WELCOME TO WORSHIP
FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT • MARCH 17, 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.
† Please stand as you are able
PRELUDE GREETING
INTROIT
Stay With Me — TAIZÉ
Stay with me, remain here with me, watch and pray.
†CALL TO WORSHIP
We thank you, Oh Lord
For your faithful love
When the stress of our lives begins to overwhelm us
We are grateful for your compassion
When we have fallen short
We are overwhelmed by your forgiveness
In the midst of this life
We are grateful for all the ways you comfort us
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#140 Great Is Thy Faithfulness — FAITHFULNESS
†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.
†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 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 Macrae, 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 Macrae with a community of love and forgiveness, that he may grow in his service to others. We will pray for him, that he 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
Turn Thee to Me, Op. 99, No. 8 — Antonín Dvorâk
Turn thee to me and have mercy, for I am desolate and sore distressed. Great, great are the sorrows of my heart: bring me out of my distress. O be merciful, look on my sorrow, see mine affliction, and forgive all my wickedness! O keep my soul in safety and deliver me! Let me never be confounded, for my hope is in thee!
SCRIPTURE — Psalm 86:15-17
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Be Like Jesus: Forgive”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
Hymn of Mercy — Dan Forrest Gracious Lord, Thy mercy filleth all the earth below; and from heaven’s throne it falleth when to Thee I go. Mercy flowing, swift pursuing like a river strong, sympathizing with my weakness; mercy suffering long. Mercy calling with compassion: “Oh, return to me.” Wounded are the Hands extended, loving is the plea. How can I refuse Thy mercy? Whither would I flee? From my idol shrine I turn, Lord, reaching up to Thee.
†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
Loving God, without You we would be nothing. Help us to give back to others in the way that you have given to us. Your love guides us, protects us, and models for us the ways in which we are called to live. All that we are and all that we have is yours. May our offerings be just part of what we give to you this day and always, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN #365 Grace Greater than Our Sin — MOODY
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
Ascription of Praise — David Schwoebel
Now to him who’s able to keep you from falling, and to present you without blemish before the presence of the glory. With rejoicing, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Be the glory, majesty, dominion, and the authority, before all time. Now and forever. Amen.
†POSTLUDE
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Meg Peters, Assoc. Minister
LITURGIST
The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III, Senior Minister
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar
The Chancel Choir
Alden Pridgen, mezzo-soprano
CRUCIFER
James Edmundson
TORCHBEARERS
Camilla Boehnlein
Georgia Elliott
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
Assoc. Minister of Evangelism, Engagement & Missions
ANNOUNCEMENTS • MARCH 17, 2024
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
Today we celebrate the baptism of William MacRae Robinson, son of MacRae and Ali Robinson and brother of Penelope Gray and Ramsay Louise Robinson.
IN MEMORIAM
Sara Dalton Long Spencer March 3, 2024
The ministers and members of Centenary extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved family and pray they may know the comfort and peace of our Heavenly Father.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
EASTER EGG HUNT
MARCH
31 • 10 AM • FRONT LAWN
Join us for our annual Easter Egg Hunt! Meet us on the front lawn of the church with your basket at 10 am! There will be special egg hunting opportunities designated for children of all ages! There will be no Sunday School for K-5th graders.
VBS AND OEMW REGISTRATIONS
OPEN NEXT WEEK!
It’s time to start getting summer plans in order! VBS registration opens Sunday, March 24 and Older Elementary Mission Week registration opens Tuesday, March 26. We hope you’ll join us!
STUDENTS WITH FULL BELLIES ARE MORE SUCCESSFUL
Centenary has the privilege of partnering with the Backpack Program organized by Second Harvest Food Bank. We are currently partnered with Brunson Elementary, Wiley Middle School, Reynolds High School and the Winston Salem Street School. This program helps provide food for students who receive free breakfast and lunch at school throughout the year but may not have access to food over the weekends. For just $200, you can feed a child on the weekends for a whole school year! If you’re interested in getting involved, please contact Anna Thomas athomas@centenary-ws. org/ext 1332).
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
STEPHEN MINISTRY
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
HTTPS://CENTENARY-WS.ORG • 336-724-6311
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today
10:00 am: Youth Sunday school
5:00 pm: Middle school youth group
6:15 pm: All youth dinner - $3 per person
6:30 pm: Senior high youth group
March 20
6:00 pm: Confirmation – Time & Choices
March 21
5:30 pm: Youth Choir Collective on Fifth
March 24
10:00 am: Youth Sunday school
5:00 pm: Middle school youth group
6:15 pm: All youth dinner - $3 per person
6:30 pm: Senior high youth group
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!
Here we are in the season of Lent, thinking about the great sacrifices Jesus has made for each of us. As we consider Jesus, especially in this season, what was it about Him that shook everyone who knew him to the core? What is it about Him that shakes us to the core? Join us as we explore Jesus...how his radical love, gentleness, and peace is exactly what we all need.
LOOKING AHEAD
April 14: Love Thy Neighbor
April 18: Youth Ministry Leadership team meeting
May 19: Confirmation Sunday
June 2: Graduation Recognition Sunday
July 20-28: YouthWorks Senior High Mission trip
July 29-August 1: Vacation Bible School
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.
EASTER FLOWER CROSS
No matter what time you come to celebrate Easter, we hope you will visit the Flower Cross on the front porch of the Sanctuary. You’re encouraged to bring some of your favorite flowers from your garden or the store and help us to transform the cross into a beautiful symbol of hope and new life. Questions? Contact Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws. org) or Kate May (kmay@centenary-ws.org).
CHANGES TO CENTENARY SCHOLARSHIPS
“My Stephen Minister, never judging and always valuing me as a person, helped me see myself as God sees me, loved and never alone. My loneliness was replaced by the still voice of the Holy Spirit. It had been there. Now I recognize it.”
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).
MUSIC & ARTS
LENTEN NOONTIME SERIES
TUESDAYS • FEBRUARY 20 – MARCH 26
12:00 – 12:30 PM • SANCTUARY
Join us in the Sanctuary each Tuesday in Lent at noon for a 30-minute musical presentation 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).
March 19: Myron D. Brown, piano
March 26: Meditations on the Seven Last Words (Alan Keely, narrator)
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Monday • March 25 • 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Tuesday • March 26 • 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Wednesday • March 27 • 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday • March 28 • 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
You are invited to journey with Jesus to the cross. This self-guided walk offers 14 stations through visual arts, liturgy and contemplation. A booklet will be provided to guide you as you move through the Sanctuary. To participate, enter from the 4 ¹ ₂ Street entrance and begin the stations at the West Transept door.
WHAT’S AHEAD AT GENERAL CONFERENCE
The quadrennial General Conference meeting of the United Methodist Church will be held April 23May 3 of this year, in Charlotte, NC. The General Conference is the official governing body of the denomination comprised of clergy and lay delegates from Annual Conferences around the globe. Rev. Dr. P. Glenn Kinken, III is leading three, identical town hall meetings about the work of and matters before the General Conference. These sessions will be held:
• Sunday, March 24 @ 4:30 p.m. in Memorial Auditorium
• Tuesday, March 26 @ 12:00 noon in Memorial Auditorium
• Wednesday, March 27 @ 6:00 p.m. (following the Nourish meal) in Memorial Auditorium.
Because of the dedication and generosity of past members, Centenary is honored to offer endowed scholarships. There are significant changes to this year’s application process. Before applying, please go to https://centenary-ws.org/church-events/ resources/ for more information.
HOLY WEEK WORSHIP OPPORTUNITUES
Sunday • March 24
9am Worship in Memorial Auditorium 11am Worship in the Sanctuary
Tuesday • March 26 • Noon Lenten Noontime Music Series in the Sanctuary
Thursday • March 28 • 7:00 pm 7:00pm• Maundy Thursday Worship in the Sanctuary
Friday • March 29 • 7:00 pm
14 Stations of the Cross & Tenebrae in the Sanctuary
MONDAY • MARCH 18
Ezra 1-3 & Psalm 45
TUESDAY • MARCH 19
Ezra 4-7 & Psalm 46
WEDNESDAY • MARCH 20
Ezra 8-10 & Psalm 47
SUNDAY • MARCH 24
THURSDAY • MARCH 21
Nehemiah 1-3 & Psalm 48
FRIDAY • MARCH 22
Nehemiah 4-6 & Psalm 49
SATURDAY • MARCH 23
Nehemiah 7-9 & Psalm 50
Nehemiah 10-11 & Psalm 51
