SCRIPTURE — Galatians 3:23-28
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “A Grace Which Clothes Us”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY Boundless Love — Auerbach, McLaughlin, Prine
†DOXOLOGY
FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER • APRIL 30, 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
Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life, raise us, who trust in him, from the death of sin to the life of righteousness. Raise us that we may seek those things which are above, where he reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
†HYMN
#361 Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me — TOPLADY
†AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is the one true church, apostolic and universal, whose holy faith let us now declare:
We believe in God the Father, infinite in wisdom, power, and love, whose mercy is over all his works, and whose will is ever directed to his children’s good. We believe in Jesus Christ, Son of God and Son of man, the gift of the Father’s unfailing grace, the ground of our hope, and the promise of our deliverance from sin and death. We believe in the Holy Spirit as the divine presence in our lives, whereby we are kept in perpetual remembrance of the truth of Christ, and find strength and help in time of need. We believe that this faith should manifest itself in the service of love as set forth in the example of our blessed Lord, to the end that the kingdom of God may come upon the earth. 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.
#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
#375 There Is a Balm in Gilead — BALM IN GILEAD
†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
Tammy Pollock, Director of Youth Ministries
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
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
ANNOUNCEMENTS • APRIL 30, 2023
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
Today we celebrate the baptism of Elizabeth Campbell Houston, daughter of Adam Houston and Courtland Winborne.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
SUMMER FIRST FIFTEEN
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! This spring and summer, our First Fifteen will be exploring the journey of the early Church and the travels of Paul. We would love for you to join us! Bookmarks containing the monthly reading plan are available throughout the Centenary campus. To sign up to receive the First Fifteen, visit centenary-ws.org/ church-events and then click the Adult Formation button, where you will find a link to register.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
STEPHEN MINISTRY
Spring is traditionally a season of renewal. Even with the promise of Easter foremost in mind, you may find yourself struggling with depression, heartache because of a loss, loneliness, or any number of despondent thoughts. A Stephen Minister can journey beside you as you face these troubles. Brighter days are ahead!
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).
CARENOTES
CareNotes are concise booklets that provide uplifting guidance to those who are hurting. They address topics that include grief, aging, healthcare, mental wellness, family care, spiritual support and more. Our collection of CareNotes is located on the 3rd floor near the Resource Room. For more information, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
JULY 24-27 • 9 AM - NOON
OLDER ELEMENTARY MISSION WEEK
JUNE 27-29 • 9 AM - 3 PM
This summer our rising 4th, 5th and 6th graders are invited to Serve Out in the World making a difference in our community June 27-29. Each day kids share in a morning mission experience and an afternoon fellowship event. Cost to participate is $45/student and space is limited so you’ll want to register early. Register now through the Church website (events page) or the Realm app. For more information contact Kate May (kmay@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1331).
MEN’S MINISTRY
THEOLOGY ON TAP
TUESDAY • MAY 2 • 6:30 PM - 8 PM
The Men’s Ministry of Centenary invites all men to their next gathering for prayer and local ministry focus. Our next gathering will be in the home of Tom and Anita Ogburn. Please contact Tom Lawson for more information.
THURSDAY MORNING FELLOWSHIP
MAY 4 • 7:30 AM-8:30 AM • COMMUNITY ROOM
We meet the first Thursday of every month as we gather in the second floor Catering Kitchen for coffee and biscuits and fellowship. Then we move to the Community Room for prayer, announcements and our speaker. For May, we welcome Pastor Leon D’Orleans, founder of Haiti Outreach Ministries. You may enter the East Building from the 4 ½ Street or 5th Street entrance. To learn more about Men’s Ministry at Centenary, contact Chris Munnelly, Tanner Robinson, Michael Rogers or Tom Lawson.
MUSIC & THE ARTS
SUBSCRIBE TO SIGHTINGS & SOUNDINGS
Check out Centenary’s monthly Music & Arts magazine! Find the latest edition on Centenary’s website (Music & Arts’ page), subscribe via the QR Code below, or pick up a printed copy from the Music Suite.
SIGN UP FOR CHILDREN’S MUSIC & ART CAMP
JULY 17 - 20, 2023
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
MAY 1 • NOON • MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
Our speaker will be Reverend Glenn Kinken, and the topic will be “The Future of the United Methodist Church”. The cost will be $13.00 for lunch. Reservations are due by Sunday, April 23. If you are interested in attending, please contact your circle leader. If you’re not in a circle, you can contact Holly Gilliam.
YOUTH MINISTRY EVENTS
April 30
5:00 – 6:00 pm: Middle School Youth
6:15 – 6:45 pm: All Youth Dinner ($3)
6:45- 8:00 pm: Senior High Youth
May 3
6:00- 7:30 pm: Confirmation – Truth and Prayer
May 5-6
Confirmation Retreat!
May 7 Noon – 2:00 pm: Love thy Nieghbor
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! We are currently studying relationships. Specifically, how scripture can help us build solid relationships with ourselves, friends, family, and significant others.
LISTEN!
SUNDAY • MAY 7• 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
As we continue to be intentional in our listening to our teenagers and parents, we invite you to join us for the next topic in our series on the impact substance use has on our teenagers, parents, & community. Our panel for the evening includes Katie Allen, Assistant Chief of Police (Field Services Bureau), Erin Bonsall, LCHMC, Bob Richardson, Counselor at INSIGHT and Emily Watson, LCMHC, LCAS. Following the panel discussion there will be a time for questions and answers. Light snacks and drinks will be served. All are welcome to this event as we all need to listen & hear one another. For more information contact Tammy Pollock
LOOKING AHEAD
May 5 & 6: Confirmation Retreat to Blowing Rock
May 7: LTN & LISTEN! event
May 21: Confirmation Sunday
TOWN HALL MEETINGS WITH DR. KINKEN
The future of the United Methodist Church is still being debated and will be so for at least another twelve months until the 2024 General Conference next May.
You are invited to join Dr. Kinken for a town hall meeting on the present state of affairs in the UMC, what this means for Centenary, and what classes and learning opportunities will be offered in the twelve months leading up to the 2024 General Conference.
These town hall meetings will be offered:
• Wednesday, May 10 at 6:30 pm in Memorial Auditorium
• Thursday, May 11 at 4:00 pm in Piner Hall at Arbor Acres Retirement Community
• Tuesday, May 16 at noon in Memorial Auditorium
• Tuesday, May 16 at 6:30 pm via ZOOM
• Sunday, May 21 at 5:00 pm in Memorial Auditorium
One does not need to register for any of the town hall meetings, EXCEPT for the one to be held on Tuesday, May 16 at 6:30 pm via ZOOM. You may register for that session by scanning our QR code.
If you have any questions about the town hall meetings, please email Dr. Kinken
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
This summer at VBS we will be shining Jesus’ light and learning how Stellar God is! Mark your calendar and plan to sign up the kids in your life who are 4 years old through rising 6th grade. Registration opens through the Church website (events page) and the Realm app on May 1. We hope to have lots of grown ups join us too! You can show our kids what it looks like to shine Jesus’ light by serving as a crossing guard, a small group shepherd, a craft helper, or simply helping with prep work. There is something for everyone to do! For more information contact Kate May (kmay@centenaryws.org/ext. 1331)
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).
SENIOR ADULTS
LUNCHEON THURSDAY • MAY 18 •11:45 AM
MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
Our keynote speaker will be Joel McIver, Vice President for Community Engagement at Senior Services. To register, contact Charles Monroe (336773-0446)/chasmonroe@yahoo.com Luncheon cost is $10.00.
June 4: Graduation Recognition Sunday
June 18-25: Mountain T.O.P (ALL youth) Mission Trip
July 15-22: YouthWorks Senior High Mission Trip to Denver, CO
July 24-27: Vacation Bible School
August 27: 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.