SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER • MAY 12, 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.
PRELUDE
GREETING
INTROIT
Sanctus (from St. Cecilia Mass) — Charles Gounod Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest!
†OPENING PRAYER
Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise, he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end of the ages; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#126 Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above — MIT FREUDEN ZART
†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
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 Luci Bishop, 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 Luci Bishop 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
Behold, the Tabernacle of God — William Harris Behold, the tabernacle of God is with you, and the Spirit God dwelleth within you. For the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. For the love of whom ye do this day celebrate the joys of the temple with a season of festivity. Alleluia.
SCRIPTURE — Romans 12:1-2
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “To Be the Church: To Be Transformational”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
This Is the Day — John Rutter
This is the day, the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. O praise the Lord of heaven: praise him in the height. Praise him, all ye angels of his: praise him, all his host. Praise him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light, let them praise the name of the Lord; for he shall give his angels charge over thee: to keep thee in all thy ways. The Lord himself is thy keeper: the Lord is thy defence upon thy right hand; so that the sun shall not burn thee by day, neither the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil; yea, it is even he that shall keep thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in: from this time forth forever more. He shall defend thee under his wings. Be strong, and he shall comfort thine heart; and put thou thy trust in the Lord.
(Psalm 118, 148, 91, 127, 27)
†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 #581 Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service — BEACH SPRING
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
Go Now in Peace — Robert Lau Go now in peace, and may God’s peace go with you. Believe and trust His holy word. Amen.
†POSTLUDE Thank you for joining us in worship today.
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III
Senior Minister
LITURGIST
Tammy Pollock, Director of Youth Ministeries
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar
The Chancel Choir
CRUCIFER
Jack Norman
TORCHBEARERS
Hamilton Norman
Mary Clare Norman
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of Mr. Clifford Perry, Jr., Mrs. Elizabeth Perry Sommerkamp, Clifford W. & Pauline Davis “Pinkie” Perry, Mr. Frank Perry, Mrs. Elizabeth Fetter Perry, and Miss Dorothy Perry by the family.
The Chancel Flowers for Sunday, May 5, 2024, were given in loving memory of Dr. Ted Keith and T.R. Keith by their family, Mary Jane Keith, Melissa Keith Lewis, and Stacy Keith Ritch.
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
Associate Minister of Outreach
Tammy Pollock ext. 1337
Director of Youth Ministries
Rick Gibbons ext. 1342 Congregational Care Assistant
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
ANNOUNCEMENTS • MAY 12, 2024
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
Today we celebrate the baptism of Lucille Bishop Bennett, daughter of Spencer Bennett and Mimi Driscoll Bennett and sister of Townsend Bennett.
ADULT FORMATION
MADE IN THE IMAGE: ART AS A SOURCE FOR THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION
SUNDAY MAY 19 • 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
SECCA (NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF ART, WINSTON-SALEM)
BE A PART OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL TEAM!
May 19
Confirmation Sunday! 10:00 am: Youth Sunday school
10:00 am: Confirmation class & Shepherds gather
11:00 am: Worship with Confirmation Service
Noon: Cookies & Lemonade Confirmation reception
5:00 pm: Confirmation celebration BBQ – ALL youth are welcome
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!
Our group will gather at SECCA to view the exhibition From Alpha to Creation: Religion in the Deep South. We will then use one of the pieces from the exhibition as a springboard to guided discussion and reflection as we make connections with scripture and our own experiences and beliefs, ultimately asking how God may be leading us. Facilitators for this program are Centenary’s Adult Discipleship Specialist, Stacy Holley, and Chair of Music & Arts, Dr. Steve Martin. Space is limited to 14 and the cost is $20 per person which includes an optional guided tour of the exhibit. Please register by Sunday, May 12. For more information, please contact Stacy Holley (sholley@centenary-ws.org).
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
DON’T MISS OUT ON THE FUN THIS SUMMER! Vacation Bible School, July 29-Aug. 1; 9 am-noon each day
For ages 4 years old through rising 6th graders
Older Elementary Mission Week, June 25-27; 9 am-3 pm each day
For rising 4th-6th graders, cost $45/ student
Register for these events using the QR codes or by going to the Events page of the Centenary Website: centenary-ws.org
STUDENTS WITH FULL BELLIES ARE MORE SUCCESSFUL
Did you know that we partner with 4 different schools in Winston-Salem to help provide food for students? This special ministry is called the backpack program. Schools determine students who may not have access to food over the weekend and are partnered with an organization through the Second Harvest Food Bank. They receive boxes of meals that are distributed to the students. Centenary partners with Brunson Elementary, Wiley Middle School, Reynolds High School and the Winston Salem Street School. Are you interested in partnering with us to help students gain access to food? You can do so by contacting Kate May (kmay@centenary-ws.org/ext 1331) and she can tell you about all the ways we need your help.
KITCHEN SUNDAY SCHOOL BEGINS JUNE 2 FOR K-5TH GRADERS!
This summer our Sunday school forces will combine for a delicious cooking and learning experience for kindergarteners through fifth graders. Throughout the summer our kids will gather in the Community Room at 10 am and then head into the East Building kitchen to experience a Bible story through food! Rev. Kate May will be leading our lessons but each week we will have a grown up helper to make sure we all have a yummy time! Want to join us? Reach out to Kate May kmay@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1331).
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)
FAMILY SUMMER CELEBRATION
SUNDAY • JUNE 23 • 4-5 PM
Join us for our Summer Family Celebration! Kids of all ages along with their grown ups are invited to the front lawn and playground of the church for a slip and slide, foam party, fun on the playground and popsicles! If it rains we’ve got a fun indoor plan so come anyway! Have questions? Reach out to Kate May kmay@centenary-ws.org/ ext. 1331).
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
REFRESH: WEEKLY PRAYER IN THE CHAPEL
TUESDAYS • NOW – MAY 28
NOON- 12:30PM
You are invited for a time of prayer each week in our Chapel. Resources will be provided for a time of independent reflection and contemplation.
MUSIC & ARTS
SIGN UP NOW FOR CHILDREN’S
MUSIC & ART CAMP 2024
July 15 - 18, 2024
Join us for our series in Youth Sunday school, “Faith Face to Face”. This new series is all about exploring your questions of faith. We asked you what your questions are; you told us what you’re wondering about, and together we will find the answers! In 1 Corinthians 14: 33 we are reminded that “God is a God not of confusion, but of peace”. We can’t wait for you to be part of this great opportunity to take one question of faith each week and seek God’s wisdom so that we might more grow in the likeness and love of Jesus.
SENIOR RECOGNITION
On June 2, we invite all our graduating seniors to join us at the 11:00 am worship service to honor you. We honor you, not for any awards you have won or achievements you have garnered, there will be other times and places for that. Instead, we honor you simply because you belong to us. You are ours and always will be. We want to give you our blessing and a blanket to remind you who you are and whose you are as you begin the next adventure in your journey.
LOOKING AHEAD
May 19: Confirmation Sunday June 2: Graduation Recognition Sunday & Summer Kick-Off!
July 20-28: YouthWorks Senior High mission trip (Niagara Falls, NY)
July 29-August 1: Vacation Bible School
August 11: LTN
August 16: 6th grade Promotion Party
August 18: Sunday school Open House & Fall Kickoff!
CMA Camp is offered for infants through rising 5th graders. Offerings include singing, handbells, handchimes, creative movement, art, Kindermusik, and more! Snacks are provided daily. The week ends with a camper-led worship service on Thursday at 12:30 PM followed by a reception to celebrate the accomplishments of each child during camp. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled week! Register via the QR Code today! For more information, please contact Music Ministry Assistant, Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.org).
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
SANCTUARY ORNAMENT
Centenary United Methodist United Women in Faith (UWF) are offering a limited-edition Centenary Sanctuary ornament. The ornaments are hand-painted and made of blown glass. They include a historically accurate depiction of Centenary’s Sanctuary stained-glass windows. The measurements are 5 ¾” (length) x 3” (width) x 3 ¼” (height).
The ornaments are scheduled to arrive in August and you will have opportunities to pick up preordered ornaments once they arrive.
Cost: $40 per ornament. Cash or check accepted. Must pay at time of order. Vist the UWF page on the church website to order.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today 10:00 am: Youth Sunday school
NO Youth Groups tonight – enjoy the day with your family
May 15 6:00 pm: Confirmation Rehearsal Dinner
May 16 5:30 pm: Youth Choir Collective on Fifth
September 15: LTN
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.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Are you a people person? Do you enjoy chatting with folks? We are building a roster of front desk volunteers to direct phone calls and open the door for our guests. Office hours are 9 am - 4 pm, Monday - Thursday. If you’re interested in a particular day of the week and can assist occasionally or every week, please contact Rick Gibbons (rgibbons@centenaryws.org/ext. 1342).
MONDAY • MAY 13
Mark 13-14 & Psalm 101
TUESDAY • May 14
Mark 15-16 & Psalm 102
WEDNESDAY • MAY 15 John 1-2 & Psalm 103
