SCRIPTURE — Romans 12:1-8
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON OFFERTORY
THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • AUGUST 27, 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
You Are Holy (Prince of Peace) — Marc Imboden and Tammi Rhoton
GREETING
†CALL TO WORSHIP
I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise;
I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and faithfulness; For you have exalted your name and your word above everything. On the day I called, you answered me, you strengthened my life. All the rulers of the earth shall praise you, O Lord, For they have heard the words of your mouth; And they shall sing of the ways of the Lord, For great is the glory of the Lord.
Psalm 138:1-5
You Are My Vision
You are my vision O King of my heart
Nothing else satisfies only You Lord
You are my best thought by day or by night
Waking or sleeping Your presence my light
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
Can’t You See the Light — Lydia Berger
†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
Receive these gifts, O Lord. May they be magnified by your Holy Spirit to teach your children about your love, to show the world your grace, to bring healing to the broken hearted, to comfort the grieving, to embrace the needy, and to praise your name. We offer ourselves as instruments of your peace to the world. We offer our talents, our time, and our gifts to you. Use us as you will. Deploy us for your benevolence. Transform our hearts as we transform the world. We pray this in your Holy name. Amen.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
You Are Mine
First Verse: I will come to you in the silence I will lift you from all your fear You will hear My voice I claim you as My choice Be still, and know I am near
†HYMN
You Are My Vision — Hull, Byrne and Rend Collective
†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.
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
You are Mine — Peter DeAngelo and Robert Marcucc
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
Stillness (Speak to Me) — Aaron Shust
†CELEBRATION MUSIC
Perfectly Right — Lydia Berger
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
You are my wisdom You are my true word
I ever with You and You with me Lord
You’re my great Father and I’m Your true son
You dwell inside me together we’re one
You are my battle-shield sword for the fight
You are my dignity You’re my delight
You’re my soul’s shelter and You’re my high tower
Come raise me heavenward O Power of my power
I don’t want riches or man’s empty praise
You’re my inheritance now and always
You and You only the first in my heart
High King of heaven my treasure You are
High King of heaven when victory’s won May I reach heaven’s joy O bright heaven’s Son
Heart of my own heart whatever befall
Still be my vision O Ruler of all
Heart of my own heart whatever befall
Still be my vision O Ruler of all
Second Verse: I am hope for all who are hopeless I am eyes for all who long to see In the shadows of the night, I will be your light Come and rest in Me
Chorus:
Do not be afraid, I am with you I have called you each by name Come and follow Me I will bring you home I love you and you are mine
Third Verse: I am strength for all the despairing Healing for the ones who dwell in shame All the blind will see, the lame will all run free And all will know My name
Chorus
Fourth Verse: I am the Word that leads all to freedom I am the peace the world cannot give I will call your name, embracing all your pain Stand up, now, walk, and live Chorus
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Susannah Pittman Assoc. Minister
LITURGIST
Tammy Pollock, Director of Youth Ministries
MUSIC
Eddie Pollock, Band Leader
Lydia Berger • Nathan Clark • Sam Clark
Matthew Epermanis • Joanna Holden • Jacob
Hollar • Larry Hollar • Amy Goodman • Lilly Robbins
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 • AUGUST 27, 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.
SAVE THE DATE
“NOURISH” BEGINS SEPTEMBER 13
Our all-new Wednesday evening dinner and programming night is coming soon! We begin with dinner and an open house on Wednesday, September 13.
5:15PM - 6:00PM
Church-wide (Register each week on Realm.)
6:00PM - 7:00PM
• Children’s Music & Arts Programming in the East Building
• United Methodist Beliefs: Leveraging Our Past to Chart a Path for the Future with Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III Adult Study • September 20 – October 25 Dining Room
• The Why’s of Faith: Why God? Why Christ? Why Pain & Suffering? with Ken Carlson Adult Study• November 1, 8, & 15 6-7 pm • Dining Room
• 3 Big Questions That Shape You with Tammy Pollock Youth Study • 6th-12th Graders September 20 - November 15
6-7 pm • Youth Commons
• Calling New Handbell Ringers!
Adventures in Handbell Ringing - a Beginning Basics Bells class - is offered for all adults ages 18 to 88 who want to learn how to ring and learn about handbells. The class will be held from 6 to 7 pm on Wednesday evenings (come at 5:15 for dinner) beginning September 13.
• Hands-on Mission Project
September 13 • Snack bags for LEAD Girls
To learn more about “Nourish” programming and register for dinner, please scan our QR code or visit www.centenary-ws.org/nourish.
UPCOMING CHURCH-WIDE EVENTS
• A Bed & A Book
September 16 • 10 am - 1 pm • Dash Stadium
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
• 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
1 & 3 WEDNESDAYS • 9:30 AM-11AM
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 6-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 Pittman
BETTY AND JIM HOLMES FOOD BANK GARDEN
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY BIBLE SUNDAY SEPTEMBER
10
Every year we have the privilege of gifting our kindergarteners and third graders a bible of their own. If you know of a kindergartener or third grader who has not received any information about this, please be in touch with Anna Thomas athomas@ centenary-ws.org/ext 1332). Families can choose between the 9 am or 11 am worship service and registration closes Wednesday, September 6.
WORSHIP LEADER CELEBRATION
SEPTEMBER 10 • NOON – 1:30 PM
4th – 12th graders, with at least one adult, are invited to enjoy a pizza lunch together while we celebrate all 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.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
GRIEFSHARE
THURSDAYS • SEPTEMBER 7 – DECEMBER 7
4-6 PM • ROOM 112 EAST BUILDING
GriefShare is a 13-week grief recovery support group that offers comfort, support, and practical tips for navigating grief. Sessions include support group discussion and videos that feature some of the nation’s foremost Christian experts on grief and recovery topics. To register, please visit centenaryws.org/church-events. For questions or more information, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman
STEPHEN MINISTRY
Stephen Ministers are trained to provide care for those who are hurting or grieving through a one-on-one relationship. A Stephen Minister is a caring presence to provide emotional and spiritual support. “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
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).
MEN’S MINISTRY
THURSDAY MORNING FELLOWSHIP
SEPTEMBER 7 • 7:30AM-8:30AM
COMMUNITY ROOM
For September our speaker will be Ruth Cole Burcaw, Executive Director of City with Dwellings. You may enter the East Building from the 4 1⁄2 Street or 5th Street entrances. 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 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).
A great way to alleviate hunger in our community is to volunteer at the Food Bank Garden. Summer is our busiest time of 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
SAMARITAN MINISTRIES
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
JOIN THE CHANCEL CHOIR THIS FALL
Join us as we seek to equip and empower the congregation to lift its collective heart and voice in worship and praise. We rehearse each Thursday from 7:00 -8:30 pm. NO audition is required! Please contact Director of Music Ministries, Jonathan Emmons jemmons@centenary-ws.org), if you have any questions.
ART IN THE ATRIUM SEASON OPENING: NICHOLAS BURTON BRAGG
Art in the Atrium opens its season today with an exhibit by artist Nicholas Burton Bragg. The exhibit is on display until October 27. Join us at our artist’s reception on Sunday, September 10 from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm in the Atrium Gallery and Commons to meet Nick and hear about his tremendous work.
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.
CHILDREN’S MUSIC & ART WEDNESDAYS THIS FALL
Children’s Music & Art is now part of NOURISH every Wednesday, beginning September 13! Programming includes activities for children ages 2 through 5th grade. Register via the QR Code below. Email Music Ministries Assistant Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.org) with any questions.
CALLING EXPERIENCED HANDBELL RINGERS!
Centenary’s adult handbell choir, the Carillonneurs, is looking for a few experienced ringers to join our group. If you’ve rung in a choir in the past, please consider joining us this fall. Contact Camille Jones at camillemurphyjones@gmail.com for more information.
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH SEPTEMBER MEETING & LUNCHEON MONDAY • SEPTEMBER 11 • NOON MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
“Methodist Women Boldly Make History”
The United Women in Faith invite you to their September meeting and luncheon with featured guest speaker, Dr. Ashley Boggan D. Dr. Boggan serves as the General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church, and she is the author of several books on United Methodist history and women’s studies. Reservations are due by September 3 to your circle leader or if not a UWF member, contact Holly Gilliam hgilliam@triad.rr.com).
AN EVENING WITH DR. ASHLEY BOGGAN D. MONDAY • SEPTEMBER 11 • 6:30 PM
MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
“Methodist Women Boldly Make History: Continuing the Journey”
Join us for an evening with Dr. Ashley Boggan D., General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church. In her talk, Dr. Boggan will explore the history of women in Methodism, the challenges and opportunities facing women in the church today, and the importance of preserving and promoting United Methodist history
A limited quantity of her book “Nevertheless: American Methodists and Women’s Rights” will be available for signing and at a discounted price of $10. This event is free and open to the public.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today 10:00-10:45 am: Sunday School Open House 5:00–7:00 pm: Fall Kickoff!
September 3
No Youth Tonight!
FALL KICKOFF SUNDAY • AUGUST 27 • 5-7 PM
Join us for BBQ, drinks, yard games, friendly competitions, music a photo booth to capture the moment! And of course lots of PRIZES!
EVERYONE WEAR YOUR BEST SCHOOL SWAG and represent!
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!
LOOKING AHEAD
September 17: Love Thy Neighbor!
September 29: Sixers!
October 8: Love Thy Neighbor!
October 20: Sixers!
October 22: Carowinds/Scarowinds
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.
FRIDAY • SEPTEMBER 1
Genesis 1-3 & Psalm 1
SATURDAY • SEPTEMBER 2
Genesis 4-7 & Psalm 2
SUNDAY • SEPTEMBER 3
Genesis 8-11 & Psalm 3