FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT • FEBRUARY 26, 2023 • 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 GREETING
INTROIT
For Everyone Born — arr. Tom Trenney
For everyone born, a place at the table, for everyone born, clean water and bread, a shelter, a space, a safe place for growing, for everyone born, a star overhead. And God will delight when we are creators of justice and joy, compassion and peace; yes, God will delight when we are creators of justice and joy!
†CALL TO WORSHIP
Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness, and was tempted as we are, yet without sin, give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit. And as you know our weakness, so that we may know your power to save, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#339 Come, Sinners, to the Gospel Feast — HURSLEY
†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.
(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 Don’t Feel No-Ways Tired — arr. Jacqueline B. Hairston
SCRIPTURE — Luke 14:7-14 (pew Bible New Testament page 94)
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Disciple: A Humble Heart”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
How Lovely are Your Dwellings (from A German Requiem) — Johannes Brahms How lovely are your dwellings, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs and yearns for the courts of the Lord; my body and soul rejoice in the living God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house, those who praise you forever more. (Psalm 84: 1, 2, 4, ) Sung in German.
†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 #427 Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life — GERMANY
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
Go Now In Peace — Robert Lau Go now in peace, and may God’s peace go with you. Believe and trust His holy word. Amen.
†POSTLUDE
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
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given in honor of Janet Ford and in celebration of her birthday by her husband Craig, their children, and grandchildren.
CRUCIFER
Joanna Holden
TORCHBEARERS
Libby Holden
Meg Gilliam
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar
The Chancel Choir
Nicholas Davis, baritone
Jonathan Borton, piano
Barbara Lister-Sink, piano
Members of the Greensboro Symphony Master Chorale
The anthem texts are printed with permission. One License A-707342
By entering the Sanctuary, you grant to Centenary United Methodist Church unrestricted right to use and publish, transmit or telecast photographs or likenesses that might be taken of you this day for use in communications related to the church.
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 • FEBRUARY 26, 2023
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
IN MEMORIAM
Charles Wood Chatham Sr. January 27 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.
SCHOLARSHIPS
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 1
Centenary offers three types of endowed scholarships:
•T.B. and Mary Neal Dixson Foundation: Scholarships for Centenary members or staff who are full-time students
•Cabaniss Fund Scholarship: For needy and deserving students engaged in or planning for ministry
•Emma Kapp Ogburn Memorial Fund: Scholarships for Methodist residents of Forsyth County pursuing education for Methodist ministry or a Christian education ministry vocation
The deadline to submit all applications is April 1. Please note that the document submission process has changed this year. Find more detailed guidelines and download forms at www.centenaryws.org/resources. Contact Stacy Holley for more information (sholley@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1359).
ADULT FORMATION
WEEKLY LENTEN DEVOTIONS
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
STEPHEN MINISTRY
A Care Receiver writes, “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) or Rev. Susannah Pittman (336-724-6311 ext. 1357)
HEALING HANDS KNITTING CIRCLE
Healing Hands Knitting Circle is resuming its monthly gathering on the first Monday of the month at 10 am in the Gathering Room. Our next gathering is March 6. All knitters, beginners and experienced alike, are welcome to join! For questions or more information, please contact Dianne Moore or Rev. Susannah Pittman
CALL TO CARE MINISTRY
We are excited to launch the “Call to Care” calling ministry. This ministry will provide regular, intentional communication to ensure that our congregation is connected, cared for, and is aware of what is happening in the life of Centenary. If you are interested in serving as a caller for this ministry, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman by March 6.
CHAPEL REFLECTION
Our Chapel is available for prayer and reflection during regular church office hours. As we journey through Lent, booklets containing a selection of psalms and prayers for Lent will be available at the entrances to the Chapel. For more information, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman
CARENOTES
MISSIONS
WINTER OVERFLOW SHELTER
NOW – MARCH 28
This vital ministry provides persons experiencing homelessness a meal and a warm place to sleep, and we are honored to be a partner with City with Dwellings in this effort. Centenary furnishes transportation from the check-in site to the overflow shelter on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings. We are in need of drivers and ridealongs. Ride-alongs help with boarding the busses and serve as an extra pair of eyes for drivers. To volunteer as a driver or a ride-along, please contact Rev. Meg Peters (mpeters@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1361) or sign-up on our Engage Page.
MUSIC & THE ARTS
BRAHMS’ GERMAN REQUIEM
Please join us on today at 4:00 pm as the Centenary Chancel Choir and the Greensboro Symphony Master Chorale present this masterwork in our sanctuary. A requiem for humankind, Brahms’ opus focuses on bringing comfort to the living soul, a perfect accompaniment to our most contemplative of seasons: Lent. Admission is free.
SIGN UP NOW FOR CHILDREN’S
MUSIC & ART CAMP
JULY 17 - 20, 2023
CMA Camp is offered for infants through rising 5th grade. Offerings include singing, handbells, handchimes, creative movement, art, Kindermusik, and more! Snack is provided daily. The week ends with a camper-led worship service on Thursday at 12:30 pm followed by refreshments. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled week! The QR code below will direct you to the registration form. For more information, please contact Music Ministry Assistant, Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.org).
LENTEN NOONTIME MUSIC SERIES
TUESDAYS • FEBRUARY 28-APRIL 4
NOON • SANCTUARY
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! As we journey through Confirmation and this season of preparation for lent, we invite you to join us as we take a long, loving look at Jesus’ life as we see it lived out through Luke’s eyes.
LOOKING AHEAD
March 4: LTN Fundraiser
March 10-12: Rest Retreat to the Trinity Center
May 5 & 6: Confirmation Retreat to Blowing Rock
May 21: Confirmation Sunday
June 4: Graduation Recognition Sunday
June 18-25: Mountain T.O.P (ALL youth) Mission
Trip
July 15-22: YouthWorks Senior High Mission Trip
July 24-27: Vacation Bible School
August 27: Fall Kick-Off!
LOVE THY NEIGHBOR DINNER FUNDRAISER
SATURDAY • MARCH 4 • 6 - 8 PM
MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
The 17th annual Love Thy Neighbor Dinner, Live Auction and Paddle Raise is on Saturday, March 4 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 Love Thy Neighbor team.
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
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
CENTENARY
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
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! To guide our First Fifteen this Lent, we will use the devotional, “The Sanctuary for Lent 2023”, written by Josh Scott. Each daily devotional contains a Scripture passage, a brief reflection, and life application questions. To sign up to receive this devotional electronically, please use the Weekly Email Blasts link under the Engage tab and select “First 15 Daily Devotionals” from the list. If you have signed-up before or already receive the First Fifteen, you will automatically be on the list. Limited copies of the devotional will also be available on campus.
LENTEN STUDY
THURSDAYS • FEBRUARY 23-MARCH 30
10AM • ROOM 112 EAST BUILDING
SUNDAYS • FEBRUARY 26-APRIL 2
10AM • MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
All are invited to join Rev. Susannah Pittman as we journey through Lent exploring the Scriptures and spiritual practices of the season. This six-week class will be offered on Sunday and Thursday mornings. Registration is not required, and there are no additional resources to purchase. For questions or more information, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman (spittman@centenary-ws.org).
CareNotes offer inspirational booklets on a variety of topics to help individuals heal mind, body, and spirit. The Congregational Care ministry has a collection of CareNotes on topics ranging from navigating grief and loss, dealing with depression and anxiety, issues specific to adolescents, and more. For more information, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
PLAYDATE
SATURDAY • MARCH 11
Come play and enjoy a time of fellowship! Infants through 2 year olds and their grown ups are invited to a playdate at the church on Saturday, February 11. Park in the 4 ½ Street parking lot and enter the building at the 4 ½ Street entrance for the auditorium. We’ll meet in the first floor playspace of the East Building. Drop in anytime between 9 and 10:30 am. Friends are welcome! For more information contact Kate May (kmay@centenaryws.org/ext. 1331)
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL THIS SUMMER WILL BE STELLAR!
JULY 24-27
Vacation Bible School 2023 is going to be an out of this world adventure, but for us to truly shine Jesus’ light brightly we need lots of amazing adults to shine the light of Jesus into the kids who participate. If you would like to help share the good news with our kids that “God loves them, and so do we,” then reach out to Kate May kmay@centenary-ws.org/ ext. 1331) and let her know that you want to help make VBS Stellar this summer! There is a job for everyone!
Join us in the Sanctuary each Tuesday of Lent at Noon for a 30-minute musical presentation. Each week will feature a different musician or ensemble. Musicians include the New Day Singers of Greensboro, Joshua Sobel (Centenary’s Organ Scholar), and Corine Brouwer (Winston-Salem Symphony Concertmaster). 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.
JOIN THE CENTENARY CHANCEL CHOIR
Do you look good in blue?! Consider joining the Centenary Chancel Choir! The choir is the heart of the weekly 11 am worship service and sings a wide range of choral repertoire. Open to high-schoolers and adults of all ages, the choir includes members from a variety of musical backgrounds and levels of experience. All are welcome and no audition is required! Join us as we seek to equip and empower the congregation to lift its collective heart and voice in worship and praise. Rehearsals every Thursday from 7:00 – 8:30 pm.
YOUTH MINISTRY
EVENTS
•February 26: Middle School Youth: 5:00 – 6:15 pm; All Youth Dinner: 6:15-6:45 pm; Senior High Youth: 6:45 – 8:00 pm
•February 28 – Youth Basketball @6:00 pm
•March 1: Confirmation: SHEPARD NIGHT (6:00 pm – 7:30 pm) – Temple Emmanuel
•March 4: LTN Dinner
•March 5: LTN
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.
We are grateful for your support of Love Thy Neighbor!
OPEN FLOWER DATES
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 several open dates available: July 2, 2023, and August 6, 2023. If you are interested, please contact Paige Morgan Foy pmorganfoy@centenary-ws.org).
STARTING POINT NEXT CLASS SUNDAY • MARCH 26
On March 26, Centenary will be offering a Starting Point class for anyone who is interested in learning more about our church and those who are considering joining our church family. This will be a wonderful opportunity for you to get to know us and others who are interested in joining Centenary. Lunch and childcare will be provided. If you are interested in attending, please let Rev. Meg Peters know.
