†
SCRIPTURE — Matthew 5:1-12 (pew Bible New Testament page 4)
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “The Habit of Happiness” OFFERTORY
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
Three Little Birds — Bob Marley
DOXOLOGY
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY • JANUARY 15, 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.
† Please stand as you are able
GATHERING MUSIC GREETING
†
OPENING PRAYER
Almighty God, in Christ you make all things new. Transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace, and in the renewal of our lives make known your heavenly glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
#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
Gracious God, giver of all gifts. We give you thanks for the blessings which you have given to us. Receive these gifts from the labor of our hands. May they be pleasing in your sight. Bless them and the ministries this offering will support. May they give hope, may they give comfort, may they bring peace, may they show your love to the world. We pray this in the name Christ the Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever more. Amen.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN
†HYMN
#433 All Who Love and Serve Your City — CHARLESTOWN
†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.
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.
#472 Near to the Heart of God — McAFEE
†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
MUSIC
Martha Bassett, vocals
Matt Kendrick, bass
Federico Pivetta, piano
The
Ken Wilmot, trumpet John Wilson, drums
The
By entering the Sanctuary, you grant to Centenary United Methodist Church unrestricted right to use and publish, transmit or telecast photographs or likenesses that might be taken of you this day for use in communications related to the church.
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 proclamed 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
Reverend
Reverend
Reverend
Reverend
ANNOUNCEMENTS • JANUARY 15, 2023
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/engage
ADULT FORMATION
NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS PARENT FOUNDATIONS ROOM 310
Raising young children is a challenge. From teething and tantrums to homework and soccer practice, it can be hard to find a free minute to spend time with God. We are parents of younger children who participate in member-led studies of books and topics to enhance our faith as parents. Conversation is geared so that those who have not been able to read the material can participate. We also discuss ideas, strategies, and support one another as we hope to raise our children with a strong Christian foundation. On January 8, we begin a new study on “Undistracted” by Bob Goff. We would love to have you join us! For more information about this class, please contact Katie Allen (kpallen846@ gmail.com).
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
STEPHEN MINISTRY
In the beginning, a Care Receiver said of her situation, “I don’t know if can do this.” At the end of her time together with a Stephen Minister, she said, “I have hope, and I feel I can do this now.” That’s what a caring relationship is all about--someone facing a struggle getting over the hump. Stephen Ministry can be life-changing.
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).
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
CREATED BY GOD PARENT INFO SESSION
Our 4th and 5th graders have growing and changing bodies, hearts, and minds. The first weekend in March we will be offering our annual Created by God weekend for these growing 4th and 5th graders and their grown ups. If you would like to know more about this opportunity to help you to decide if this is the right time for you and your child to participate please join us for a Parent Info Session on Zoom on January 18 at 8 pm. Watch your mailbox and email for more information and the Zoom link coming soon! For more information contact Kate May (kmay@centenary-ws.org/ext.1331)
SUMMER DATES 2023: MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW!
Older Elementary Mission Week June 27-29; Rising 4th-6th Graders
Centenary Week at Camp Tekoa: July 9-15; Rising 4th-6th Graders, register now at www.camptekoa. org
Children’s Music and the Arts Camp: July 17-20; 2 year olds through rising 5th Graders
Vacation Bible School: July 24-27; 4 year olds through rising 6th Graders
For more information, 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
JOIN THE CENTENARY CHANCEL CHOIR
Thinking about New Year’s resolutions? Consider joining the Centenary Chancel Choir! The choir is the heart of the weekly 11 am worship service and sings a wide range of choral repertoire. Open to high-schoolers and adults of all ages, the choir includes members from a variety of musical backgrounds and levels of experience. All are welcome and no audition is required! Join us as we seek to equip and empower the congregation to lift its collective heart and voice in worship and praise. Rehearsals every Thursday from 7:00 – 8:30 pm.
SUBSCRIBE TO SIGHTINGS & SOUNDINGS
Check out Centenary’s monthly Music & Arts magazine! Find the latest edition on Centenary’s website (Music & Arts’ page), subscribe via the QR Code below, or pick up a printed copy from the Music Suite.
CHILDREN’S MUSIC & ART NIGHT CONTINUES IN JANUARY – NEW PARTICIPANTS WELCOME!
Children ages 2 through 6th grade are invited to join us every Thursday night from 5:00-6:35 pm for Children’s Music & Art Night. Programming includes choir, handbells, handchimes, Kindermusik, art and more! Dinner (suggested $5 donation) is available from 4:30-6:30pm. Adult supervision is required for dinner. (Children ages 2-3 are dismissed at 5:40, and those participants require adult accompaniment.) Current participants need not register; the QR code below will direct new participants to the registration form. For more information, please contact Music Ministry Assistant, Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@ centenary-ws.org).
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@centenaryws.org).
SENIOR ADULTS
SENIOR ADULT LUNCHEON THURSDAY • JANUARY 19 • 11:45 AM
MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
Our keynote speaker will be Terry Taylor, President and CEO of Old Salem. We gather at 11:45 am and lunch will be served at noon. Email Charles Monroe to register: chasmonroe@yahoo.com. Luncheon cost is $10.00.
YOUTH MINISTRY EVENTS
•January 15: NO YOUTH
•January 17: Youth Basketball @6pm vs. Greek Orthodox
•January 18: Confirmation: Apostles Creed –Father and Son
•January 20-21: Confirmation Retreat
•January 22: Middle School Youth @5:00, All Youth Dinner @6:15, Senior High Youth @6:45
For more information or to sign up to receive Youth Ministry updates by email, contact Tammy Pollock (tpollock@centenary-ws.org). Or 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 Christmastide, Epiphany, and the beginning of the Confirmation season, 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.
CONFIRMATION
Confirmation by definition is faith formation, one part of a life-long journey. We have designed an incredible Confirmation process to help our 7th grade youth begin to claim their faith as their very own. Through our Confirmation ministry you will have opportunities, be given tools, support, and the inspiration you need to build your faith on a firm foundation. Registration is now open. Check the Youth Announcements for more details.
LOVE THY NEIGHBOR
We are so excited to be starting back our Love Thy Neighbor Ministry for the year! One Sunday a month, the youth and other church volunteers work together to provide a hot meal and medical clinic for our homeless and marginally housed neighbors from all around Winston. This is a beautiful time of community building that we hope you will feel called to join us for. LTN takes place from 12 pm – 2 pm (with set up beginning at 11 am) on the following Sundays:
•February 5, 2023
•March 5, 2023
•April 16, 2023
•May 7, 2023
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: January 29, 2023, May 7, 2023, July 16, 2023, and August 6, 2023. If you are interested, please contact Paige Morgan Foy (pmorganfoy@centenary-ws.org).
CHURCH OFFICES CLOSED
In observance of Martin Luther King