WELCOME TO WORSHIP
†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.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE
†HYMN #384 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling — BEECHER
RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS
We give thanks for all that God has already given you and we welcome you in Christian love. As members together with you in the body of Christ and in this congregation of the United Methodist Church, we renew our covenant faithfully to participate in the ministries of the church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
†BENEDICTION
NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • JULY 30, 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.
PRELUDE
GREETING
INTROIT If Ye Love Me — Thomas Tallis
If ye love me, keep my commandments, and I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another comforter, that he may ‘bide with you forever; e’en the spirit of truth. (John 14:15-17)
†OPENING PRAYER
O God, protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; 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
#117 O God, Our Help in Ages Past — AZMON
†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.
(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 Consecration — John Ness Beck
Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee; take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise. Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love; take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee. Take my voice and let it sing always, only, for my King. Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee. Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold. Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose. Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine. Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne. Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store. Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.
SCRIPTURE — Romans 8:26-39
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON OFFERTORY
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
O Love — Elaine Hagenberg
O Love that will not let me go, I rest my weary soul in thee; I give thee back the life I owe, that in thy ocean depths its flow may richer, fuller be. O Joy that seeks me through the pain, I cannot close my heart to thee; I trace the rainbow through the rain, and feel the promise is not vain, that morn shall tearless be.
†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
Most holy and gracious God accept these gifts from our hearts. May they be used to share the message of your love with a world that is hurting. May these gifts shine like light in the darkness offering hope, and peace. May we offer ourselves and dedicate our lives to your service this week using our talents and time to build your kingdom. All this we pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
A Clare Benediction — John Rutter
May the Lord show his mercy upon you; may the light of his presence be your guide: may he guard you and uphold you; may his spirit be ever by your side.
When you sleep may his angels watch over you; when you wake may he fill you with his grace: may you love him and serve him all your days; then in heaven may you see his face.
†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 Susannah Pittman, Assoc. Minister
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of William Griffin by his wife, Ruby Griffin.
MUSIC Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar Jonathan Borton, piano Jacob Wright, tenor
The Chancel Choir
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
ANNOUNCEMENTS • JULY 30, 2023
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
Sympathy is extended to John, Meg, and Becca Coppley on the passing of John’s father, John Raymond Coppley, on July 8, 2023.
IN MEMORIAM
Marion Elizabeth Freeman Williams
July 6 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.
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
“After my stroke, I lost the ability to drive. always thought I would be the one to take care of my wife, but now she is having to take care of me. Little things like going to the grocery store without assistance are now impossible. I am completely dependent on others in a way I’ve never been before. Maybe a Stephen Minister could help me work through my loss of independence.”
MISSIONS
LOAVES & FISHES SUMMER STOCK
Loaves & Fishes is once again collecting items for Summer Stock! Anytime in June, July, or 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).
BETTY AND JIM HOLMES FOOD BANK GARDEN
A great way to alleviate hunger in our community is to volunteer at the Food Bank Garden. Individuals, groups and families are welcome to help during our schedule of activities. Located at Crossnore Communities for Children on Reynolda Road, the Food Bank Garden donates what it grows to Second Harvest Food Bank. Our spring and fall crops, mainly greens, provide donations to Samaritan Ministries for the daily meals for homeless individuals in WinstonSalem. 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
MUSIC & THE ARTS
SING IN SUMMER CHOIR
Do you love to sing but can’t attend weekly rehearsals? Participate in Summer Choir! Each Sunday from July 9 – August 13, come to the choir room at 9:30 am to grab a robe, participate in a short rehearsal and sing for the 11:00 worship. Please contact Director of Music Ministries, Jonathan Emmons (jemmons@centenary-ws.org), if you have any questions. See you there!
CALLING ALL ARTISTS!
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! Join us as we follow the story of the Israelites escape from Egypt and reflect on the ways in which we encounter God in all the changes and new opportunities in our lives. As well as how we seek out and listen to our callings.
COLLEGE BIBLE STUDY!
Everyone loves Ted Lasso, so why not talk about all the great life lessons the show teaches us? Join us Wednesdays throughout the summer from 5:30 -7:00 pm in the Youth Commons, as we watch different episodes of Ted Lasso, explore how it relates to the bible, and what our lives can look like if we follow God’s most important commandments. Our youth ministry assistant, Andrew Epermanis, will be leading our discussions. Mark your calendars and plan to join this awesome discussion on July 12, July 26 and August 2.
SUMMER SUNDAY SUPPER & STUDY!
Join us for summer bible study in the Youth Commons from 5:00-6:30 pm. Cost is $3 per person, bring your Bible and your friends as we watch The CHOSEN and explore a new perspective of Jesus and the disciples!
LOOKING AHEAD
August 18: Centenary night at the DASH
August 20: Love Thy Neighbor!
August 20: 9th Grade Promotion Party
August 25: 5th/6th Grade Promotion Party
August 27: Fall Kick-Off!
September 17: Love Thy Neighbor!
September 29: Sixers!
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.
CENTENARY NIGHT AT THE DASH
FRIDAY • AUGUST 18 • 7 PM
SAVE THE DATE
“NOURISH” IS COMING TO WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
In September, you are invited to participate in “Nourish,” our all-new Wednesday evening dinner and programming night. We begin with an open house on Wednesday, September 13. Church-wide dinner is from 5:15 pm until 6:00 pm. Children’s Music, Youth and Adult programming will be from 6:00 pm until 7:00 pm. More information and dinner registration will be coming later in the summer.
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
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
AUGUST 3 • 7:30 - 8:30 AM
COMMUNITY ROOM
Our August meeting will include guest speaker, John Willett. John has been with SEARCH Ministries for over 30 years in Greensboro teaching the Bible and helping people get started and grow in their faith. You may enter the East Building from the 4 1⁄2 Street or 5th Street entrance. To learn more about Men’s Ministry at Centenary, contact Chris Munnelly, Tanner Robinson, Michael Rogers or Tom Lawson.
The Music & Arts Ministry invites submissions 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@centenaryws.org) for submission instructions.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today 5 pm: Summer Sunday Supper & Study
August 2 5:30 pm: College Bible Study
August 6 5 pm: Summer Sunday Supper & Study
Join us for a night of baseball and fellowship! We have a block of tickets reserved for $11/ticket and would love to see you all there! Visit the events page on the church website to purchase your tickets. If you have questions, contact Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws. org/ext. 1332).
