WELCOME TO WORSHIP
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. (Children, kindergartners through third grade, are invited to exit the Sanctuary for Children’s Worship. Children will return to reserved pews in the Sanctuary at the close of worship.)
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • AUGUST 20, 2023 • 11:00AM
THE COMMUNITY GATHERS
The prelude signifies the beginning of worship. You are invited to be in a spirit of prayer and meditation. Please silence all mobile communication devices.
PRELUDE Adagio and Allegro (from Sonata No. 3 in F Major) — G. F. Handel
GREETING INTROIT
O Lord, Hear My Prayer — TAIZÉ
O Lord, hear my prayer. O Lord, hear my prayer. When I call, answer me. O Lord, hear my prayer. O Lord, hear my prayer. Come and listen to me.
†OPENING PRAYER
Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life. Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#101 From All That Dwell Below the Skies — DUKE STREET
†AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
†GLORIA PATRI
#71 Glory Be to the Father — GREATOREX
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
CANTICLE
Hymn of Mercy — Dan Forrest Gracious Lord, Thy mercy filleth all the earth below; and from heaven’s throne it falleth when to Thee I go. Mercy flowing, swift pursuing like a river strong, sympathizing with my weakness; mercy suffering long. Mercy calling with compassion: “Oh, return to Me.” Wounded are the hands extended, loving is the plea. How can I refuse Thy mercy? Whither would I flee? From my idol shrine I turn, Lord, reaching up to Thee. Tender mercy of the Saviour gently drawing nigh with the blood that cleanseth sinners ready to apply.
SCRIPTURE — Romans 11:1-2, 29-32
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
SERMON NOTES
†
OFFERTORY
Allegro, from Sonata No. 3 in F Major — G. F. Handel
†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
All things come from you, O God, and with gratitude we return to you what is yours. You created all that is, and with love formed us in your image. When our love failed, your love remained steadfast. You gave your only Son Jesus Christ to be our Savior. All that we are, and all that we have, is a trust from you. And so, in gratitude for all your gifts, we offer you ourselves, and all that we have, in union with Christ’s offering for us. By your Holy Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN #140 Great Is Thy Faithfulness — FAITHFULNESS
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
The Lord Bless You and Keep You — John Rutter
The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. Amen. (Numbers 6: 24-26)
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III
Senior Minister
LITURGIST
The Reverend Susannah Pittman Assoc. Minister
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar
Corine Brouwer, violin
The Chancel Choir
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of Sally Brooks Pullen Kelly by Dr. David Kelly and family.
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 • AUGUST 20, 2023
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
SAVE THE DATE
“NOURISH” BEGINS SEPTEMBER 13
Our all-new Wednesday evening dinner and programming night is coming soon! We begin with dinner and an open house on Wednesday, September 13.
5:15PM - 6:00PM
Church-wide (Register each week on Realm.)
6:00PM - 7:00PM
• Children’s Music & Arts Programming in the East Building
• United Methodist Beliefs: Leveraging Our Past to Chart a Path for the Future with Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III
Adult Study • September 20 – October 25 Dining Room
• The Why’s of Faith: Why God? Why Christ? Why Pain & Suffering? with Ken Carlson
Adult Study• November 1, 8, & 15
6-7 pm • Dining Room
• 3 Big Questions That Shape You with Tammy Pollock Youth Study • 6th-12th Graders
September 20 - November 15
6-7 pm • Youth Commons
• Hands-on Mission Project
September 13 • Snack bags for LEAD Girls
To learn more about “Nourish” programming and register for dinner, please scan our QR code or visit www.centenary-ws.org/nourish.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
BACKPACK BLESSING
TODAY • 5:30 PM • COMMUNITY ROOM
Join us tonight, Sunday, August 20th from 5:30-7 in the Community Room (East Building 206) as a family! We will be having a pizza dinner, activities, and time for you and your child(ren) to meet their Sunday School small group leaders for the year! Rev. Susannah Pittman and Rev. Kate May will also spend time blessing each child and their backpack. We hope to see you tonight!
PROMOTION SUNDAY
SUNDAY • AUGUST 27
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
Let’s celebrate the beginning of a new school year and our new Sunday school classes! On August 27, children will move to their new classes for the 2023-2024 school year. The class they go to is based on their grade in school and/or their age by August 31, 2023. Parents, after you drop your kids off for Sunday school at 10 am, head up to room 304, the big green room on the 3rd floor of the East Building, for refreshments, fellowship, and time to learn about ways to connect with other families at Centenary. If you have questions, please contact Kate May (kmay@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1331) or Anna Thomas athomas@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1332).
4TH AND 5TH GRADE DISTRICT RETREAT
SEPTEMBER 15-16
Will your child be in 4th or 5th grade for the 20232024 school year? Centenary and other United Methodist Churches in our district will be hosting a retreat! Sign them up for our 4th and 5th grade retreat from September 15 at 6 pm until September 16 at Noon at Camp Merriwood in Clemmons, NC. There will be dinner, breakfast and tons of fun activities. Visit centenary-ws.org/church-events for more details and to register.
ART IN THE ATRIUM SEASON OPENING: NICHOLAS BURTON BRAGG
CONGREGATIONAL CARE GRIEFSHARE
THURSDAYS • SEPTEMBER 7 – DECEMBER 7
4-6 PM • ROOM 112 EAST BUILDING
GriefShare is a 13-week grief recovery support group that offers comfort, support, and practical tips for navigating grief. Sessions include support group discussion and videos that feature some of the nation’s foremost Christian experts on grief and recovery topics. To register, please visit centenaryws.org/church-events. For questions or more information, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman
STEPHEN MINISTRY
Stephen Ministers are trained to provide care for those who are hurting or grieving through a one-on-one relationship. A Stephen Minister is a caring presence to provide emotional and spiritual support. “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
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).
MISSIONS
LOAVES & FISHES SUMMER STOCK
Loaves & Fishes is once again collecting items for Summer Stock! Anytime in June, July, or August, you can take a brown paper bag located in the Narthex or at the 4 ½ street entrance to fill with needed items or just bring in your donations. This year we are collecting the following canned foods: Chicken, Tuna, Beef Stew, Spam, Vienna Sausages, Ravioli, Spaghettios, Pork and Beans.
Please make sure the canned items are regular sized cans. You can drop your donations off at the 4 ½ street entrance or in the Narthex to the sanctuary. If you have any questions, contact Rev. Meg Peters (mpeters@centenary-ws.org).
BETTY AND JIM HOLMES FOOD BANK GARDEN
A great way to alleviate hunger in our community is to volunteer at the Food Bank Garden. Individuals, groups and families are welcome to help during our schedule of activities. Located at Crossnore Communities for Children on Reynolda Road, the Food Bank Garden donates what it grows to Second Harvest Food Bank. Our spring and fall crops, mainly greens, provide donations to Samaritan Ministries for the daily meals for homeless individuals in Winston-Salem. Summer is our busiest time of year as we harvest crops! All ages are welcome to help! To volunteer at the Garden you can sign up using the QR code or send an email to harvest.tomatoes@gmail.com
SAMARITAN MINISTRIES
Centenary has partnered with Samaritan Ministries to volunteer for their Dinner shifts from 4-7:30 pm every Sunday during the months of September and November. Each shift needs three volunteers, so ask a few friends to join you for a fun filled afternoon of volunteering at Samaritan! Scan the QR code to pick a Sunday and see more information about the opportunity. Email Rev. Meg Peters (mpeters@ centenary-ws.org), if you have any questions.
MUSIC & THE ARTS
JOIN THE CHANCEL CHOIR THIS FALL
Add your voice to a growing Chancel Choir!
We return to our weekly rehearsal schedule on Thursday, August 24, followed by our fall retreat on August 25 and 26. Join us as we seek to equip and empower the congregation to lift its collective heart and voice in worship and praise. We rehearse each Thursday from 7-8:30pm. NO audition is required! Please contact Director of Music Ministries, Jonathan Emmons (jemmons@centenary-ws.org), if you have any questions.
Art in the Atrium opens its season with an exhibit by famed artist Nicholas Burton Bragg. Join us at our artist’s reception on Sunday, September 10 from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm in the Atrium Gallery and Commons to meet Nick and hear about his tremendous work. The exhibit will be on display in the Gallery from August 23 to October 27.
CALLING ALL ARTISTS!
The Music & Arts Ministry invites submissions for our upcoming community exhibit, “Peace, Hope & Joy: A Neighborhood Showcase.” Art will be displayed in the Atrium and 4 ½ Street Galleries from November 1, 2023, to January 28, 2024. The inspiration for this holiday season showcase is Galatians 5:22: “Among the fruits of the Spirit are love, joy and peace.” Contact Music Ministry Assistant, Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenaryws.org for submission instructions.
CHILDREN’S MUSIC & ART WEDNESDAYS THIS FALL
Children’s Music & Art is now part of “Nourish” every Wednesday, beginning September 13th! Programming includes activities for children ages 2 through 5th grade. Our 2- and 3-year-olds will wiggle, giggle and grow in a Kindermusik class and children ages 4+ will have a blast in our Creative Arts experience exploring singing, chimes, Kindermusik, Orff instruments, drumming, creative movement, drama, visual art and more! Register via the QR Code below. Email Music Ministries Assistant Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenaryws.org with any questions.
CALLING NEW HANDBELL RINGERS!
Handbells for adult beginners is coming to “Nourish”, Centenary’s new Wednesday night programming! Adventures in Handbell Ringing - a Beginning Basics Bells class - is offered for all adults ages 18 to 88 who want to learn how to ring and learn about handbells. No stress, no performances, no weekly commitment, just a fun ringing/learning time together. The class will be held from 6 to 7 pm on Wednesday evenings (come at 5:15 for dinner) beginning September 13. Everyone is welcome, so bring your friends! We’ll have a great time together, and you’ll finally learn the secret about why handbell ringers wear gloves!
CALLING EXPERIENCED HANDBELL RINGERS!
Centenary’s adult handbell choir, the Carillonneurs, is looking for a few experienced ringers to join our group. If you’ve rung in a choir in the past, please consider joining us this fall. Contact Camille Jones camillemurphyjones@gmail.com) for more information.
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
SEPTEMBER MEETING & LUNCHEON MONDAY • SEPTEMBER 11 • NOON
MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
“Methodist Women Boldly Make History”
The United Women in Faith invite you to their September meeting and luncheon with featured guest speaker, Dr. Ashley Boggan D. Dr. Boggan serves as the General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church, and she is the author of several books on United Methodist history and women’s studies. Reservations are due by September 3 to your circle leader or if not a UWF member, contact Holly Gilliam hgilliam@triad.rr.com).
AN EVENING WITH DR. ASHLEY BOGGAN D. MONDAY • SEPTEMBER 11 • 6:30 PM
MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
“Methodist Women Boldly Make History: Continuing the Journey”
Join us for an evening with Dr. Ashley Boggan D., General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church. In her talk, Dr. Boggan will explore the history of women in Methodism, the challenges and opportunities facing women in the church today, and the importance of preserving and promoting United Methodist history
A limited quantity of her book “Nevertheless: American Methodists and Women’s Rights” will be available for signing and at a discounted price of $10. This event is free and open to the public.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today
12–2 pm: Love Thy Neighbor!
5:30–7:30 pm: 9th Grade Promotion Party!
August 25
5:00-7:00 pm: 5th/6th Grade Promotion Party
August 27
10:00-10:45 am: Sunday School Open House
5:00–7:00 pm: Fall Kickoff!
9TH GRADE PROMOTION PARTY
SUNDAY • AUGUST 20 • 5 PM
All rising FRESHMAN are invited to join us for your “Welcome to Senior High” PARTY at ROAR! We can’t wait to celebrate you moving up into our Senior High ministry. Come meet other senior high school friends and hear about all the great adventures that await you! (ROAR is located at 633 N Liberty St)
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Join us every Sunday this summer at 10:00 am on the fourth floor (@Youth Commons) 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! Join us as we follow the story of the Israelites escape from Egypt and reflect on the ways in which we encounter God in all the changes and new opportunities in our lives. As well as how we seek out and listen to our callings.
FALL KICKOFF
SUNDAY • AUGUST 27 • 5-7 PM
Join us for BBQ, drinks, yard games, friendly competitions, music a photo booth to capture the moment! And of course lots of PRIZES!
EVERYONE WEAR YOUR BEST SCHOOL SWAG and represent!
LOOKING AHEAD
August 25: 5th/6th Grade Promotion Party
August 27: Fall Kick-Off!
September 17: Love Thy Neighbor!
September 29: Sixers!
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.
REALM CONNECT
REALM CONNECT APP UPDATE
Centenary’s Realm Connect app helps our church connect with you and you connect with us. It allows you to manage your personal information and who is allowed to see it, control your giving and keep in touch with groups that matter to you. Scan the QR code to sign up for an account and find links to download the app to your devices.