NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • SEPTEMBER 29, 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.
PRELUDE
GREETING
INTROIT
All That Hath Life and Breath — René Clausen
All that hath life and breath praise ye the Lord. Shout to the Lord, Alleluia. Praise Him! Laud Him! Alleluia.
†OPENING PRAYER
O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#547 O Church of God, United — ELLACOMBE
†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.
†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
For He Is Our Peace — Philip W. J. Stopford
For this cause I bow my knee unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with the fullness of God. For he is our peace, who hath made both one.
SCRIPTURE — John 15:5-17
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Conversations across the Aisle: Breaking Down the Dividing Wall”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
God Be in My Head — K. Lee Scott God be in my head, and in my understanding. God be in mine eyes, and in my looking. God be in my mouth, and in my speaking. God be in my heart, and in my thinking. God be at my end, and my departing.
†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
God of all creation, source of every blessing: you have given us so much. As we bring our tithes and gifts to you this day, these seem so small by comparison, unless we see that we are truly called to give ourselves back to the world. May we be the ones who bring value in relationship with those around us. May we be the ones who show your light to the world. We pray all of this in the mighty name of Jesus, who came to help us see all we could be. Amen.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN
#557 Blest Be the Tie that Binds — DENNIS
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
Amen (from Geistliches Lied, Op. 30) — Johannes Brahms
†POSTLUDE
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III, Senior Minister
LITURGIST
The Reverend Meg Peters, Assoc. Minister
MUSIC
Michael Martinez & June Stegall, Conductors
Sam Howell, Music & Arts Intern
Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar
Jonathan Borton, Piano
The Chancel Choir
CRUCIFER
Jeannie Reed
TORCHBEARERS
Georgia Elliott Vida Kennedy
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given in memory of Mr. James A. Gray, Norwood and Pauline Gray Robinson, Bahnson Gray and Anne P. Gray by their families.
The Narthex Flowers are given in honor of Elizabeth Thompson White and John Hodge Gaiennie, married on September 28, 2024.
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 Oliver Helsabeck ext. 1357
Associate Minister for Congregational Care
Reverend Kate May ext. 1331
Associate Minister with Children
Reverend Meg Peters ext. 1361
Associate Minister of Outreach
Tammy Pollock ext. 1337 Director of Youth Ministries
Rick Gibbons ext. 1342 Congregational Care Assistant
Stacy Holley ext. 1359
Adult Discipleship Specialist & Pastoral Assistant
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
HTTPS://CENTENARY-WS.ORG • 336-724-6311
ANNOUNCEMENTS • SEPTEMBER 29, 2024
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CHURCH-WIDE EVENTS
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
OCTOBER 6 • 2PM
Bring your leashed or crated pets to the North Lawn for a time of fellowship and blessing for our animal companions! Contact Rev. Meg Peters (mpeters@ centenary-ws.org for more information.
ADULT FORMATION
FIRST FIFTEEN: WHAT’S NEXT?
MUSIC & ARTS
SUBSCRIBE TO SIGHTINGS & SOUNDINGS
NOURISH YOUTH BIBLE STUDY
‘THE WAY OF LOVE’
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
CENTENARY CARES: SHOWING CARE AND SHARING ENCOURAGEMENT FROM SHINING LIGHT ON MENTAL HEALTH
Nearly a year ago our congregation began an intentional practice of starting each day with scripture reading and prayer with the goal of reading the entire Old and New Testaments. The 2023-2024 readings end this month in the book of Revelation. We’ve put together a list of resources to help you get started with a new practice of reading and prayer. Most of these resources will be accessed online, but there will also be one printed reading plan available for pickup at the church and some printed devotional books you can order. For more information contact Stacy Holley sholley@ centenary-ws.org/ ext. 1359).
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
YOU CAN HELP FEED HUNGRY STUDENTS IN OUR AREA
Did you know that we partner with Brunson Elementary, Wiley Middle School, Reynolds High School and the Winston Salem Street School to help fill their food pantries? At Reynolds and the Winston Salem Street School, we help stock food pantries where students can “go shopping” for food at school to take home. At Brunson and Wiley, we partner with them through the Backpack Program. The school administration identifies students in need of food and enrolls them in the program. We purchase “backpacks” through Second Harvest Food bank – each one has two breakfasts and two lunches. If you’d like to partner with us in helping these students gain access to food over the weekends, you can do so through prayer, financial support, and volunteering to transport backpacks to schools! For more information, please contact Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1332).
SAVE THE DATE FOR TOUGH QUESTIONS:
TALKING TO KIDS ABOUT DEATH AND GRIEF
OCTOBER 20 • 5 - 6:45 PM
Sometimes we go through challenging circumstances that are outside our control. When those times affect us and involve challenges with mental health, and we wish to remain private, it is important that we know we are cared for, prayed for, and loved by our church family. Centenary Cares, a ministry of Shining Light on Mental Health, is a simple way that care and encouragement are extended from Centenary UMC. If someone you know is struggling or has a loved one struggling with mental health, submit the person’s name to Rev. Oliver Helsabeck Associate Minister for Congregational Care, ohelsabeck@centenary-ws. org/ext. 1357). A member of Shining Light will confidentially deliver a Centenary Cares bag to the recipient. More information can be found on the website under Congregational Care/Shining Light.
FOR AM WITH YOU: FACING LONELINESS IN A DISCONNECTED WORLD
SUNDAY • OCTOBER 13 • 5 PM MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM.
According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community, “social connection is as essential to our long-term survival as food and water. But today, loneliness is more widespread than other major health issues in the U.S. Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation is a major public health concern.” Loneliness pervades our society as people have lost connections for a variety of reasons and causes. Join Stephen Ministry and Shining Light on Mental Health for a special program. Bert Sanders, Chaplain at Arbor Acres, will lead the program, aimed at helping people navigate the challenges of loneliness and building and maintaining connections. Music will be provided by Art Bloom, Keith Byrd, and Zakiyyah Niang. For more information, contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck
MEN’S MINISTRY
THURSDAY MORNING FELLOWSHIP
October 3 • 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM COMMUNITY ROOM
We will gather in the second floor Catering Kitchen for coffee, biscuits, and fellowship. Then we move to the Community Room for prayer, announcements and a brief program. You may enter the East Building from the 4 1⁄2 Street or 5th Street entrances. This month we welcome Rev. Carter Ferguson, pastor of New Story Church, as our guest speaker. To learn more about Men’s Ministry at Centenary, contact Chris Munnelly, Tanner Robinson, Michael Rogers, or Tom Lawson.
Living through seasons of death and grief is hard enough to do as adults, but what about when we walk these seasons with our kids? Join us as we hear from a panel of experts including our own Oliver Helsabeck, resource folks from Trellis Supportive Care and others. 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.
ANGEL TREE HELPERS NEEDED
Can you believe it’s time to start preparing for Angel Tree? If you are interested in helping us with this amazing opportunity, we are looking for people to help plug in data, set up trees with angels on them, help people choose and sign out angels on Sunday mornings, organize gifts and pick up assistance! Contact Anna Thomas athomas@centenary-ws. org/ext. 1332) for more information.
MISSIONS
A BED & A BOOK
SATURDAY • OCTOBER 5 • 10 AM
Join us at the Dash Stadium as we partner with A Bed and A Book. We will be building beds from 10 am - Noon, hotdog lunch included. Email Rev. Meg Peters (mpeters@centenary-ws.org if you have any questions.
BLOOD DRIVE
TUESDAY • OCTOBER 8 • 12:30 PM - 5 PM COMMUNITY ROOM
Centenary is partnering with the Red Cross to host a blood drive. If you would like to sign up to donate blood, you may do so by scanning the QR code or visiting our website. If you cannot give blood but would like to volunteer, please email Rev. Meg Peters (mpeters@centenaryws.org).
Want to know the best way to keep up with what is happening in Music & Arts at Centenary? Subscribe to Sightings & Soundings via the QR code to receive the latest issue in your inbox! 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.
CHILDREN’S CREATIVE ARTS EXPERIENCE weaves visual arts into a diverse curriculum that encourages children ages 4 to 5th grade to develop a lifelong love of worship through the arts every Wednesday at 6:00 pm! Register via the QR Code.
All youth (6th-12th grades) are invited to join us as we explore what it means to follow the Way of Jesus. The way Jesus lived, and the way Jesus loved. We all know that scripture calls us to love God and love neighbor... however, together we will explore how to do just as Jesus did by spending each Wednesday looking at a word a week that will help us understand the Way of Jesus better. Those words? Turn. Learn. Pray. Worship. Bless. God. Rest. We are so excited to grow in our understanding of Jesus and how he invites us to live and hope you will be too!
ALL THINGS BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL: A NEIGHBORHOOD SHOWCASE is this year’s annual community art exhibit. We invite submissions from all youth and adults to be displayed in the Atrium and 4 ½ Street Galleries from November 10, 2024, to January 5, 2025. Contact Music Ministry Assistant, Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenaryws.org), for submission instructions.
THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF GRACE: AN ARTISTIC RESPONSE TO HYMNODY is a Nourish offering this fall (9/18-10/23)! Join this mixed media class for beginning to advanced artists and explore the beauty of hymns and how they inspire visual art. Register via the QR Code.
FAITH AND ARTISTRY: SEEKING THE SACRED IN CREATIVE EXPRESSION is a new painting and drawing class tailored to fit your schedule! With Monday night and Thursday morning tracks offered, choose the time that is best for you to discover the wealth of creative opportunities that faith inspires. To learn more and register, scan the QR Code.
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
SANCTUARY ORNAMENT
Centenary United Methodist United Women in Faith (UWF) are offering a limited-edition Centenary Sanctuary ornament. The ornaments are hand-painted and made of blown glass. They include a historically accurate depiction of Centenary’s Sanctuary stained-glass windows. The measurements are 5 ¾” (length) x 3” (width) x 3 ¼” (height).
The ornaments are scheduled to arrive in September and you will have opportunities to pick up pre-ordered ornaments once they arrive.
Cost: $40 per ornament. Cash or check accepted. Must pay at time of order. Vist the UWF page on the church website to order.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today
10:00 am: Youth Sunday school
5:00 pm-6:30 pm: Middle School youth group 6:15 pm-6:45 pm: ALL youth dinner -$3 per person 6:45 pm-8:00 pm: Senior High youth group
October 6 10:00 am: Youth Sunday school 11:00 am: LTN set up
Noon-2:00 pm: Love Thy Neighbor and Medical Clinic 2:15 pm: LTN clean up
THINGS HAVE CHANGED WITH DAVID MAGEE Centenary Youth ministry and Shining Light on Mental Health welcomes David Magee to our church and community Sunday, October 27 at 10:00 am for youth Sunday school (@ Youth Commons) and then again at 5:00 pm for a LISTEN event (@Memorial Auditorium) for our church community. David is a bestselling author of the award- winning “Dear William: A Father’s Memoir of Addiction, Recovery, Love, and Loss”, a Publisher’s Weekly bestseller featured on CBS Mornings, and other books including his forthcoming memoir, “A Little Crazy” (September, 2024) a sequel to “Dear William” about mental health and finding purpose and joy.
LOOKING AHEAD
October 20: Annual ALL Youth trip to Carowinds/ Scarowinds
October 27: LISTEN event with guest, David Magee November 1: 2025 Senior High Mission trip registration opens
November 6: 2025 Confirmation registration opens (7th graders)
January 10 & 11: Junior/Senior Retreat to Blowing Rock
January 8: 2025 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.
FLOWER CORRECTION
Last week the Chancel flowers were given in loving memory of Kitty and Jack Felts, Kitty and Stan Huber, and Robert Huber by Margaret Felts Huber and Scott Huber.
