SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY • FEBRUARY 16, 2025 • 11:00AM
THE COMMUNITY GATHERS
Welcome to worship at Centenary! We are a church for everyone. As you prepare for worship, we invite you to greet your neighbor and share the love of Christ. Please silence all mobile communication devices.
PRELUDE
Morning Has Broken — Anna Laura Page
GREETING
INTROIT
Cantad al Señor — Editora Sinodal
O sing to the Lord, O sing God a new song.
OPENING PRAYER
Gracious and Sovereign God, we come before you with open hearts and minds, eager to encounter your transformative power. We thank you for the assurance that no one is beyond your reach, and that your grace can bring healing and restoration to our lives. Help us to lay our burdens before you and open ourselves to the freedom and renewal that you offer. Let your Spirit move among us. May our worship be a reflection of our gratitude and love for you. In the name of Jesus, our Healer and Redeemer, we pray. Amen.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#98 To God Be The Glory — TO GOD BE THE GLORY
The children will sing stanza 1.
The congregation will be invited to stand and sing stanzas 2 and 3.
†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.
†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 HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
CANTICLE
Come Let Us Worship — Dorothy Elder You and I — Natalie Sleeth Who’s goin’ to tell the story? You and I! Tell of the Lord’s great glory? You and I! Who’s goin’ to let the whole world know, help HIs disciples grow and multiply? You and I! Who’s goin’ to bring the kingdom? You and I! Who’s goin’ to spread the gospel? You and I? Who’s goin’ to do the kindly deed, comfort the one in need and help supply? You and I! Jesus came to bring us Good News, sent to earth by God above! And the Good News that He brought us is the word of love! Who’s goin’ to feed the hungry? You and I! Care for the sick and lonely? You and I! Who’s goin’ to let the whole world see people can live in harmony? Let’s try? You and I! (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 — Luke 8:26-39
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “The Challenge of Change”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms — arr. Eric Nelson
†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
Gracious and generous God, we recognize that all we have comes from you. Our time, our talents, and our treasures are evidence of your abundant grace. Bless these gifts and use them for your glory. May they be instruments of transformation in our community and beyond, reaching those who are in need, bringing hope to the hopeless, and sharing the message of your love. Transform our offerings into a source of blessing that reflects your Kingdom here on earth. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN
#462 ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus — TRUST IN JESUS
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
The Lord Bless You and Keep You — John Rutter
The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. Amen. (Numbers 6: 24-26)
†POSTLUDE
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
SERMON NOTES
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Oliver Helsabeck, Assoc. Minister
LITURGIST
Tammy Pollock, Director of Youth Ministries
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar
The Chancel Choir
Sam Howell, Music Ministry Intern Children’s Creative Arts Experience
CRUCIFER Chandler Robinson
TORCHBEARERS
MacRae Robinson Camilla Boehnlein
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of Jane & Bill Joyner and Dot & Bill McCormick by Sara-Peyton & Stuart McCormick.
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, click on the Live Stream link at the top of the home page.
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
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 • FEBRUARY 16, 2025
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
IN MEMORIAM
Stephanie Teague Brooks December 26, 2024
Adelaide “Addie-Lou” Wahlert Cawood January 14, 2025
The ministers and members of Centenary extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved families and pray they may know the comfort and peace of our Heavenly Father.
ADULT FORMATION
2025
JOURNEY THROUGH LUKE & ACTS
Join us for a year-long journey through the books of Luke and Acts, featuring sermons, Bible studies, a weekly reading plan, study guides, and other opportunities to engage with these transformative scriptures. For more details, please scan the QR code.
THRIVE! 2025 WOMEN’S RETREAT
“TENDING THE SOIL OF YOUR SOUL”
CREATED BY GOD
February 28 & March 1
JOIN THE CHANCEL CHOIR
19th ANNUAL LOVE THY NEIGHBOR DINNER, AUCTION & PADDLE RAISE
Created by God is an event for 4th and 5th graders and their families that gives our preteens an opportunity to learn about their growing and changing bodies through a Christian lens. Join us Friday evening, February 28 from 5 – 7:15 pm with dinner and separate sessions for students and grown-ups, and Saturday, March 1 from 9 am – 3 pm with multiple sessions and lunch for students. Register through the QR code; there is limited space available, and registration closes February 19. The cost is $60 per student and includes dinner on Friday and lunch on Saturday, resources, and some leadership costs. You can add additional dinner reservations for $10/ adult, $7 for younger siblings and free for kids 3 and younger. Contact Kate May for more information.
CHILDREN’S WORSHIP AND GREETER
Hoping to engage in worship and fellowship in new ways? The Chancel Choir is proud to serve our congregation and always eager to welcome those who love to sing! Join us for our Lenten Launch Winter Retreat on Friday, Feb. 21 and Saturday, Feb. 22 as we prepare music for Lent, Easter and begin to work on Mozart’s Requiem which we will present later this spring. Weekly rehearsals are held Thursdays at 7:00 pm. Come be a part of a growing and vibrant community of song! Contact Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries (jemmons@centenary-ws.org) with questions or for more information.
SIGN UP FOR CHILDREN’S CAE!
Join us on Sunday, February 23 at 6:00 pm in the Memorial Auditorium for the 19th annual Love Thy Neighbor Dinner, Live Auction and Paddle Raise. This annual event supports our Love Thy Neighbor ministry—which builds relationships and loving care with our community in downtown Winston-Salem. For more information and to reserve your seat for a yummy dinner (prepared by Chef Donald and served by our youth), scan here!
TRUST – A RETREAT FOR JUNIORS & SENIORS
April 4-6, 2025 • Lake Junaluska Centenary women and their friends are invited to join us for the Thrive! 2025 Women’s Retreat, a weekend dedicated to spiritual renewal and deepening your faith. Held at the beautiful Lake Junaluska Conference Center, this retreat will feature sessions led by keynote speaker Rev. Meg Peters, Centenary’s Associate Minister of Outreach, and worship led by musician, Brittany Bethel. Come explore how to cultivate a thriving spiritual life while connecting with God and others. Don’t miss out—sign up now to take advantage of the early bird discount! Scholarships are available to ensure everyone can participate.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
BACKPACK PROGRAM
Help us finish the school year strong by providing weekend meals for students in Winston-Salem. Please join us in prayer and consider a financial contribution to sponsor a child. For $200, you can sponsor a child’s weekend meals for a whole school year! Reach out to Anna Thomas (athomas@centenaryws.org) with any questions.
Have you been looking for a way to get plugged into serving in Children’s Ministry? Each Sunday, we have greeters who help direct families where they need to go and on Sunday’s when we have Children’s Worship, we have a helper work with Kate to keep the kids safe and focused! Scan the QR code to sign up for either of these roles; we can’t wait to see you!
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
REFRESH PRAYER MINISTRY
Wednesdays • Noon - 12:45 PM
Sanctuary
The Refresh Prayer Ministry invites you to be refreshed in a mid-week service of worship, reflection, and prayer in a sacred space. From Noon-12:15 is a time for quiet reflection with music, and from 12:15-12:45 is a time for prayer, Scripture reading, and meditation. Parking is available in the Fifth Street parking lot; enter from the Fifth Street entrance to the Sanctuary. For more information, contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck or Becky Tate.
MUSIC & ARTS
SIGN UP NOW FOR CHILDREN’S MUSIC & ART CAMP 2025
July 14 - 17, 2025
Is your child leading in worship today? These truly talented children are a part of our Children’s Creative Arts Experience, and we are looking for new friends to join us as we prepare to lead worship on Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday! Programming includes activities for children ages 2 through 5th grade. CAE’s multi-faceted model engages children with various levels of musical and artistic interests, all while cultivating more regular, more varied worship leadership opportunities for Centenary’s youngest! Register via the QR Code. Current participants need not register again. Email Music Ministries Assistant Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws. org with any questions.
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
CENTENARY ORNAMENT
The Centenary ornament is still available. It would make a great gift to honor a baptism, confirmation and/or wedding that takes place in our beautiful Sanctuary. If you would like to reserve one, please contact Susan Grubbs. All proceeds go towards the mission projects of the UWF.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today 10:00 am: Youth Sunday School (@ Youth Commons)
5:00 pm: Middle School Youth Group (@Youth Commons)
6:15 pm: Youth Dinner, $3 per person (@ Youth Commons)
*No Senior High Youth Group
February 19
6:00 - 7:30 pm: Confirmation – Shepherd Night “Temple” (meet @ Youth Commons)
February 20
6:00 - 7:30 pm: Youth Leadership Team Meeting (@ Youth Commons)
Register now for CMA Camp 2025! Open to ages 4 through rising 5th graders, this fun-filled week features singing, handbells, art, Kindermusik, and more! One of the highlights of Camp each year is the camper-led worship service that concludes our week together. Register now via the QR code for a special early bird discount! For more information, please contact Music Ministry Assistant, Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@ centenary-ws.org).
February 21
5:15 - 9:30 pm: Sixers! goes to bowl & play laser tag (@ Spare Time, Greensboro)
February 23
10:00 am: Youth Sunday school (@ Youth Commons)
6:00 - 8:00 pm: Love Thy Neighbor Dinner Fundraiser (@Memorial Auditorium)
In a world that continues to spin in uncertainty and chaos, we invite all our Juniors and Seniors in High school to retreat away, February 28 & March 1, 2025, to the beautiful mountains at Blowing Rock Conference Center near Bass Lake. We will spend the weekend remembering our Confirmation and how we continue to live trusting the Lord in all things. Together we will rest, remember, and recommit ourselves to the One who reaches out to us in love. The cost of the retreat is $150 per person. For more information contact Tammy Pollock (tpollock@centenary-ws.org)
LOOKING AHEAD
February 21: Sixers! Goes Bowling/Laser Tag (@ Spare Time Greensboro)
February 23: Love Thy Neighbor Annual Fundraiser April 25-26: Confirmation Retreat to Blowing Rock April 27: LISTEN event with Dr. Williams May 11: Graduation Recognition Sunday May 18: Confirmation Sunday Love Thy Neighbor Dates 2025: March 2, April 6, May 4
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.
