EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • SEPTEMBER 22, 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
Ukuthula: An African Prayer for Peace — arr. André van der Merwe Peace in this world of sin.
†OPENING PRAYER
Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#545 The Church’s One Foundation — AURELIA
†AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We are not alone, we live in God’s world. We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit. We trust in God. We are called to be the church: to celebrate God’s presence, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God. 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
Zion’s Walls — Aaron Copland
Come fathers and mothers, come sisters and brothers, come join us in singing the praises of Zion. O fathers, don’t you feel determined to meet within the walls of Zion, we’ll shout and go round.
SCRIPTURE — John 17:20-26
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Conversations Across the Aisle: Being a Purple Church”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
Come Dwell in Solomon’s Walls — Z. Randall Stroope
When the final timber lay ‘gainst the measured stones, with the doorposts in their place overlaid with gold. The Lord appeared to Solomon, blessing all the house, the temple of the ark of God, pure and whole. Come and dwell in Solomon’s walls, come and dwell in the house of the Lord where the humble bow down, seeking wisdom and strength, for the Lord dwells within and heals their land. Come dwell in Solomon’s walls, come and dwell in the house of the Lord, where wisdom and righteousness, justice and holiness, join at the feet of God. When the people of this house kneel and humbly pray, when they turn from dark to light and your will obey, O Lord of Heaven and Lord of earth, show favor on this house, and heal, restore, forgive, and bless, Lord, we pray.
†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
Most holy and gracious God accept these gifts from our hearts. May they be used to share the message of your love with a world that is hurting. May these gifts shine like light in the darkness offering hope, and peace. May we offer ourselves and dedicate our lives to your service this week using our talents and time to build your kingdom. All this we pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN
#559 Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation — WESTMINSTER ABBEY
RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS
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.
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE Amen (from Geistliches Lied, Op. 30) — Johannes Brahms
†POSTLUDE
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
SERMON NOTES
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III, Senior Minister
LITURGIST
The Reverend Oliver Helsabeck, Assoc. Minister
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar
The Chancel Choir
CRUCIFER
Meg Gilliam
TORCHBEARERS
Camilla Boehnlein
Taylor Paris
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of Elizabeth “Kitty” Burrus Felts by her 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
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 • SEPTEMBER 22, 2024
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
ADULT FORMATION
FIRST FIFTEEN: WHAT’S NEXT?
CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
646 W. FIFTH STREET • WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27101
HTTPS://CENTENARY-WS.ORG • 336-724-6311
SAVE THE DATE FOR TOUGH QUESTIONS: TALKING TO KIDS ABOUT DEATH AND GRIEF
OCTOBER 20 • 5 - 6:45 PM
Nearly a year ago our congregation began an intentional practice of starting each day with scripture reading and prayer with the goal of reading the entire Old and New Testaments. The 2023-2024 readings end this month in the book of Revelation. We’ve put together a list of resources to help you get started with a new practice of reading and prayer. Most of these resources will be accessed online, but there will also be one printed reading plan available for pickup at the church and some printed devotional books you can order. For more information contact Stacy Holley sholley@ centenary-ws.org/ ext. 1359).
ADULT DISCIPLESHIP SMALL GROUPS
For more information or help with registration please contact Stacy Holley (sholley@centenaryws.org/ext. 1359).
EAT, LEARN, GROW: THE MONASTIC HEART WOMEN’S SMALL GROUP ON SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
BEGINS SEPTEMBER 24 • NOON – 1:00 PM ROOM 111 • LUNCH INCLUDED
Living through seasons of death and grief is hard enough to do as adults, but what about when we walk these seasons with our kids?
Join us as we hear from a panel of experts including our own Oliver Helsabeck, resource folks from Trellis Supportive Care and others. We’ll also have dinner and table talk to further deepen our learning and help us feel equipped to navigate conversations with our children. Each adult is $10 with free children’s activities for infants-5th graders. Invite all your friends and register now using the QR code or on the church website.
CONGREGATIONAL
CARE
CENTENARY CARES: SHOWING CARE AND SHARING ENCOURAGEMENT FROM SHINING LIGHT ON MENTAL HEALTH
In The Monastic Heart: 50 Simple Practices for a Contemplative and Fulfilling Life, Joan Chittester writes, “Monasticism is the single-hearted search for what matters in life. Any life. Every life.” Centenary’s women are invited to a small group that will provide an opportunity to discuss and practice spiritual disciplines that help us draw closer to God in community. The group will meet bi-weekly for six sessions and be facilitated by certified Spiritual Director, Nancy Powell. Your registration fee includes six boxed lunches. Please use our QR code to register by September 16.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
TORCHBEARER AND CRUCIFER LEADER CELEBRATION
SEPTEMBER 29; NOON – 1:30 PM 4th – 12th graders, with at least one adult, are invited to enjoy a pizza lunch together while we celebrate all of our Torchbearers and Crucifers.
We will spend time learning and being reminded of what it looks like to serve in these roles and why they are so important to our worship service. If you have not received an invitation in the mail with the RSVP information, please reach out to Anna Thomas athomas@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1332). If you cannot attend but are still interested in being a torchbearer or crucifer, please still fill out the RSVP so we can collect updated contact information.
STUDENTS WITH FULL BELLIES ARE MORE SUCCESSFUL
Help us feed students in Winston-Salem through the Backpack Program for the 2024-2025 school year! Centenary has the privilege of partnering with the Backpack Program organized by Second Harvest Food Bank. We are currently partnered with Brunson Elementary, Wiley Middle School, Reynolds High School and the Winston Salem Street School. This program helps provide food for students who receive free breakfast and lunch at school through the year, but may not have access to food over the weekends. For just $200, you can feed a child on the weekends for a whole school year! You can give through the giving portal on the church website or by check. If you have any questions, please contact Anna Thomas (athomas@ centenary-ws.org/ext. 1332).
Sometimes we go through challenging circumstances that are outside our control. When those times affect us and involve challenges with mental health, and we wish to remain private, it is important that we know we are cared for, prayed for, and loved by our church family. Centenary Cares, a ministry of Shining Light on Mental Health, is a simple way that care and encouragement are extended from Centenary UMC. If someone you know is struggling or has a loved one struggling with mental health, submit the person’s name to Rev. Oliver Helsabeck Associate Minister for Congregational Care, ohelsabeck@centenary-ws. org/ext. 1357). A member of Shining Light will confidentially deliver a Centenary Cares bag to the recipient. More information can be found on the website under Congregational Care/Shining Light.
MISSIONS
A BED & A BOOK
SATURDAY • OCTOBER 5 • 10 AM
Join us at the Dash Stadium as we partner with A Bed and A Book. We will be building beds from 10 am - Noon, hotdog lunch included. Email Meg Peters (mpeters@centenary-ws.org if you have any questions.
MUSIC & ARTS
VISUAL ARTS FOR ALL!
Music & Arts is proud to announce 4 distinct opportunities for artists of all ages and levels this fall! See below for more details and contact Music Ministry Assistant, Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@ centenary-ws.org) with questions.
CHILDREN’S CREATIVE ARTS EXPERIENCE weaves visual arts into a diverse curriculum that encourages children ages 4 to 5th grade to develop a lifelong love of worship through the arts every Wednesday at 6:00 pm! Register via the QR Code.
ALL THINGS BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL: A NEIGHBORHOOD SHOWCASE is this year’s annual community art exhibit. We invite submissions from all youth and adults to be displayed in the Atrium and 4 ½ Street Galleries from November 10, 2024, to January 5, 2025. Contact Music Ministry Assistant, Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenaryws.org), for submission instructions.
THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF GRACE: AN ARTISTIC RESPONSE TO HYMNODY is a Nourish offering this fall (9/18-10/23)! Join this mixed media class for beginning to advanced artists and explore the beauty of hymns and how they inspire visual art. Register via the QR Code.
FAITH AND ARTISTRY: SEEKING THE SACRED IN CREATIVE EXPRESSION is a new painting and drawing class tailored to fit your schedule! With Monday night and Thursday morning tracks offered, choose the time that is best for you to discover the wealth of creative opportunities that faith inspires. To learn more and register, scan the QR Code.
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
SANCTUARY ORNAMENT
Do we have a recent photo and your current contact information at Centenary? If you’re unsure, visit our photo station at today’s Engagement Fair. Our volunteer photographers will be ready to take a quick, casual photo to add to Realm, and you can verify or update your contact details with us. We look forward to seeing you there!
Centenary United Methodist United Women in Faith (UWF) are offering a limited-edition 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 September 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.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today Noon: ALL Church Block Party NO YOUTH GROUPS tonight – Enjoy the afternoon with our church family at the block party!
September 22 10:00 am: Youth Sunday school
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm: Middle School youth group 6:15 pm - 6:45 pm: ALL youth dinner -$3 per person 6:45 pm - 8:00 pm: Senior High youth group
NOURISH YOUTH BIBLE STUDY ‘THE WAY OF LOVE’
All youth (6th-12th grades) are invited to join us as we explore what it means to follow the Way of Jesus. The way Jesus lived, and the way Jesus loved. We all know that scripture calls us to love God and love neighbor... however, together we will explore how to do just as Jesus did by spending each Wednesday looking at a word a week that will help us understand the Way of Jesus better. Those words? Turn. Learn. Pray. Worship. Bless. God. Rest. We are so excited to grow in our understanding of Jesus and how he invites us to live and hope you will be too!
THINGS HAVE CHANGED WITH DAVID MAGEE Centenary Youth ministry and Shining Light on Mental Health welcomes David Magee to our church and community Sunday, October 27 at 10:00 am for youth Sunday school (@ Youth Commons) and then again at 5:00 pm for a LISTEN event (@ Memorial Auditorium) for our church community. David is a bestselling author of the award- winning “Dear William: A Father’s Memoir of Addiction, Recovery, Love, and Loss”, a Publisher’s Weekly bestseller featured on CBS Mornings, and other books including his forthcoming memoir, “A Little Crazy” (September, 2024) a sequel to “Dear William” about mental health and finding purpose and joy.
LOOKING AHEAD
October 20: Annual ALL Youth trip to Carowinds/ Scarowinds October 27: LISTEN event with guest, David Magee November 1: 2025 Senior High Mission trip registration opens November 6: 2025 Confirmation registration opens (7th graders)
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.
