THE COMMUNITY GATHERS
PRELUDE GREETING INTROIT
God Is Gone Up — Gerald Finzi
God is gone up with a triumphant shout: the Lord with sounding trumpets' melodies: sing praise, sing prases out, unto our King sing praise seraphicwise! Lift up your Heads, ye lasting doors, they sing, and let the King of Glory enter in.
O God the King of Glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven. Mercifully give us faith to know that, as he promised, he abides with us on earth to the end of time, and is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
#154 All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name — CORONATION
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE LORD'S PRAYER
After each prayer, the leader may conclude: Lord, in your mercy. All may respond: Hear our 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.)
WELCOME TO WORSHIP SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER • MAY 21, 2023 • 11:00AM • CONFIRMATION SUNDAY
†
†HYMN
OPENING PRAYER
OF PROCESSION
†Please stand as you are able
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.
INTRODUCTION OF SERVICE
Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us — arr. Barbara Brocker
Galatians 6:1-10
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
“A Grace Which Sustains”
THE SERVICE OF CONFIRMATION
Brothers and sisters in Christ: Through the Sacrament of Baptism we are initiated into Christ's holy church. We are incorporated into God's mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through water and the Spirit. All this is God's gift, offered to us without price.
Through confirmation, and through the reaffirmation of our faith, we renew the covenant declared at our baptism, acknowledge what God is doing for us, and affirm our commitment to Christ's holy church.
PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES
RENUNCIATION OF SIN & PROFESSION OF FAITH
On behalf of the whole church, I ask you: Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of your sin?
I do.
Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves?
I do
Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior, put your whole trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as your Lord, in union with the church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations and races?
I do.
According to the grace given you, will you remain faithful members of Christ's holy church and serve as Christ's representatives in the world?
I will.
2
PRAYER RESPONSE SCRIPTURE SERMON
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
To the sponsors
To the congregation
Will you who sponsor these candidates support and encourage them in their Christian life?
I will.
Do you, as Christ's body, the church, reaffirm both your rejection of sin and your commitment to Christ? We do.
Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life and include these persons now before you in your care?
With God's help we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround these persons with a community of love and forgiveness, that they may grow in the trust of God, and be found faithful in their service to others. We will pray for them, that they may be true disciples who walk in the way that leads to life.
To the congregation and candidates
Let us join together in professing the Christian faith as contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.
Do you believe in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ?
I believe 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, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will come again to judge the living and the dead.)
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?
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.)
3
Margaret Mason Campbell
John Burnette Daniel†
Sandlin Millaway Douglas, Jr.
Davis Victor Dunn
Kinsey Lee Dunn
Sara Louise Dunnagan
Louise Morgan Johnson
Frazier Dibrell Jones
William Clarence Kluttz, IV
Jordan Daniel Koufman
William Porter Lassiter
& THANKSGIVING OVER THE WATER
RECEPTION INTO THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
COMMENDATION AND WELCOME
To those confirmed, baptized and received
Henry William Lawson
James Christopher Lemons, Jr.
Thomas Coleman Lemons
Hunter Byron Nicks
William Hamilton Norman
Jane McDonald Powers
Emma Grace Sayers
Avery Elisabeth Smith
John Wesley Ward, V
Jane Calloway Welch
Grady Wood Williams
†to be baptized and confirmed
Members of the household of God, I commend these persons to your love and care. Do all in your power to increase their faith, confirm their hope, and perfect them in love.
We give thanks for all that God has already given you and we welcome you in Christian love. As members together with you in the body of Christ and in this congregation of The United Methodist Church, 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.
The God of all grace, who has called us to eternal glory in Christ, establish you and strengthen you by the power of the Holy Spirit, that you may live in grace and peace.
4
BAPTISM
TO BE CONFIRMED
OFFERTORY
†DOXOLOGY
†PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Acclamation in G Minor — Karen Thompson
#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.
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 of 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
†HYMN (Found on page six)
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
†POSTLUDE
#2051 I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry — WATERLIFE
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)
5
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
6 #2051 I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry
ANNOUNCEMENTS • MAY 21, 2023
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
SUMMER FIRST FIFTEEN
The First Fifteen Challenge invites you to take the first 15 minutes of your day and spend it with God by reading and reflecting on God’s Word. Although it involves only a short amount of time, through God’s grace it can transform our entire day! This spring and summer, our First Fifteen will be exploring the journey of the early Church and the travels of Paul. We would love for you to join us! Bookmarks containing the monthly reading plan are available throughout the Centenary campus. To sign up to receive the First Fifteen, visit centenary-ws.org/church-events and then click the Adult Formation button, where you will find a link to register.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
STEPHEN MINISTRY
“I haven’t been the same since my mother passed away 2 years ago. I’m exhausted, irritable, and often withdrawn. I’ve been so busy taking care of my surviving father and my own family that I didn’t allow myself time to grieve her death. It’s time now, and I’m receiving much needed help from my Stephen Minister.” ~A Stephen Ministry Care Receiver.
If you or someone you know could benefit from Stephen Ministry, please contact Deena Morgan (336-692-2314), Wilba Brady (336723-6236), Rev. Craig Ford (336-724-6311 ext. 1353) or Rev. Susannah Pittman (336-724-6311 ext. 1357).
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
JULY 24-27 • 9 AM - NOON
This summer at VBS we will be shining Jesus’ light and learning how Stellar God is! Mark your calendar and plan to sign up the kids in your life who are 4 years old through rising 6th grade. Registration opens through the Church website (events page) and the Realm app on May 1. We hope to have lots of grown ups join us too! You can show our kids what it looks like to shine Jesus’ light by serving as a crossing guard, a small group shepherd, a craft helper, or simply helping with prep work. There is something for everyone to do! For more information contact Kate May (kmay@centenary-ws.org/ ext. 1331)
SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR K-5TH GRADERS
BEGINS JUNE 4
This summer for Sunday school, our Kindergarten through 5th graders will be cooking up some fun in the kitchen! Each week we will gather in the Community Room and then move into the kitchen to see what kind of recipes God has for us in the Bible! Your kids won’t want to miss it! Are you a grown up who loves to cook with kids in the kitchen? Reach out to Kate May because we are looking for grown up helpers each week!
FAMILY SUMMER CELEBRATION
SUNDAY • JUNE 25 • 4-5 PM
Children’s Ministry is celebrating summer with a giant slip and slide, popsicles, and of course fun on the playground. Bring your whole family and invite some friends for an afternoon of fun on the front lawn. Park in the 5th Street parking lot and wear something that can get wet. If the weather is questionable come anyway because we’ve got a super fun indoor back up plan! For more information contact Kate May (kmay@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1331)
MEN'S MINISTRY
THURSDAY MORNING FELLOWSHIP
JUNE 1 • 7:30 AM-8:30AM • COMMUNITY ROOM
We meet the first Thursday of every month as we gather in the second floor Catering Kitchen for coffee and biscuits and fellowship. Then we move to the Community Room for prayer, announcements and our speaker. Have you ever wondered how people get around our city, and how that affects economic mobility? For June, we welcome Prof. Craig Richardson, founder and director of the Center for the Study of Economic Mobility at WSSU. He will share his insights and discuss how we can all be a part of innovative solutions to strengthen our community. You may enter the East Building from the 4 1⁄2 Street or 5th Street entrance. To learn more about Men’s Ministry at Centenary, contact Chris Munnelly, Tanner Robinson, Michael Rogers or Tom Lawson.
MISSIONS
PILL PACKING PARTY
SUNDAY • JUNE 4 • 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
COMMUNITY ROOM
You are invited to join the Honduras mission team for a Pill Packing party. Dinner will be provided. Please let us know If you plan to attend so we may have a good head count for our pizza dinner. If you have any questions, contact Rev. Meg Peters (mpeters@ centenary-ws.org/ ext. 1361).
YOUTH MINISTRY
May 21
Confirmation Sunday!
5:00 pm: UMC Town Hall with Youth Dinner Afterwards!
May 28
5:00 pm – 6:15 pm: Middle School Youth Group
6:15 pm – 6:45 pm: All Youth Dinner ($3)
6:45 pm - 8:00 pm: Senior High Youth Group
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Join us every Sunday at 10:00 am on the fourth floor for ALL youth Sunday School taught by our Associate Director of Youth Ministries, Andrew Epermanis. There will be snacks and fellowship before the lesson every week! We are currently studying relationships. Specifically, how scripture can help us build solid relationships with ourselves, friends, family, and significant others. This week we will be wrapping up our study.
LOOKING AHEAD
June 4: Graduation Recognition Sunday
June 18-25: Mountain T.O.P (ALL youth) Mission Trip
July 15-22: YouthWorks Senior High Mission Trip to Denver, CO
July 24-27: Vacation Bible School
August 27: Fall Kick-Off!
For more information or to sign up to receive Youth Ministry updates by email, contact Tammy Pollock (tpollock@centenary-ws. org). Follow us on Instagram @centenary_youth.
7
OPEN FLOWER DATE
A wonderful way to honor or remember a loved one, friend, group, birthday, or anniversary is by providing flowers in our Sanctuary for Sunday morning services. Our Flower Calendar has an open date available on July 2, 2023. This is a first-come basis, and it can be for one family or shared by 2 or 3 different families who wish to honor or remember different family members or other people. If you are interested, please contact Paige Morgan Foy (pmorganfoy@centenary-ws.org).
TOWN HALL MEETINGS WITH DR. KINKEN
The future of the United Methodist Church is still being debated and will be for at least another twelve months until the 2024 General Conference next May. You are invited to join Dr. Kinken for a town hall meeting on the present state of affairs in the UMC, what this means for Centenary, and what classes and learning opportunities will be offered in the twelve months leading up to the 2024 General Conference.
These town hall meetings will be offered:
• Sunday, May 21 at 5:00 pm in Community Room: Use the 5th Street Entrance • Park in Flow Lot or 5th Street Lot
If you have any questions about the town hall meetings, please email Dr. Kinken
FAITH JOURNEY SURVEY
Making disciples of Jesus Christ is at the heart of the Church’s mission. We journey together as we learn to live and love like Jesus. As we continue to discern how we can best live out this mission, your feedback is vital. We invite you to complete this brief survey. Your responses will help us for future ministry planning and development. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Rev. Susannah Pittman. We are grateful for your time and feedback! You may access the survey through the weekly “Happenings” email or on the Events page of the Centenary website.
CENTENARY NIGHT AT THE DASH
FRIDAY • AUGUST 18 • 7 PM
Join us for a night of baseball and fellowship! We have a block of tickets reserved for $11/ticket and would love to see you all there! Visit the events page on the church website to purchase your tickets. If you have questions, contact Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1332)
