TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • NOVEMBER 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
Prelude and Fugue in E Major, BWV 566 — J. S. Bach
GREETING
INTROIT
Hymn of Praise — René Clausen Alleluia, alleluia, praise God in his holy temple. Amen, amen, Alleluia, Amen.
†OPENING PRAYER
Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#131 We Gather Together — KREMSER
†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.
†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.
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
CANTICLE
Look at the World — John Rutter Look at the world, everything all around us. Look at the world, and marvel everyday. Look at the world, so many joys and wonders, so many miracles along our way. Praise to thee, oh Lord, for all creation. Give us thankful hearts that we may see all the gifts we share and every blessing. All things come of thee. Look at the earth bringing forth fruit and flower. Look at the sky, the sunshine and the rain. Look at the hills, look at the trees and mountains, valley and flowing river, field, and plain. Think of the spring, think of the warmth of summer bringing the harvest before the winter’s cold. Everything grows, everything has a season ‘til it is gathered to the Father’s fold. Every good gift, all that we need and cherish comes from the Lord in token of His love. We are his hands, stewards of all his bounty. His is the earth and His the heavens above. (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.)
SCRIPTURE — 2 Corinthians 9:6-10
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
Jubilate in A-flat Major — Charles Wood
†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
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
#139 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty — LOBE DEN HERREN
†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
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty — Craig Phillips
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III, Senior Minister
LITURGIST
The Reverend Kate May, Assoc. Minister
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
The Chancel Choir
Sam Howell, Music Ministry Intern Children’s Creative Arts Experience
CRUCIFER Reese Bonsall
TORCHBEARERS Sloan Bonsall Clark Bonsall
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of Dr. W.J. Grant, III, Ann Lawless Grant and Myra Cowan Grant by Dr. & Mrs. Robert G. Dillard, and Mr. W.J. Grant, lV.
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
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
ANNOUNCEMENTS • NOVEMBER 17, 2024
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
POINSETTIAS FOR ADVENT
You have the opportunity to recognize your loved ones as we decorate our church for the holidays. Poinsettias can be purchased for $20 each. Orders with payment must be received by November 30, 2024. To order, go to the Give tab on the Centenary website. Once on the tab, select Give/Contribute from the dropdown menu. Once on the link, select Christmas Poinsettias in the fund menu. Be sure to note IMO (In Memory Of) or IHO (In Honor Of ) and add names in the memo line. You may also mail a check to the business office. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Ann Wexler mwexler@ centenary-ws.org/ext.1346).
ADULT FORMATION
SAVE THE DATE!
Centenary Women’s Retreat
April 4-6, 2025
Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
PARTNER WITH US TO HELP FEED KIDS IN WINSTON-SALEM
With Thanksgiving and Christmas coming, we will be sending more food home with children to help make up the difference during the school breaks. In addition to partnering with the Backpack Program, organized by Second Harvest Food Bank, we will be sending bags of food home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Please consider a financial donation to help make this possible. If you’re interested or have questions, please contact Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1332).
CHRISTMAS CRAFT NIGHT
SUNDAY • NOVEMBER 24
COME AND GO BETWEEN 3:30 - 5:30 PM
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
GRIEFSHARE: SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS SUNDAY • NOVEMBER 24 • 2-4 PM ROOM 115 EAST BUILDING
This event includes a video featuring some of the nation’s foremost Christian experts on grief and recovery as well as group discussion to offer support and hope in navigating the holiday season. GriefShare leaders Sue Stephens and Paul Briggs will lead the seminar and can provide additional information. Register by emailing Rev. Oliver Helsabeck (ohelsabeck@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1357).
REFRESH PRAYER SERVICE
WEDNESDAYS • NOON – 12:45 PM SANCTUARY
Enter from Fifth Street for a service of prayer. 12:00-12:15, silent meditation; 12:15-12:45, prayer service. Come be refreshed and renewed in the middle of a busy week.
MEN’S MINISTRY
THEOLOGY ON TAP DECEMBER 3 • 5:30 PM
Centenary UMC Men invite everyone to join them for the Advent Theology on Tap gathering. We will gather at Lesser Known Brewery (901 South Broad Street) on Tuesday, December 3 from 5:30 pm - 7 pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy fellowship and help support a number of ministries with a gift. For more details, please contact Tom Lawson at 336-577-2223.
MISSIONS
HARVEST GIFTS
SUBSCRIBE TO SIGHTINGS & SOUNDINGS
LOOKING AHEAD
The newest issue of Centenary’s monthly Music & Arts magazine comes out this Thursday! Subscribe via the QR code to receive your copy in your inbox each month. You can also find Sightings & Soundings on Centenary’s website (Music & Arts’ page) or pick up a printed copy from the magazine racks around campus or in the Music Suite.
A THRILL OF HOPE: ADVENT WITH MUSIC & ARTS
We invite you to spend the Advent season with us as we prepare for the joy of Christmas.
• Piedmont Wind Symphony presents Holiday Bells, a Benefit Concert with the Centenary Chancel Choir Tuesday, December 3 at 7:30 PM, Sanctuary
• Children’s Choirs in Worship Sunday, December 8 at 11:00 AM, Sanctuary
• WSSU Singing Rams presents Great Joy! Sunday, December 8 at 4:00 PM, Sanctuary
• Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols Sunday, December 15 at 5:00 PM, Sanctuary
• A Christmas Collaboration at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church with the Centenary Chancel Choir Sunday, December 22 at 6:00 PM, St. Paul’s UMC
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
SANCTUARY ORNAMENT
November 24: Operation Christmas Child mission project
December 13: Sixers! Goes to Tanglewood for a hayride
December 15: Annual ALL Youth Christmas Party
December 22: ALL Youth Christmas Coffee House
December 29: New Year’s Eve, Eve Party (@ Bowlero)
January 8: 2025 Confirmation begins January 10 & 11: Junior/Senior Retreat to Blowing Rock
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.
ANGEL TREE
If you haven’t stopped by an angel tree yet, make sure to do so! There are a few angels left waiting to be adopted. Remember to fill out the sign-up booklet to record which angel you are adopting. Make sure to grab a big red bag with instructions on how to shop and number your gifts. We ask that gifts be returned by Wednesday, December 4. Then, join us for a wrapping party on December 8! If you’d like to sponsor an angel, please contact Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws.org/ ext. 1332).
Have you registered yet? Registration closes on November 20! Don’t miss the chance to join us as a family and create Christmas decorations! There are eight crafts to choose from, with options available for all ages. Use the QR code to register - there are limited quantities of each craft! If you can’t come to the event, we will have take-out kits available.
KIDS DAY IN SATURDAY • DECEMBER 14
9:30-11:30 AM
Our Harvest Gifts collection for 2024 is underway! Dedication Sunday is November 24. Bring your bags with you to worship. Bags will be received during the morning offering. All cans should be regular sized, not family sized.
• Canned Meats (beef stew, chicken, tuna, salmon)
• Canned Vegetables (pinto beans, potatoes, corn, peas, green beans)
• Hearty Soups
• Canned Spaghetti Sauce (no glass containers)
• Spaghetti Noodles
• SpaghettiOs
• Macaroni & Cheese
• Bag or Box of Cookies
The Centenary ornaments have arrived and are ready for pick up. You can pick up ornaments at Nourish on Wednesdays from 5:00-6:00 pm or on Sundays after the 9:00 and 11:00 o’clock services. We will have the ornaments at the 4 1/2 Street entrance on those days. If you need to arrange a different time please contact Susan Grubbs at shgrubbs4@gmail.com Ornaments are also available to purchase. We will be at the 4 1/2 Street entrance during Nourish on Wednesdays and at 10:00am on Sundays. We will be on the front lawn on Sundays after the 11:00 am worship service.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Infants through 2nd graders are invited to join us for a morning full of holiday-themed fun including crafts, games and more. The cost is $5 per kid. Register using the QR code. Contact Anna Thomas ( athomas@centenary-ws.org ) with any questions!
IMPROMPTU PAGEANT
SUNDAY • DECEMBER 22 • 10 AM
Join us as we gather in the Sanctuary where everyone will choose a costume and take part in creating a beautiful picture of what the first Christmas might have looked like as the story is told through rhyme and song. There will be no Sunday school for elementary aged kids. Stay tuned for specific items we will be collecting for our Tree of Warmth.
MUSIC
& ARTS
ART IN THE ATRIUM
ALL THINGS BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL, A NEIGHBORHOOD SHOWCASE
The Neighborhood Showcase is open! Works by artists from Centenary (adults and youth) and Arbor Acres will be displayed in the Atrium and 4 1⁄2 Street Galleries until January 5, 2025. Be sure to peruse this beautiful collection and, maybe, even consider adding a piece to your collection! 10% of all sales will be donated to the Winston-Salem Street School. Contact Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.org) with purchase inquiries.
Today 10:00 am: Youth Sunday school 6:00 pm: ALL youth and our families are invited to the 3rd Annual Stroll into Light Candlelight Walk for Mental Health Awareness (@Mount Tabor High School). Gate opens at 5:00pm. Register to walk or to sponsor a walker. Let’s walk together to remember that we are never alone.
CONFIRMATION 2025
Starting on January 8, 2025 (through May 18), we invite all 7th graders to join our Confirmation class. We will meet each Wednesday night from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm to learn about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the spiritual life, and how they form us and help us to change the way we live our lives. The hope is that through these experiences, you will come to encounter Jesus in a very real way and that encounter will change the way you live your life! For more information contact Tammy Pollock (tpollock@centenary-ws.org).