TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • OCTOBER 6, 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
Uyai Mose (Come, All You People) — Traditional Zimbabwean Come all you people, come and praise your maker. Come now and worship the Lord.
†OPENING PRAYER
Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#75 All People That on Earth Do Dwell — OLD 100th
†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.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
SCRIPTURE — Matthew 5:21-26
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Conversations Across the Aisle: Harmony in Mayhem”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
Jubilate in A-flat Major — Charles Wood O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands; serve the Lord with gladness and come before His presence with a song. Be ye sure that the Lord, He is God. It is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. O go your way into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him, and speak good of His name. For the Lord is gracious, His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endureth from generation to generation. 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.
†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
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.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE
†HYMN #549 Where Charity and Love Prevail — ST. PETER
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
Go Now in Peace — Robert Lau Go now in peace, and may God’s peace go with you. Believe and trust His holy word. Amen.
†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 Meg Peters, Assoc. Minister
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar
The Chancel Choir
CRUCIFER
Mills Douglas
TORCHBEARERS
Beverly Douglas Borden Douglas
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are are given in loving memory of our mother, Barbara Long Welch and our father, Edwin L. Welch, Sr., by their children, Lynn Welch Brannock and family and, Ed & Sue Welch and family.
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
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 • OCTOBER 6, 2024
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CHURCH-WIDE EVENTS
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
TODAY • 2PM
Bring your leashed or crated pets to the North Lawn for a time of fellowship and blessing for our animal companions! Contact Rev. Meg Peters (mpeters@ centenary-ws.org for more information.
ADULT FORMATION
FIRST FIFTEEN: WHAT’S NEXT?
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
CENTENARY CARES: SHOWING CARE AND SHARING ENCOURAGEMENT FROM SHINING LIGHT ON MENTAL HEALTH
CHILDREN’S CREATIVE ARTS EXPERIENCE weaves visual arts into a diverse curriculum that encourages children ages 4 to 5th grade to develop a lifelong love of worship through the arts every Wednesday at 6:00 pm! Register via the QR Code.
NOURISH YOUTH BIBLE STUDY ‘THE WAY OF LOVE’
CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 646 W. FIFTH STREET • WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27101
WWW.CENTENARY-WS.ORG • 336-724-6311
Nearly a year ago our congregation began an intentional practice of starting each day with scripture reading and prayer with the goal of reading the entire Old and New Testaments. We’ve put together a list of resources to help you get started with a new practice of reading and prayer. Most of these resources are accessed online, but there is one printed reading plan available for pickup at the church and some printed devotional books you can order. For more information contact Stacy Holley (sholley@centenary-ws.org/ ext. 1359).
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
NO CHILDREN’S WORSHIP TODAY
Sometimes we go through challenging circumstances that are outside our control. When those times affect us and involve challenges with mental health, and we wish to remain private, it is 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 care and encouragement are extended from Centenary UMC. If someone you know is struggling or has a loved one struggling with mental health, submit the person’s name to Rev. Oliver Helsabeck Associate Minister for Congregational Care, ohelsabeck@centenary-ws. org/ext. 1357). A member of Shining Light will confidentially deliver a Centenary Cares bag to the recipient. More information can be found on the website under Congregational Care/Shining Light.
FOR AM WITH YOU: FACING LONELINESS IN A DISCONNECTED WORLD
SUNDAY • OCTOBER 13 • 5 PM
MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
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 reception narthex, the narthex and outside the East transept. We look forward to having your child join us for children’s worship next week!
YOU CAN HELP US PROVIDE FOOD FOR HUNGRY STUDENTS IN WINSTON SALEM
Through the BackPack Program, we partner with Second Harvest Food Bank to provide weekend food for students in Winston Salem. One of the biggest ways you can help us continue this ministry is through prayer and financial support. If you’d like to join us in supporting kids who don’t have food readily available, contact Anna Thomas (athomas@ centenary-ws.org/ext. 1332).
SAVE THE DATE FOR TOUGH QUESTIONS: TALKING TO KIDS ABOUT DEATH AND GRIEF
OCTOBER 20 • 5 - 6:45 PM
Living through seasons of death and grief is hard enough to do as adults, but what about when we walk these seasons with our kids?
Join us as we hear from a panel of experts including our own Oliver Helsabeck, resource folks from Trellis Supportive Care and others. We’ll also have dinner and table talk to further deepen our learning and help us feel equipped to navigate conversations with our children. Each adult is $10 with free children’s activities for infants-5th graders. Invite all your friends and register now using the QR code or on the church website. Registration closes October 13!
ANGEL TREE HELPERS NEEDED
Can you believe it’s time to start preparing for Angel Tree? If you are interested in helping us with this amazing opportunity, we are looking for people to help plug in data, set up trees with angels on them, help people choose and sign out angels on Sunday mornings, organize gifts and pick up assistance! Contact Anna Thomas athomas@centenary-ws. org/ext. 1332) for more information.
SAVE THE DATES FOR SUMMER
VBS: June 16-19
Camp Tekoa: July 14-17
OEMW: July 22-24
According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community, “social connection is as essential to our long-term survival as food and water. But today, loneliness is more widespread than other major health issues in the U.S. Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation is a major public health concern.” Loneliness pervades our society as people have lost connections for a variety of reasons and causes. Join Stephen Ministry and Shining Light on Mental Health for a special program. Bert Sanders, Chaplain at Arbor Acres, will lead the program, aimed at helping people navigate the challenges of loneliness and building and maintaining connections. Music will be provided by Art Bloom, Keith Byrd, and Zakiyyah Niang. For more information, contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck
JUSTICE & RECONCILLIATION
BIG SWEEP
SATURDAY • OCTOBER 12 • 9 AM - NOON
Join the Centenary UMC Creation Care Team as we partner with Keep Winston-Salem Beautiful for the Big Sweep at Shaffner Park! Let us know you’re coming by emailing Meg Peters (mpeters@ centenary-ws.org) or Frank Hassell c_frank_ hassell@yahoo.com)!
MISSIONS
BLOOD DRIVE
TUESDAY • OCTOBER 8 • 12:30 PM - 5 PM 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 or visiting our website. If you cannot give blood but would like to volunteer, please email Rev. Meg Peters (mpeters@centenaryws.org).
MUSIC & ARTS
SUBSCRIBE TO SIGHTINGS & SOUNDINGS
Want to know the best way to keep up with what is happening in Music & Arts at Centenary?
Subscribe to Sightings & Soundings via the QR code to receive the latest issue in your inbox! You can also find Sightings & Soundings on Centenary’s website (Music & Arts’ page) or pick up a printed copy from the magazine racks around campus or in the Music Suite.
ALL THINGS BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL: A NEIGHBORHOOD SHOWCASE is this year’s annual community art exhibit. We invite submissions from all youth and adults to be displayed in the Atrium and 4 ½ Street Galleries from November 10, 2024, to January 5, 2025. Contact Music Ministry Assistant, Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenaryws.org), for submission instructions.
THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF GRACE: AN ARTISTIC RESPONSE TO HYMNODY is a Nourish offering this fall! Join this mixed media class for beginning to advanced artists and explore the beauty of hymns and how they inspire visual art. Register via the QR Code.
All youth (6th-12th grades) are invited to join us as we explore what it means to follow the Way of Jesus. The way Jesus lived, and the way Jesus loved. We all know that scripture calls us to love God and love neighbor... however, together we will explore how to do just as Jesus did by spending each Wednesday looking at a word a week that will help us understand the Way of Jesus better. Those words? Turn. Learn. Pray. Worship. Bless. God. Rest. We are so excited to grow in our understanding of Jesus and how he invites us to live and hope you will be too!
TWIN CITY CONFERENCE SENIOR HIGH BASKETBALL
For a third season, we are partnering with the Winston Salem Street School for the Twin City Conference, a Senior High Boys basketball league. Our first game will be November 12, 2024, at 6:00 pm (vs. WSSS) at Fulton YMCA with the season ending in a tournament on January 28, 2025 (just in time for school spring sports).
FAITH AND ARTISTRY: SEEKING THE SACRED IN CREATIVE EXPRESSION is a new painting and drawing class tailored to fit your schedule! With Monday night and Thursday morning tracks offered, choose the time that is best for you to discover the wealth of creative opportunities that faith inspires. To learn more and register, scan the QR Code.
SENIOR ADULTS
LUNCHEON THURSDAY • OCTOBER 17 • NOON MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
If you are a Senior High boy (9th-12th grade) and NOT on your school’s varsity basketball team, we invite you to be part of our church basketball team and this amazing league (and yes, friends are welcome too)! The cost to join the league will be $50 and you must be registered to play. Contact Tammy Pollock, Director of Youth Ministries for more information. Watch your weekly Youth email blast for ways you can register.
This month’s speaker is Rick Hall, Adult Services Division Director, Forsyth County Department of Social Services. 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, October 9.
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
SANCTUARY ORNAMENT
Centenary United Methodist United Women in Faith (UWF) are offering a limited-edition Centenary Sanctuary ornament. The ornaments are hand-painted and made of blown glass. They include a historically accurate depiction of Centenary’s Sanctuary stained-glass windows. The measurements are 5 ¾” (length) x 3” (width) x 3 ¼” (height).
You will have opportunities to pick up pre-ordered ornaments once they arrive.
Cost: $40 per ornament. Cash or check accepted. Must pay at time of order. Vist the UWF page on the church website to order.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today 10:00 am: Youth Sunday school 11:00 am: LTN set up Noon-2:00 pm: Love Thy Neighbor and Medical Clinic 2:15 pm: LTN clean up
October 13
10:00 am: Youth Sunday school NO YOUTH GROUPS! Enjoy the long fall break weekend!
THINGS HAVE CHANGED WITH DAVID MAGEE Centenary Youth ministry and Shining Light on Mental Health welcomes David Magee to our church and community Sunday, October 27 at 10:00 am for youth Sunday school (@ Youth Commons) and then again at 5:00 pm for a LISTEN event (@ Memorial Auditorium) for our church community. David is a bestselling author of the award- winning “Dear William: A Father’s Memoir of Addiction, Recovery, Love, and Loss”, a Publisher’s Weekly bestseller featured on CBS Mornings, and other books including his forthcoming memoir, “A Little Crazy” (September, 2024) a sequel to “Dear William” about mental health and finding purpose and joy.
LOOKING AHEAD
October 20: Annual ALL Youth trip to Carowinds/ Scarowinds October 27: LISTEN event with guest, David Magee November 1: 2025 Senior High Mission trip registration opens November 6: 2025 Confirmation registration opens (7th graders) November 12: 2024-2025 Twin City Conference Basketball season begins January 10 & 11: Junior/Senior Retreat to Blowing Rock January 8: 2025 Confirmation begins
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.
