Through Centenary
WINDOWS 3 Songs for the Journey 4 Senior Minister I Love Music! 6 Summer Worship 7 Soulstice Creative Workshops 8 Roots Revival 10 United Methodist Women 11 New Members 12 The Results Are In Songs of the Faith Survey 15 Pentecost Festival
16 Music and the Arts Philosophy of Music 18 Creation Care All Creatures of Our God and King 20 Missions Haiti Outreach 22 Memorials 23 Honoraria 24 Children’s Ministry The Power of Music 25 Vacation Bible School 26 Youth Ministry Breathe, Just Breathe
"Above all sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing him more than yourself, or any other creature. In order to do this attend strictly to the sense of what you sing, and see that your heart is not carried away with the sound, but offered to God continually; so shall your singing be such as the Lord will approve here, and reward you when he cometh in the clouds of heaven." ~ John Wesley
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dpeninger@centenary-ws. org 336-397-1368
From the Editor
Songs for the Journey Doug Peninger Director of Communications
F
or the May/June issue of Windows, we are looking at the songs of faith we all share and hold special in our hearts. Now, when I say hymns, I mean all of the church music we share. It could be from the old Cokesbury hymnal or from our current hymnal. It could also be a favorite chorus by a contemporary artist or an oratorio by Bach or Brahms. You get the picture. Why do these songs resonate with us and what is about them that stirs emotion and connection to the tune or lyrics? Allow me to share a personal journey. I discovered music when I was in my youth, growing up in Charlotte. I was fortunate to attend a local church (I was Baptist back in the day) which had a very active youth group that included a youth choir. We performed musicals, which I loved, and we would often times go to other churches to sing. I was also given the opportunity to sing tenor in a contemporary Christian ensemble called “Manna.” This was a life-changing time for me. After finishing high school, I attended Gardner-Webb University and completed an undergraduate degree in Sacred Music. My voice coach was Patricia Harrelson. Under her watchful eye and ear, I was
guided through many competitions, operas and oratorios. My favorite role was “Ferrando” in Cosi Fan Tutte by Mozart. I’ll never forget the endless rehearsals and singing to that live audience. What a rush! Now, I’ll be the first one to admit that, being classically trained, I enjoy and prefer a traditional approach to church music. That being said, I also enjoy and appreciate good contemporary pieces by artists who understand good composition and lyric writing. Back in the day (okay, college years) the genre of contemporary Christian music was on the rise, and like many teenagers, I was hooked. I’ll never forget the tenor voice of Larnelle Harris. His approach to the text was mesmerizing. Amy Grant was quite popular during those days and I’ll never forget walking across the campus at Gardner-Webb and hearing her blaring from a dorm window. Also, the ensemble “Truth” was huge. They sold out concerts everywhere and I attended many. Their piece, “Jesus Never Fails”, I can still hear in my mind and I think about it often during times of struggle. And, hang on–– who can forget Sandy Patty? I know, some folks are rolling their eyes right now. I beg you to hang on and allow me to elaborate. Sandy Patty cranked out song after song after song, captivating her fans with the message of Christ and helping a new audience to discover the love given to them by the grace
of God. For me, one of the most moving pieces was a duet with Larnelle Harris, “I’ve Just Seen Jesus.” The song tells the story of Easter morning and the realization of the stone being rolled away to an empty tomb. “I’ve just seen Jesus, I tell you, he’s alive. I’ve just seen Jesus, our precious Lord alive.” The acclamation of the text is as astounding now as it was then. Flash forward to current day -- I loved singing as a tenor soloist in the Chancel Choir for 15 years. I have great memories of beautiful music and friendships which will last for a lifetime. In my current role as Director of Communications, I get to listen to the music at all four of our Sunday morning worship services. We have so much to be thankful for. Whether you enjoy traditional, jazz, or contemporary, there is something for everyone. Centenary literally has it all. As you read through this issue, I hope you will find inspiration as our clergy and staff share with you some of their favorite church music. You may also see a few familiar folks sharing in a special section. I leave you with a few lyrics from a favorite hymn: “He speaks, and the sound of His voice, is so sweet the birds hush their singing, and the melody that He gave to me, within my heart is ringing. And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own, and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.” •
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lhuffman@centenary-ws. org 336-397-1362
Senior Minister
I LOVE MUSIC! By Rev. Lory Beth Huffman
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love music! I have had folks comment on my inability to stay still during worship if a song has an upbeat tempo or singable melody. I can’t help myself. Music often speaks to me through the rhythm and I can’t help but respond physically. I guess that’s why I love to dance. Music in worship is often times my chance to worship because my head is focused during the other times in making sure I’m ready to do my part of the worship service. Sometimes it’s the lyrics, and not the music, that move me and inspire me. So when I think of some of my favorite worship songs, it’s the lyrics that speak to my soul. The other thing I have discovered over the years is that I like all kinds of worship music. Some people try to pin me down to either contemporary or classical worship music. The honest answer is I like both. And I think that is the beauty
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of worshipping in different styles- is that the variety of music speaks to a variety of different people. And that is a good thing!
different. And we are able to reach far more people because they have musical choices when they come to Centenary!
I am thankful that this church has embraced the fact that different worship styles speak to different people much like we have several different learning styles people respond best to. No one style is better than the other- they are just
So when I think about my favorite songs I have 2 (out of many) that I will lift up. One of my favorite hymns is Be Thou My Vision. I love the tune and the words- it’s the perfect combination. This song speaks to a beautiful trust and connection
times, when things are a complete wreck in our lives. There are times of abundance and there are times of wilderness- but my personal circumstances don’t dictate when I bless and praise God. I am thankful for God no matter what is going on in my life or even in the world around me. That’s the kind of faithfulness I long to exhibit day in and day out. So these songs reveal two very important theological themes for me- and I imagine you can (or will) hear them in my preaching. God sets the course for us to follow. The Holy The second song that is one of my Spirit gives us vision and direction favorites is a contemporary song and we have to decide whether we (although it’s old now)- Blessed Be will follow it or not. Our church is in Your Name by Matt Redman. I love a Vision discernment season and we most of his songs but the theology are indeed listening. I look forward of this one is particularly meaningful. to seeing where God takes this It speaks about blessing God in the amazing church! good times, which is pretty easy for most of us to do. But it also But along the way, we must never talks about blessing God in the bad forget the abundant ways God has between God and the believer. This is the kind of relationship with God that I need in order to do what I do. I long for God to be my vision and direction setter. If God is guiding my steps and guiding my direction, then I feel confident about leading the church. Because I understand my calling to be a vessel that God uses for God’s good work- this song resonates with what I long for in my heart. God sets the direction, points the way and never leaves my heart and my side.
blessed each one of us. And even when life is difficult, we often have more than we deserve and let us never take that for granted – as a church or as an individual. God is worth blessing everyday because of the ways in which God loves and blesses us. Every time I sing either of these songs, my heart leaps with joy and satisfaction as it serves as my prayer to and my praise of God. •
Be sure to ready Lory Beth’s blog, Faith Meets Life, each week. Visit www.faithmeetslifecumc.org each week for inspiration, reflection and challenge.
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Doug Peninger
Director of Communications/ Soulstice Director
A great week of creative learning and personal growth has been created just for you! Soulstice courses are designed to inspire you intellectually and spiritually as you learn new skills and techniques. With everything from set building to music and photography, there is something for everyone. Courses are crafted for any experience level, so don’t be afraid to try something outside of your normal comfort zone. You might discover that you have great skills at liturgy or hymn writing or maybe you have an eye for creating images. Maybe you don’t know a hammer from a screwdriver. Now is your chance to try something new or enhance the skills you already have. Our brochure, with complete course descriptions is available on the Centenary website as well as information centers anound campus. I hope you will find a course which will inspire you and present a challenge. Registration is now open. Simply go to www.centenary-ws.org and select the Events tab and choose the Sign Up link. I look forward to seeing you July 18-21, 2016.
Rev. Jonathan L. Brake Spiritual Journaling
Writing to Grow Spiritually
Janet Boschker
DSLR Camera Bootcamp
Rev. Sarah S. Howell
Rev. Kate May
Dr. Robet E. Frazier
Rev. Lory Beth Huffman & John Rushton
Liturgical Writing for Worship
Singing Is Good for the Soul Hymn Writing and History
Martha Bassett
Building Community Through Singing
Set Building for Worship
Creative Drama for Worship
Rev. Dr. Anne Conover Visual Arts in Worship
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Roots Revival
showell@centenary-ws. org 336-397-1348
“New Hymn”:
Old and New, Sacred and Secular at Roots Revival
By Rev. Sarah Howell
Source of all we hope or dread, Sheepdog, jackal, rattler, swan; We hunt your face and long to trust That your hid mouth will say again: Let there be light, a clear new day. But when we thirst in this dry night, We drink from hot wells poisoned with the blood of children. And when we strain to hear a steady homing beam, Our ears are balked by stifled moans and howls of desolation From the throats of sisters, brother, wild men, Clawing at the gates for bread. Even our own feeble hands Aim to seize the crown you wear And work our private havoc Through the known and unknown lands of space. Absolute in flame beyond us, Seed and source of Dark and Day, Maker whom we beg to be Our Mother, Father, Comrade, Mate. Till our few atoms blow to dust Or form again in wiser lives Or find your face and hear our name In your calm voice the end of night, If dark may end: Wellspring gold of dark and day, Be here, be now. — Text: Reynolds Price; Music: James Taylor
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Each Wednesday night at 7:30 pm, we gather for worship in Memorial Auditorium. The crowd is a mixed bag: old and young; longtime Centenary members, members of other churches, and those for whom Roots Revival is their primary worshipping community; some who come for the music or out of curiosity, and those who have stayed for the relationships and spiritual growth. Roots Revival is a service grounded in Americana/ roots-based music featuring Martha Bassett and friends. But it’s more than that. Last year, we crafted a mission statement for this worship service: Roots Revival is a worshipping community dedicated to building transformative relationships and encountering God in unexpected ways through word, song, sacrament, and fellowship.
Two of those words have become very important: “community” and “unexpected.” Roots Revival isn’t just a worship service; it’s a worshipping community. Those who have been coming for a long time have become friends, and they welcome newcomers in as
family. And God does show up in unexpected ways, in the familiar and the unfamiliar.
religious music as integral parts of the service. We sing hymns from the United Methodist Hymnal and even from the Cokesbury Hymnal, but we also use the music of artists like Leonard Cohen, Gillian Welch, Tom Waits, U2, even Madonna and Belinda Carlisle, to broaden the proclamation and response. The song “New Hymn” embodies the fusion of the old and the new that has become part of the DNA of Roots Revival. The text of this song was penned by English literature giant Reynolds Price; it was set to music by James Taylor. The song evokes spiritual themes but not in the way you might expect. And it begs for God’s presence, which we hope is so thick in the auditorium on Wednesday evenings that it lingers with each of our worshippers throughout the week.
Roots Revival combines the old and the new, the sacred and the secular. The service itself is fairly traditional in format, but it also feels informal, and it incorporates non-
About four years ago I was asked to sing “New Hymn” for Centenary’s Ash Wednesday service. Although I was in the process of visioning Roots Revival and what it would become, it would be several months before we began worshipping. At that time to sing a James Taylor song in our sanctuary felt daring at best and irreverent at worst. In retrospect, “New Hymn” is one of the most sacred songs I’ve ever sung as it so perfectly captures the human condition and our longing for better, for more, for God. Most importantly, it is a corporate expression, like the Lord’s Prayer, which recognizes that our personal needs are one and the same as the whole body of Christ and all of humanity as we ask God to “be here, be now.” ~ Martha Bassett
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We Celebrate New Members
Rebecca Eddins
Gary Edge
Glen & Betty Miller
Jon, Jennifer & Evan Orndorff
Trent Maner
Judy Reeder
We welcome you in Christian love and renew our membership covenant with you. Chase & Jenna Smith
Chris Waters
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Special Feature
The Results Are In from the Songs of the Faith Survey Doug Peninger Director of Communications
During the month of March, we asked the congregation to participate in a survey to determine what songs or hymns they like to sing and also which songs or hymns they like to hear during worship at Centenary. We had a total of 137 responses with ages ranging from 25 to 100. The largest sample age bracket was the 65-74 category. Of those responding, 28 percent were male while 72 percent were female. I hope you will enjoy reading the results and perhaps sing a few notes as you read.
Favorite Song or Hymn to Sing
Favorite Song or Hymn to Hear
The results below are the top 13 from the sample. They each received more than one vote and are ranked from top to bottom.
The results below are the top 13 from the sample. They each received more than one vote and are ranked from top to bottom.
Amazing Grace Lift High the Cross Here I Am, Lord Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee Be Thou My Vision How Great Thou Art Hymn of Promise Holy, Holy, Holy Blessed Assurance Christ the Lord Is Risen Today Oh God Our Help in Ages Past The Old Rugged Cross This Is My Father's World
The Lord Bless You and Keep You Blessed Assurance Hallelujah Chorus Amazing Grace Be Thou My Vision It Is Well with My Soul Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing Here I Am, Lord How Great Thou Art Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise My Eternal King The Lord's Prayer The Old Rugged Cross
AGE RANGES OF RESPONDENTS
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25-42
45-54
65-74
4
16
46
35-44
55-64
75-100
13
34
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We also asked random folk from the congregation what their favorite song might be. Below, you will see their photograph and their choice of hymn or song.
Anne Morgan The Church's One Foundation
Bill Lauer God of Our Fathers
Ian Goodman Light the Fire
Joan Lewis Hymn of Promise
Mary Ann Wexler Amazing Grace
Mitch Lowrey Hallelujah Chorus
Geri Milner I'll Fly Away
Margaret Felts All Creatures of Our God and King
Rick Gibbons It Is Well with My Soul
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Steve Reeder Be Thou My Vision
Sylvia Yarbrough Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
John Stewart MANOAH ~ Moravian Hymn Tune
Camille Jones Be Thou My Vision
Tommy Smith How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place
"The only thing better than singing is more singing." ~ Ella Fitzgerald
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rfrazier@centenary-ws. org 336-397-1339
Music and the Arts
My Music Ministry Philosophy: “Equipping the Saints to Sing God’s Praises” By Dr. Robert E. Frazier
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ne of the greatest gifts God has given his people is the human voice. With it we can proclaim the good news, shout hallelujah, praise the Lord, sing songs of lament in times of sorrow, and sing songs of celebration in times of joy. Conversely, and paradoxically, one of the greatest tragedies I have witnessed working in the church for the past twenty years is a marked
decline in congregational singing, yes, even in the Methodist church! When John Wesley said, “Sing lustily and with a good courage,” but at the same time “Sing modestly. Do not bawl…” and “above all sing spiritually, Have an eye to God in every word you sing.” (Wesley’s Select Hymns, 1761, Directions for Singing), he was encouraging the congregation, not the choir, to claim their right to sing with full confidence to our God who is
always listening from on high. I believe my first priority, like John Wesley’s, serving God’s people of faith, is to help them find their corporate voice in worship so all can experience tremendous blessings of joy and healing through this act of worship and sacrifice. When we sing, a double blessing comes our way! St. Augustine (5th c. Bishop of North Africa) said, “he who sings prays twice.” From the prospective
of an organist (the other hat I wear when not conducting the choir or instrumentalists), some of my richest worship experiences have come from accompanying a singing congregation! On these occasions the corporate assembly experiences a glimpse of what heaven promises to be for all the saints. To sing with greater conviction in a service of worship, the assembly needs to be intrinsically motivated and inspired by the Holy Spirit to do so. In my 20 + years of working in the church I have come to greatly value the following formula: Intrinsic motivation to sing with understanding = good worship planning. If we have done our job well as musicians and clergy in worship planning, the Holy Spirit takes over where our planning falls short and gives the assembly a boost of inspiration to take a chance on singing from the heart. It has been said that the heart of worship is found in the tune that God gives us
to sing. To stoke the congregational fires for good singing, it is imperative to have excellent choirs, organists/ pianists, and instrumental ensembles and a music staff leading with great insight regarding the “big picture plan” for worship. This is the vineyard I have always taken the greatest joy in tending. Connecting with God’s people, building community through music ministry, is an amazing thing;
discovering the myriad of ways God has gifted the people is a tremendous blessing. Challenging and encouraging the lay people to step up and use their gifts to the glory of God is the constant challenge in music ministry. In my mind, there is no right season to encourage new “singing saints” for music ministry – and the ultimate goal is to empower them to use their gifts to God’s glory in all seasons. •
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jbrake@centenary-ws. org 336-397-1334
Cretion Care
All Creatures of Our God and King By Frank Hassell
Rev. Jonathan L. Brake
One of the oldest songs in our hymnal was penned by St. Francis of Assisi in 1225AD in his Canticle of the Sun poem, based on Psalm 148. Known as a humble, devout monk, St. Francis would often pray among trees, fields, open sky, and his friends the animals. He believed that loving God required one to love all God’s creatures. That “If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.” Around 700 years later, William Draper, a rector in the Church of England translated the lyrics and set them to the tune of a German Easter hymn. The beauty of this song has been recognized by many and it is printed in at least 179 hymnals around the world. How often do we stop to appreciate what God has created? How often do we consider that we too are a part of God’s creation and not completely separated from the other creatures, elements, and seasons? In the spring when the flowers burst forth from their buds and the birds migrate with loud calls, so we stop to recognize the many ways that the natural world sings God’s praises. •
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All creatures of our God and King Lift up your voice and with us sing, O praise ye! Alleluia! O brother sun with golden beam, O sister moon with silver gleam! Refrain: O praise ye! O praise ye! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! O brother wind, air, clouds, and rain, by which all creatures ye sustain, O praise him! Alleluia! Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice, Ye lights of evening, find a voice! Refrain O sister water, flowing clear, make music for thy Lord to hear, Alleluia! Alleluia! O brother fire who lights the night, providing warmth, enhancing sight. Refrain
Dear mother earth, who day by day unfoldest blessings on our way, Alleluia! Alleluia! The flowers and fruits that in thee grow, let them God’s glory also show! Refrain All ye who are of tender heart, forgiving others, take your part, O praise ye! Alleluia! Ye who long pain and sorrow bear, praise God and on him cast your care! Refrain And thou, our sister, gentle death, waiting to hush our latest breath, Alleluia! Alleluia! Thou leadest home the child of God, and Christ our Lord the way has trod. Refrain Let all things their Creator bless, and worship him in humbleness, O praise ye! Alleluia! Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son, and praise the Spirit, Three in One! Refrain
The Centenary Creation Care Ministry seeks to educate our congregation and community about ways that we can follow in the example of St. Francis, to be better stewards of all parts of the created world, to encourage active involvement within the church and our families, as well as to create opportunities to reach beyond our building and tangibly care for all of nature around us. You have hopefully noticed that Centenary is now recycling, so consider which receptacle you use to toss your bottle, cans, and paper, as well as avoiding food items in the recycling bins. We will be composting food again at the Pentecost Festival on May 15th and Worship in the Park on October 2. The Creation Care Team meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month to plan and prepare activities and events for the congregation. If you would like to learn more about what we have upcoming or to bring an idea to the team, please feel free to come to our open meetings in Room 222 at 6:30pm or contact Frank Hassell at c_frank_hassell@yahoo.com. You can also find more information at www.centenary-ws. org/?p=2110.
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showell@centenary-ws. org 336-397-1348
Missions
Haiti Outreach Ministries Rev. Sarah S. Howell
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n my first trip to Haiti, one of the highlights was a moment in worship. We were at one of several churches we would visit in Port-au-Prince that morning (Haitian church last 3 hours, so you can make it to several services in different places with no problem), and most of what was happening had been a blur of Creole and impeccably dressed Haitians. The music was incredible, but I didn’t understand or recognize any of it, until—suddenly, I realized I knew this tune. My rudimentary French caught me up the rest of the way: this was definitely a song I knew! As the thousand Haitians worshipped singing, “Jésus, soit le centre,” I sang right along—“Jesus, be the center.” And I was comforted knowing that whatever divided us, be it geography or language or culture or skin color or poverty or wealth, we had the same center, the same light, the same source, hope, and guide—Jesus, or Jésus.
international missions. After a break from such trips, we had decided that it would be important for us to establish an ongoing relationship with a native-led ministry somewhere else in the world. Haiti Outreach Ministries (HOM) fit the bill—a holistic outreach in the slums of Port-au-Prince that provides opportunities for worship, education, healthcare, and more to their community. We returned in the fall of 2015, and this past February, we sent our first medical team to HOM.
That first trip in October of 2014 broke new ground in Centenary’s
The medical team was led by Tom Cannon, a Centenary member with tons of experience in medical
missions. The group of 14 joined up with another 4 from a different church, and together they staffed HOM’s clinics for a week, quite literally saving lives with their medical intervention. More than that, they offered love and solidarity to our brothers and sisters in Haiti simply by being present. The need in Haiti is so great that it can seem overwhelming, so we rejoice that our team was able to make a tangible impact but also to impart a measure of hope that is just as valuable as the medical services.
• Go on a trip. The next general mission trip is October 13-17, 2016, and the next medical mission trip is (tentatively) February 4-11, 2017. Each trip has its own unique experiences and meets different needs of our brothers and sisters in Haiti. • Contribute to a trip scholarship. Perhaps you yourself cannot go on a trip, but you can help make it possible for someone else to go. Contact us if you’re interested in helping provide scholarships for team members who need assistance. • Donate needed items. HOM always needs school and other supplies to be brought down with teams. Stay tuned as trips get closer for lists of needed items. • Sponsor a student with HOM. It costs $30/month to send one child to school with HOM. You, your Sunday School class, or another group can sponsor a child by visiting www.haitiom.org/student-sponsorship. • Pray. Our brothers and sisters in Haiti are always in need of your love and prayers. Also be in prayer for our teams—we will be introducing prayer cards that will allow you to pray for mission team members by name as they travel and work on Centenary’s behalf. For more information on how to get involved, contact Rev. Sarah Howell (336-397-1348)/showell@centenary-ws.org.
“Jésus, Soit le Centre / Jesus, Be the Center” Jésus, soit le centre, / Jesus, be the center, Soit ma lumière, / Be my light, Soit ma source, Jésus. / Be my source, Jesus. Jésus, soit le centre, / Jesus, be the center, Soit mon espoir, / Be my hope, Soit mon chant, Jésus. / Be my guide, Jesus. Soit le feu dans mon coeur, / Be the fire in my heart, Soit le vent dans ses voiles, / Be the wind in these sails, Soit la raison de ma vie, / Be the reason that I live, Jésus, Jésus. / Jesus, Jesus. Jésus, soit ma vision, / Jesus, be my vision, Soit mon chemin, / Be my path, Soit mon guide, Jésus. / Be my guide, Jesus. — Michael Frye and Vineyard Songs
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Memorials Centenary Fund In memory of Alan John Southard by George Costas III. In memory of Aleta Griffin Ellison by Algie Crutchfield. In memory of Betsy Transou Nading by Tom and Nancy Cannon, Mary Ann Cross, Martha Martinat, Mr. and Mrs. Sam C. Ogburn, Sr., Ralph and Gayle Atkinson, Don and Julia Golding, Chapel Class, Harry and Nancy Underwood, Anne and Tom Pierce, Elizabeth Felts, Linda Edge, Roger and Jean Herrmann, Martha Shelton, Marie Hathcock, Tom and Vicki Hunt, Sally Reed, Elizabeth Fenwick, Margaret Ogburn. In memory of Betty Weatherman March by Ellen Crowther. In memory of Carlinda “Linda” Watts Meier by Tom and Nancy Cannon. In memory of Carolyn Gilliam Warlick by Beverly Myers. In memory of Dr. George P. “Jack” Williams, Jr. by Sandra and Wayne Shugart. In memory of Dr. John Monroe by Dr. Robert Means. In memory of Eddie Garvin by Alma Thompson. In memory of Helen Hairston by Ellen Crowther. In memory of Jane Singletary Sugg by Ray Blevins. In memory of Jean Mauree Branscomb Williams by Elizabeth Fenwick, Ann’s Accounting and Tax Professionals, Inc., Hoyt and Mary Beard, John and Harriet Clark, Mildred Higginbotham, Elizabeth Cone, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Parnell. In memory of Louise Highsmith by Linda Howard Scott. In memory of Marion B. “Zolly” Zollicoffer by Martha Martinat. In memory of Minnie Louise Smith by Phyllis Slawter, Christopher and Laurie Hartley, Mary Dull, Forsyth Country Club Company. In memory of Mona Clayton Pass by Laura and Robert Esleeck. In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Smith by Allen Dotson. In memory of Nicholas Worth Mitchell, Jr. by Andrew and Anne Copenhaver, Gail and Bill McLean, Leigh Myers, William and Ann Hoover, Elizabeth Budd, Dr. and Mrs. Theodore A. Keith, Susan and Rob Culp, Kenneth and Mary Nan Moser, James H and Louise Kelly. In memory of Rev. C. Jack Caudill by Martha Martinat, Evelyn Ochs, Yadkin Valley District of the United Methodist Church on behalf of the clergy and their spouses, Mr. and Mrs. Sam C. Ogburn, Sr., Carl and Sabrina Kirby, Bill and Allan Womble. In memory of Robert Lewis Miller by Leigh Myers. In memory of Sally DeRamus by Judson and Susan DeRamus. In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Judson D. DeRamus, Sr. by Judson and Susan DeRamus. In memory of Margaret Tennille by Judson and Susan DeRamus. In memory of Lib and Joe Edmondson by Judson and Susan DeRamus. In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Brady Trull by Judson and Susan DeRamus. In memory of Sarah Shaw Lambert by Laura and Robert Esleeck, Tom and Megan
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Lawson. In memory of Thomas Jeffrey “Jeff” Koontz, Jr. by Paul Gwyn, Ann and Tom Connelly, Mary Alice and Jim Gibbs, Carol M. and Brady Warner. In memory of Paul R. “Dick” Webster, Jr. by the Chapel Class. In memory of Dorothy Ann Dodd Jackson by Barbara Fenimore.
Dunning Memorial Garden In memory of Gail Dunning by David Arnold and Rob Paris.
Glad Tidings Window Fund In memory of Judy Lynn Morris Jones by Cherry Harister, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Battle, Kristy and Richard Eaton, Frances Mundy, James and Jennifer Judson, Barbara, Jon, and Dean Henrichs.
H.O.P.E In memory of Samuel Shepard Brake by Stuart McCormick, W. Kenneth Haisty, Jr., Sandra Gramley.
Loaves and Fishes In memory of Betsy Transou Nading by Janie and Jarman Jenkins.
Miscellaneous In memory of Hubert Parks by Debora Parks.
Missionary Friendship Fund In memory of Minnie Louise Smith by Mr. and Mrs. James R. Donald.
Radio Ministry In memory of Aleta Griffin Ellison by Deborah Isley. In memory of Minnie Louise Smith by Walt Nading.
Sacred Music In memory of Eddie Garvin by Mark Sunday School Class. In memory of Rev. C. Jack Caudill by Ann Lore.
Winston Salem Street School In memory of Judy Lynn Morris Jones by Wilba Brady, Carol and Chip Holden.
In Memoriam Albert Sidney Gaskins January 29, 2016 Minnie Louise Smith February 13, 2016 Jane Singletary Sugg February 15, 2016 Judy Lynn Morris Jones March 6, 2016 Paul R. “Dick” Webster, Jr. March 6, 2016 Madolin Davis Hudson March 15, 2016 James Alexander Yates III March 25, 2016 Anna Bland Faison Fisher April 2, 2016
Music and Arts Ministry Fund In memory of Thomas Jeffrey “Jeff” Koontz, Jr. by Greg and Pollyann Holthusen.
Respite Care In memory of Nicholas Worth Mitchell, Jr. by Kaye and David Lambert.
Harry Courtland Snavely April 4, 2016 Bob L. Myers April 6, 2016 Ann Lewallen Spencer April 10, 2016 The ministers and members of Centenary Church extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved families and pray they may know the comfort and peace of our Heavenly Father.
Honoraria
Thank You
Centenary Fund In honor of Sue Stephens by Tom and Nancy Cannon. In honor of Marsha Bledsoe by Tom and Nancy Cannon. In honor of Frank Rayburn by Tom and Nancy Cannon. In honor of Danny Newcomb by Tom and Nancy Cannon. In honor of Phil Thomas by Tom and Nancy Cannon.
Children’s Ministry In honor of Carole Telly by Laura Bland.
Homebound Ministry In honor of Mrs. Jeanette Millsaps by Neal Millsaps..
Loaves and Fishes In honor of Dr. Tom Cannon by the Wednesday Morning Bible Study.
I want to personally thank everyone that supported the 10th Annual Friends for Fashion Runway Show and Silent Auction for Love Thy Neighbor in February. We had a beautiful time reflecting on this powerful ministry, premiering the documentary about Love Thy Neighbor (produced by Don Dwiggins), sharing a fabulous lunch (provided by Donald Mitchell and the Centenary kitchen), saw some spectacular clothes, and out bid one another at our silent auction. All in all we raised right at $20,000. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Because of your love and support Love Thy Neighbor is funded for another year and will be able to feed, offer medical and dental care, and help build relationships with our homeless and marginally housed neighbors in downtown Winston-Salem. Tammy Pollock Director of Youth Ministries
Love Thy Neighbor In honor of Richard Cassidy’s Birthday by the Hettingers.
Miscellaneous In honor of Joellen Parks by Debora Parks.
Respite Care In honor of Camille Jones by the Carillonneurs. In honor of David Hotvedt by David and Valerie Hotvedt. In honor of Deedee Fenwick by George and Eleanor Wilson, the Lagle family. In honor of Carol and Leon Leinbach by Jan and Russ Cockman. In honor of Jerry and Nancy Warren by Dan and Nancy Culp.
Winston-Salem Street School In honor of Dr. Tom Cannon by the Wednesday Morning Bible Study. In honor of Judy Jones by Frances Mundy, Constance Nelson, Anne Priester, Robert and Joann Curlee.
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kmay@centenary-ws. org 336-397-1331
Children’s Ministry
The Power of Music By Rev. Kate May
W
hat are your memories of Vacation Bible School as a child? If you are like many people, those memories revolve around music and you may still sing with fondness about The B-I-B-L-E and This Little Light of Mine among others. The power of music for a successful Vacation Bible School is still alive and well today. Now we have the luxury of previewing music for the different curricula up to a year before we will actually use them. Often our team will use music as a deciding factor in choosing our curriculum. I can re-write dramas, come up with different science experiments, and identify alternate games, but I cannot produce the caliber of music that our kids are accustomed to. Plus, we can all attest to the emotional power of music. It creates an atmosphere of fun, it cements learning, and it tugs on our hearts while speaking God’s presence in totally unique ways. If you have been around Vacation Bible School at Centenary over the last 4 years you will be able to speak first hand to the power of Vacation Bible School music. For me, although I love filling the sanctuary with such joyful worship, my favorite moments
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during Vacation Bible School are actually when we have all the kids downstairs in the auditorium for a snack. Have you ever eaten with a child? Then you know that snack takes only a miniscule portion of the twenty minutes that we allot for it on the schedule. We cram a lot into those 20 minutes aside from the snack, but we always turn on the music DVD and sing a few songs before we send everyone to their next rotation. That music time is my favorite because of the incredible energy produced by all of those voices singing and all of those bodies moving. It brings me such great joy! Now each year there is always a fan favorite Vacation Bible School song. Last year it was “The Power Shuffle.” As I write this article I am listening to this year’s music for Cave Quest Vacation Bible School whose tagline is “Following Jesus the Light of the World.” I have a few guesses on this year’s favorite, but my guesses are rarely correct so I am waiting with eager anticipation to see how the kids and volunteers connect with this year’s music. At the end of last summer I heard from a parent that following Vacation Bible School their family took a trip to Raleigh. On that trip the only thing they listened to all
the way there and all the way back was the Vacation Bible School CD. All twenty-five minutes of it… over and over! But you know that feeling don’t you? When a certain song or album latches on to your spirit and you just have to keep listening? My hope is always that something of what we do in Children’s Ministry gets into the minds and hearts of our kids in such a way that it won’t let go and that it becomes one of the building blocks of their faith. Perhaps for some the Vacation Bible School music becomes one of those building blocks. So what are you doing the week of July 24-28? If you are not able to volunteer and be a part of our team I hope that you will come by one day and let these songs grab ahold of you. Just stop by the sanctuary from 9-9:30 or 11:30- noon. If you want the condensed energy packed version come by the auditorium at 10:30 am. Want to volunteer? We have something for everyone! Contact Kate May (kmay@centenary-ws. org/336.397.1331). Need to register a child? Visit the Centenary website. Want a copy of the CD for this year? Get yours now at Glad Tidings. •
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tpollock@centenary-ws. org 336-397-1337
Youth Ministry
Breathe, Just Breathe By Tammy Pollock
Alarm clock screaming bare feet hit the floor. It’s off to the races everybody out the door. I’m feeling like I’m falling behind, it’s a crazy life. Ninety miles an hour going fast as I can. Trying to push a little harder, trying to get the upper hand. So much to do in so little time, it’s a crazy life It’s ready, set, go it’s another wild day. When the stress is on the rise in my heart I feel you say just...
I’m hanging on tight to another wild day. When it starts to fall apart in my heart I hear you say just...
Breathe, just breathe. Come and rest at my feet and be, just be. Chaos calls but all you really need is to just breathe
So let your weary spirit rest. Lay down what’s good and find what’s best Just breathe...
Third cup-of-joe just to get me through the day. Want to make the most of time but I feel it slip away. I wonder if there’s something more to this crazy life. I’m busy, busy, busy, and it’s no surprise to see that I only have time for me, me, me. There’s gotta be something more to this crazy life
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Breathe, just breathe. Come and rest at my feet and be, just be. Chaos calls but all you really need is to take it in, fill your lungs with the peace of God that overcomes, just breathe.
Just breathe, just breathe. Come and rest at my feet and be, just be. Chaos calls but all you really need is to just breathe, Just breathe. ~ Jonny Diaz
I was truly excited when our Director of Communications, Doug Peninger, said that our articles for this issue of Windows was all about music. I love music! There is something that stirs deep within my soul when I hear music, music of any kind. I grew up with music all around me. I still remember my parents “8 Track Tape” player in our living room, I could belt out John Denver or Barry Manilow tunes with the best of them (yes, I am aging myself). My dad played guitar and sang to us as little children and my brother learned to play piano at the age of four. I sang in church choir, school choir, show choir, plays and musicals all throughout my teenage years. I truly believe music connects us in ways beyond any other language. There were so many songs that came to mind as I tried to decide which one to write about. Old classic hymns like “The Old Rugged Cross”, “Blessed Assurance”, “The Lord of the Dance”. There were more contemporary songs like “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry” and “You Are Mine”. And then I couldn’t help but remember some of the praise and worship songs that deeply move me every time we sing them “Light the Fire”, “Better Than An Alleluia”, “Sanctuary”. Ugh! I just couldn’t seem to decide. And then it happened, I was driving with Eddie to the beach and was playing for him some of my favorite songs currently on the radio (we often share music, just because we like to, but also so we
can prepare for Simplify worship) and I realized this was the song to tell you about. It is a song by Johnny Diaz called “Breathe, Just Breathe” Breathing is something we take for granted all the time. It is just part of what we do and give little thought about intentionally breathing unless we have a cold or we are running and exercising to the point that it pushes us to really breathe. I recognize that we live in a chaotic world that presses in on us so quick and so fast with many demands. It is so easy to not breathe in the midst of chaos and in the demand the world has on us. So often I find myself just wanting to sit and breathe in the goodness around me and savor the moment of something beautiful but feel compelled to keep moving. This song, for me, reminds me that Jesus would like nothing more than for us to simply sit with him and breathe in the love, the grace, the hope, the gentleness that he has to offer. Jesus is not chaotic or demanding, Jesus calls us to himself to simply be with us, to remind us who we are. Luke 10:38-42 is one of my favorite stories in scripture, “While Jesus and his disciples were traveling, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed him as a guest. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his message. By contrast, Martha was preoccupied with getting everything ready for their meal. So Martha came to him and said, “Lord,
don’t you care that my sister has left me to prepare the table all by myself? Tell her to help me.” The Lord answered, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things. One thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part. It won’t be taken away from her.” I feel like I am Martha, so many times, worried about getting things done and not stopping to simply sit and be at the feet of Jesus. Allowing myself to breathe and to trust that the things I think are so important simply aren’t and the pressure I put on myself is not the pressure that God puts on me. In April we took our annual “Rest Retreat” with our older youth. The purpose of that retreat? To breathe, just breathe. Our hope is to invite our youth into a place of quiet, rest, prayer, and stillness. To retreat away from the demands of school, work, sports, their own “chattering monkeys” in their heads that tell them to do more, be more. Our hope is that in their breathing they can remember who they are and whose they are. My hope would be that for all of us. That we can just breathe each day and remember that the One who put the very breath within our bodies longs for us to simply be still for a moment and breathe, just breathe. •
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(USPS 628-480) Published By: Centenary United Methodist Church PO Box 658 Winston-Salem, NC 27102-0658 Church Office: (336) 724-6311 Fax: (336) 723-5840 Website: www.centenaryonline.com Postmaster Send Address Changes to: Centenary United Methodist Church PO Box 658 Winston-Salem, NC 27102-0658 A Stephen Ministry Congregation Printed on recycled paper
Periodicals Postage Paid at Winston-Salem, N. C.