BAPTISM OF THE LORD • JANUARY 12, 2025 • 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
This Is My Beloved Son — Knut Nystedt They were still speaking, when lo, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from above said: “This is my beloved Son. Hear, ye Him!”
†OPENING PRAYER
Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#79 Holy God, We Praise Thy Name — GROSSER GOTT Stanzas 1-5
†AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is the one true church, apostolic and universal, whose holy faith let us now declare:
We believe in God the Father, infinite in wisdom, power, and love, whose mercy is over all his works, and whose will is ever directed to his children’s good. We believe in Jesus Christ, Son of God and Son of man, the gift of the Father’s unfailing grace, the ground of our hope, and the promise of our deliverance from sin and death. We believe in the Holy Spirit as the divine presence in our lives, whereby we are kept in perpetual remembrance of the truth of Christ, and find strength and help in time of need. We believe that this faith should manifest itself in the service of love as set forth in the example of our blessed Lord, to the end that the kingdom of God may come upon the earth. 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
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.
PRESENTATION OF CONFIRMATION CLASS
(Following the presentartion 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
Be Not Afraid — Craig Courtney Be not afraid: for I have redeemed you, be not afraid I have called you by name. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when you pass through the floods, they will not sweep o’er you; when you walk through the fire, you will not be consumed; you are mine; you are precious in my sight.
My love for you is everlasting, my love for you shall have no end. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when you pass through the floods, they will not sweep o’er you; when you walk through the fire, you will not be consumed; you are mine; you are precious in my sight.
SCRIPTURE — Luke 3:15-17, 21-37
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Water and Spirit”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
Cum Sancto Spiritu (from Gloria) — Antonio Vivaldi
With the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father, Amen.
†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
#605 Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters — BEACH SPRING
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
The Lord Bless You and Keep You — John Rutter
The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. Amen. (Numbers 6: 24-26)
†POSTLUDE
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
SERMON NOTES
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III, Senior Minister
LITURGIST
The Reverend Oliver Helsabeck, Assoc. Minister
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar
The Chancel Choir
Sam Howell, Music Ministry Intern
CRUCIFER
Jeannie Reed
TORCHBEARERS
Vida Kennedy Georgia Elliott
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of Nash E. Hardy, Jr. and Mr. and Mrs. Reginald E. Parsons by Judy Hardy and family; and also in loving memory of William E. Caldwell by Mrs. William E. Caldwell.
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, click on the link at the top of the home page.
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
ANNOUNCEMENTS • JANUARY 12, 2025
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
IN MEMORIAM
Bruce McDaniel Babcock
December 14, 2024
Cynthia “Jean” Mullis Jones December 16, 2024
Abbott Julian “Jerry” Garvin December 17, 2024
M. Nixon “Nick” Hennessee December 17, 2024
The ministers and members of Centenary extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved families and pray they may know the comfort and peace of our Heavenly Father.
ADULT FORMATION
DISCIPLE BIBLE FAST TRACK: NEW TESTAMENT
Wednesday Nights at Nourish
Beginning January 15, 2025 5:45 - 7:00 pm • Room 115 and Zoom
2025 JOURNEY THROUGH LUKE & ACTS
Join us for a year-long journey through the books of Luke and Acts, featuring sermons, Bible studies, a weekly reading plan, study guides, and other opportunities to engage with these transformative scriptures. For more details, please scan the QR code.
INTRODUCTION TO LUKE & ACTS
Sunday • January 26 • 10 am Memorial Auditorium
Led by Dr. Christopher Franks, Owen D. and Mattie Holt McPherson Associate Professor of Religion and Department Chair at High Point University. Dr. Franks will orient us to Luke and Acts, offering insights to deepen our understanding and help us become more faithful readers.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
BACKPACK PROGRAM
Second semester is upon us! Help us finish the year strong by providing weekend meals for students in Winston-Salem. Please join us in prayer and consider a financial contribution to sponsor a child. For $200, you can sponsor a child’s weekend meals for a whole school year! Reach out to Anna Thomas (athomas@ centenary-ws.org) with any questions.
CREATED BY GOD PARENT INFO SESSION
January 16, 2025 • 8 pm
REFRESH PRAYER MINISTRY
Wednesdays • Noon - 12:45 PM
Sanctuary
Join the Refresh Prayer Ministry for a midweek service of reflection, music, and prayer. From Noon - 12:15 there will be a time for quiet reflection with music, and then the service will begin at 12:15 and finish by 12:45. Parking will be available in the Fifth Street parking lot, and you may enter from the Fifth Street entrance to the sanctuary. For more information, contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck or Becky Tate.
MISSIONS
BLOOD DRIVE
Tuesday • January 28 • 12:30 - 5 pm
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today 10:00 am: Youth Sunday school (@ Youth Commons)
11:00 am: LTN set up (@ Memorial Auditorium) Noon – 2:00 pm: Love Thy Neighbor & Medical Clinic
2:15 pm: LTN clean up
January 14
8:00 pm: Twin City Conference Basketball game – Centenary vs. Greek Orthodox (@ Fulton YMCA)
January 15
Tammy Pollock ext. 1337 Director of Youth Ministries
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
CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 646 W. FIFTH STREET • WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27101
HTTPS://CENTENARY-WS.ORG • 336-724-6311
This group will cover major themes of the New 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: Jan 15 – April 9. 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. Childcare is available. Please click here/use our QR code to register as soon as possible.
WOMEN’S SMALL GROUP ON SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Second and Fourth Tuesdays
January 28 - April 22
Noon to 1:00 pm • Room 314
Discover the sacred in everyday moments with Barbara Brown Taylor’s
An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith Certified Spiritual Director Nancy Powell invites Centenary’s women to a small group to discuss the book and explore how the small things we do and see can become spiritual experiences if we pay attention. Each session will cover one chapter, with lunch included in the registration fee. Participants should purchase the book to complete reading before the first meeting (details in your confirmation email). Register by Wednesday, January 22.
This year’s Created by God event for 4th and 5th graders and their families will be held Friday evening, February 28 and Saturday, March 1. This program gives our preteens an opportunity to learn about their growing and changing bodies through a Christian lens. Registration will open January 28th, with limited space available. As you are deciding if this is the right year for your child to participate, we invite you to be a part of a Parent Info Session on Zoom Thursday, January 16 at 8 pm. Even if your child is not yet in 4th or 5th grade, you are welcome to join. Contact Kate May for more information.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
HEALING HANDS MINISTRY
First Mondays • 10 am - noon
Gathering Room
Calling all knitters and crocheters! Join Healing Hands for a time of fellowship, instruction, and service as members create prayer shawls, lap throws, and other handmade items to provide a tangible blessing for people experiencing loss, crisis, or other need for prayerful care. Items are prayed over and blessed to be given away to others in time of need. No experience is necessary. Contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck or Dianne Moore for more information. Look for a Healing Hands opportunity during Nourish on Wednesday evenings starting in January! No experience is required.
Community Room Centenary is partnering with the Red Cross to host a blood drive. If you would like to sign up to donate blood, you may do so by scanning the QR code or visiting our website. If you cannot give blood but would like to volunteer, please email Rev. Meg Peters (mpeters@centenaryws.org).
MUSIC & ARTS
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm: Confirmation “Shepherd Night” (@ Youth Commons) Confirmands, join us with your Shepherds for a taco bar dinner and fun night of getting acquainted!
January 19
10:00 am: Youth Sunday school (@ Youth Commons)
NO YOUTH GROUP (MLK Day Weekend)
LOOKING AHEAD
January 24-25: Confirmation Retreat (@ Camp Hanes)
January 26: Youth Basketball “All-Star Tournament” (@ Rise Indoor Sports)
FAITH AND ARTISTRY: SEEKING THE SACRED IN CREATIVE EXPRESSION Mondays at 6:30 pm • Thursdays at 10 am
Atrium Gallery
Faith and Artistry is back! We will focus on creating a meaningful Lenten exhibit to infuse this most contemplative period in our liturgical year with art and prayer. With Monday night and Thursday morning tracks offered, choose the time that is best for you to discover the wealth of creative opportunities that faith inspires. To learn more, contact Dr. Steve Martin, Music & Arts Chairperson (stephendmartin88@gmail.com).
January 31: Sixers! Go to the Movies! “Mufasa: The Lion King” February 9: Super Bowl Party
February 23: Love Thy Neighbor Annual Fundraiser
Love Thy Neighbor Dates 2025: February 2, March 2, April 6, May 4
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.
SIGN UP NOW FOR CHILDREN’S MUSIC & ART CAMP 2025 July 14 - 17, 2024 Register now for CMA Camp 2025! Open to infants through rising 5th graders, this fun-filled week features singing, handbells, art, Kindermusik, and more! The highlight of Camp each year is the camper-led worship service that concludes our week together. Register now via the QR code for a special early bird discount! For more information, please contact Music Ministry Assistant, Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@ centenary-ws.org).
CHILDREN’S CAE IS BACK! NEW PARTICIPANTS WELCOME! Children’s Creative Arts Experience includes activities for children ages 2 through 5th grade each Wednesday during Nourish. CAE’s multi-faceted model engages 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. Current participants need not register again. Email Music Ministries Assistant Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws. org with any questions.
