FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY • FEBRUARY 9, 2025 • 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
Lord, for Thy Tender Mercy’s Sake — Richard Farrant Lord, for thy tender mercy’s sake, lay not our sins to our charge, but forgive that is past and give us strength to amend our sinful lives, to decline from sin and incline to virtue that we may walk in a perfect heart before thee now and evermore. Amen.
†CALL TO WORSHIP
When praying for our friends
May we have faith like the Centurion
When caring for our communities
May we have faith like the Centurion
When trusting in you
May we have faith like the Centurion
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#577 God of Grace and God of Glory — CWM RHONDDA
†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
Kyrie Eleison (from Messe Solennelle, Op. 16) — Louis Vierne Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
SCRIPTURE — Luke 7:1-10
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
Fairest Lord Jesus — arr. James Pethel
†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
Loving God, without You we would be nothing. Help us to give back to others in the way that you have given to us. Your love guides us, protects us, and models for us the ways in which we are called to live. All that we are and all that we have is yours. May our offerings be just part of what we give to you this day and always, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN
#121 There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy — WELLESLEY
†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
SERMON NOTES
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
PREACHING
The Reverend Meg Peters, Assoc. Minister
LITURGIST
The Reverend Kate May, Assoc. Minister
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
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP The anthem texts are printed with permission. One License A-707342
CRUCIFER Jeanne Reed
TORCHBEARERS Vida Kennedy Georgia Elliott
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of Dr. & Mrs. Beverly N. Jones Sr., Mr. & Mrs. James E. Holmes Jr., Dr. Beverly N. Jones Jr., Jewell Voss Jones Mickey, Judy Jones Belville, Sally DeRamus, Judson and Tom DeRamus, Elizabeth & Joe Edmondson, Margaret & Brady Trull by Dr. Beverly & Mrs. Janet Jones, III and family, Elizabeth & Jim Holmes and family, and the DeRamus Family.
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
ANNOUNCEMENTS • FEBRUARY 9, 2025
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
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”
CHILDREN’S WORSHIP AND GREETER
JOIN THE CHANCEL CHOIR
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
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
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.
FAITH AND ARTISTRY: SEEKING THE SACRED IN CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Mondays • 6:30 pm
Thursdays • 10:00 am
Atrium Gallery
19th ANNUAL LOVE THY NEIGHBOR DINNER, AUCTION & PADDLE RAISE
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.
CREATED BY GOD
February 28 & March 1
CENTENARY CARES: SHOWING CARE AND SHARING ENCOURAGEMENT FROM SHINING LIGHT ON MENTAL HEALTH
When we experience challenging circumstances that affect us and involve mental health, yet we wish to remain private, it is still important that we know we are cared for, prayed for, and loved by our church family. Centenary Cares, a ministry of Shining Light on Mental Health, is a simple way that our church can extend care and encouragement. If someone you know is stressed or has a loved one experiencing issues with mental health, submit the person’s name to Rev. Oliver Helsabeck Associate Minister for Congregational Care, (ohelsabeck@ centenary-ws.org/ext. 1357). A member of Shining Light will confidentially deliver a Centenary Cares bag to the recipient. More information can be found on the church website under Congregational Care/Shining Light.
REFRESH PRAYER MINISTRY
Wednesdays • Noon - 12:45 PM
Sanctuary
Faith and Artistry is back! We are focusing on creating a meaningful Lenten exhibit to infuse this most contemplative period in our liturgical year with art and prayer. With Monday night and Thursday morning tracks offered, choose the time that is best for you to discover the wealth of creative opportunities that faith inspires. To learn more, contact Dr. Steve Martin, Music & Arts Chairperson (stephendmartin88@gmail.com).
SENIOR ADULTS
LUNCHEON
Thursday • February 20 • Noon
Memorial Auditorium
This month’s guest speaker is Patrick Pate, City Manager for the city of WinstonSalem. 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, February 12. The Senior Adult Council will meet briefly in the choir room at 11:00 before the luncheon.
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.
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. 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.
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
All proceeds go towards the mission projects of the UWF.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today
10:00 am: Youth Sunday school (@ Youth Commons)
*No Evening Youth Group
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 12
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm: Confirmation – John Wesley & The Church (@ Youth Commons)
February 16
10:00 am: Youth Sunday school (@ Youth Commons)
5:00 pm: Middle School Youth Group (@ Middle School Room)
6:15 pm: All youth dinner - $3 per person (@ Youth Commons)
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)
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.
BSA TROOP 920 ASSISTS IN WORSHIP TODAY
Since 1919, Troop 920 has been active in Downtown Winston-Salem and is proud to continue to call Centenary home. The Troop’s members are active with camping, outdoor activities, and service in the community. The scout-led troop focuses on instilling the Scout Oath and Law. For more info contact the Troop via Instagram@Troop920 or email at Troop920scouts@gmail.com
