October 31, 2021 • 11am Worship by Centenary United Methodist Church

WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT

SUNDAY • OCTOBER 31, 2021 11AM WORSHIP

WELCOME! Welcome to Centenary United Methodist Church. Thank you for worshiping with us today! We are grateful for your presence and invite you to participate in our worship, program and ministry life here at Centenary. We hope the worship will inspire and comfort you as we hear God’s message proclaimed. During this time, now more than ever, may the grace and love of Christ surround you. Centenary United Methodist Church provides multi-generational ministries that offer innovative ways to grow deeper in faith and discipleship. From Worship to Missions and from Spiritual Formation to Music and the Arts, there is a way for everyone to engage. To learn more, visit our website to select the Ministries tab.

EVERY DAY FOR EVERYONE We invite you to register your in-person worship attendance by scanning the QR code below with your smart phone.

OUR MISSION “The mission of the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

PARTICIPATING IN WORSHIP PREACHING

The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III

LITURGIST

The Reverend Meg Gaston The Reverend Bret Cogan

MUSIC

Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries The Chancel Choir Cathedral Choir, Anne Saxon, Director Chapel Chimes, Mary Isom, Director Carol Choir, Suzanne Maggs, Director Joyful Noise Ringers, Camille Jones, Director

FLOWERS

The Chancel flowers are given in loving memory of the Rev. Dr. George P. Robinson by his family.

Musical texts are printed with permission. One License A-707342 COVER PHOTO: "Easter Morning" by Doug Peninger

By entering the Sanctuary, you grant Centenary United Methodist Church unrestricted rights to use and publish, transmit or telecast photographs and videos of likenesses that might be taken of you this day for use in communications related to the church.

LET US WORSHIP Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost • October 31, 2021

WE GATHER AS GOD'S PEOPLE VOLUNTARY

Festival Alleluia — Allen Pote

GREETING INTROIT

I've Got the Joy — George Cook

CALL TO WORSHIP

Most merciful Father, send your heavenly blessings upon this your Church, that all its members may dwell together in unity and love. Keep far from us all self-will and discord. Endue your pastors with righteousness, and enable them faithfully to fulfill their ministry, to bring again the outcasts, and to seek the lost. And grant to us so to receive their ministrations, and to use your means of grace, that in all our words and deeds we may seek your glory and the advancement of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

HYMN (found on page seven)

#110 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God — EIN FESTE BURG

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AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

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There is one God and there is one mediator, Christ Jesus, who came as a ransom for all, to whom we testify. This saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance: That Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, and was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory. Great indeed is the mystery of the gospel. Amen.

GLORIA PATRI

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PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE THE LORD'S PRAYER

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Please stand as you are able.

#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. After each prayer, the leader may conclude: Lord, in your mercy. All may respond: Hear our 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. 3

GOD'S WORD PROCLAIMED CANTICLE

Familia — Mark Miller (Following the Canticle, 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.)

SCRIPTURE Ruth 1:1-18

In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to live in the country of Moab, he and his wife and two sons. The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion; they were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. When they had lived there about ten years, both Mahlon and Chilion also died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband. Then she started to return with her daughters-in-law from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the Lord had considered his people and given them food. So she set out from the place where she had been living, she and her two daughters-in-law, and they went on their way to go back to the land of Judah. But Naomi said to her two daughtersin-law, “Go back each of you to your mother’s house. May the Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. The Lord grant that you may find security, each of you in the house of your husband.” Then she kissed them, and they wept aloud. They said to her, “No, we will return with you to your people.” But Naomi said, “Turn back, my daughters, why will you go with me? Do I still have sons in my womb that they may become your husbands? Turn back, my daughters, go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. Even if I thought there was hope for me, even if I should have a husband tonight and bear sons, would you then wait until they were grown? Would you then refrain from marrying? No, my daughters, it has been far more bitter for me than for you, because the hand of the Lord has turned against me.” Then they wept aloud again. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. So she said, “See, your sisterin-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” But Ruth said, “Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die— there will I be buried. May the Lord do thus and so to me, and more as well, if even death parts me from you!” When Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more to her. (NRSV) This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

SERMON 4

"Love Knows No Boundaries"

OUR RESPONSE TO THE WORD AND THANKSGIVING INVITATION TO OFFERING

You may give by capturing our QR code, mailing to our post office box or place your offering in our boxes located at the entrance to the Sanctuary.

OFFERTORY

Tranquil Chimings — Sandra Eithun

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 and forgiving God, we your unworthy servants give you most humble thanks for all your goodness and loving kindness, to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. Give us such an awareness of your mercies, that our hearts may be thankful, and that we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to your service and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

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WE GO AS GOD'S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD † HYMN (found on page eight)

#408 The Gift of Love — GIFT OF LOVE

BENEDICTION

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BENEDICTION RESPONSE

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VOLUNTARY

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God Is So Good — Paul Makai Someone’s Singing, Lord (from Variations on KUM BA YAH) — John A. Behnke

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OUR DIGITAL WORSHIP BULLETIN IS INTERACTIVE

Our digital worship bulletin is fully interactive. Within our announcements, when you see text that is red and bold, it is a link to an email address or web page. Click on the text and you will be re-directed.

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

JUSTICE & RECONCILIATION

ANGEL TREE VOLUNTEERS Angel Tree is coming soon! Angels will be available to adopt or sponsor beginning today. In the meantime, we are looking for volunteers to support this ministry. Volunteer opportunities include shopping for sponsored angels, collecting and sorting gifts, and delivering gifts to our partner organizations. Let us know you are interested in volunteering with Angel Tree using this form. Contact Jeanette Juran with questions (ext. 1332/jjuran@centenary-ws. org).

AN AFTERNOON WITH DR. RICHARD GROVE Sunday • November 14 • 2pm • Memorial Auditorium The Justice & Reconciliation Ministry invites to an afternoon with Dr. Richard Groves, the former pastor of Wake Forest Baptist on the campus of Wake Forest University. He has taught in the departments of religion and philosophy at Baylor, Tuffs, & Wake Forest. He will share with us “Why Is This So Hard? Talking about Controversial Issues.” His focus will be on creating space for civility and hope. If you have questions, please contact Rev. Bret Cogan. We look forward to sharing this afternoon with you!

CHRISTMAS CRAFT NIGHT This year Christmas Craft Night is back and better than ever! Join us in person on Sunday, November 21 between 3:30-5:30pm to share in an afternoon of fun and festiveness as you create wonderful decorations that can be the first out for the Christmas season! Registration for this year's event will be online through Realm and will be open Wednesday, November 3 through Monday, November 15. Take home options are also available! NOVEMBER PLAYGOUP Families with infants through two year olds are invited to play Saturday, November 6 between 9am and 10:30am. We will be in the East Building, first floor play space and on the playground (weather permitting). You can drop in any time between 9am and 10:30am. Contact Jeanette Juran with questions or for more information.

CONGREGATIONAL CARE STEPHEN MINISTRY Aging can be a difficult process filled with loss and change. A friend had a difficult time after the loss of her husband and moving to a retirement community alone. Her Stephen Minister provided a listening, caring heart that helped her find peace. If you or someone you know could benefit from Stephen Ministry please contact Deena Morgan (336-692-2314) Wilba Brady (336723-6236), Rev. Craig Ford: cford@centenary-ws.org/336-7246311 ext. 1353/, or Rev. Susannah Pittman: spittman@centenaryws.org/336-724-6311 ext. 1357. GRIEFSHARE: SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS Sunday • November 14 • 2pm-4pm • 107 East Building Congregational Care invites you to GriefShare Surviving the Holidays seminar. This event includes a video featuring some of the nation’s foremost Christian experts on grief and recovery as well as group discussion to offer support and hope in navigating the holiday season. You can register for the seminar on the Engage tab on the church website or by CLICKING HERE. For questions, contact Sandra Gramley (ext. 1352/sgramley@centenary-ws.org).

SENIOR ADULTS VETERANS DAY RECOGNITION Thursday • November 11 • 9am We look forward to recognizing all veterans. More details and location will be sent to the senior adult email distribution list.

YOUTH MINISTRY OCTOBER 31 10:00am Sunday school on the 4th Floor    5:00pm ALL youth are invited to our first ever Halloween Progressive Dinner! And yes, costumes are required.  Join us as we move from house to house for appetizers, dinner, and dessert. You won’t want to miss out on this super fun event… watch for more details to come and start planning your costume now!  There will be prizes, food, friends, and so much more!

COMMUNICATIONS We have a new podcast! The Centenary Every Day podcast will be bringing to you various ministers, colleagues and friends as they share about what is happening not only in their lives, but in the lives of their respective ministry areas. Our podcast brings to life our magazine, Centenary Every Day, as well as other topics and trends we are hearing and observing in our community and around the world. We launch on November 1. You can download our free podcast on Apple or Google Play. Questions? Contact Doug Peninger (dpeninger@centenary-ws.org).

POINSETTIAS FOR ADVENT Once again, you have an opportunity to recognize your loved ones as we decorate our church for the holidays. Poinsettias can be purchased for $20 each. Orders with payment must be received by November 26, 2021. Click on the link below to place your order. Once on the link, select Christmas Poinsettias in the menu. Be sure to include in memory/honor of names in the optional memo line. You may also mail a check to the business office. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Ann Wexler (ext.1346/ mwexler@centenary-ws.org).

CHARGE CONFERENCE There will be a Charge Conference following the Church Council meeting on Monday, November 8 in Memorial Auditorium. Church Council begins at 7:00pm.

TEXT TO GIVE You may now text your gifts of tithes and offerings! Text cumcws to 73256 and you will be linked to enter your payment information and make your contribution.

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WEBSITE

centenary-ws.org

FACEBOOK

centenarymethodist

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PO Box 658 • Winston-Salem. NC 27102

www.centenary-ws.org

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