To learn more about and all of the ministries at Centenary, visit our website (www.centenary-ws.org) or scan our QR code.
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visit our
PAGES worship discipleship transformation
Every Day for Everyone~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~4 From the Editor ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~5 Glenn Kinken: Outwardly Focused Ministry ����������6 Celebrating the Saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~8 Meg Gaston: Harvest Gifts~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~10 Loaves & Fishes~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~11 Stewardship Sunday & Thankful Pumpkins ����������12 Fashion Show and Justice & Reconciliation ���������13 Susannah Pittman: We Do Not Journey Alone �������14 Doug Peninger: Not Just on Sundays ��������������16 Heart of Christmas & Stay Connected �������������18 Christmas Craft Night & Gift Securities ������������19 Kate May: Angel Tree ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~20 Lessons & Carols ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~22 Jonathan Emmons: Widening the Welcome ���������23 Mary Ann Wexler: Financial Gifts ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~24 New Members ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~26 Advent Worship Opportunities~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~27 Tammy Pollock: The Prayer Room ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~28 Congregational Care~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~30 Impromptu Christmas Pageant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~31 Bret Cogan: Live Our Faith Authentically �����������32 First Fifteen & Children's Ministry ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~34 Where Do I Start, Shining Light, Directory ����������35 PUBLISHED BY Centenary United Methodist Church PO Box 658 Winston-Salem, NC 27102-0658 Church Office: (336) 724-6311 Website: www.centenary-ws.org Centenary United Methodist Church PO Box 658 Winston-Salem, NC 27102-0658 A Stephen Ministry Congregation
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FROM THE EDITOR
A
Satruday mornings ago, I was out walking my dog, Brennan, and enjoying the cool, crisp autumn air. After weeks and weeks of summer heat, a front brought to us this refreshing change, one in which I was more than ready. As many of you know, I am not so much of a “summer person.” Although, I do enjoy cycling and working up good sweat, working in the garden and enjoying its seasonal harvest. I also like the part that brings mission trips as I get to witness first-hand the amazing way in which the youth of Centenary encounter and engage in the lives of strangers with their message of love and hope. As I was walking Brennan on the morning of September 25, it hit me… it’s only three months until Christmas! That’s just not possible. But, as we continued our walk, throughout the neighborhood, I could see the
beginnings of fall color. The maple trees were just starting their transition. Watching the hand of God paint the trees is a gift I look forward to every year. For me, fall is not the ending of activity, it is the transition into one of my favorite seasons. I mean, let’s be honest, only in the fall can you get pumpkin spice everything. And I love it! There are pumpkin patches on every corner. Every major retailer already has Christmas trees and wrapping paper ready to purchase. An in just a few weeks, the poinsettias will be in stock and it will be time for the Sanctuary to be dressed for the season. Before we get into the Christmas hustle and bustle, we pause for a day and reflect upon all the things for which we give thanks, and I'm not just talking about the feast before us. Friendships, loved ones, relationships, our faith... all come together to make us who we are. I hope you will take a moment to share what your are thankful for with our "thankful pumkins" project. You can learn more about it on page 12. I am looking forward to the return of Christmas Eve worship, in-person. The singing of "Silent Night" and raising my candle pulls at my heartstrings every time. I love being in the north balcony and watching it happen. It's magical and my heart is filled with joy as we celebrate the birthday of our Saviour.
our community and world with its many ministries. During the season of “Hallow-Thanks-Mas” there are numerous ways in which you can welcome the season. I invite you to get involved by helping these ministries come alive. If you are an “Angel Tree” person, this is your time. If you can’t wait for Lessons & Carols, that too is returning for an in-person worship experience. There’s a lot more you will discover while reading through our pages. On page 35, you will find a checklist to help you get started. If you need help finding your way, call or email anyone of our staff or clergy. They can help get you connected. I know this pandemic has taken its toll in so many known and hidden ways. Being of part of our great community of faith is a gift to all of us. As we share our faith with our town and world, may we know that the message of love and grace is there every day for everyone. I’ll see you at Centenary.
Doug Peninger Director of Communications
Throughout this issue, you will find articles which illustrate how our Centenary home reaches out into
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OUTWARDLY FOCUSED MINISTRY
REV. DR. P. GLENN KIKEN III gkinken@centenary-ws.org
Earlier this year
our director-level staff read Lasting Impact. This book traces conversations or questions congregations must address if they are to have an impact on their community. We discussed the chapters to focus our work leading Centenary into a new era of vitality and to live fully into our core mission. One of our conversations centered around ministry focus. Essentially, are Centenary’s attitudes and ministries inwardly or outwardly focused? Inwardly focused being described as club-like, focused on ourselves, our traditions and only serving our members. Outwardly focused being described as a white-hot passion for the mission (growing disciples and transforming the world). An outwardly focused congregation is one which seeks out people to join in and to walk alongside as they grow together. It is one which extends invitations to the community and humbly partners with other agencies
to make real, positive (Kingdom-like) change within the community. An outwardly focused congregation is comprised of members who share the gospel with everyone by their actions, words, deeds, and invitations, daily. Centenary has a beautiful place in our community and the world. We have a vital mission. For us to achieve that mission we must be outwardly focused. We cannot be inwardly focused. Each of us must seek out opportunities to engage the world with lives shaped by God’s love. This time of year I find my thoughts dwelling on two passages of scripture: To whom much is given, much is expected. (Luke 12:48) Jesus said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:16) These passages remind me of the need for outwardly focused
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ministry. The months of November and December are marked by the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. The crisp winter air is charged with the electricity of gratitude and giving. As we take stock of the bounty we have received in life, we are both consciously and unconsciously compelled to share that bounty with friends, relatives, and strangers. This is outward focused living. As you turn the pages in this edition of our magazine, and as you read the weekly Happenings emails, you will find other opportunities to live an outwardly focused life. It is my fervent prayer you will seek out and seize those opportunities. We are the people the world needs, and we need the world. Every Day for Everyone. These are the ministries of Centenary United Methodist Church.
LEARN MORE To learn more about "Every Day for Everyone" and all of the ministries at Centenary, visit our website (www. centenary-ws.org) or scan our QR code.
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We Remember... On Sunday, November 7, Centenary celebrated members of our congregation who have joined the church triumphant. May the fire of their devotion light our way. *
Alease Gray Andrews John Leslie Barnes, Sr. Jean Gentry Beam Quay Lyle Blalock, Jr. T. Ray Branton Miriam Callis Bumgarner Agnes Canzona Ellen Kjosnes Cash James Arthur Cavenaugh, Jr. Neil Henry Clark, Jr. Dorothy (Dot) Cooper Mary Beth Cox Mary Ann Woolridge Cross Camilla (Millie) Brendle Daniels Julia Speas Davis Steven Emerson Davis Barbara Ann Harris Earnest Elizabeth (Kitty) Burrus Felts James Hardin Fridy Robert Lester Gibson William Harris Hunter Brenda Hendricks Kulp Joseph (Jay) Merrell Mahoney Morris (Mo) Duncan Marley
Frank McCain Preston Scott Miller Stuart Norfleet Miller M. Sue Morgan Donald Ray Morton, Sr. Edith Warner Myers Robert (Bob) Ward Porter Robert Newell Pulliam Richmond (Rich) Williston Rucker Mary Faye Jones Schultz Herbert Willi Seeland Gisele Alexandre Simpson William Booth Simpson Onie Gertrude (Trudy) Myers Snead William David Stedman Brenda Jean Wallace Thomas Jerry Lynn Thomas Lyndon Martin Wall Lloyd Guy Walter, Jr. Mary Nell Meroney West William (Bill) Robert Whitehurst Sally Glenn Williams Allan Clements Hollan Womble
*As of October 10, 2021.
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HARVEST REV. MEG GASTON mgaston@centenary-ws.org
GIFTS
Every Tuesday our Loaves & Fishes ministry operates out of The Haven on 4 ½ street. From 10-11:30am our community can receive food. Around the holidays, we try to provide our community with something a little more special than what they can get throughout the rest of the year. Lately, however, we have not had the numbers of people coming in for food as in years past. While we hope this means that our community is able to access more food than normal, it has also allowed our Loaves & Fishes team to support our community in other ways. Between the donations from the church and the food we get from the Second Harvest Food Bank, our Loaves & Fishes ministry is able to help more than just the people who come to us on Tuesday mornings. In addition to giving food out then, we fill Blessing Boxes around town. The main ones we go to are at Open Arms, Southfork Elementary School, and a few in Ardmore and Lewisville. These boxes are open for anybody, so we fill them with peanut butter, fruit, hams (these go quickly), dry beans, cans of chickpeas, and breakfast foods. This way we are able to help those who may not have access to downtown to get the food we hand out at The Haven. Another group we are able to help feed are people in half-way houses. These are individuals who often
have just gotten out of a recovery program of some sort. They live in these half-way houses, sometimes for a short period of time so they can get on their feet. Others have lived there for longer periods of time, up to a year and a half or more. We have taken cases of food to the two women's Oxford Houses and the three men’s Oxford Houses. On June 13, Rev. Kinken shared with us a way that we can help those in our community by putting together a care package to hand to people in need. Some of the volunteers at Loaves & FIshes do something similar to this, but put a bit more food in their bags. They make bags of food that include: ham, peanut butter, fruit, little containers of beanie-weenies, ravioli, and breakfast foods that they keep in their car to hand to people who may be holding signs at intersections. If this is something you would like to do as well, please contact Rev. Meg Gaston to find out more. Starting Sunday, October 17, we will be handing out Harvest Gifts bags for you to fill for our neighbors in need. We will dedicate these bags on Sunday, November 21 at both services. You can drop off bags at our 4 ½ St. Entrance Monday through Thursday or on Sunday mornings.
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Our Harvest Gifts collection for 2021 has been streamlined to five items. Bag distribution begins on Sunday, October 17 at both worship services. Dedication Sunday will be November 21. Upon arrival, an usher will receive your gifts in the Narthex.
ITEMS REQUESTED • Boxes of Macaroni and Cheese • Hearty Soup • Saltine Crackers • Sandwich crackers (nabs) • Reusable bags for our neighbors who walk up to get their food
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LEARN MORE YOU CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MISSION PARTNER, LOAVES & FISHES, BY CAPTURING THE QR CODE OR VISITING OUR WEBSITE
STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY EVERY DAY FOR EVERYONE
When we dream about our path of discipleship, a recurring theme is we want to be the type of building block that when our church asks, we step up to the challenge. Now is the time to step up, step out and do more! When we come together and affirm our financial support, it helps our church stay vibrant and healthy. More importantly, it is our commitment to give back in return for all the wonderful blessings we have been given by God. When we come together, everyone benefits and the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Never underestimate the power of our giving to the church and the multiplier effect it has every day for everyone that Centenary touches through our programs and outreach. Our combined generosity wrapped in the power of the Holy Spirit has a transformative power for our church, community, and world. Challenge yourself and perhaps get a little out of your comfort zone. Give more than you thought you might, or than you think you should – you’ll find Jesus there, every day for everyone. Join us for worship on Sunday, October 24, as we commit our gift of tithes and offerings for 2022. If you have questions regarding your current pledge or how you become involved in giving, contact Mary Ann Wexler (mexler@centenary-ws.org).
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THE JUSTICE & RECONCILATION MINISTRY INVITES YOU TO
Why Is This So Hard? Talking About Controversial Issues with Dr. Richard Groves
SUNDAY • NOVEMBER 14 • 2:00PM • MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM • A church member called in tears. “We had dinner last night with some of our oldest frends,” she said. “Things were fine until the subject of same-sex marriage came up. It was awful. We’ve been friends for thirty years, and we can’t talk anymore.” • “The Loudoun County (VA) School Board has drawn the wrath of parents opposed to critical race theory, transgender rights and pandemic policies. The board’s actions have been compared to those of Nazis and Communists.” • At a school board meeting in Lee County, Florida, “law enforcement had to break up physical altercations.” • Just before a scheduled meeting in Fort Lauderdale, a protester “spritzed a tray of masks with lighter fluid and set it aflame, proclaiming, ‘It’s time to pass off this symbol of tyranny!’ The board postponed its mask discussion.” • Why is it so hard for fellow citizens, even friends, to talk about controversial issues?
That’s what we will talk about – civilly! -- when we get together. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 | 13 | CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST
WE DO NOT JOURNEY ALONE SUSANNAH PITTMAN spittman@centenary-ws.org
In this season, the opening
verse of Psalm 63 has frequently come to my mind: “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” The sense of longing and weariness expressed by the psalmist resonates with me—and, perhaps, with you, too. In our world, our community, and our individual lives, we have experienced much pain, disappointment, uncertainty, and grief over the past year. The brokenness of our world and our lives weighs heavily on our hearts, and we long for genuine and transformative healing, peace, joy, and hope. The approaching season of Advent gives voice to our longing. Scriptures for this season call us to examine
our brokenness and to articulate our laments and longings; we acknowledge that things are not as they should be. Yet, Advent also reorients us to the One for whom our soul longs. Christ comes to meet us in our weariness and suffering and offers us the true peace, comfort, redemption, and hope that we seek.
support and encouragement. Our Service of Hope and Healing, offered December 5, will provide space to reflect upon and experience Christ’s peace, comfort, and hope in the midst of our pain, sorrow, and hardships. Stephen Ministers and the pastoral staff are also available for individual support and care.
It is, indeed, a gift and a privilege to share this Good News of comfort, peace, hope, and healing to our community. Our Congregational Care ministry seeks to provide sacred spaces for all to express our hurt and longing while also being assured of God’s love, grace, and hope. For those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, our GriefShare ministry will facilitate a Surviving the Holidays seminar on November 14 to offer
The longing and weariness so vividly expressed by the psalmist may resonate with our lived experience of this past year. Let us be assured, however, that we do not journey alone. The One whom we earnestly seek is always with us, offering us healing, hope, and sustenance for the journey. May we rest in and be refreshed by God's grace and share God's love in the world around us.”
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“O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”
LEARN MORE To learn more about our Congregational Care ministry at Centenary, visit our website or scan our QR code.
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NOT JUST SUNDAYS... NOT JUST ON CAMPUS... DOUG PENINGER dpeninger@centenary-ws.org
Back in January of 2019, we lauched the Centenary podcast, Heart. Mind & Soul. We had a vision of reaching a larger audience in order to get the message of our vision, "making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world," to folks we might never encounter on our campus. We had no idea where this journey would take us or if an audience would discover us. All we had was a thought process of hope and zeal to reach out to our neighbors, wherever they might be.
What we were not prepared for was the unknown. You ask yourself, will anyone listen? Will an audience find us? Can we make a difference? What if
audience, not just in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and the USA, but globally! Our podcast had an still has an international audience, listened to in over 50 countries around the globe. God is good! Our infographic on the next page illuminates how our podcast is reaching our community and the world with our message of transformation.
We talked about the format of the podcast and the concepts of what it could be for many months. We did all of the technical work to make sure launching would be a seemless process and ease of use for the listener would work correctly, every time.
this crazy idea tanks? Well, discovery happened. We launched our podcast on Apple and Google Play. Within the first few weeks, we knew we had gained an
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If you have not yet become a listener, I encourage you to subscribe on your smart device. We release new tracks each Tuesday morning. If you need assistance, please be in touch with me, any clergy or staff member and we will happily help you get connected. Our podcast is there for the world, every day, for everyone.
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Stay Connected with Centenary
REALM CONNECT Apple iTunes & Google Play
WEBSITE
centenary-ws.org
centenarymethodist
INSTAGRAM centenary_umc
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PODCASTS
Apple iTunes & Google Play
GIFT SECURITIES TO CENTENARY Making a gift of securities to Centenary United Methodist Church is another way to contribute to the church. Such a gift offers tax savings to most donors. Electronic transfer is the most common method of delivering a gift of securities to Centenary. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mary Ann Wexler (336.724-6311 ext. 1346)/mwexler@centenary-ws.org. (1) Instruct your broker that your DTC-eligible securities are to be transferred electronically to: Centenary United Methodist Church Federal Tax ID # 56-0552783 (2) Provide Centenary or instruct your broker to provide Centenary with:
1. a description (name of stock) and the amount of your securities to be transferred 2. the name of brokerage firm 3. the name of the fund to be credited or the purpose of the gift
(3) Provide your broker with the Charles Schwab information listed below. Always be sure to notify Centenary when you authorize an electronic transfer of securities. Charles Schwab Account # 2184 0742 DTC # 0164 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 | 19 | CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST
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LOVING GENEROSITY I imagine
many of us have a particular gift we have received that REV. KATE MAY kmay@centenary-ws.org stands out as the best or at least most memorable gift we have ever received. For me, it was a red suede jacket that I received from my parents in middle school. The first time I walked through the mall and saw this jacket — I was in love. It was red. It was suede and it had fringe from one wrist across the whole jacket to the other wrist. I imagine my mom probably thought to herself, “You have got to be kidding me!” But to my great surprise and delight, that Christmas, I received that beautiful jacket. At the heart of that gift was my parents’ great love for me. They saw how my eyes lit up every time I went to the mall and tried it on. In their hearts they may have been questioning my developing fashion sense, but
their love for me eclipsed their better judgement and they gave me the amazing jacket. When I reflect on that gift now, many years later, I imagine that they enjoyed giving that gift as much or more than I enjoyed receiving it. What is the best or most memorable Christmas present you ever received or have given? But wait, what if the story was a little different? What if I knew my parents could never afford to get that jacket for me so I never mentioned it? Or what if my parents knew they could never get me that one gift that they would love to give because there was barely enough money left over after paying the bills and putting food in the refrigerator? At Christmas, we celebrate the greatest gift any of us have ever and will ever receive: the love of God in the shape of a tiny human baby. Each year as we remember and celebrate that great gift our hearts are moved to loving generosity. Because we have been so blessed we want to share
that blessing with others and see their faces light up with delight. Of course we focus on our friends and family as the recipients of our outpouring of God’s love and our generosity, but that gift so long ago to the world was for every one and is given afresh every day. During this season here at Centenary we celebrate that gift most extravagantly through our Angel Tree ministry. This ministry gives us the opportunity to extend our generosity, maybe not to every one, but it helps light up the eyes of approximately 200 children across two churches, two children’s home, and one school each year. I hope that this year during the month of November you will visit the Engage page on the Centenary website and adopt an angel or 12. If you would like some help with the online adoption process or would like to assist with the organizing and delivering of the gifts please be in touch with Jeanette Juran or Meg Gaston.
HOW TO ADOPT AN ANGEL
This year's Angel Tree ministry will take place from October 31 through November 28 with gift drop-off from November 28 through December 5. You will be able to adopt or sponsor an angel. Both sponsoring and adopting angels will be digital again this year. Links to adopt or sponsor an angel will be on the Engage page beginning October 31. If you choose to adopt an angel, you will choose a child and receive an email with details on the angel you selected as well as gift dropoff information. You'll shop for gifts for that child, wrap the gifts, and return the gifts to the church between November
28 and December 5. If you prefer to sponsor an angel you will make a monetary donation that will be used by our volunteer shoppers to shop for gifts for one of our angels.
In addition to adopting or sponsoring angels, there are several volunteer opportunities with Angel Tree. CLICK HERE to learn more. Contact Jeanette Juran with questions [jjuran@ centenary-ws.org; 336-724-6311 ext. 1332].
LEARN MORE
ABOUT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY AT CENTENARY BY VISITING OUR WEBSITE OR SCANNING THE QR CODE.
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WIDENING THE WELCOME JONATHAN EMMONS jemmons@centenary-ws.org
If you ask most any choral singer,
they will confirm this time-tested truth: Choral music has a nearly unmatched ability to bring people, even strangers, together in powerful, spiritual, ways. And so it should be no surprise that more than 54 million Americans participate in some form of civic group singing. One of Centenary’s greatest and most treasured attributes is its place in that choral tradition, and since joining Centenary's staff in 2019, I have been undergirded by the belief that Centenary is strategically situated to be an even stronger center for choral singing, a place where song nurtures worship life, where choral music reaches outside our church walls to build community in Winston-Salem, the Piedmont Triad, and beyond. This year, our annual Festival of Lessons and Carols moves us further toward that vision. Our Chancel Choir and orchestra will be joined by
various other Centenary ensembles - Carillonneurs, West End Ringers, and our reformed children's choirs Carol Choir and Cathedral Choir. In addition, we are delighted to again welcome the Winston Salem Girls' Chorus, celebrating their 23rd season and reemergence from a COVID hiatus. For the first time, we are eager to welcome the Salem College Chamber Choir and Academy Glee Club as the College celebrates its 250th Anniversary! Choral singing builds bridges, mends divisions, strengthens alliances, and heals traumas. This, too, is the message at the heart of the Christmas story, of Christ coming into the world. So join us on Sunday, December 12, as we celebrate Jesus' birth. Join us as we open our doors, extending our welcome further into Winston-Salem. Join us as we open our hearts to God's word made flesh, that we might be transformed.
LEARN MORE
ABOUT THE MUSIC & ARTS MINISTRY AT CENTENARY BY SCANNING THE QR CODE AND YOU WILL BE REDIRECTED.
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Making a Financial Gift to Centenary Benefits Both Church & Community MARY ANN WEXLER mwexler@centenary-ws.org
We know it’s been a tough
almost two years living with COVID and all the changes the pandemic has put upon us. Your church has had to adapt as well. Schedule changes, new cleaning protocols and the uncertainty that contributions would continue as usual to support our ministries were in the mix. But throughout all of this, your God and your church has stood by your side and we remain strong. Last year, at this time, we made the decision to “rollover” the pledges for 2021 to be the same as in 2020. Most of our congregation readily accepted this and were grateful for one less decision to make. There were a few additions and subtractions, but for the most part, our total pledged dollars remained the same. As we prepare for the 2022 budget
year, we ask that you prayerfully and gratefully consider your new financial commitment to the church for next year. We are asking all of our members to reconsider what their commitment for 2022 will be. Without your help, programs, missions and simply keeping the doors open would be impossible. About 75% of our operating budget is based on total pledges we receive in a year. As you look around at all your blessings, please consider making an increase to your annual pledge if possible. Costs are rising all around us and the church is not exempt from this issue. Higher utility bills, maintenance repairs and the general cost of operating a building and running programs keeps increasing. Most importantly, the need for more mission money increases every year and we can’t keep doing more for our community and those around us without your support. Keeping your commitment
the same for five, ten or even twenty years does not allow us the flexibility to grow. Recently, you should have received your 2022 pledge card in the mail. There are multiple options for getting that information back to us. You can mail it back in the included envelope or send an email to me at mwexler@centenary-ws.org and confirm what you wish to do. Another simple option is to visit our website at centenary-ws.org, hover on the GIVE tab, and select Pledge Online. Regardless of the amount you are able to commit to your church for 2022, each dollar truly does matter. Every dollar is accounted for in our annual budget and we plan for expenses with this information very carefully. We are grateful for every gift that comes to us, and we are thankful for each one of you.
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LEARN MORE
ABOUT WAYS YOU CAN GIVE BY VISITING OUR WEBSITE OR SCANNING THE QR CODE.
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BAPTISMS & NEW MEMBERS We celebrate baptisms and new members as we welcome you in Christian love as you grow your faith every day.
Will Clouse
Evan & Meg Lee (Jane)
Zach & Olivia Mabe (Madi Belle)
...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.
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THE PRAYER ROOM “Accept my prayer as incense offered to you, and my upraised hands as an evening offering.” Psalm 141
TAMMY POLLOCK tpollock@centenary-ws.org
On the afternoon of September 2, I found myself flat on the floor, weeping, praying, crying out to the Lord, in the middle of our beautiful Prayer Room on the 4th floor of our Central Building. The weight of what had happened less than 24 hours earlier at Mount Tabor High School was more than I could bear. Our precious babies were marked and changed that day, for the rest of their lives, amid violence, death, uncertainty, and disbelief. Our church was wide open for people to gather and pray in the Sanctuary or the Chapel, and yet, I found myself in the quiet little Youth Ministry prayer room. That is where we would find some of our youth and parents wandering in and out that day, but also, it is where I knew our church babies have prayed countless prayers, lit candles, made music, and sat at the foot of the cross. Even if they didn’t gather in person that day to pray, that is where they have left their fingerprints
and hearts. Since that day in early September, I have found myself up in that prayer room many times. Our youth built a prayer wall one Sunday evening at Youth Group with the names of all our schools in our community. That is where my eyes wander to as I sit and pray quietly over each of them.
at Centenary. Inviting our young people to watch closely to the rhythm of Jesus’ life and the way he prayed, who he prayed with, when he prayed. For Jesus, his desire was always to be at complete union with God. Prayer can be out loud, quiet, read, still, with words, music, art... you will find invitations
prayer can be out loud, quiet, read, still, with words, music, art... All of us have a sacred space to sit at the foot of the Holy. Quiet, undaunting, centering, peaceful. Whether it is a sanctuary or a chapel, the mountains, or the ocean, in your bed or out walking in the sunshine, we all have that place. A place that draws us to the heart of God. The beach is that place for me and so is this little prayer room on the 4th floor.
for all prayer in this little prayer room. My prayer is that you will visit this holy space sometime. It’s not just for our youth (although they inspired it years ago) it’s for anyone who comes seeking time in prayer with our Jesus, our Lord, the Holy One. The One that knows all things, hears all things, knows all things, but wants us to tell Him anyway.
Prayer is one of seven tenants of our Youth Ministry
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“All of us have a sacred space to sit at the foot of the Holy.” LEARN MORE
ABOUT YOUTH MINISTRY AT CENTENARY BY VISITING OUR WEBSITE OR SCANNING THE QR CODE.
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HAVE A NEED FOR CARE? Centenary maintains an active on-call ministry for members who are faced with an emergency that needs the presence of a pastor. The clergy also provide hospital visitation every day of the week. We encourage members to let us know when someone is entering the hospital. Prayer requests are referred to the clergy staff. Recognizing that the end of life is a reality for everyone, the church seeks to provide a loving and caring presence to all. Clergy will conduct a service of worship and celebration for the deceased while giving the family the best possible care. Grief Support is a special ministry that is also provided. Contact Rev. Susannah Pittman.
SERVICE OF HOPE AND HEALING SUNDAY • DECEMBER 5 • 5PM • CHAPEL As we journey through the season of Advent, we are reminded that the One who is coming is Emmanuel— “God with us”—and is present with us in all of life’s seasons. We offer this Service of Hope and Healing as a time to reflect upon and experience Christ’s peace, comfort, and hope in the midst of our pain, sorrow, and hardships. We invite you to our Chapel for a worship service of reflection and remembrance.
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reconciled, restored, or m
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LIVE OUR FAITH AUTHENTICALLY REV. BRET COGAN bcogan@centenary-ws.org
I suspect
the most recognizable verse in the Bible might be John 3:16… “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” If you grew up in church, you learned these words in Sunday School. If you didn’t grow up in church, if you went to, or watched any professional sporting event you most likely saw someone holding a sign with John 3:16 written on it. As informative as these words are for the Christian faith, the verse that follows is equally important, John 3:17… “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” Another way to understand the word “saved” is to be reconciled, restored, or made whole. The work of restoration and making our lives and world whole is much larger than any one church. This work requires all of us to come together, to see one another not as adversaries or even opponents, our lives are not a game to be won, but they surely can be lost in the battles we fight.
made whole
the embrace of God’s love for us to lead us into learning how to truly love and care for others, including those who we have been taught are our adversaries and opponents. As I said, this work is larger than any one congregation, denomination or even faith perspective. Our lives are deeply connected even if we really don’t want to believe this to be true. What we say and do matters, because it reaches out beyond ourselves and touches those around us. We can choose to convey kindness and compassion, or our words and actions can communicate to others that they are an outsider, unwanted and unworthy. This is true for all of us whether we call ourselves a Christian or not. I believe every day is a new day to learn to live lives that reach out beyond our own to help the people we meet know they matter and are seen. You and I, what we do and say matters because we are the ones who convey this message through how we engage and interact with one another. I want to invite you to come and join us as a community who believes our lives matter, everyone of us… every day!
My work at Centenary is centered around Adult Faith Formation, it includes helping people grow in their understanding of God’s love for them. As we embrace this truth it leads us into the ministry of Justice and Reconciliation where we learn to live our faith authentically, we must allow
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LEARN MORE
To learn more about "Justice & Reconciliation Ministry" scan our QR code or visit the Centenary website.
It's not too late
to be a part of the First Fifteen Challenge! Our challenge invites you to take the first 15 minutes of your day, Monday through Friday, and spend it with God by reading a daily scripture, a short reflection, and a daily prayer. These readings will be shaped to help prepare you for worship since they will be guided by the topic of the sermon each Sunday. To sign up, click on our link below. Devotions are emailed to you each Sunday at 2pm. Questions? Contact Rev Bret Cogan.
REGISTER
In Children’s Ministry
at Centenary, we strive to instill in our kids at the very core of their being the knowledge that God loves them no matter what. This knowledge comes from the staff and volunteers who pour God’s love into our kids through teaching about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and then walking and ministering alongside them as they grow into the person God created them to be. To learn more, contact Rev. Kate May or Jeanette Juran.
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W H E R E D O I S TA R T ?
OUR CLERGY AND STAFF
Now that you have read our pages, how will you live out your faith "Every Day for Everyone?" Here's a simple checklist to help you start.
Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III Senior Minister gkinken@centenary-ws.org
Worship on All Saints Sunday • November 7 Get a Harvest Gift Bag and Fill It Up Come to the Justice & Reconciliation Event on November 24 Listen to Our Podcast: Heart, Mind & Soul Adopt an Angel for Angel Tree Come to Lessons & Carols • December 12 Make a Stewardship Pledge for 2022 Share on the Thankful Pumpkins Come to Worship During Advent & Christmas Eve Come to the Prayer Room Come to the Christmas Pageant • December 19 Need help getting started? Contact any of our clergy and staff and they will help you get connected.
Mary Ann Wexler Executive Director mwexler@centenary-ws.org Susan Bates Organist and Music Associate sbates@centenary-ws.org Martha Bassett Alternative Music Leader mbassett@centenary-ws.org Reverend Bret Cogan Assoc. Minister of Spiritual Formation & Education bcogan@centenary-ws.org Jonathan Emmons Director of Music Ministries jemmons@centenary-ws.org Reverend R. Craig Ford Associate Minister cford@centenary-ws.org Reverend Meg Gaston Associate Minister of Engagement, Evangelism & Missions mgaston@centenary-ws.org Reverend Kate May Associate Minister with Children kmay@centenary-ws.org Sandra Gramley Congregational Care Coordinator sgramley@centenary-ws.org Stacy Holley Exec. Assistant to Senior Minister sholley@centenary-ws.org
Providing monthly educational programming on diverse Mental Health topics. • A Family Journey through Mental Illness • From Mental Illness to a Renewed Mind • Help for Substance Use Disorder • Teen and Substance Abuse • Children and Anxiety • Support for Caregivers • Our Faith Community Comes Together • Creating Caring Communities for Mental Health • Reframing Healthy Eating To learn more about this ministry and for any questions you may have, please be in contact with Rev. Susannah Pittman (336-724-6311).
John Markle Director of Operations jmarkle@centenary-ws.org Reverend Susannah Pittman Assoc. Minister of Congregational Care spittman@centenary-ws.org Doug Peninger Director of Communications dpeninger@centenary-ws.org Tamara M. Pollock Director of Youth Ministries tpollock@centenary-ws.org John Rogers Director of Information Technology jrogers@centenary-ws.org Amanda Tilley Contributions atilley@centenary-ws.org
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JOIN US FOR W O R S H I P AT
CENTENARY
SUNDAYS 11AM • SANCTUARY & LIVE STREAM 9AM • MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM WEDNESDAYS 7PM • MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM LEARN MORE ABOUT WORSHIP AT CENTENARY BY CAPTURING OUR QR CODE.
646 West Fifth Street • Wintson-Salem, NC 27101 www.centenary-ws.org 336-724-6311
