SCRIPTURE — Romans 8:12-25
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON OFFERTORY
EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • JULY 23, 2023 • 9:00AM
THE COMMUNITY GATHERS
The gathering music signifies the beginning of worship. You are invited to be in a spirit of prayer and meditation. Please silence all mobile communication devices.
GATHERING MUSIC
GREETING
†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.
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
The Plow — Sarah Howell-Miller
†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
†HYMN
#420 Breathe on Me, Breath of God — TRENTHAM
†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.
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.
†HYMN
#500 Spirit of God, Descend upon my Heart — MORECAMBE
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
Emanuel — Kenneth Wilmot Sr. Emanuel, Emanuel, his name is called Emanuel. God with us, revealed in us. His name is called Emanuel. Let every heart prepare him room. O come, O come Emanuel. God with us, revealed in us. His name is called Emanuel.
†CELEBRATION MUSIC
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III
Senior Minister
LITURGIST
The Reverend Meg Peters, Assoc. Minister
MUSIC
Martha Bassett, vocals
Matt Kendrick, bass
Federico Pivetta, piano
Ken Wilmot, trumpet John Wilson, drums
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 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
ANNOUNCEMENTS • JULY 23, 2023
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
Today we celebrate the baptism of Layton Christopher Jackson and Eloise Catherine Jackson, children of Taylor and Ashton Jackson and siblings of Myers and Whit.
Sympathy is extended to Russ and Jan Cockman on the passing of Russ’s twin brother, Ben Cockman, on May 31, 2023.
Sympathy is extended to Jack Mitchell on the passing of his brother, Samuel Thomas Mitchell, on June 9, 2023.
IN MEMORIAM
Martha Bergen Van Zandt
July 2, 2023
The ministers and members of Centenary Church extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved familiy and pray they may know the comfort and peace of our Heavenly Father.
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
MEN’S MINISTRY
THURSDAY MORNING FELLOWSHIP
AUGUST 3 • 7:30 - 8:30 AM
COMMUNITY ROOM
Our August meeting will include guest speaker, John Willett. John has been with SEARCH Ministries for over 30 years in Greensboro teaching the Bible and helping people get started and grow in their faith. 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
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 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
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today 5 pm: Summer Sunday Supper & Study
July 24-27
Come help with VBS!
July 26 5:30 pm: College Bible Study
July 30 5 pm: Summer Sunday Supper & Study
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.
COLLEGE BIBLE STUDY!
Everyone loves Ted Lasso, so why not talk about all the great life lessons the show teaches us? Join us Wednesdays throughout the summer from 5:30 -7:00 pm in the Youth Commons, as we watch different episodes of Ted Lasso, explore how it relates to the bible, and what our lives can look like if we follow God’s most important commandments. Our youth ministry assistant, Andrew Epermanis, will be leading our discussions. Mark your calendars and plan to join this awesome discussion on July 12, July 26 and August 2.
SUMMER SUNDAY SUPPER & STUDY!
Join us for summer bible study in the Youth Commons from 5:00-6:30 pm. Cost is $3 per person, bring your Bible and your friends as we watch The CHOSEN and explore a new perspective of Jesus and the disciples!
LOOKING AHEAD
July 24-27: Vacation Bible School
August 18: Centenary night at the DASH
August 20: Love Thy Neighbor!
August 20: 9th Grade Promotion Party
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.
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).
SAVE THE DATE
“NOURISH” IS COMING TO WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
In September, you are invited to participate in “Nourish,” our all-new Wednesday evening dinner and programming night. We begin with an open house on Wednesday, September 13. Church-wide dinner is from 5:15 pm until 6:00 pm. Children’s Music, Youth and Adult programming will be from 6:00 pm until 7:00 pm. More information and dinner registration will be coming later in the summer.
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
“After my stroke, I lost the ability to drive. 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), Wilba Brady (336-723-6236), Rev. Craig Ford (336-724-6311 ext. 1353) or Rev. Susannah Pittman (336-724-6311 ext. 1357).
MUSIC & THE ARTS
SING IN SUMMER CHOIR
Do you love to sing but can’t attend weekly rehearsals? Participate in Summer Choir! Each Sunday from July 9 – August 13, come to the choir room at 9:30 am to grab a robe, participate in a short rehearsal and sing for the 11:00 worship. Please contact Director of Music Ministries, Jonathan Emmons (jemmons@centenary-ws.org), if you have any questions. See you there!
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.