SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY • FEBRUARY 12, 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
GREETING
†OPENING PRAYER
O God, you know us to be set in the midst of so many great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright. Grant to us such strength and protection as may support us in all dangers and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray. Amen.
SCRIPTURE — Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (pew Bible New Testament page 6)
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Piety: Giving, Praying, and Fasting”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
†HYMN
#395 Take Time to Be Holy — HOLINESS
†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
Be Thou My Vision — Traditional Irish
†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
#496 Sweet Hour of Prayer — SWEET HOUR
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
Emmanuel — Kenneth Wilmot Sr. Emanuel, Emanuel, his name is called Emanuel. God with us, revealed in us. His name is called Emanuel. Let every heart prepare him room. O come, O come Emanuel. God with us, revealed in us. His name is called Emanuel.
†CELEBRATION MUSIC
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III
Senior Minister
LITURGIST
The Reverend Susannah Pittman, Assoc. Minister
MUSIC
Martha Bassett, vocals Matt Kendrick, bass
Federico Pivetta, piano Ken Wilmot, trumpet John Wilson, drums
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 • FEBRUARY 12, 2023
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/engage
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
IN MEMORIAM
Bruce Scott Poland
January 2, 2023
The ministers and members of Centenary Church extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved familiy and pray they may know the comfort and peace of our Heavenly Father.
ALTAR GUILD
FLOWER VASES NEEDED
The Altar Guild is in need of vases with which to distribute flowers to our congregation each week. If you would like to donate, please bring them to desk at the 4 ½ St. entrance on Sunday morning or between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday-Thursday. Thank you!
ADULT FORMATION
WEEKLY LENTEN DEVOTIONS
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! To guide our First Fifteen this Lent, we will use the devotional, “The Sanctuary for Lent 2023”, written by Josh Scott. Each daily devotional contains a Scripture passage, a brief reflection, and life application questions. To sign up to receive this devotional electronically, please use the Weekly Email Blasts link under the Engage tab and select “First 15 Daily Devotionals” from the list. If you have signed-up before or already receive the First Fifteen, you will automatically be on the list. Limited copies of the devotional will also be available on campus.
LENTEN STUDY
THURSDAYS • FEBRUARY 23-MARCH 30
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
10AM • ROOM 112 EAST BUILDING
SUNDAYS • FEBRUARY 26-APRIL 2
10AM • MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
All are invited to join Rev. Susannah Pittman as we journey through Lent exploring the Scriptures and spiritual practices of the season. This six-week class will be offered on Sunday and Thursday mornings. Registration is not required, and there are no additional resources to purchase. For questions or more information, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman (spittman@centenary-ws.org). No registration required
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
STEPHEN MINISTRY
A Care Receiver writes, “Hearts and Cupids are everywhere, but since my husband left, they only accentuate my pain and alienation. It seems that everybody is happy but me. My Stephen Minister listens to my lonely feelings and walks alongside me as hurt. She’s helping me feel valuable again.”
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).
HEALING HANDS KNITTING CIRCLE
Healing Hands Knitting Circle is resuming its monthly gathering on the first Monday of the month at 10 am in the Gathering Room. Our next gathering is March 6. All knitters, beginners and experienced alike, are welcome to join! For questions or more information, please contact Dianne Moore or Rev. Susannah Pittman
CALL TO CARE MINISTRY
We are excited to launch the “Call to Care” calling ministry. This ministry will provide regular, intentional communication to ensure that our congregation is connected, cared for, and is aware of what is happening in the life of Centenary. If you are interested in serving as a caller for this ministry, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman by March 6.
988
Shining Light on Mental Health is pleased to help raise awareness of a new 3-digit number that expands resources and support for those experiencing a mental health crisis. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. For more information about 988, please visit Lifeline 988lifeline.org). Please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman if the pastoral team or Shining Light on Mental Health team can support you in your journey. You do not journey alone.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR CREATED BY GOD AND BIBLE BONANZA
Two great events are coming up in the life of our church family: Bible Bonanza for 3rd and 4th graders on February 26 and Created by God for 4th and 5th graders on March 3-4. Register for either or both of these events through the Engage Page of the Church website or your Realm account. Want more information? Contact Kate May (kmay@ centenary-ws.org/ext.1331).
BRIDGES: A MINISTRY FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Have you heard? Centenary has launched a ministry for children with special needs and their families. The first adventure for this ministry is a once a month Kids Night In event for children with special needs and their typically developing siblings so that their grown ups can have a moment to breathe while the kids are having all the fun! 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)
MISSIONS
WINTER OVERFLOW SHELTER
NOW – MARCH 28
This vital ministry provides persons experiencing homelessness a meal and a warm place to sleep, and we are honored to be a partner with City with Dwellings in this effort. Centenary furnishes transportation from the check-in site to the overflow shelter on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings. We are in need of drivers and ridealongs. Ride-alongs help with boarding the busses and serve as an extra pair of eyes for drivers. To volunteer as a driver or a ride-along, please contact Rev. Meg Peters (mpeters@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1361) or sign-up on our Engage Page.
MUSIC
& THE ARTS
BRAHMS’ GERMAN REQUIEM
Please join us on Sunday, February 26 at 4:00 pm as the Centenary Chancel Choir and the Greensboro Symphony Master Chorale present this masterwork in our sanctuary. A requiem for humankind, Brahms’ opus focuses on bringing comfort to the living soul, a perfect accompaniment to our most contemplative of seasons: Lent. Admission is free.
SIGN UP NOW FOR CHILDREN’S
MUSIC & ART CAMP
JULY 17 - 20, 2023
CMA Camp is offered for infants through rising 5th grade. Offerings include singing, handbells, handchimes, creative movement, art, Kindermusik, and more! Snack is provided daily. The week ends with a camper-led worship service on Thursday at 12:30 pm followed by refreshments. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled week! The QR code below will direct you to the registration form. For more information, please contact Music Ministry Assistant, Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.org).
LENTEN NOONTIME SERIES
TUESDAYS • FEBRUARY 28-APRIL 4
NOON • SANCTUARY
Join us in the Sanctuary each Tuesday of Lent at Noon for a 30-minute musical presentation. Each week will feature a different musician or ensemble. Musicians include the New Day Singers of Greensboro, Joshua Sobel (Centenary’s Organ Scholar), and Corine Brouwer (Winston-Salem Symphony Concertmaster). Join us 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). No registration required.
SENIOR ADULTS
LUNCHEON
THURSDAY • FEBRUARY 16 • 11:45 AM
MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
Our keynote speaker will be Brian Cole, Chancellor of the UNC School of the Arts. We gather at 11:45 and lunch will be served at noon. To register, contact Charles Monroe (chasmonroe@yahoo.com/336773-0446). Luncheon cost is $10.00.
YOUTH MINISTRY EVENTS
•February 12: Youth Super Bowl Party!
•February 14: Youth Basketball @6:00pm
•February 15: Confirmation: SHEPHERD NIGHT (6:00pm – 7:30pm)
•February 19: Middle School Youth: 5:00 – 6:15pm; All Youth Dinner: 6:15-6:45pm; Senior High Youth: 6:45 – 8:00pm
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.
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! As we journey through Confirmation and this season of preparation before lent, we invite you to join us as we take a long, loving look at Jesus’ life as we see it lived out through Luke’s eyes.
LOOKING AHEAD
March 4: LTN Fundraiser
March 10-12: Rest Retreat to the Trinity Center
May 5 & 6: Confirmation Retreat to Blowing Rock
May 21: Confirmation Sunday
June 4: Graduation Recognition Sunday
June 18-25: Mountain T.O.P (ALL youth) Mission Trip
July 15-22: YouthWorks Senior High Mission Trip
July 24-27: Vacation Bible School August 27: Fall Kick-Off!
LOVE THY NEIGHBOR DINNER & AUCTION 2023
SATURDAY • MARCH 4 • 6 - 8 PM
MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
The 17th annual Love Thy Neighbor Dinner, Live Auction and Paddle Raise is on Saturday, March 4 at 6:00 pm in Memorial Auditorium. This annual event supports our Love Thy Neighbor ministry which builds relationships and loving care with our community in downtown Winston-Salem. Reserve your seat for our yummy dinner, prepared by Chef Donald and served by our Love Thy Neighbor team.
Tickets are $50 per seat or $500 to sponsor a full table of 10 seats. Tickets are refundable if you cancel on or before the Sunday, February 26 registration deadline. If you purchase seats for guests, you do not need to register them by name. Gluten-free meals are available with your registration.
For more information about the event, please contact Tammy Pollock. For help with registration and payment, please contact Stacy Holley
We are grateful for your support of Love Thy Neighbor!
OPEN FLOWER DATES
A wonderful way to honor or remember a loved one, friend, group, birthday, or anniversary is by providing flowers in our Sanctuary for Sunday morning services. Our Flower Calendar has several open dates available: July 2, 2023, and August 6, 2023. If you are interested, please contact Paige Morgan Foy pmorganfoy@centenary-ws.org).