(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
SCRIPTURE — Matthew 6:24-34 (pew Bible New Testament page 7)
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “First Things First”
TRANSFIGURATION SUNDAY • FEBRUARY 19, 2023 • 11:00AM
OFFERTORY
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
Allleluia (from Simeon’s Prayer) — Alex Hegenbart
†CALL TO WORSHIP
Almighty God, whose Son was revealed in majesty before he suffered death upon the cross, give us grace to perceive his glory, that we may be strengthened to suffer with him and be changed by his likeness, from glory to glory. We pray this in the name of the Son who is alive and lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#173 Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies — RATISBON
†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
CANTICLE
The Lord’s Prayer — Albert Hay Malotte
Ain’t That Good News — arr. Moses Hogan
†DOXOLOGY
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT †
#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
All things come from you, O God, and with gratitude we return to you what is yours. You created all that is, and with love formed us in your image. When our love failed, your love remained steadfast. You gave your only Son Jesus Christ to be our Savior. All that we are, and all that we have, is a trust from you. And so, in gratitude for all your gifts, we offer you ourselves, and all that we have, in union with Christ’s offering for us. By your Holy Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN #540 I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord — ST. THOMAS
RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS
We give thanks for all that God has already given you and we welcome you in Christian love. As members together with you in the body of Christ and in this congregation of the United Methodist Church, we renew our covenant faithfully to participate in the ministries of the church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
A Clare Benediction — John Rutter
May the Lord show his mercy upon you; may the light of his presence be your guide: may he guard you and uphold you; may his spirit be ever by your side.
When you sleep may his angels watch over you; when you wake may he fill you with his grace: may you love him and serve him all your days; then in heaven may you see his face.
†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 Ministries
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar
The Chancel Choir
Kristin Schwecke, soprano
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of Mrs. Jane Cottle Joyner and Mr. & Mrs. William Neill McCormick by Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Hall McCormick; and also in loving memory of Mrs. JoAnn Buchanan Slaughter by Mr. & Mrs. David Lawrence Holden and Joanna and Libby Holden.
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
ANNOUNCEMENTS • FEBRUARY 19, 2023
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
IN MEMORIAM
Sallie Millis Hunter Pryor
January 24, 2023
The ministers and members of Centenary Church extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved familiy and pray they may know the comfort and peace of our Heavenly Father.
SCHOLARSHIPS
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 1
Centenary offers three types of endowed scholarships:
•T.B. and Mary Neal Dixson Foundation: Scholarships for Centenary members or staff who are full-time students
•Cabaniss Fund Scholarship: For needy and deserving students engaged in or planning for ministry
•Emma Kapp Ogburn Memorial Fund: Scholarships for Methodist residents of Forsyth County pursuing education for Methodist ministry or a Christian education ministry vocation
The deadline to submit all applications is April 1. Please note that the document submission process has changed this year. Find more detailed guidelines and download forms at www.centenaryws.org/resources. Contact Stacy Holley for more information (sholley@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1359).
ALTAR GUILD
FLOWER VASES NEEDED
The Altar Guild is looking for vases with which to distribute flowers to our congregation each week. If you would like to donate, please bring them to desk at the 4 ½ St. Entrance on Sunday morning or between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday-Thursday. Thank you!
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
Reverend Susannah Pittman ext. 1357
Associate Minister of Congregational Care & Adult Formation
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
WWW.CENTENARY-WS.ORG • 336-724-6311
ADULT FORMATION
WEEKLY LENTEN DEVOTIONS
The First Fifteen Challenge invites you to take the first 15 minutes of your day and spend it with God by reading and reflecting on God’s Word. Although it involves only a short amount of time, through God’s grace it can transform our entire day! To guide our First Fifteen this Lent, we will use the devotional, “The Sanctuary for Lent 2023”, written by Josh Scott. Each daily devotional contains a Scripture passage, a brief reflection, and life application questions. To sign up to receive this devotional electronically, please use the Weekly Email Blasts link under the Engage tab and select “First 15 Daily Devotionals” from the list. If you have signed-up before or already receive the First Fifteen, you will automatically be on the list. Limited copies of the devotional will also be available on campus.
LENTEN STUDY
THURSDAYS • FEBRUARY 23-MARCH 30
10AM • ROOM 112 EAST BUILDING
SUNDAYS • FEBRUARY 26-APRIL 2
10AM • MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
All are invited to join Rev. Susannah Pittman as we journey through Lent exploring the Scriptures and spiritual practices of the season. This six-week class will be offered on Sunday and Thursday mornings. Registration is not required, and there are no additional resources to purchase. For questions or more information, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman (spittman@centenary-ws.org).
CONGREGATIONAL CARE STEPHEN MINISTRY
A Care Receiver writes, “Hearts and Cupids are everywhere, but since my husband left, they only accentuate my pain and alienation. It seems that everybody is happy but me. My Stephen Minister listens to my lonely feelings and walks alongside me as hurt. She’s helping me feel valuable again.”
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)
HEALING HANDS KNITTING CIRCLE
Healing Hands Knitting Circle is resuming its monthly gathering on the first Monday of the month at 10 am in the Gathering Room. Our next gathering is March 6. All knitters, beginners and experienced alike, are welcome to join! For questions or more information, please contact Dianne Moore or Rev. Susannah Pittman
CALL TO CARE MINISTRY
We are excited to launch the “Call to Care” calling ministry. This ministry will provide regular, intentional communication to ensure that our congregation is connected, cared for, and is aware of what is happening in the life of Centenary. If you are interested in serving as a caller for this ministry, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman by March 6.
CHAPEL REFLECTION
Our Chapel is available for prayer and reflection during regular church office hours. As we journey through Lent, booklets containing a selection of psalms and prayers for Lent will be available at the entrances to the Chapel. For more information, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman
SUPPORT GROUPS
As we seek to promote mental, emotional, and spiritual health and wellbeing, we affirm that there is no human experience that is beyond God’s reach. You do not journey alone. Below you will find links to the Mental Health Services of Forsyth County and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Our Congregational Care ministry, including our pastoral staff, Shining Light on Mental Health team, Stephen Ministry, and grief support, are also here for you.Please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman if we can be of support.
www.triadmentalhealth.org
www.samhsa.gov
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
REGISTRATION CLOSES THIS WEEK FOR CREATED BY GOD AND BIBLE BONANZA
Two great events are coming up in the life of our church family: Bible Bonanza for 3rd and 4th graders on February 26 and Created by God for 4th and 5th graders on March 3-4. Register for either or both of these events through the Events Page of the Church website or your Realm account by February 22. Want more information? Contact Kate May kmay@centenary-ws.org/ext.1331).
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL THIS SUMMER WILL BE STELLAR!
JULY 24-27
Vacation Bible School 2023 is going to be an out of this world adventure, but for us to truly shine Jesus’ light brightly we need lots of amazing adults to shine the light of Jesus into the kids who participate. If you would like to help share the good news with our kids that God loves them and so do we then reach out to Kate May (kmay@centenaryws.org/ext. 1331) and let her know that you want to help make VBS Stellar this summer! There is a job for everyone!
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
BRAHMS’ GERMAN REQUIEM
Please join us on Sunday, February 26 at 4:00 pm as the Centenary Chancel Choir and the Greensboro Symphony Master Chorale present this masterwork in our sanctuary. A requiem for humankind, Brahms’ opus focuses on bringing comfort to the living soul, a perfect accompaniment to our most contemplative of seasons: Lent. Admission is free.
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@centenary-ws.org).
LENTEN NOONTIME MUSIC SERIES
TUESDAYS • FEBRUARY 28-APRIL 4
NOON • SANCTUARY
Join us in the Sanctuary each Tuesday of Lent at Noon for a 30-minute musical presentation. Each week will feature a different musician or ensemble. Musicians include the New Day Singers of Greensboro, Joshua Sobel (Centenary’s Organ Scholar), and Corine Brouwer (Winston-Salem Symphony Concertmaster). Join us 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). No registration required.
JOIN THE CENTENARY CHANCEL CHOIR
Do you look good in blue?! 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.
YOUTH MINISTRY EVENTS
•February 19: Middle School Youth: 5:00 – 6:15pm; All Youth Dinner: 6:15-6:45pm; Senior High Youth: 6:45 – 8:00pm
•February 21: Youth Basketball @7:00pm
•February 15: Confirmation: SHEPHERD NIGHT
(6:00pm – 7:30pm) – Ash Wednesday and Stuff
•February 26: Middle School Youth: 5:00 – 6:15pm; All Youth Dinner: 6:15-6:45pm; Senior High Youth: 6:45 – 8:00pm
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.
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 Confirmation and this season of preparation for lent, 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.
LOOKING AHEAD
March 4: LTN Fundraiser
March 10-12: Rest Retreat to the Trinity Center
May 5 & 6: Confirmation Retreat to Blowing Rock
May 21: Confirmation Sunday
June 4: Graduation Recognition Sunday
June 18-25: Mountain T.O.P (ALL youth) Mission Trip July 15-22: YouthWorks Senior High Mission Trip July 24-27: Vacation Bible School August 27: Fall Kick-Off!
LOVE THY NEIGHBOR DINNER FUNDRAISER
SATURDAY • MARCH 4 • 6 - 8 PM
MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
The 17th annual Love Thy Neighbor Dinner, Live Auction and Paddle Raise is on Saturday, March 4 at 6:00 pm in Memorial Auditorium. This annual event supports our Love Thy Neighbor ministry which builds relationships and loving care with our community in downtown Winston-Salem. Reserve your seat for our yummy dinner, prepared by Chef Donald and served by our Love Thy Neighbor team.
Tickets are $50 per seat or $500 to sponsor a full table of 10 seats. Tickets are refundable if you cancel on or before the Sunday, February 26 registration deadline. If you purchase seats for guests, you do not need to register them by name. Gluten-free meals are available with your registration. For more information about the event, please contact Tammy Pollock For help with registration and payment, please contact Stacy Holley
We are grateful for your support of Love Thy Neighbor!
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: July 2, 2023, and August 6, 2023. If you are interested, please contact Paige Morgan Foy (pmorganfoy@centenary-ws.org).
