SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY • FEBRUARY 23, 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
Scherzo — Judy Phillips
GREETING
INTROIT
Hymn of Praise — René Clausen
Alleluia. Praise God in his holy temple. Amen.
†OPENING PRAYER
Most loving Father, whose will it is for us to give thanks for all things, to fear nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on you who care for us: preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested to us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#103 Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise — ST. DENIO
†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.
(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
The Lord Is My Shepherd — Thomas Matthews
SCRIPTURE — Luke 9:51-62
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “But First……..”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
Nocturne in C Minor — Michael Helman
†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 God, giver of every good and perfect gift, teach us to render to you all that we have and all that we are, that we may praise you, not with our lips only, but with our whole lives, turning the duties, the sorrows, and the joys of all our days into a living sacrifice to you; through our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN
#396 O Jesus, I Have Promised — ANGEL’S STORY
†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.
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III, Senior Minister
LITURGIST
The Reverend Oliver Helsabeck, Assoc. Minister
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar
The Chancel Choir
Sam Howell, Music Ministry Intern
Carillonneurs: Camille Jones, Director
CRUCIFER Reese Bonsall
TORCHBEARERS Sloan Bonsall Clark Bonsall
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given to the Glory of God and in honor of Janet Ford as a celebration of her birthday by her husband Craig, their children and grandchildren.
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 23, 2025
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
IN MEMORIAM
Jeannette Plummer
January 7, 2025
William “Bill” Courtney Pollok February 1, 2025
John Corliss Fox Jr. February 3, 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.
WORSHIP
ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP
Our Lenten journey begins on March 5 with worship at noon and 6:15 pm in the Sanctuary. Rev. Meg Peters will be preaching, and we will be invited into the Lenten discipline through the imposition of ashes.
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” April 4-6, 2025 • Lake Junaluska
Reminder: Early Bird Discount Ends February 28
UPCOMING DATES
• Mother/Son Bowling
March 30 • 2:30 - 4:30 pm
• Rise Against Hunger
April 13 • 2 - 4 pm
• Easter Egg Hunt
April 20 • 10 am
• Father/Daughter Fun
April 27 • 3 - 5 pm
• Tough Questions
May 4 • 5 - 6:45 pm
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.
MEN’S MINISTRY
THURSDAY MORNING FELLOWSHIP
March 6 • 7:30 - 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. This month’s speaker is Marianne Bach, who will share about Loaves & Fishes, and men are encouraged to bring items for the food pantry. You may enter the East Building from the 4 1⁄2 Street or 5th Street entrances. To learn more about Men’s Ministry at Centenary, contact Chris Munnelly, Tanner Robinson, Michael Rogers, or Tom Lawson.
MUSIC & ARTS
SIGN UP NOW FOR CHILDREN’S MUSIC & ART CAMP 2025
July 14 - 17, 2025
SENIOR ADULTS
WINTER DAY TRIP
Monday • March 17
Centenary’s Senior Adults will be taking a day trip to the International Civil Rights Museum in Greensboro for a guided tour by Museum staff. The group will leave the church at 11:00 am on church buses, will stop for lunch, and then will take the approximately 90-minute tour at the Museum at 2:00 pm. We plan to return to the church before 5:00 pm. The cost for the tour is $20, and lunch is on your own at the restaurant. If interested, email Rev. Oliver Helsabeck ohelsabeck@centenary-ws.org/ ext. 1357) to reserve a spot on the bus and for the tour before Monday, March 10.
LUNCHEON
Thursday • March 20 • Noon
Memorial Auditorium
This month’s guest speaker is Tammy Pollock, Centenary’s Director of Youth Ministries. We gather at 11:45 and lunch will be served at noon. To register, send an email to seniorlunch@centenary-ws.org or call the church office during business hours. Luncheon cost is $10.00 and the signup deadline is Wednesday, March 12. The Senior Adult Council will meet briefly in the choir room at 11:00 before the luncheon.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today 10:00 am: Youth Sunday school (@ Youth Commons) 6:00 - 8:00 pm: Love Thy Neighbor Dinner Fundraiser (@Memorial Auditorium)
February 25
6:30 - 8:00 pm: Love Thy Neighbor Leadership Team Meeting
February 26
6:00 - 7:30 pm: Confirmation – “Worship” (@ Youth Commons)
TRUST – A RETREAT FOR JUNIORS & SENIORS
LOOKING AHEAD
March 21: Sixers! Go Rock Climbing (@ FirstHand Climbing)
March 30: Youth & Parents’ Trivia Night 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.
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
THE 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.
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).
LENTEN NOONTIME SERIES
Tuesdays • March 11 – April 15
Noon – 12:30 pm • Sanctuary
Join us in the Sanctuary each Tuesday of Lent at noon for a 30-minute musical presentation. Each week will feature a different musician or ensemble. Join us as we prepare our hearts during this season of reflection and contemplation. For questions or more information, please contact Jonathan Emmons (jemmons@centenary-ws.org). No registration is required.
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@centenaryws.org).
LISTEN EVENT: “Seen” with Dr. Williams Sunday • April 27 • 5:00 pm Centenary Youth Ministry & Shining Light on Mental Health welcomes Dr. Chinwé Williams for a communitywide LISTEN event in the Memorial Auditorium. Dr. Chinwé is a highly regarded keynote and workshop facilitator. As a board certified and dedicated mental health professional, Dr. Williams is an authority on topics relating to stress, anxiety, burnout, trauma resolution, the intersection of faith, culture, mental health.
