SCRIPTURE — Matthew 16:24-25
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON OFFERTORY
SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • SEPTEMBER 24, 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
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.
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
Put a Little Love in Your Heart — De Shannon, Holiday, Myers
†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
†HYMN
#437
This Is My Song — FINLANDIA
†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.
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.
#2223 They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love — ST. BRENDAN’S
†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 Susannah Pittman 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
ANNOUNCEMENTS • SEPTEMBER 24, 2023
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
Today we celebrate the baptism of Beau Knight Watson, son of Benjamin and Emily Watson.
IN MEMORIAM
William “Bill” Madison Satterwhite, Jr. August 25, 2023
Radford “Rad” Messick Moore September 6, 2023
The ministers and members of Centenary Church extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved families and pray they may know the comfort and peace of our Heavenly Father.
SAVE THE DATE “NOURISH”
Our all-new Wednesday evening dinner and programming night has begun! Learn more about programming and sign up by scanning the QR code.
To learn more about “Nourish” programming and register for dinner, please scan our QR code or visit www.centenaryws.org/nourish.
UPCOMING CHURCH-WIDE EVENTS
• Worship in the Park
October 1 • 11 am • Triad Park in Kernersville
• Blessing of the Animals
October 8 • 3 pm • North Lawn
• Mission Fair
October 15 • 10 am • Memorial Auditorium
ADULT FORMATION
SALT WOMEN’S BOOK AND BIBLE STUDY
1ST & 3RD WEDNESDAYS • 9:30 AM-11AM
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
BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 6 • COMMUNITY ROOM
All women are invited to join us as we delve into the Bible study, “Romans: Good News that Changes Everything” by Melissa Spoelstra. Facilitated by Amy Lawson, this six-session study explores the Good News found in Romans to encourage and transform us. Participant workbooks can be purchased through Cokesbury or other online retailers. For questions or more information, please contact Rev.
Susannah PittmanPOP UP GROUPS
Join us in October for a 3-week small group experience focusing on fellowship, faith, and outreach. For more information about the groups, including dates, selected outreach projects, and registration, please visit the Nourish page on our website. For questions, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman
MISSIONS
SAMARITAN MINISTRIES
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
JOIN THE CHILDREN’S MINISTRY TEAM!
Are you looking to get more involved here at Centenary? Our Children’s Ministry has endless opportunities to use your gifts and volunteer. We have created a “Volunteer Menu” that outlines different volunteer opportunities. We have tons of onetime events, seasonal ministry opportunities, we need lots of behind the scenes help and we are always looking for those who love working with kids! If you are interested or have questions, reach out to Kate May (kmay@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1331) or Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws. org/ext. 1332) and check out the volunteer menu by scanning the QR code.
TOUGH QUESTIONS
OCTOBER 15 • 5-6:45 PM
“Where are the dinosaurs in the Bible? Are the people in the Bible real people? Why did my dog die?” Kids ask great questions about faith, but they are not always easy to answer! We are inviting parents to a night where Glenn Kinken and Kate May will help you tackle some of these tough questions of faith so that you can feel empowered to have great conversations with your kids. The evening will include dinner and table conversation. Dinner and activities will be available for kids at the same time so you won’t need to get a babysitter! Cost is $10/grown up, no cost for kids. Register now through Realm or by using the QR code.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
GRIEFSHARE LOSS OF A SPOUSE SEMINAR
TODAY • 2-4PM
ROOM 112 EAST BUILDING
Congregational Care invites you to GriefShare Loss of a Spouse seminar. This event includes a video featuring some of the nation’s foremost Christian experts on grief and recovery as well as group discussion. To register, please visit Centenary United Methodist Church Loss of a Spouse - GriefShare For questions or more information, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman
REFRESH MIDDAY PRAYER SERVICE
TUESDAYS IN OCTOBER
NOON-12:30 PM • CHAPEL
Through Scripture and prayer, this service offers a time to be refreshed and renewed through God’s grace. For more information, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman
SHINING LIGHT AND STEPHEN MINISTRY: “THE GRACE OF ANGER”
SUNDAY • OCTOBER 22 • 5 PM MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
The Shining Light on Mental Health committee and Stephen Ministry invite you to this special program, as Dr. Gary Chapman speaks on his new book, Anger: Taming a Powerful Emotion. Please register for childcare by October 15 with Rev. Susannah Pittman. For questions or more information, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman
STEPHEN MINISTRY
Our families are sources of great joy, but they can sometimes also cause worry and conflict. If you need someone to listen to your concerns and to support you as you navigate these delicate situations, your Stephen Ministers are here for you. Our purpose is to provide Christ-centered, nonjudgmental, confidential care to those in need.
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).
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
CONSPIRARE IN RESIDENCE
SUNDAY • OCTOBER 15
11 AM IN WORSHIP • 4PM IN CONCERT
Join us as Grammy-award winning professional choir Conspirare presents a FREE concert on October 15, at 4pm. The program will include a collaboration with nearly 100 additional singers including the Chancel Choir and Centenary’s new Youth Choir Collective. A small group drawn from the full choir will join us in worship at 11am. Don’t miss a day full of transformative choral singing!
CALLING ALL ARTISTS!
The Music & Arts Ministry invites submissions from both youth and adults 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@centenary-ws.org), for submission instructions.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today
10:00 am: Sunday school (4th floor Youth Commons)
5:00 pm: Middle School youth (Middle school room)
6:15 pm: All youth dinner (4th floor Youth Commons)
6:45 pm: Senior High youth (Senior high room)
October 1
11:00 am: Worship in the Park at Triad Park in Kernersville. All youth and their families are invited to join us for our church wide worship. We will be serving fried chicken...you bring your favorite sides to share.
No Youth Groups TONIGHT!
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
Join us every Sunday this fall at 10:00 am on the fourth floor (@Youth Commons) for ALL youth Sunday School. There will be breakfast snacks, coffee & drinks, and fellowship before the lesson every week!
God is a God who loves both unity and diversity. In the book of Revelation John shares “and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language...”
We are a diverse people! Join us as we figure out who we are and how we can be a people of unity in a world that is completely at odds with itself. Each of us, and our identities, are important to the Kingdom of God being revealed
NOURISH YOUTH BIBLE STUDY Life is all about questions.
And, WOW, there are so many questions. Questions about the world. Questions about the past. Questions about the present. Questions about the future - and more pointedly YOUR future. Join us each Wednesday this fall to explore all these questions and learn to embrace them.
Put it in your calendar now to be a part of this awesome question asking and answer seeking Bible study each Wednesday night at part of Nourish (our church’s new Wednesday night program) dinner is from 5-6pm in the Auditorium followed by our study on the 4th floor (@senior high room) from 6-7pm.
All are welcome!!
LOOKING AHEAD
September 29: Sixers! Goes to Celebration Station October 22: Scarowinds/Carowinds annual trip! December 6: Confirmation Parents Orientation January 3, 2024: Confirmation begins!
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.
LOVE THY NEIGHBOR
VOLUNTEER PROVIDERS NEEDED AT THE LOVE THY NEIGHBOR MEDICAL CLINIC NOON - 2:00 PM • SEPTEMBER 17, OCTOBER 8, NOVEMBER 5, DECEMBER 3
You may volunteer for any one or all of the events. Let Patsy Dwiggins know if you are interested in being on our volunteer list. For more information contact Dr. Eddie Pollock (kagamac@msn.com or Patsy Dwiggins (patsydwiggins@gmail.com).
MONDAY • SEPTEMBER 25
Exodus 25-27 & Psalm 25
TUESDAY • SEPTEMBER 26
Exodus 28-29 & Psalm 26
WEDNESDAY • SEPTEMBER 27
Exodus 30-31 & Psalm 27
THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 28
Exodus 32-34 & Psalm 28
FRIDAY • SEPTEMBER 29
Exodus 35-40 & Psalm 29
SATURDAY • SEPTEMBER 30
Leviticus 1-4 & Psalm 30
SUNDAY • OCTOBER 1
Leviticus 5-7 & Psalm 31