WELCOME TO WORSHIP
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT • MARCH 10, 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.
† Please stand as you are able
PRELUDE
A Lenten Introspection — Matthew Compton
GREETING
INTROIT
God So Loved the World — Bob Chilcott
God so loved the world, that whoso believeth in Him would not perish but have everlasting life.
†CALL TO WORSHIP
When we find ourselves in the midst of despair
We are your beloved
When we haven’t been our best selves
We are your beloved
When we forget whose we are
We are your beloved
Thank you Lord
For calling us beloved
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#98 To God Be the Glory — TO GOD BE THE GLORY
†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
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 Poppy, now before you, in your care?
With God’s help we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround Poppy with a community of love and forgiveness, that she may grow in her service to others. We will pray for her, that she 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
Greater Love Hath No Man — John Ireland
Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it. Love is strong as death. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness. Ye are washed, ye are sanctified, ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus. Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. I beseech you brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies, a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
SCRIPTURE — John 3:14-21
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Be Like Jesus: Teach Others About God’s Love”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY Cantilene — Karen Lakey Buckwalter
†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 gifts, O Lord. May they be magnified by your Holy Spirit to teach your children about your love, to show the world your grace, to bring healing to the broken hearted, to comfort the grieving, to embrace the needy, and to praise your name. We offer ourselves as instruments of your peace to the world. We offer our talents, our time, and our gifts to you. Use us as you will. We pray this in your Holy name. Amen.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN
#206 I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light — HOUSTON
The congregation sings verses 1 and 3. The Chancel Choir sings verse 2.
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
Ascription of Praise — David Schwoebel
Now to him who’s able to keep you from falling, and to present you without blemish before the presence of the glory. With rejoicing, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Be the glory, majesty, dominion, and the authority, before all time. Now and forever. Amen.
†POSTLUDE
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Meg Peters, Assoc. Minister
LITURGIST
Tammy Pollock, Director of Youth Ministries
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar
The Chancel Choir
Carillonneurs; Camille Jones, Director
Virginia Sheffield, soprano
CRUCIFER
Jeanne Reed
TORCHBEARERS
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
ANNOUNCEMENTS • MARCH 10, 2024
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
Today we celebrate the baptism of Poppy Elliott Brewer, daughter of Elliott Lewallen Brewer and Meredith Pace Brewer.
IN MEMORIAM
Walter Horace Barrett February 22, 2024
The ministers and members of Centenary extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved family and pray they may know the comfort and peace of our Heavenly Father.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
TOUGH QUESTIONS: SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD’S MENTAL HEALTH
MARCH 17 • 5-6:45 PM
MUSIC & ARTS
LENTEN NOONTIME SERIES
TUESDAYS • FEBRUARY 20 – MARCH 26
12:00 – 12:30 PM • SANCTUARY
Join us in the Sanctuary each Tuesday in Lent at noon for a 30-minute musical presentation as we prepare our hearts during this season of reflection and contemplation. For questions or more information, please contact Jonathan Emmons (jemmons@centenary-ws.org).
March 12: Virginia Sheffield, soprano
March 19: Myron D. Brown, piano
March 26: Meditations on the Seven Last Words (Alan Keely, narrator)
SUBSCRIBE TO SIGHTINGS & SOUNDINGS
LOOKING AHEAD
May 19: Confirmation Sunday
June 2: Graduation Recognition Sunday
June 16-22: Mountain T.O.P. ALL youth in mission trip
July 20-28: YouthWorks Senior High Mission trip
July 29-August 1: Vacation Bible School
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.
EASTER FLOWER CROSS
No matter what time you come to celebrate Easter, we hope you will visit the Flower Cross on the front porch of the Sanctuary. You’re encouraged to bring some of your favorite flowers from your garden or the store and help us to transform the cross into a beautiful symbol of hope and new life. Questions?
Contact Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws. org) or Kate May (kmay@centenary-ws.org).
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
HTTPS://CENTENARY-WS.ORG • 336-724-6311
We hope you’ll join us for a great evening as we listen to Erin Bonsall, Soren Johnson and Megan MartinWall share their expertise on the topics surrounding your child’s mental health. 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 tonight so don’t miss out on the last chance to register!
EASTER EGG HUNT
MARCH 31 • 10 AM • FRONT LAWN
Meet us on the front lawn of the church with your basket at 10 am! There will be special egg hunting opportunities designated for children of all ages! There will be no Sunday School for K-5th graders.
STUDENTS WITH FULL BELLIES ARE MORE SUCCESSFUL
Centenary has the privilege of partnering with the Backpack Program organized by Second Harvest Food Bank. We are currently partnered with Brunson Elementary, Wiley Middle School, Reynolds High School and the Winston Salem Street School. This program helps provide food for students who receive free breakfast and lunch at school throughout the year but may not have access to food over the weekends. For just $200, you can feed a child on the weekends for a whole school year! If you’re interested in getting involved, please contact Anna Thomas athomas@centenary-ws. org/ext 1332).
CONGREGATIONAL CARE STEPHEN MINISTRY
“My Stephen Minister, never judging and always valuing me as a person, helped me see myself as God sees me, loved and never alone. My loneliness was replaced by the still voice of the Holy Spirit. It had been there. Now I recognize it.”
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).
MISSIONS
RISE AGAINST HUNGER
Centenary is participating in Rise Against Hunger today from 2-4 pm in the Community Room! Set up will start at 12:30 pm. We look forward to packing as many meals as possible. Contact Rev. Meg Peters (mpeters@centenary-ws.org), if you have any questions.
The newest issue of Centenary’s monthly Music & Arts magazine is now available! 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
SENIOR ADULT LUNCHEON THURSDAY • MARCH 21 • NOON MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
CHANGES TO CENTENARY SCHOLARSHIPS
Because of the dedication and generosity of past members, Centenary is honored to offer endowed scholarships. There are significant changes to this year’s application process. Before applying, please go to https://centenary-ws.org/church-events/ resources/ for more information.
HOLY WEEK WORSHIP OPPORTUNITUES
Sunday • March 24
9am Worship in Memorial Auditorium 11am Worship in the Sanctuary
Tuesday • March 26 • Noon
This month’s program is soloist, Kristin Schwecke. We gather at 11:45 am 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, March 13.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today
10:00 am: Youth Sunday school
2:00 pm-4:00 pm: Rise Against Hunger church wide mission opportunity. Join us as we pack meals for those most in need.
March 13
6:00 pm: Confirmation – Creativity & Work
March 14
5:30 pm: Youth Choir Collective on Fifth
March 17
10:00 am: Youth Sunday school
5:00 pm: Middle school youth group
6:15 pm: All youth dinner - $3 per person 6:30 pm: Senior high youth group
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
Join us every Sunday at 10:00 am on the fourth floor (@Youth Commons) for ALL youth Sunday School. As always there are breakfast snacks, coffee & drinks, and friends & fellowship before the lesson every week!
Here we are in the season of Lent, thinking about the great sacrifices Jesus has made for each of us. As we consider Jesus, especially in this season, what was it about Him that shook everyone who knew him to the core? What is it about Him that shakes us to the core? Join us as we explore Jesus...how his radical love, gentleness, and peace is exactly what we all need.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
For all of you who were able to join us last weekend for the 18th Annual Love Thy Neighbor dinner, auction, & paddle raise, we thank you! The monies raised go directly to feeding our neighbors’ bellies, offering hospitality gifts, providing free medical care and pharmaceuticals, and building the Love Thy Neighbor scholarship fund (to help our youngest neighbors to be able to go to college). We could not do what we do without your support. If you were unable to attend, please still consider making a donation to help us continue this incredible ministry.
Lenten Noontime Music Series in the Sanctuary
Thursday • March 28 • 7:00 pm
Maundy Thursday Worship in the Sanctuary
Friday • March 29 • 7:00 pm
14 Stations of the Cross & Tenebrae in the Sanctuary
March 25-28 • 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Stations of the Cross in the Sanctuary
MONDAY • MARCH 11
Ezekiel 25-27 & Psalm 38
TUESDAY • MARCH 12
Ezekiel 28-30 & Psalm 39
WEDNESDAY • MARCH 13
Ezekiel 31-33 & Psalm 40
SUNDAY • MARCH 17
Ezekiel 45-48 & Psalm 44
THURSDAY • MARCH 14
Ezekiel 34-36 & Psalm 41
FRIDAY • MARCH 15
Ezekiel 37-39 & Psalm 42
SATURDAY • MARCH 16
Ezekiel 40-44 & Psalm 43
