SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • JULY 9, 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
Arise, Shine, for Thy Light is Come — Healey Willan
†CALL TO WORSHIP
Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your judgments are like the great deep; O Lord, humans and animals you save!
O God, how precious is your steadfast love! All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.
O continue your steadfast love to those who know you, and your salvation to the upright of heart!
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#400 Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing — NETTLETON
†AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
This is the good news which we have received, in which we stand, and by which we are saved:
Christ died for our sins, was buried, was raised on the third day, and appeared first to the women, then to Peter and the Twelve, and then to many faithful witnesses. We believe Jesus is the Christ, the Anointed One of God, the firstborn of all creation, the firstborn from the dead, in whom all things hold together, in whom the fullness of God was pleased to dwell by the power of the Spirit. Christ is the head of the body, the church, and by the blood of the cross reconciles all things 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
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 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 William 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
SCRIPTURE — Romans 7:15-25
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON OFFERTORY Come Home — Craig Courtney
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
†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
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 GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN
#121 There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy — WELLESLEY COMMISSIONING
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
A Clare Benediction — John Rutter
May the Lord show his mercy upon you; may the light of his presence be your guide: may he guard you and uphold you; may his spirit be ever by your side.
When you sleep may his angels watch over you; when you wake may he fill you with his grace: may you love him and serve him all your days; then in heaven may you see his face.
†POSTLUDE
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
SERMON NOTES
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Susannah Pittman, Assoc. Minister
LITURGISTS
The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III, Senior Minister
Jordan Gross
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given in honor of and in loving memory of Frances Ann Wall Pollock by her mother.
CRUCIFER
Jay Dunnagan
TORCHBEARERS
Caroline Dunnagan
Sally Dunnagan
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 • JULY 9, 2023
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
Today we celebrate the baptism of of William Barrett Smith, son of Howell and Sarah Smith.
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
“After my stroke, I lost the ability to drive. always thought I would be the one to take care of my wife, but now she is having to take care of me. Little things like going to the grocery store without assistance are now impossible. I am completely dependent on others in a way I’ve never been before. Maybe a Stephen Minister could help me work through my loss of independence.”
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).
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2023: STELLAR!
JULY 24-27 • 9 AM - NOON
VBS is quickly approaching, and we are so excited! Please join us in praying for our volunteers, the kids that will be participating and that Jesus’ light would shine brightly! Do you have any questions? Contact Kate May (kmay@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1331) or Anna Thomas athomas@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1332).
MISSIONS
LOAVES & FISHES SUMMER STOCK
Loaves & Fishes is once again collecting items for Summer Stock! Anytime in June, July, or August, you can take a brown paper bag located in the Narthex or at the 4 ½ street entrance to fill with needed items or just bring in your donations. This year we are collecting the following canned foods: Chicken, Tuna, Beef Stew, Spam, Vienna Sausages, Ravioli, Spaghettios, Pork and Beans.
Please make sure the canned items are regular sized cans. You can drop your donations off at the 4 ½ street entrance or in the Narthex to the sanctuary. If you have any questions, contact Rev. Meg Peters (mpeters@centenary-ws.org).
MUSIC & THE ARTS
“THEN SINGS MY SOUL” SUMMER MUSIC SERIES
Join Music & Arts for the final performance of our Summer Music Series! We proudly host Piedmont Wind Symphony on Saturday, July 15 at 7:00 pm. This event is FREE and will take place in the sanctuary.
SING IN SUMMER CHOIR
Do you love to sing but can’t attend weekly rehearsals? Participate in Summer Choir! Each Sunday from July 9 – August 13, come to the choir room at 9:30 am to grab a robe, participate in a short rehearsal and sing for the 11:00 worship. Please contact Director of Music Ministries, Jonathan Emmons (jemmons@centenary-ws.org), if you have any questions. See you there!
CALLING ALL ARTISTS!
The Music & Arts Ministry invites submissions 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@centenaryws.org) for submission instructions.
YOUTH MINISTRY
COLLEGE BIBLE STUDY!
Everyone loves Ted Lasso, so why not talk about all the great life lessons the show teaches us? Join us Wednesdays throughout the summer from 5:30 -7:00 pm in the Youth Commons, as we watch different episodes of Ted Lasso, explore how it relates to the bible, and what our lives can look like if we follow God’s most important commandments. Our youth ministry assistant, Andrew Epermanis, will be leading our discussions. Mark your calendars and plan to join this awesome discussion on July 12, July 26 and August 2.
SUMMER SUNDAY SUPPER & STUDY!
Join us for summer bible study in the Youth Commons from 5:00-6:30 pm. Cost is $3 per person, bring your Bible and your friends as we watch The CHOSEN and explore a new perspective of Jesus and the disciples!
LOOKING AHEAD
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.
CENTENARY NIGHT AT THE DASH
FRIDAY • AUGUST 18 • 7 PM
Join us for a night of baseball and fellowship! We have a block of tickets reserved for $11/ticket and would love to see you all there! Visit the events page on the church website to purchase your tickets. If you have questions, contact Anna Thomas (athomas@ centenary-ws.org/ext. 1332).
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
BE A PART OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL TEAM THAT LET’S OUR KIDS KNOW, “GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I!”
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) or Anna Thomas (athomas@centenaryws.org/ext. 1332).
Today 5 pm: Summer Sunday Supper and Study!
July 12 5:30 pm: College Bible Study!
July 15 Denver Departure!
July 16 No Youth Tonight!
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! This week we will be starting our new series on Exodus. Join us as we follow the story of the Israelites escape from Egypt and reflect on the ways in which we encounter God in all the changes and new opportunities in our lives. As well as how we seek out and listen to our callings.
