SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER • MAY 5, 2024 • 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
Come, Let Us Gather — Pamela Conn Beall & Susan Hagen Nipp Come let us gather now to sing. Praises and thanks to God our King. Thank you, God, for everything.
†OPENING PRAYER
O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#89 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee — HYMN TO JOY
†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
PRAYERS
OF THE PEOPLE
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
CANTICLE
Grow, Little Tree — Andrea Ramsey Grow, little tree. Stretch your arms, and spread your leaves. What will you be? Grow, little tree. Wave your branches wild and free for all to see. I’ll grow too, just like you. Nurture me, I look to you for what to do. Dance, dance in the wind. Stand, and soak up the sun, and when the storm brings a shower, let the earth catch my tears and sprout a new flower.
Carry Me Home — arr. Jean Anne Shafferman Swing low, sweet chariot, comin’ for to carry me home. Deep river, my home is over Jordan. O, deep river, Lord, I want to cross over into campground. O, don’t you want to go to that gospel feast, that promised land where all is peace?
SCRIPTURE — Luke 9:20-25
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON —
“To Be the Church: To Be A Disciple”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
All God’s Children — Baker Lawrimore
For children all, a sense of welcome. For children all, a belly fed. For children all, strong minds that wonder. For children all, a loving friend. For we’re a world of diverse people, all our needs here on earth are broad. So look around, see the beauty in difference, and work to love all the children of God. For those ignored and those alone, a sense of welcome. For those ignored and those alone, a belly fed. For those ignored and those alone, strong minds that wonder. For those ignored and those alone, a loving friend. For enemies, a sense of welcome. For enemies, a belly fed. For enemies, strong minds that wonder. For enemies, a loving friend.
†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.
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
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
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.
†HYMN #399 Take My LIfe, and Let It Be — MESSIAH
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
I Have Decided to Follow Jesus — Indian Folk Song I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back. Where Jesus leads me, I’ll surely follow. Sing glory, glory, and hallelujah.
†POSTLUDE
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III
Senior Minister
LITURGIST
The Reverend Meg Peters, Assoc. Minister
CLERGY COMMUNION ASSISTANTS
Rev. Roland Barnhardt
Rev. Duke Ison
Rev. Bill Medilin
Rev. Marilyn Weiler
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 R. Craig Ford ext. 1353
Associate Minister
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
Rick Gibbons ext. 1342 Congregational Care Assistant
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
ANNOUNCEMENTS • MAY 5, 2024
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
IN MEMORIAM
Emmie Lou James Long
January 30, 2024
The ministers and members of Centenary extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved family and pray they may know the comfort and peace of our Heavenly Father.
ADULT FORMATION
MADE IN THE IMAGE: ART AS A SOURCE FOR THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION
SUNDAY MAY 19 • 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
SECCA (NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF ART, WINSTON-SALEM)
STUDENTS WITH FULL BELLIES ARE MORE SUCCESSFUL
Did you know that we partner with 4 different schools in Winston-Salem to help provide food for students? This special ministry is called the backpack program. Schools determine students who may not have access to food over the weekend and are partnered with an organization through the Second Harvest Food Bank. They receive boxes of meals that are distributed to the students. Centenary partners with Brunson Elementary, Wiley Middle School, Reynolds High School and the Winston Salem Street School. Are you interested in partnering with us to help students gain access to food? You can do so by contacting Kate May (kmay@centenary-ws.org/ext 1331) and she can tell you about all the ways we need your help.
BE A PART OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL TEAM
THE RALEIGH RINGERS TODAY • 4 PM • SANCTUARY
The Raleigh Ringers are here! We are thrilled to present this internationally acclaimed, Emmy-nominated, concert handbell choir that dazzles their audiences. Join us for an unforgettable program. Tickets can be purchased via the QR Code for $20/adult and $5/child (12 & under) or at the door.
CHILDREN’S MUSIC & ARTS SPRING FINALE TODAY • 11 AM
Centenary’s children and youth lead music alongside young people from across the Triad! This finale to our CAE program year includes inaugural collaborations between our Creative Arts Experience participants, the members of the Youth Choir Collective on Fifth, and children and youth choristers from First Baptist Church, Greensboro. We are glad to welcome these young musicians to worship today!
SIGN UP NOW FOR CHILDREN’S MUSIC & ART CAMP 2024
July 15 - 18, 2024
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
Join us every Sunday at 10:00 am on the fourth floor (@Youth Commons) for ALL youth Sunday School. As always there are breakfast snacks, coffee & drinks, and friends & fellowship before the lesson every week!
Join us for our series in Youth Sunday school, “Faith Face to Face”. This new series is all about exploring your questions of faith. We asked you what your questions are; you told us what you’re wondering about, and together we will find the answers! In 1 Corinthians 14: 33 we are reminded that “God is a God not of confusion, but of peace”. We can’t wait for you to be part of this great opportunity to take one question of faith each week and seek God’s wisdom so that we might more grow in the likeness and love of Jesus.
LOOKING AHEAD May 10: Sixers! End of the year picnic at Bailey Park May 19: Confirmation Sunday June 2: Graduation Recognition Sunday & Summer Kick-Off!
Our group will gather at SECCA to view the exhibition From Alpha to Creation: Religion in the Deep South. We will then use one of the pieces from the exhibition as a springboard to guided discussion and reflection as we make connections with scripture and our own experiences and beliefs, ultimately asking how God may be leading us. Facilitators for this program are Centenary’s Adult Discipleship Specialist, Stacy Holley, and Chair of Music & Arts, Dr. Steve Martin. Space is limited to 14 and the cost is $20 per person which includes an optional guided tour of the exhibit. Please register by Sunday, May 12. For more information, please contact Stacy Holley (sholley@centenary-ws.org).
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
SCUBA VBS
JULY 29-AUGUST 1 • 9 AM - NOON
Adventure awaits us, as we dive into friendship with God in our SCUBA Vacation Bible School! We hope all 4-year-olds through rising 6th graders will join us! Register using the QR code or through the Events and Links page of the church website. For more information, contact Kate May (kmay@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1331).
YOU CAN HELP MAKE VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL A SUCCESS!
This summer we will be taking our kids on a Super Cool Underwater Bible Adventure for Vacation Bible School where we hope that they will be immersed in the knowledge that God loves them and so do we! In order for that to happen we need your gifts and talent and time! There is a place for everyone at Vacation Bible School whether you want to help with crafts, or snacks or you want to be a small group shepherd or a crossing guard. Perhaps you can’t be with us in person but you’d be able to help with prep work, no matter what your gifts and talents and time commitment are you can use them at vacation Bible School! Contact Kate May (kmay@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1331) and let her know you want to be a part of the VBS team!
OLDER ELEMENTARY MISSION WEEK
JUNE 25-27 • 9 AM – 3 PM
We hope our rising 4th – 6th graders can join us for a time to serve the community and have fun with friends! Registration is open and space is limited to register early! You can register using the QR code or through the Events and Links page of the church website. Contact Kate May kmay@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1331) for more information.
Do you love spending time with elementary aged kids? Are you filled with joy by their questions and observations about the world? Are you energized by sharing God’s love with kids? Then you should consider being a part of our Sunday School team! This team is made up of amazing folks just like you who commit for one school year to serve as a small group or large group leader. Using provided lesson plans large group leaders share a Bible story in an engaging and hands on way with a mixed group of kids ages 1st-5th grade. Small group leaders build relationships with one age group of kids while facilitating activities that build on the large group learning. If you are interested or have questions, reach out to Kate May kmay@centenary-ws.org/ ext. 1331).
KITCHEN SUNDAY SCHOOL BEGINS JUNE 2 FOR K-5TH GRADERS!
This summer our Sunday school forces will combine for a delicious cooking and learning experience for kindergarteners through fifth graders. Throughout the summer our kids will gather in the Community Room at 10 am and then head into the East Building kitchen to experience a Bible story through food! Rev. Kate May will be leading our lessons but each week we will have a grown up helper to make sure we all have a yummy time! Want to join us? Reach out to Kate May (kmay@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1331).
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
REFRESH: WEEKLY PRAYER IN THE CHAPEL TUESDAYS • NOW – MAY 28 NOON- 12:30PM
You are invited for a time of prayer each week in our Chapel. Resources will be provided for a time of independent reflection and contemplation.
STEPHEN MINISTRY
I haven’t been the same since my mother passed away 2 years ago. I’m exhausted, irritable, and often withdrawn. I’ve been so busy taking care of my surviving father and my own family that I didn’t allow myself time to grieve her death. It’s time now, and I’m receiving much needed help from my Stephen Minister.
If you or someone you know could benefit from Stephen Ministry, please contact Deena Morgan (336-692-2314) or Wilba Brady (336-723-6236).
JUSTICE & RECONCILIATION
HOW CAN WE CHANGE THE STORY?
GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION
TODAY • 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
Join us for our next panel discussion about social issues impacting our community. Guest panelists are Curtis Friday (Cure Violence/Forsyth Winston, Program Manager), Tricia McManus (WSFCS, Superintendent), Dr. Irish Spencer (Families Against Senseless Killing, President), Lt. Tyler Walley (WSPD, Gang Unit and Gun Crime Reduction Unit, Supervisor) and Dr. Erica Payton Foh (UNC Greensboro, Associate Professor, Public Health Education, Moderator).
MUSIC & ARTS
CMA Camp is offered for infants through rising 5th graders. Offerings include singing, handbells, handchimes, creative movement, art, Kindermusik, and more! Snacks are provided daily. The week ends with a camper-led worship service on Thursday at 12:30 PM followed by a reception to celebrate the accomplishments of each child during camp. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled week! Register via the QR Code today! For more information, please contact Music Ministry Assistant, Virginia Sheffield vsheffield@ centenary-ws.org).
SENIOR ADULTS
LUNCHEON
THURSDAY • MAY 16 • NOON MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
July 20-28: YouthWorks Senior High mission trip (Niagara Falls, NY) July 29-August 1: Vacation Bible School August 11: LTN August 11: 6th grade Promotion Party August 18: Sunday school Open House & Fall Kickoff!
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.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
This month’s keynote is Centenary’s Director of Information Technology, John Rogers, who will speak about cybersecurity. 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, May 8.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today
11:00 am: LTN set up
Noon-2:00 pm: Love Thy Neighbor lunch & medical clinic 2:15 pm: LTN clean up
Are you a people person? Do you enjoy chatting with folks? We are building a roster of front desk volunteers to direct phone calls and open the door for our guests. Office hours are 9 am - 4 pm, Monday - Thursday. If you’re interested in a particular day of the week and can assist occasionally or every week, please contact Rick Gibbons (rgibbons@centenaryws.org/ext. 1342).
MONDAY • MAY 6
Matthew 27-28 & Psalm 94
TUESDAY • May 7 Mark 1-2 & Psalm 95
WEDNESDAY • MAY 8 Mark 3-4 & Psalm 96
THURSDAY • MAY 9 Mark 5-6 & Psalm 97 FRIDAY
