NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • JULY 21, 2024 • 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 GREETING INTROIT
Dona Nobis Pacem — Traditional Latin Grant us peace.
†OPENING PRAYER
Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, you know our necessities before we ask and our ignorance in asking: have compassion on our weakness, and mercifully give us those things which for our unworthiness we dare not, and for our blindness we cannot ask; through the worthiness of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#147 All Things Bright and Beautiful — ROYAL OAK
(The children will sing the first verse. The congregation will then be invited to join.)
†AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is the one true church, apostolic and universal, whose holy faith let us now declare:
We believe in God the Father, infinite in wisdom, power, and love, whose mercy is over all his works, and whose will is ever directed to his children’s good. We believe in Jesus Christ, Son of God and Son of man, the gift of the Father’s unfailing grace, the ground of our hope, and the promise of our deliverance from sin and death. We believe in the Holy Spirit as the divine presence in our lives, whereby we are kept in perpetual remembrance of the truth of Christ, and find strength and help in time of need. We believe that this faith should manifest itself in the service of love as set forth in the example of our blessed Lord, to the end that the kingdom of God may come upon the earth. 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
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
CANTICLE
Prayer for Peace — David Cherwien
O God of love, o King of Peace, make wars throughout the world to cease; the wrath of nations now restrain. Give peace, O God, give peace again. Remember, Lord, thy works of old, the wonders that thy people told. Remember not our sin’s dark stain. Give peace, O God, give peace again. Whom shall we trust but thee, O Lord, where rest but on thy faithful word? None ever called on thee in vain. Give peace, O God, give peace again.
SCRIPTURE — Ephesians 2:11-22
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON
OFFERTORY
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
For He Is Our Peace — Philip Stopford
For this cause I bow my knee unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His spirit in the inner man. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, that He, being rooted and grounded in love may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height, and to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, that ye might be filled with the fullness of God. For He is our peace, who hath made both one.
†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
Gracious God, giver of all gifts. We give you thanks for the blessings which you have given to us. Receive these gifts from the labor of our hands. May they be pleasing in your sight. Bless them and the ministries this offering will support. May they give hope, may they give comfort, may they bring peace, may they show your love to the world. We pray this in the name Christ the Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever more. Amen.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
A Clare Benediction — John Rutter
May the Lord show his mercy upon you; may the light of his presence be your guide: may he guard you and uphold you; may his spirit be ever be your side. When you sleep, may his angels watch over you; when you wake, may he fill you with his grace: may you love him and serve him all your days, then in heaven may you see his face.
†POSTLUDE
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
†HYMN
#547 O Church of God, United — ELLACOMBE
†BENEDICTION
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III, Senior Minister
LITURGIST
The Reverend Meg Peters, Assoc. Minister
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar
The Chancel Choir
Children’s Music & Art Camp Participants
CRUCIFER
Meg Gilliam
TORCHBEARERS
Stella Jane Pierce
Thor Johnson
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of William Griffin by his wife, Ruby Griffin.
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
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 Oliver Helsabeck ext. 1357
Associate Minister for Congregational Care
Reverend Kate May ext. 1331
Associate Minister with Children
Reverend Meg Peters ext. 1361
Associate Minister of Outreach
Tammy Pollock ext. 1337
Director of Youth Ministries
Rick Gibbons ext. 1342 Congregational Care Assistant
Stacy Holley ext. 1359
Adult Discipleship Specialist & Pastoral Assistant
John Markle ext. 1347
Director of Operations
Doug Peninger ext. 1368
Director of Communications
John Rogers ext. 1356
Director of Information Technology
ANNOUNCEMENTS • JULY 21, 2024
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
VBS SET UP
JULY 28 FOLLOWING 11 AM WORSHIP
Would you love to help us decorate for VBS? Stay after church on July 28 to help set up and get things ready! There will be pizza for lunch! If you are available, contact either Kate May (kmay@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1331) or Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws.org/ ext. 1332).
BACKPACK BLESSING
SUNDAY • AUGUST 11 • 5:30 - 7 PM
MISSIONS
FOOD BANK GARDEN
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today 10:00 am: Youth Sunday school – What’s Faith Got to Do with It?
Senior High Mission Team at YouthWorks in Niagara Falls, NY
NO Feasting on the Word Bible Study
July 28
SUMMER YOUTH BIBLE STUDY FEASTING ON THE WORD
Join us for fun activities, pizza dinner and a chance to meet your Sunday school small group leaders for the upcoming school year! We will spend time speaking a blessing over you and your backpack. We will also be collecting packs of size 5 diapers for local food pantries! RSVP by Wednesday, August 7 using the QR code. If you forget to RSVP, we would love to still have you come and participate!
KINDERGARTEN WORSHIP READINESS
AUGUST 11 • 10 AM
We invite all new Kindergarteners and their grown-ups to join us in the Sanctuary to learn about the transition to being a part of worship and have an introduction to Children’s Worship. Kids will have the opportunity to participate in an abbreviated Children’s Worship lesson while grown-ups talk about tips for worshiping alongside your children. We will be finished by 10:45 am.
VBS PRAYER
PRAY FOR OUR VBS
Dear God, thank you for going before us as we prepare for VBS. Help us meet any need of supplies, decorations and volunteers we may have. Provide the opportunity for families far and wide to attend VBS. Thank you for the opportunity to pour into the lives of these kids in deep and meaningful ways. We pray that above all else you are glorified in our VBS.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
STEPHEN MINISTRY
“After my stroke, I lost the ability to drive. I always thought I would be the one to take care of my wife, but now she is having to take care of me. Little things like going to the grocery store without assistance are now impossible. I am completely dependent on others in a way I’ve never been before. Maybe a Stephen Minister could help me work through my loss of independence.”
If you or someone you know could benefit from Stephen Ministry, please contact Deena Morgan (336-692-2314) or Wilba Brady (336-723-6236).
The Food Bank Garden is looking for volunteers! The garden is a great outdoor mission opportunity for groups, individuals, families, children and youth. The garden is open every Saturday from 10 am - Noon and every Wednesday from 5:30 - 7:30 pm. You need to pre-register via their website. The garden is located at Crossnore Communities for Children at 1001 Reynolda Road (formerly The Children’s Home). Visit their website at https://foodbankgarden.org for schedule, directions, signup, photos, and other pertinent information.
SUMMER STOCK
Loaves & Fishes is once again collecting items for Summer Stock! Anytime this summer, you can take a brown paper bag located in the Narthex or at the 4 ½ street entrance to fill with needed items. This year we are collecting the following foods: canned vegetables, canned fruit, ravioli, SpaghettiOs, spam, vienna sausages, rice (1lb. bags). 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).
MUSIC & ARTS
10:00 am: Youth Sunday school – What’s Faith Got to Do with It?
Senior High Mission Team returning home from Niagara Falls, NY NO Feasting on the Word Bible Study
PRAYER FOR OUR MISSION TRIP
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2
Almighty and loving God, thank you for the way you love us so profoundly and invite us to come alongside you to love others the way we are loved. As these young missionaries go out into the world to live, love, and serve you, guide them in their steps, give power to their actions, and hope to all they encounter. May their journey be safe, may their faith be rooted deeply in you, may their eyes be opened to the needs of those around them, and may they give love abundantly. We pray all these things in the strong name of the One who called them and sent them. Amen.
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
Join us every Sunday at 10:00 am on the fourth floor (@Youth Commons) for all-youth Sunday school. As always there are breakfast snacks, coffee & drinks, and friends & fellowship before the lesson every week!
Throughout Confirmation you are challenged to read the Gospel of Luke so that you might have a bigger perspective of Jesus’ life, who he is, and the example he offers us as ‘Christfollowers’. This summer, for our Bible study, we are going to dive deeper into what Luke has to teach us about the Lord. Join us as we feast on the Word and some good food. After all, this is one of the things Jesus did, he ate with people and talked with people about the Kingdom of Heaven. Each Sunday at 5:00 pm we will gather at various restaurants in town to feast together on food and word. Watch our weekly announcements for details about where we will meet each week. (cost $10-$20 depending on what you order to eat!)
LOOKING AHEAD
July 29-August 1: Vacation Bible School August 16: 6th grade Promotion Party August 18: Sunday school Open House & Fall Kick-off!
September 11: Nourish begins - Youth Bible Study
September 22: Churchwide Block Party! October 20: Annual ALL Youth trip to Carowinds/Scarowinds
Love Thy Neighbor Dates August 11
September 15 October 6
November 3 December 1
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.
CHILDREN’S CREATIVE ARTS EXPERIENCE RETURNS THIS FALL CAE returns on September 13! This popular program includes activities for children ages 2 through 5th grade during Nourish each week. 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, worship leadership and more! Register now via the QR Code. Email Music Ministries Assistant Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@ centenary-ws.org) with any questions.
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
SANCTUARY ORNAMENT
Centenary United Methodist United Women in Faith (UWF) are offering a limitededition Centenary Sanctuary ornament. The ornaments are hand-painted and made of blown glass. They include a historically accurate depiction of Centenary’s Sanctuary stained-glass windows. The measurements are 5 ¾” (length) x 3” (width) x 3 ¼” (height).
The ornaments are scheduled to arrive in August and you will have opportunities to pick up pre-ordered ornaments once they arrive.
Cost: $40 per ornament. Cash or check accepted. Must pay at time of order. Vist the UWF page on the church website to order.
“What’s Faith Got to Do With It?” As teenagers, we have all kinds of thoughts about what we might be or do when we grow up. The possibilities are endless and so very exciting! Come listen to different ‘grown-ups’ from our church family share what it is that they do (their work), how they decided what they wanted to do with their life, how they got there, and what their faith has to do with it. This is a great opportunity to hear from and be inspired by some very exceptional people.
