SCRIPTURE — Luke 10:27
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • SEPTEMBER 10, 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
Grace Like Rain — Collins, Excell, Newton, Agnew & Walker
GREETING
†OPENING PRAYER
Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
OFFERTORY
All My Hope — David Crowder & Ed Cash
†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. Deploy us for your benevolence. Transform our hearts as we transform the world. We pray this in your Holy name. Amen.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN
Just a Closer Walk with Thee — Traditional
†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.
PRESENTATION OF BIBLES
We rejoice in this step in your journey with God. We pray God will guide you, your family, and us as you use this Holy Bible in your home, in your church school classes, and in our worship. We will learn together and grow in our love for God’s word.
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.
†HYMN
#128 He Leadeth Me: O Blessed Thought — HE LEADETH ME
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
Better Than a Hallelujah — Chapin Hartford & Sarah Hart
†CELEBRATION MUSIC
Greater — Graul, Millard, Glover, Garcia, Scheuchzer, Cochran & Shaffer
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
Just a Closer Walk with Thee
First Verse:
I am weak but thou art strong.
Jesus keep me from all wrong.
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, dear Lord, close to Thee.
Chorus:
Just a closer walk with Thee.
Grant it Jesus is my plea.
Daily walking close to Thee –Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
Second Verse:
Now, through this world of toils and snares.
If I falter, Lord who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.
KINDERGARTEN RECIPIENTS
Eliza Katherine Brendle
William Oscar Crompton
Lewis Alexander Luxton Clegg
Mary Wells Douglas
Whit Jackson
Alice Pearce Jennings
Preston Johnson
Lucy Keit
Cannon King
Ethan King
Hazel Lowe
Theo Hudson Maner
Callie Myer
Lilly Schamens
Cynthia Schultz
Henry Suttle
Wyatt Norman Schilling Touby
Stephen Marshall Wall
Peyton Youngblood
Chorus:
Just a closer walk with Thee. Grant it Jesus is my plea.
Daily walking close to Thee –Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
Third Verse: When my feeble life is o’re, Time for me will be no more. Guide me gently, safely o’re To Thy Kingdom shore, to Thy shore.
Chorus:
Just a closer walk with Thee. Grant it Jesus is my plea.
Daily walking close to Thee –Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
THIRD GRADE RECIPIENTS
Clark Bonsall
Hank Conrad
Lucy Miriam Crane
Elliott Pearl Crompton
Thompson Cavanaugh Dugan
Christopher Roan Frye
Josephine Mae Hall
Liza Harris
Tripp Harris
James Lawrence Holden
Libby Keit
Pierce King
Ransome Lambert
Hudson Newbauer
Beau Rowland
Claire Ridgely Samuel
Corbin Taylor Smith
Kamryn Stith
Caroline Strowd
Graham English Suttle
Will Suttle
Elizabeth Reade Sutton
George Robert Williams
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III
Senior Minister
LITURGIST
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 • SEPTEMBER 10, 2023
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
SAVE THE DATE
“NOURISH” BEGINS SEPTEMBER 13
Our all-new Wednesday evening dinner and programming night is coming soon! We begin with dinner and an open house on Wednesday, September 13.
5:15PM - 6:00PM
Church-wide (Register each week on Realm.)
6:00PM - 7:00PM
• Children’s Music & Arts Programming in the East Building
• United Methodist Beliefs: Leveraging Our Past to Chart a Path for the Future with Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III
Adult Study • September 20 – October 25 Dining Room
• The Why’s of Faith: Why God? Why Christ? Why Pain & Suffering? with Ken Carlson
Adult Study• November 1, 8, & 15
6-7 pm • Dining Room
• 3 Big Questions That Shape You with Tammy Pollock Youth Study • 6th-12th Graders
September 20 - November 15
6-7 pm • Youth Commons
• Calling New Handbell Ringers!
Adventures in Handbell Ringing - a Beginning Basics Bells class - is offered for all adults ages 18 to 88 who want to learn how to ring and learn about handbells. The class will be held from 6 to 7 pm beginning September 13.
• Hands-on Mission Project
September 13 • Snack bags for LEAD Girls
To learn more about “Nourish” programming and register for dinner, please scan our QR code or visit www.centenary-ws.org/nourish.
UPCOMING CHURCH-WIDE EVENTS
• A Bed & A Book
September 16 • 10 am - 1 pm • Dash Stadium
• Worship in the Park
October 1 • 11 am • Triad Park in Kernersville
• Blessing of the Animals
October 8 • 3 pm • North Lawn
• Mission Fair
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
October 15 • 10 am • Memorial Auditorium
ADULT FORMATION
SALT WOMEN’S BOOK AND BIBLE STUDY
1ST & 3RD WEDNESDAYS • 9:30 AM-11AM
BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 6 • 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
PittmanCHILDREN’S MINISTRY
WORSHIP BAGS
You may have noticed the bright new worship bags when you come to church! These are located in the Reception Narthex, the Sanctuary Narthex, and outside of the Sanctuary on the east side in the stairwell. We create and offer these with children in mind – we know it’s hard to sit still so we wanted to give them tools to help them engage in the service and things to do with their hands while they listen. At the end of each service, we ask that you return the bags to one of the three stands around the church so they can be refreshed for the next week.
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 dinner and table conversation. 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.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
GRIEFSHARE LOSS OF A SPOUSE SEMINAR
SUNDAY • SEPTEMBER 24 • 2-4PM
ROOM 112 EAST BUILDING
Congregational Care invites you to GriefShare Loss of a Spouse seminar. This event includes a video featuring some of the nation’s foremost Christian experts on grief and recovery as well as group discussion. To register, please visit Centenary United Methodist Church Loss of a Spouse - GriefShare For questions or more information, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman
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
STEPHEN MINISTRY
Our families are sources of great joy, but they can sometimes also cause worry and conflict. If you need someone to listen to your concerns and to support you as you navigate these delicate situations, your Stephen Ministers are here for you. Our purpose is to provide Christ-centered, nonjudgmental, confidential care to those in need.
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 months of September and 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
ART IN THE ATRIUM RECEPTION TODAY
Join Art in the Atrium after 11:00 AM worship as we celebrate our opening exhibit by famed artist Nicholas Burton Bragg. From 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM in the Atrium Gallery and Commons, guests will have the opportunity to meet Nick and hear about his tremendous work while enjoying his art and some refreshments. The exhibit itself will be on display until October 27. We hope you will join us!
CALLING ALL ARTISTS!
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.
CHILDREN’S MUSIC & ART INTRODUCES
CREATIVE ARTS EXPERIENCE
CMA is proud to introduce Creative Arts Experience, a part of NOURISH every Wednesday, beginning this Wednesday, September 13!
Programming includes activities for children ages 2 through 5th grade. CAE will immerse young people in a wideranging program which will include singing, ringing, Orff, Kindermusik (ages 2-Kindergarten), drumming, visual arts, drama, and more! This experience will engage children with various levels of musical and artistic interests, all while cultivating more regular, more varied worship leadership opportunities for Centenary’s youngest!
Register via the QR Code below. Email Music Ministries Assistant Virginia Sheffield vsheffield@ centenary-ws.org) with any questions.
CALLING EXPERIENCED HANDBELL RINGERS!
Centenary’s adult handbell choir, the Carillonneurs, is looking for a few experienced ringers to join our group. If you’ve rung in a choir in the past, please consider joining us this fall. Contact Camille Jones at camillemurphyjones@gmail.com for more information.
SENIOR ADULTS
SEPTEMBER LUNCHEON
THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 21
Our keynote speaker will be Chief of Police, William Penn. We gather at 11:45 and lunch will be served at noon. To register, contact Charles Monroe (336773-0446)/chasmonroe@yahoo.com Luncheon cost is $10.00.
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
AN EVENING WITH DR. ASHLEY BOGGAN D. MONDAY • SEPTEMBER 11 • 6:30 PM MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
“Methodist Women Boldly Make History: Continuing the Journey”
Join us for an evening with Dr. Ashley Boggan D., General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church. In her talk, Dr. Boggan will explore the history of women in Methodism, the challenges and opportunities facing women in the church today, and the importance of preserving and promoting United Methodist history
A limited quantity of her book “Nevertheless: American Methodists and Women’s Rights” will be available for signing and at a discounted price of $10. This event is free and open to the public.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today
5 pm-7 pm: YOUTH FALL KICK OFF! (Rescheduled from August 27th) Join us for an evening of BBQ, drinks, yard games, friendly competitions, fellowship, music, & a photo booth to capture it all! And of course lots of PRIZES, including (but not limited to) the chance to win an ENTIRE year of youth ministry for FREE! So, come on out and EVERYONE WEAR YOUR BEST SCHOOL SWAG to represent! (@ 4 1/2 Street parking lot)
September 17 12 pm-2 pm: Love thy Neighbor! Please arrive at 11:00am to help set up SUNDAY SCHOOL
Join us every Sunday at 10:00 am on the fourth floor (@Youth Commons) for ALL youth Sunday School. There will be snacks and fellowship before the lesson every week!
LOOKING AHEAD
September 17: Love Thy Neighbor!
September 29: Sixers!
October 8: Love Thy Neighbor!
October 20: Sixers!
October 22: Carowinds/Scarowinds
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.
LOVE THY NEIGHBOR
VOLUNTEER PROVIDERS NEEDED AT THE LOVE THY NEIGHBOR MEDICAL CLINIC NOON - 2:00 PM • SEPTEMBER 17, OCTOBER 8, NOVEMBER 5, DECEMBER 3
You may volunteer for any one or all of the events. Let Patsy Dwiggins know if you are interested in being on our volunteer list. For more information contact Dr. Eddie Pollock (kagamac@msn.com or Patsy Dwiggins (patsydwiggins@gmail.com).
MONDAY • SEPTEMBER 11
Genesis 35-37 & Psalm 11
TUESDAY • SEPTEMBER 12
Genesis 38-40 & Psalm 12
WEDNESDAY • SEPTEMBER 13
Genesis 41-42 & Psalm 13
THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 14
Genesis 43-45 & Psalm 14
FRIDAY • SEPTEMBER 15
Genesis 46-47 & Psalm 15
SATURDAY • SEPTEMBER 16
Genesis 48-50 & Psalm 16
SUNDAY • SEPTEMBER 17
Exodus 1-3 & Psalm 17