goforth Rd, Blowing Rock, NC) We will gather at 4:30pm on Friday to leave from the 41/2 Street Entrance and arrive back at the church Saturday at 6:00pm.
January 12
10:00 am: Youth Sunday school 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)
CONFIRMATION
2025
CHILDREN’S CAE RETURNS JANUARY 8 –NEW PARTICIPANTS WELCOME! Children’s Creative Arts Experience includes activities for children ages 2 through 5th grade each Wednesday during Nourish. CAE’s multi-faceted model engages children with various levels of musical and artistic interests, all while cultivating more regular, more varied worship leadership opportunities for Centenary’s youngest! Register via the QR Code. Current participants need not register again. Email Music Ministries Assistant Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.org) with any questions.
SENIOR ADULTS
LUNCHEON
THURSDAY • JANUARY 16 • NOON MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
This month’s guest speaker is Cameron Kent, former news anchor from WXII and now best-selling author. 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, January 8. The Senior Adult Council will meet briefly in the choir room at 11:00 before the luncheon.
Starting on January 8, 2025 (through May 18), we invite all 7th graders to join our Confirmation class. We will meet each Wednesday night from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm to learn about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the spiritual life, and how they form us and help us to change the way we live our lives. The hope is that through these experiences, you will come to encounter Jesus in a very real way and that encounter will change the way you live your life! For more information contact Tammy Pollock (tpollock@centenaryws.org).
LOOKING AHEAD
January 24-25: Confirmation Retreat (@ Camp Hanes)
January 31: Sixers! Go to the Movies! February 23: Love Thy Neighbor Annual Fundraiser
Love Thy Neighbor Dates 2025: January 12, February 2, 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.
