WELCOME TO WORSHIP
FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER • MAY 7, 2023 • 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.
Please stand as you are able
PRELUDE GREETING INTROIT
Hymn of Praise — René Clausen Alleluia. Praise God in His holy temple. Amen, amen, alleluia, amen! (Psalm 150)
†OPENING PRAYER
Lord of all life and power, who through the mighty resurrection of your Son overcame the old order of sin and death to make all things new in him. Lord, grant that we, being dead to sin and alive to you in Jesus Christ, may reign with him in glory to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be praise and honor, glory and might, now and in all eternity. Amen.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION #126 Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above — MIT FREUDEN ZART
†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.
SCRIPTURE — Galatians 4:4-7, 19-20
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “A Grace Which Forms”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY HYMN ANTHEM
#206 I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light — arr. Paul Manz The congregation is invited to sing stanza three.
†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
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.
MUSIC AT COMMUNION
Children of the Heavenly Father — arr. David S. Kirby
Children of the heavenly Father safely in his bosom gather, nestling bird nor star in heaven such a refuge e’er was given. God his own doth tend and nourish; in his holy courts they flourish from all evil things he spares them; in his mighty arms bears them. Neither life nor death shall ever from the Lord his children sever, unto them his grace he showeth, and their sorrows all he knoweth.
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 #664 Sent Forth by God’s Blessing — THE ASH GROVE
†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 Meg Peters, Assoc. Minister
CRUCIFER
Adelaide Jernigan
TORCHBEARERS
James Jernigan
Jay Bland
RECEIVING OF ELEMENTS
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of Ted Keith and T.R. Keith by their family, Mary Jane Keith, Melissa & Keith Lewis, and Stacy Keith Ritch.
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar
The Chancel Choir
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
Assoc. Minister of Evangelism, Engagement & Missions
Reverend Susannah Pittman ext. 1357
Associate Minister of Congregational Care & Adult Formation
ANNOUNCEMENTS • MAY 7, 2023
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
SUMMER FIRST FIFTEEN
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! This spring and summer, our First Fifteen will be exploring the journey of the early Church and the travels of Paul. We would love for you to join us! Bookmarks containing the monthly reading plan are available throughout the Centenary campus. To sign up to receive the First Fifteen, visit centenary-ws.org/ church-events and then click the Adult Formation button, where you will find a link to register.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
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.” ~A Stephen Ministry Care Receiver.
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).
CARENOTES
CareNotes are concise booklets that provide uplifting guidance to those who are hurting. They address topics that include grief, aging, healthcare, mental wellness, family care, spiritual support and more. Our collection of CareNotes is located on the 3rd floor near the Resource Room. For more information, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman
CHILDREN’S
MINISTRY
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
JULY 24-27 • 9 AM - NOON
MUSIC & THE ARTS
SUBSCRIBE TO SIGHTINGS & SOUNDINGS
Check out Centenary’s monthly Music & Arts magazine! Find the latest edition on Centenary’s website (Music & Arts’ page), subscribe via the QR Code below, or pick up a printed copy from the Music Suite.
SIGN UP 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).
SENIOR ADULTS
LUNCHEON
THURSDAY • MAY 18 •11:45 AM
MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
Our keynote speaker will be Joel McIver, VicePresident for Community Engagement at Senior Services. To register, contact Charles Monroe (336773-0446)/chasmonroe@yahoo.com Luncheon cost is $10.00.
YOUTH MINISTRY
EVENTS
May 7
Noon – 2:00 pm: Love thy Nieghbor 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm: Listen! Event
May 14 No Youth!
LOOKING AHEAD
May 7: LTN & LISTEN! event
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 to Denver, CO
July 24-27: Vacation Bible School
August 27: Fall Kick-Off!
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.
TOWN HALL MEETINGS WITH DR. KINKEN
The future of the United Methodist Church is still being debated and will be so for at least another twelve months until the 2024 General Conference next May. You are invited to join Dr. Kinken for a town hall meeting on the present state of affairs in the UMC, what this means for Centenary, and what classes and learning opportunities will be offered in the twelve months leading up to the 2024 General Conference.
These town hall meetings will be offered:
• Wednesday, May 10 at 6:30 pm in Memorial Auditorium
• Thursday, May 11 at 4:00 pm in Piner Hall at Arbor Acres Retirement Community
• Tuesday, May 16 at noon in Memorial Auditorium
• Tuesday, May 16 at 6:30 pm via ZOOM
• Sunday, May 21 at 5:00 pm in Memorial Auditorium
One does not need to register for any of the town hall meetings, EXCEPT for the one to be held on Tuesday, May 16 at 6:30 pm via ZOOM. You may register for that session by scanning our QR code.
If you have any questions about the town hall meetings, please email Dr. Kinken
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
This summer at VBS we will be shining Jesus’ light and learning how Stellar God is! Mark your calendar and plan to sign up the kids in your life who are 4 years old through rising 6th grade. Registration opens through the Church website (events page) and the Realm app on May 1. We hope to have lots of grown ups join us too! You can show our kids what it looks like to shine Jesus’ light by serving as a crossing guard, a small group shepherd, a craft helper, or simply helping with prep work. There is something for everyone to do! For more information contact Kate May (kmay@centenaryws.org/ext. 1331)
MISSIONS
PILL PACKING PARTY
SUNDAY • JUNE 4 • 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM COMMUNITY ROOM
You are invited to join the Honduras mission team for a Pill Packing party. Dinner will be provided. Please let us know If you plan to attend so we may have a good head count for our pizza dinner. If you have any questions, contact Rev. Meg Peters (336.724.6311 ext. 1361/ mpeters@centenary-ws. org).
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! We are currently studying relationships. Specifically, how scripture can help us build solid relationships with ourselves, friends, family, and significant others.
LISTEN!
TODAY • 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
As we continue to be intentional in our listening to our teenagers and parents, we invite you to join us for the next topic in our series on the impact substance use has on our teenagers, parents, & community. Our panel for the evening includes Katie Allen, Assistant Chief of Police (Field Services Bureau), Erin Bonsall, LCHMC, Bob Richardson, Counselor at INSIGHT and Emily Watson, LCMHC, LCAS. Following the panel discussion there will be a time for questions and answers. Light snacks and drinks will be served. All are welcome to this event as we all need to listen & hear one another. For more information contact Tammy Pollock
