NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • OCTOBER 8, 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
I Got Joy — McGhee, Armstrong, Scobie and Hill
GREETING
†OPENING PRAYER
Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we are to pray, and to give more that 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.
INTRODUCTION OF BISHOP CARTER
SCRIPTURE — John 15:1-17
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Connection and Purpose”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
†HYMN
#57 O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing — AZMON (Stanzas 1-5 & 7)
†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
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.
OFFERTORY
Alive and Breathing — Elle Limebear and Matt Maher
†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 THANKSGIVING
Almighty and most merciful God, from you comes every good and perfect gift. We give you praise and thanks for all your mercies. Your goodness has created us, your bounty has sustained us, your discipline has chastened us, your patience has borne with us, your love has redeemed us. Give us a heart to love and serve you, and enable us to show our thankfulness for all your goodness and mercy by giving up ourselves to your service, and cheerfully submitting in all things to your blessed will; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN
#715 Rejoice, the Lord Is King — DARWALL’S 148th
RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS
We give thanks for all that God has already given you and we welcome you in Christian love. As members together with you in the body of Christ and in this congregation of the United Methodist Church, we renew our covenant faithfully to participate in the ministries of the church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
Everyone Needs a Little — Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash and Kari Jobe
†CELEBRATION MUSIC
Everything Glorious — David Crowder
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
Bishop Ken Carter
LITURGISTS
The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III
Senior Minister
The Reverend Meg Peters, Assoc. Minister Tammy Pollock, Director of Youth Ministries
MUSIC Eddie Pollock, Band Leader Lydia Berger • Nathan Clark • Sam Clark Matthew Epermanis • Joanna Holden • Jacob Hollar • Larry Hollar • Amy Goodman • Lilly Robbins
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 • OCTOBER 8, 2023
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
Sympathy is extended to Jeffrey Swaim on the passing of his father, Thomas Harold Swaim, on September 12, 2023.
SAVE THE DATE
“NOURISH”
Our all-new Wednesday evening dinner and programming night has begun! Learn more about programming and sign up by scanning the QR code. To learn more about “Nourish” programming and register for dinner, please scan our QR code or visit www.centenaryws.org/nourish.
UPCOMING CHURCH-WIDE EVENTS
• Blessing of the Animals
Today • 3 pm • North Lawn
• Mission Fair October 15 • 10 am • Memorial Auditorium
ADULT FORMATION
SALT WOMEN’S BOOK AND BIBLE STUDY
1ST & 3RD WEDNESDAYS • 9:30 AM-11 AM COMMUNITY ROOM
All women are invited to join us as we delve into the Bible study, “Romans: Good News that Changes Everything” by Melissa Spoelstra. Facilitated by Amy Lawson, this six-session study explores the Good News found in Romans to encourage and transform us. Participant workbooks can be purchased through Cokesbury or other online retailers. For questions or more information, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
ANGEL TREE
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
It’s hard to believe, but Angel Tree is right around the corner. Each year this ministry helps make Christmas a little brighter for over 200 children in our community. This year the trees will go up with angels ready for adoption on October 29. You will again have the option this year to sponsor an angel if you would like to participate but prefer not to shop. We ask that gifts be returned by Wednesday, November 29 – they can be brought to Nourish. Then, join us for a wrapping party on December 3! There are lots of ways you can support this incredible ministry, want to help? Contact Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1332).
TOUGH QUESTIONS
OCTOBER 15 • 5-6:45 PM
“Where are the dinosaurs in the Bible?
Are the people in the Bible real people?
Why did my dog die?” Kids ask great questions about faith, but they are not always easy to answer! We are inviting parents to a night where Glenn Kinken and Kate May will help you tackle some of these tough questions of faith so that you can feel empowered to have great conversations with your kids. The evening will include catered Taco Mama and table conversation. Pizza dinner and activities will be available for kids at the same time, so you won’t need to get a babysitter! Cost is $10/ grown up, no cost for kids. Register now through Realm or by using the QR code. Registration closes this Wednesday, October 11.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
REFRESH MIDDAY PRAYER SERVICE
TUESDAYS IN OCTOBER
NOON-12:30 PM • CHAPEL
Through Scripture and prayer, this service offers a time to be refreshed and renewed through God’s grace. For more information, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman
SHINING LIGHT AND STEPHEN MINISTRY: “THE GRACE OF ANGER”
SUNDAY • OCTOBER 22 • 5 PM MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
The Shining Light on Mental Health committee and Stephen Ministry invite you to this special program, as Dr. Gary Chapman speaks on his new book, Anger: Taming a Powerful Emotion. Please register for childcare by October 15 with Rev. Susannah Pittman. For questions or more information, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman
STEPHEN MINISTRY
The Aging process is different for everyone. It can be a time filled with peace, or it can be a time of worry as life changes. A Stephen Minister, through a Christ-centered relationship with you, can bring a peaceful presence by providing a listening ear and walking alongside you when life transitions for you or a loved one can become difficult to handle.
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).
MISSIONS
SAMARITAN MINISTRIES
Centenary has partnered with Samaritan Ministries to volunteer for their dinner shifts from 4-7:30 pm every Sunday during the month of November. Each shift needs three volunteers, so ask a few friends to join you for a fun filled afternoon of volunteering at Samaritan! Scan the QR code to pick a Sunday and see more information about the opportunity. Email Rev. Meg Peters (mpeters@ centenary-ws.org), if you have any questions.
MUSIC & THE ARTS CONSPIRARE IN RESIDENCE
SUNDAY • OCTOBER 15
11 AM IN WORSHIP • 4 PM IN CONCERT
Join us as Grammy-award winning professional choir Conspirare presents a free concert NEXT SUNDAY, October 15, at 4 pm. The program will include a collaboration with nearly 100 additional singers including the Chancel Choir and Centenary’s new Youth Choir Collective. A small group drawn from the full choir will join us in worship at 11 am. Don’t miss a day full of transformative choral singing!
SUBSCRIBE TO SIGHTINGS & SOUNDINGS
The newest issue of Centenary’s monthly Music & Arts magazine is now out! Subscribe via the QR code to receive your copy in your inbox each month. 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.
CALLING ALL ARTISTS!
The Music & Arts Ministry invites submissions from both youth and adults for our upcoming community exhibit, “Peace, Hope & Joy: A Neighborhood Showcase.” Art will be displayed in the Atrium and 4 ½ Street Galleries from November 1, 2023, to January 28, 2024. The inspiration for this holiday season showcase is Galatians 5:22: “Among the fruits of the Spirit are love, joy and peace.” Contact Music Ministry Assistant, Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.org), for submission instructions.
SENIOR ADULTS
OCTOBER LUNCHEON
THURSDAY • OCTOBER 19
MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
Our keynote speaker will be Major Andrew Wiley of the Salvation Army. We gather at 11:45 am and lunch will be served at noon. Please note our new registration process. 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 Thursday, October 12.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today
10:00 am: Sunday school (Youth Commons)
11:00 am: LTN set up (Memorial Auditorium)
Noon-2:00 pm: Love Thy Neighbor & Medical Clinc
2:00 pm-2:15 pm: LTN clean up
October 15
10:00 am: Sunday school (Youth Commons)
5:00 pm: Middle School youth (Middle school room)
6:15 pm: All youth dinner - $3 per person (Youth Commons)
6:45 pm: Senior High youth (Senior high room)
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
Join us every Sunday this fall at 10:00 am on the fourth floor (@Youth Commons) for ALL youth Sunday School. There will be breakfast snacks, coffee & drinks, and fellowship before the lesson every week!
God is a God who loves both unity and diversity. In the book of Revelation John shares “and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language...”
We are a diverse people! Join us as we figure out who we are and how we can be a people of unity in a world that is completely at odds with itself. Each of us, and our identities, are important to the Kingdom of God being revealed
NOURISH YOUTH BIBLE STUDY
Life is all about questions.
And, WOW, there are so many questions. Questions about the world. Questions about the past. Questions about the present. Questions about the future - and more pointedly YOUR future.
Join us each Wednesday this fall to explore all these questions and learn to embrace them.
Put it in your calendar now to be a part of this awesome question asking and answer seeking Bible study each Wednesday night at part of Nourish (our church’s new Wednesday night program) dinner is from 5-6pm in the Auditorium followed by our study on the 4th floor (@senior high room) from 6-7pm.
All are welcome!!
LOOKING AHEAD
October 20: Sixers! Alpha & Omega Corn Maze October 22: Scarowinds/Carowinds annual trip!
November 26: Youth Friendsgiving December 6: Confirmation Parents Orientation January 3, 2024: 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.
MONDAY • OCTOBER 9
Leviticus 26-27 & Psalm 39
TUESDAY • OCTOBER 10
Numbers 1-4 & Psalm 40
WEDNESDAY • OCTOBER 11
Numbers 5-7 & Psalm 41
THURSDAY • OCTOBER 12
Numbers 8-10 & Psalm 42
FRIDAY • OCTOBER 13
Numbers 11-13 & Psalm 43
SATURDAY • OCTOBER 14
Numbers 14-16 & Psalm 44
SUNDAY • OCTOBER 15
Numbers 17-18 & Psalm 45