WELCOME TO WORSHIP
SCRIPTURE — Luke 15:11-24
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Disciple: A Gracious Heart”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee — HYMN TO JOY
Joyful joyful we adore Thee, God of glory Lord of love.
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, Opening to the sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness. Drive the dark of doubt away. Giver of immortal gladness, Fill us with the light of day.
OFFERTORY
FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT • MARCH 19, 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.
GATHERING MUSIC
Your Name — Paul Baloche and Glenn Pakiam
GREETING
†CALL TO WORSHIP
Lift us up O Lord, that we may see your face
When we long for a place to call home, remind us that your love is always available to us
When our spirits falter, your light will lift us
May the grace you have poured out for us be shared with all those we meet
†HYMN
#89 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee — HYMN TO JOY
†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.
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.
Echo — Pappas, Brown, Houghton, Ntlele & Furtick
†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 #348 Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling — THOMPSON
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
Spirit of the Living God — Daniel Iverson
†CELEBRATION MUSIC
My Feet Are on the Rock — Parker, Bronleewe, Sweat & Hein
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
All Thy works with joy surround Thee, Earth and heaven reflect Thy rays. Stars and angels sing around Thee, Center of unbroken praise. Field and forest vale and mountain, Flowery meadow flashing sea. Chanting bird and flowing fountain, Call us to rejoice in Thee.
Thou art giving and forgiving, Ever blessing ever blest. Wellspring of the joy of living, Ocean depth of happy rest. Thou our Father, Christ our Brother, All who live in love are Thine. Teach us how to love each other, Lift us to the joy divine.
Mortals join the mighty chorus
Which the morning stars began. Father love is reigning o’er us, Brother love binds man to man. Ever singing march we onward, Victors in the midst of strife. Joyful music lifts us sunward In the triumph song of life.
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Meg Peters, Assoc.Minister
LITURGIST
The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III
Senior Minister
MUSIC Eddie Pollock, Band Leader Lydia Berger • Nathan Clark • Sam Clark Matthew Epermanis
• Joanna Holden • Jacob Hollar • Larry Hollar
• Amy Goodman • Lilly Robbins
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 • MARCH 19, 2023
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
Sympathy is extended to Dianne and Bill Moore on the passing of Dianne’s brother, Ted Brown, on February 10, 2023.
IN MEMORIAM
Diane Buie Crichlow
March 5, 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).
ADULT FORMATION
LENTEN STUDY
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
THURSDAYS • NOW-MARCH 30
10AM • ROOM 112 EAST BUILDING
SUNDAYS • NOW-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
“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) or Rev. Susannah Pittman (336-724-6311 ext. 1357).
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
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
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
CANDY FOR EASTER EGGS
Although Lent has just begun our eyes are turned towards Easter and Easter means an egg hunt! To celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection with our kids we fill hundreds of eggs for them to pick up and enjoy. We invite you to help spread resurrection joy with our children by donating individually wrapped, nonchocolate candy that we can stuff all of our eggs with. Candy can be dropped off at the 4 ½ Street auditorium reception desk during the week and on Sunday or the 5th Street East Building desk on Sunday. Please drop candy off by Sunday, March 19. Want to know more or play an even larger part in this joyous event? Contact Kate May (kmay@ centenary-ws.org/ext. 1331).
STELLAR BOWLING FOR 3RD-5TH GRADERS
As we get excited for Vacation Bible School, we want our kids to know all about Preteen VBS, a special VBS experience for rising 4th-6th graders. All 3rd, 4th and 5th graders and their friends are invited to a fun afternoon of bowling Sunday, April 23 from 2:30-4:30 pm at Creekside Lanes. Cost is $15/bowler. Registration opens through Realm and on the Centenary Events page March 21 and closes April 19.
JUSTICE & RECONCILIATION
GREAT AMERICAN CLEANUP
Join the Centenary UMC Creation Care Team as we partner with Keep Winston-Salem Beautiful for The Great American Cleanup on Saturday, April 1 from 9 am-12 pm at Shaffner Park! Look for the Red Centenary Tent to check-in. If you have any additional questions, contact Rev. Meg Peters mpeters@centenary-ws. org) or Frank Hassell (c_frank_hassell@yahoo.com).
JUSTICE & RECONCILIATION OPEN HOUSE
APRIL 23 • 10-11 AM
MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
Did you know Centenary created a Justice & Reconciliation Ministry in June 2021? Our desire is to learn, serve, and witness to the need for social holiness as well as personal holiness, in our community and beyond. Come learn what J&R is all about - what we have planned - and how you can be a part of this important ministry. We need you!
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 Events Page.
RISE AGAINST HUNGER
SUNDAY • APRIL 16 • 2-4 PM
COMMUNITY ROOM
We invite you to participate in our meal packing event, Rise Against Hunger on April 16. Set up will start at 12:30 pm. We look forward to packing as many meals as possible. Contact Rev. Meg Peters (mpeters@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1361), if you have questions.
HONDURAS MISSION TRIP
The Missions team is partnering with Carolina Honduras Health Foundation and heading to Honduras, August 18-27, to serve in their medical clinic. If you are interested in joining this trip please email Rev. Meg Peters (mpeters@centenary-ws. org/ext. 1361). Space is limited.
MUSIC & THE ARTS
LENTEN NOONTIME MUSIC SERIES
TUESDAYS • NOW-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.
WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY SINGING
RAMS CONCERT TODAY
Please join us this afternoon at 4:00 pm as Centenary welcomes the WSSU Singing Rams. The Grammy-nominated choir will present Rosephanye Powell’s The Cry of Jeremiah before singing the work at Carnegie Hall later this month. Admission is free.
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.
YOUTH MINISTRY EVENTS
•March 19:
5:00 pm - 6:15 pm Middle School Youth
6:15 pm - 6:45 pm All Youth Dinner
6:45 pm - 8:00 pm Senior High Youth
•March 22:
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Confirmation: Creativity and Work
•March 24:
5:30 pm - 9:30 pm Sixers play Laser Tag
•March 26:
5 pm - 6:15 pm Middle School Youth
6:15 pm - 6:45 pm All Youth Dinner
6:45 pm - 8 pm Senior High 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 Lent and Confirmation 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
April 9: Easter
May 5 & 6: Confirmation Retreat to Blowing Rock
May 7: LTN & LISTEN! event
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 to Denver, CO
July 24-27: Vacation Bible School
August 27: Fall Kick-Off!
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.
STARTING POINT
NEXT CLASS
SUNDAY • MARCH 26
On March 26, Centenary will be offering a Starting Point class for anyone who is interested in learning more about our church and those who are considering joining our church family. This will be a wonderful opportunity for you to get to know us and others who are interested in joining Centenary. Lunch and childcare will be provided. If you are interested in attending, please let Rev. Meg Peters know.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
APRIL 3-6 • 9 AM – 4 PM • SANCTUARY
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 ½ Street entrance and begin the stations at the West Transept door.
FLOWER VASES NEEDED
The Altar Guild is looking for clear, medium sized vases with which to distribute flowers to our congregation each week. If you would like to donate a vase, 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!