WELCOME TO WORSHIP
SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT • FEBRUARY 25, 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.
† Please stand as you are able
PRELUDE
I’m Goin’ Up A-Yonder — Walter Hawkins, arr. Martin Sirvatka
GREETING
INTROIT
Kyrie — Antonin Dvorak, arr. Ruth Elaine Schram
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
†CALL TO WORSHIP
When we are lost and alone
You Lord, are with us
When the path seems too treacherous
You Lord, are guiding us
When we have nowhere to go
You Lord, are our safe haven
When we are found
You Lord, rejoice at our return
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#154 All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name — CORONATION
†AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And 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, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. 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. 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.
BAPTISM
BAPTISMAL RESPONSE
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 George, 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 George with a community of love and forgiveness, that he may grow in his service to others. We will pray for him, that he may be a true disciple who walks in the way that leads to life.
HYMN
#191 Jesus Loves Me — JESUS LOVES ME
(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
Psalm 23 — Paul Basler
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me, he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk, through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table for me in the presence of my enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in teh house of the Lord. Amen.
SCRIPTURE — Luke 15:3-7
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Be Like Jesus: Seek Others”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
Does the World Say? — Kyle Pederson
Does the world say that you don’t look the right way? Does the world say that you’re just not enough? Does the world say that this isn’t the right spot? When it wants you there but not here and tells you all the things you are not. I’ve been there, too. It’s hard to shut my ears to the noise. I don’t stand a chance if it’s me in this world all alone. The chatter is deafening, too overwhelming, hard to find my way home. So take my hand...don’t let go. Does the world say that you don’t think the right things? Does the world say that you’re not worth the time? Does the world laugh when you fall, when you cry? Does it turn the other way every time you walk by? I’m growing, learning, loving, becoming. So take my hand...don’t let go.
†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
Almighty God, giver of every good and perfect gift, teach us to render to you all that we have and all that we are, that we may praise you, not with our lips only, but with our whole lives, turning the duties, the sorrows, and the joys of all our days into a living sacrifice to you; through our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN
#549 Where Charity and Love Prevail — ST. PETER
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
Ascription of Praise — David Schwoebel
Now to him who’s able to keep you from falling, and to present you without blemish before the presence of the glory. With rejoicing, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Be the glory, majesty, dominion, and the authority, before all time. Now and forever. Amen.
†POSTLUDE
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Meg Peters, Assoc. Minister
LITURGIST
Tammy Pollock, Director of Youth Ministries
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar
The Chancel Choir
Winston-Salem Choral Academy
By
The anthem texts are printed with permission. One License A-707342
CRUCIFER
Bo Linker
TORCHBEARERS
Stella Jane Pierce
Thomas Pierce
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given to the Glory of God and in honor of Janet Ford as a celebration of her birthday by her husband Craig, their children and grandchildren.
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
Reverend
Mary
Reverend R. Craig Ford ext. 1353
Reverend Kate May ext. 1331
Associate Minister with Children
Reverend Meg Peters ext. 1361
Assoc. Minister of Evangelism, Engagement & Missions
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
ANNOUNCEMENTS • FEBRUARY 25, 2024
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
Today we celebrate the baptism of George Nick Turner, son of John Turner and Samantha Perrotta Turner and brother of Calvin Mark Turner.
ADULT FORMATION
THE “WHYS” OF FAITH SUNDAYS • 9:45 AM • THE CHAPEL
Join the Chapel Class for a continuation of last fall’s Nourish series, taught by Ken Carlson. Explore in depth the big “Why?” questions of the Christian faith: Why God? Why Christ? Why pain and suffering? The Chapel Class is a long-standing Sunday school class comprised mostly of senior adults, but we welcome adults of all ages! We hope you’ll join us as we ponder, discuss, question and encourage each other in faith.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
TOUGH QUESTIONS: SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD’S MENTAL HEALTH MARCH 17 • 5-6:45 PM
MISSIONS
CURAMERICAS
Make a difference - volunteer abroad or from home to support Curamericas Global. Since 1983, Curamericas Global (formerly Andean Rural Health Care) has saved the lives of moms and their babies around the world, including here in NC.
Join Curamericas Global on a work team abroad in summer/fall 2024. Travel to Bolivia, Guatemala, or Kenya; volunteers will decide where and when would be best to travel. Costs range from $2500 - $4000 depending on airfare, dates, and size of the group. Use your skills or learn new skills to work alongside communities. Anyone can make a difference.
If interested in this opportunity, contact Rev. Meg Peters (mpeters@centenary.org) Stay tuned for information about an interest meeting in the coming months.
WEST VIRGINIA MISSION TRIP
18th ANNUAL LOVE THY NEIGHBOR FUNDRAISER
The 18th annual Love Thy Neighbor Dinner, Live Auction and Paddle Raise is on Saturday, March 9 at 6:00 pm in Memorial Auditorium. This annual event supports our Love Thy Neighbor ministry which builds relationships and loving care with our community in downtown Winston-Salem. Reserve your seat for our yummy dinner, prepared by Chef Donald and served by our youth. Our Love Thy Neighbor leaders will share their heart and stories of this ministry so that you might know how you, too, can help us love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
Tickets are $50 per seat or $500 to sponsor a full table of 10 seats. Tickets are refundable if you cancel on or before the Sunday, February 26 registration deadline. If you purchase seats for guests, you do not need to register them by name. Gluten-free meals are available with your registration.
For more information about the event, please contact Tammy Pollock. For help with registration and payment, please contact Stacy Holley.
We are grateful for your support of Love Thy Neighbor!
LOOKING AHEAD
March 8: Sixers! Goes Roller Skating
March 9: Love Thy Neighbor Fundraiser
May 19: Confirmation Sunday
CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
646 W. FIFTH STREET • WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27101
HTTPS://CENTENARY-WS.ORG • 336-724-6311
We hope you’ll join us for a great evening as we listen to Erin Bonsall, Soren Johnson and Megan MartinWall share their expertise on the topics surrounding your child’s mental health. 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.
STUDENTS WITH FULL BELLIES ARE MORE SUCCESSFUL
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 throughout 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! If you’re interested in getting involved, please contact Anna Thomas athomas@centenary-ws. org/ext 1332).
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
STEPHEN MINISTRY
Hearts and Cupids are everywhere, but since my husband left, they only accentuate my pain and alienation. It seems that everybody is happy but me. My Stephen Minister listens to my lonely feelings and walks alongside me as hurt. She’s helping me feel valuable again.
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).
JUSTICE & RECONCILIATION
HOW CAN WE CHANGE THE STORY?
COMMUNITY OVERVIEW
TODAY • 5:00PM-6:30PM MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
Join us for a monthly series of panel discussions about social issues impacting our community. Guest panelists will explain critical issues facing Winston-Salem & Forsyth County - and how we can help make a difference.
We are planning a trip to Charleston, West Virginia April 21-27. The work we do will depend on the skill level of those who join us, but it may look like building wheelchair ramps, floor repairs, painting, simple plumbing fixes, etc. If you are interested in joining us for this trip, please email Rev. Meg Peters (mpeters@centenary.org).
RISE AGAINST HUNGER
Centenary is participating in Rise Against Hunger on March 10 from 2-4 pm in the Community Room. Set up will start at 12:30 pm. We look forward to packing as many meals as possible. Contact Rev. Meg Peters mpeters@centenary-ws.org), if you have any questions.
MUSIC & ARTS
LENTEN NOONTIME SERIES
TUESDAYS • FEBRUARY 20 – MARCH 26
12:00 – 12:30 PM • SANCTUARY
Join us in the Sanctuary each Tuesday in Lent at noon for a 30-minute musical presentation. Each week will feature a different musician or ensemble. This week we welcome tenor Craig Collins. Join us as we prepare our hearts during this season of reflection and contemplation. For questions or more information, please contact Jonathan Emmons (jemmons@centenary-ws.org). No registration required.
SUBSCRIBE
TO SIGHTINGS & SOUNDINGS
June 2: Graduation Recognition Sunday
June 16-22: Mountain T.O.P. ALL youth in mission trip
July 20-28: YouthWorks Senior High Mission trip
July 29-August 1: Vacation Bible School
August 25: 2024 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.
EASTER EGG HUNT CANDY COLLECTION
On Easter Sunday, March 31, there will be an Easter Egg Hunt at 10 am on the front lawn of the church for kids of all ages (there will be no Sunday School for K-5th graders on this day)! To get ready for the Easter Egg Hunt, we are collecting small, individually wrapped, non-chocolate candy that would fit in an Easter egg through March 10. If you’d like to participate, you can donate a bag towards all the fun! You can drop off candy at the 4 ½ Street or 5th Street reception desks.
The newest issue of Centenary’s monthly Music & Arts magazine will soon be here! Subscribe via the QR code to receive your copy in your inbox each month. You can also find Sightings & Soundings on Centenary’s website (Music & Arts’ page) or pick up a printed copy from the magazine racks around campus or in the Music Suite.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today 10:00 am: Youth Sunday school
5:00 pm: Middle School youth group
6:15 pm: All youth dinner - $3 per person 6:45 pm: Senior High youth
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!
Paul tells us in scripture to “pray without ceasing”. How in the world are we supposed to do that? And, if we’re honest, how do we even pray? Sometimes it seems so hard to know what we should say and does God respond to our prayers? These are the things we will discuss in Sunday school throughout February. If you’ve ever struggled to pray or simply want to grow your prayer life, we hope you come be with us each Sunday morning.
MONDAY • FEBRUARY 26
Jeremiah 40-44 & Psalm 24
TUESDAY • FEBRUARY 27
Jeremiah 45-48 & Psalm 25
WEDNESDAY • FEBRUARY 28
Jeremiah 49-50 & Psalm 26
SUNDAY • MARCH 3
THURSDAY • FEBRUARY 29
Jeremiah 51-52 & Psalm 27
FRIDAY • MARCH 1 Lamentations 1-2 & Psalm 28
SATURDAY • MARCH 2 Lamentations 3 & Psalm 29
Lamentations 4-5 & Psalm 30
