SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • SEPTEMBER 8, 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
Lay Me Low, from Shaker Songs — Kevin Siegfried Lay me low where the Lord can find me, own me, bless me.
†CALL TO WORSHIP
When we don’t know which path to take Help us to follow you
When the world tells us we do not measure up Help us to trust in you
When we meet those who are different than we are Help us to share your love
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#127 Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah — CWM RHONDDA
†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.
†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
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.
BAPTISM
BAPTISMAL RESPONSE
Do you as Christ’s body, the church, reaffirm both your rejection of sin and your commitment to Christ? We do.
Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life and include this family, now before you, in your care?
We give thanks for all that God has already given you and welcome you in Christian love. With God’s help we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround Graham with a community of love and forgiveness, that he may grow in his service to others. We will pray for him, that he may be a true disciple who walks in the way that leads to life.
HYMN
#191 Jesus Loves Me — JESUS LOVES ME
(Children, kindergartners through third grade, are invited to exit the Sanctuary for Children’s Worship. Children will return to reserved pews in the Sanctuary at the close of worship.)
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
CANTICLE
Hear My Prayer — Moses Hogan
O Lord, please hear my prayer, in the mornin’ when I rise. It’s your servant bound for glory. O dear Lord, please hear my prayer. O Lord, please hear my prayer, keep me safe within your arms. When my work on earth is done, and you come to take me home. Just to know I’m bound for glory and to hear You say well done. Done with sin and sorrow, have mercy, mercy. Amen.
SCRIPTURE — Mark 7:24-30
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Crumbs”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
For Everyone Born — arr. Tom Trenney
For everyone born, a place at the table, for everyone born, clean water and bread, a shelther, a space, a safe place for growing, for everyone born, a star overhead. And God will delight when we are creators of justice and joy, compassion and peace: yes, God will delight when we are creators of justice and joy. For young and for old, a place at the table, a voice to be heard, a part in the song. The hands of a child, in hands that are wrinkled, for young and for old, the right to belong. For everyone born, a place at the table, to live without fear, and simply to be, to work, to speak out, to witness and worship, for everyone born, the right to be free!
†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
Loving God, without You we would be nothing. Help us to give back to others in the way that you have given to us. Your love guides us, protects us, and models for us the ways in which we are called to live. All that we are and all that we have is yours. May our offerings be just part of what we give to you this day and always, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE
†HYMN #427 Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life — GERMANY
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE Amen (from Geistliches Lied, Op. 30) — Johannes Brahms
†POSTLUDE
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
SERMON NOTES
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Meg Peters, Assoc. Minister
LITURGIST
The Reverend Oliver Helsabeck, Assoc. Minister MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar
The Chancel Choir
CRUCIFER
Hamilton Norman
TORCHBEARERS
Mary Claire Norman
Thomas Saxon
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are are given in loving memory of Jenny Kimbrel Bunn by the Bunn family; and in loving memory of John R. Perkinson, Blanche J. Perkinson, Jane W. Perkinson, and H. Gray & Betsy Hutchison by Jay and Becky Perkinson.
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 • SEPTEMBER 8, 2024
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
Today we celebrate the baptism of Graham Oliver Henderson, son of Philip and Lindsay Henderson.
EAT, LEARN, GROW: THE MONASTIC HEART WOMEN’S SMALL GROUP ON SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
BEGINS SEPTEMBER 24 • NOON – 1:00 PM ROOM 111 • LUNCH INCLUDED
MISSIONS
MISSIONS FAIR
WEDNESDAY • SEPTEMBER 11 • 6 PM
We will be having a Mission Fair on the first floor! You are invited to come and meet our mission partners, learn more about volunteer opportunities, and see how your mission dollars are at work! Contact Rev. Meg Peters (mpeters@centenary-ws. org) if you have any questions.
OCTOBER MISSION TRIP
MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
Our speaker will be Mary Ann Wexler, Executive Director of Centenary and the cost is $13.00 for lunch. Reservations are due by Sunday, September 1. If you are interested in attending, please contact your circle leader. If you are not in a circle you can contact Amy Lawrence.
YOUTH MINISTRY
CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
646 W. FIFTH STREET • WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27101
HTTPS://CENTENARY-WS.ORG • 336-724-6311
CHURCH-WIDE EVENTS
BLOCK PARTY
SUNDAY • SEPTEMBER 22 • NOON - 2 PM
We are having a Block Party and Engagement Fair! This will be a time for fun, fellowship, and food! Keith Byrd will provide music. We will also have a bounce house in the playground, and food trucks. Bring towels or lawn chairs to spread out on the North Lawn and invite your friends! If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Meg Peters (mpeters@centenary-ws.org).
ADULT FORMATION
FIRST FIFTEEN: WHAT’S NEXT?
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. The 2023-2024 readings end this month in the book of Revelation. 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 will be accessed online, but there will also be 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).
ADULT DISCIPLESHIP SMALL GROUPS
For more information or help with registration please contact Stacy Holley (sholley@centenaryws.org/ext. 1359).
SALT: WOMEN’S BOOK AND BIBLE STUDY BEGINS SEPTEMBER 18 • 9:30 - 11:30 AM ROOM 112
“Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did.” In his book Practicing the Way author John Mark Comer calls us to become apprentices of Jesus. We meet on the first, third and fifth Wednesdays of each month to explore what this means. Facilitated by Amy Lawson. Please use our QR code to register and see more information.
DISCIPLE BIBLE FAST TRACK: OLD TESTAMENT WEDNESDAY NIGHTS AT NOURISH
BEGINS SEPTEMBER 18 • 5:45 - 7:00 PM ROOM 115 AND ON ZOOM
This group will cover major themes of the Old 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: Sept 18 - Nov 20 then Jan 8-15. 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. Books available for pickup September 11 at Nourish. Childcare is available. Please use our QR code to register by Monday September 9.
In The Monastic Heart: 50 Simple Practices for a Contemplative and Fulfilling Life Joan Chittester writes, “Monasticism is the single-hearted search for what matters in life. Any life. Every life.” Centenary’s women are invited to a small group that will provide an opportunity to discuss and practice spiritual disciplines that help us draw closer to God in community. The group will meet bi-weekly for six sessions and be facilitated by certified Spiritual Director, Nancy Powell. Your registration fee includes six boxed lunches. Please use our QR code to register by September 16.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
TORCHBEARER AND CRUCIFER LEADER CELEBRATION
SEPTEMBER 29; NOON – 1:30 PM 4th – 12th graders, with at least one adult, are invited to enjoy a pizza lunch together while we celebrate all of our Torchbearers and Crucifers. We will spend time learning and being reminded of what it looks like to serve in these roles and why they are so important to our worship service. If you have not received an invitation in the mail with the RSVP information, please reach out to Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws.org/ext 1332). If you cannot attend but are still interested in being a torchbearer or crucifer, please still fill out the RSVP so we can collect updated contact information.
CENTENARY HELPS STUDENTS SUCCEED
Did you know that we partner with 4 different schools in Winston-Salem to help provide food for students? We specifically partner with Brunson Elementary and Wiley Middle through the Backpack Program in concordance with Second Harvest Food Bank. Schools determine students who may not have access to food over the weekend and are partnered with a parent organization (that’s us!). We receive boxes of meals that are then distributed to the students. Are you interested in partnering with us to help students gain access to food? One of the best ways is through financial support – for just $200, you can help feed a student on the weekends for a whole school year! If you have questions, please contact Anna Thomas (athomas@centenaryws.org, ext 1332).
BRIDGES: A MINISTRY FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Have you heard? Centenary has a ministry for children with special needs and their families. Once a month, we host Kids Night In, an event for children with special needs and their typically developing siblings so that their grownups can have a moment to breathe while the kids are having a blast playing games, eating pizza and watching a movie! If you would like to know more about this awesome ministry, are interested in being a part of our volunteer team for these super fun Kids Night In events or have a family that you would like to connect with this opportunity, please contact Kate May (kmay@centenary-ws.org/ext.1331).
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
FLOWER MINISTRY
Each week after Sunday worship, the Altar Guild takes the beautiful altar flowers from Centenary’s Sanctuary and creates several small arrangements that are shared with church members and friends who may be homebased, those who may be recovering from surgery, or who just may need a sign of love and care from our congregation. We are in need of someone to help coordinate this congregational care ministry. Volunteers who have a couple hours a week to deliver flowers are also needed. Associate Minister for Congregational Care, Rev. Oliver Helsabeck, will provide the list of persons to receive flowers each week. If you feel a calling to lead this ministry or to help deliver flowers, please let Oliver know at ohelsabeck@ centenary-ws.org.
We are partnering with Carolina Cross Connection for a mission trip in Boone, NC October 10-13. Adults and children ages 12 and older are welcome to join us! Please email Rev. Meg Peters mpeters@ centenary-ws.org) if you have any questions.
A BED & A BOOK
SATURDAY • OCTOBER 5 • 10 AM
Join us at the Dash Stadium as we partner with A Bed and A Book. We will be building beds from 10 am - Noon, hotdog lunch included. Email Meg Peters (mpeters@centenary-ws.org) if you have any questions.
MUSIC & ARTS
CHILDREN’S CREATIVE ARTS EXPERIENCE RETURNS THIS WEDNESDAY
Today 5:00 pm: Middle school youth group 6:15 pm: All youth dinner - $3 6:45 pm: Senior high youth group
September 15 10:00 am: Youth Sunday school 11:00 am: Set up for LTN Noon-2:00 pm: Love Thy Neighbor & Medical clinic 2:15 pm: LTN clean up
NOURISH YOUTH BIBLE STUDY ‘THE WAY OF LOVE’
CAE returns this Wednesday, September 11! This program includes activities for children ages 2 through 5th grade during Nourish each week. Our 2- and 3-yearolds will wiggle, giggle and grow in a Kindermusik class, and children ages 4+ will explore singing, chimes, Kindermusik, Orff instruments, drumming, creative movement, drama, visual art, worship leadership and more! Register now via the QR Code. Email Music Ministries Assistant Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@ centenary-ws.org) with any questions.
SUBSCRIBE TO SIGHTINGS & SOUNDINGS
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! Begins on Wednesday, September 11 at 6:00 pm.
The newest issue of Centenary’s monthly Music & Arts magazine is out now! 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.
SENIOR ADULTS
LUNCHEON
THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 19 • NOON MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
This month’s speaker is Music Director of the Winston-Salem Symphony, Michelle Merrill. We gather at 11:45 and lunch will be served at noon. To register, send an email to seniorlunch@centenaryws.org or call the church office during business hours. Luncheon cost is $10.00 and the signup deadline is Wednesday, September 11.
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).
The ornaments are scheduled to arrive in September and 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.
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)
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.
SEPTEMBER MEETING
MONDAY • SEPTEMBER 9 • NOON
