SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT • MARCH 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
INTROIT
Lead Me, Lord — Samuel Sebastian Wesley Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness, make thy way plain before my face. For it is thou, Lord, thou Lord, only, that makest me dwell in safety.
OPENING PRAYER
O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#163 Ask Ye What Great Things I Know — HENDON
†AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We are not alone, we live in God’s world. We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit. We trust in God. We are called to be the church: to celebrate God’s presence, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God. 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.
BAPTISM
BAPTISMAL RESPONSE
Do you as Christ’s body, the church, reaffirm both your rejection of sin and your commitment to Christ? We do.
Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life and include Reid, now before you, in your care?
With God’s help we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround Reid with a community of love and forgiveness, that she may grow in her service to others. We will pray for her, that she may be a true disciple who walks in the way that leads to life.
†PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Gracious God, giver of all gifts. We give you thanks for the blessings which you have given to us. Receive these gifts from the labor of our hands. May they be pleasing in your sight. Bless them and the ministries this offering will support. May they give hope, may they give comfort, may they bring peace, may they show your love to the world. We pray this in the name Christ the Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever more. Amen.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN #365 Grace Greater than Our Sin — MOODY
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE Go Now in Peace — Robert Lau Go now in peace, and may God’s peace go with you. Believe and trust His holy word. Amen.
†POSTLUDE
HYMN
#191 Jesus Loves Me — JESUS LOVES ME
(Following the Baptism, 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.)
CANTICLE
Pilgrims’ Hymn — Stephen Paulus
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
SERMON NOTES
Even before we call on Your name to ask You, O God, when we seek for the words to glorify You, You hear our prayer; unceasing love, O unceasing love, surpassing all we know. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Even with darkness sealing us in, we breathe Your name, and through all the days that follow so fast, we trust in You; endless Your grace, O endless Your grace, beyond all mortal dream. Both now and for ever, and unto ages and ages, Amen.
SCRIPTURE — Luke 13:10-17
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “The Miracle of Grace”
OFFERTORY
You Do Not Walk Alone — Elaine Hagenberg
May you see God’s light on the path ahead when the road you walk is dark. May you always hear, even in your hour of sorrow, the gentle singing of the lark. When times are hard may hardness never turn your heart to stone. May you always remember when the shadows fall - You do not walk alone.
†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. WE HEAR THE WORD
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III
Senior Minister
LITURGIST
The Reverend Meg Peters, Assoc. Minister
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar
The Chancel Choir
Sam Howell, Music Ministry Intern
Jonathan Blake Borton, Piano
Michael Martinez, Conductor
CRUCIFER
Anna Jane Owens
TORCHBEARERS
Stella Jane Pierce
Thomas Pierce
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of Marian W. Rief and Jane F. White by Sandy, Elizabeth, and Katie Rief.
The flowers on March 9 were lovingly given by the families of Katherine Miller Thompson and Walter Louis Matthews to celebrate their baptisms.
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 • MARCH 16, 2025
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
Today we celebrate the baptism of Randon Reid Houston, daughter of Courtland Winborne and Adam Houston and sister of Campbell Houston.
STEPHEN LEADER COMMISSIONING
On March 18, Rebecca (Becky) Tate, who currently serves as a Stephen Minister, will be commissioned as a new Stephen Leader. Stephen Leaders oversee the Stephen Ministry at Centenary, and as a Stephen Leader, Becky will help the leader team train and supervise Stephen Ministers who provide care for those who are hurting and in need. Please uphold Becky in prayer as she begins this new stage of her ministry.
ADULT FORMATION
2025 JOURNEY THROUGH LUKE & ACTS
Our year-long journey continues 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
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.
UPCOMING DATES
• Rise Against Hunger
April 13 • 2 - 4 pm
• Easter Egg Hunt
April 20 • 10 am
• Father/Daughter Mini-Golf April 27 • 2:30 - 4:30 pm
TOUGH QUESTIONS: DEATH AND GRIEF
May 4 • 5:00 pm - 6:45 pm
We hope you’ll join us for Tough Questions as we hear and learn from a panel of experts ways to navigate conversations on death and grief with our children. The cost is $15/ person, dinner and free children’s activities for infants-5th graders are provided! Registration opens April 1.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
REFRESH PRAYER MINISTRY
Wednesdays • Noon - 12:45 pm
Sanctuary
MISSIONS
BLOOD DRIVE
Tuesday • April 15 • 12:30 pm – 5:00 pm
ALL YOUTH & PARENTS GAME NIGHT!
Community Room Centenary is partnering with the Red Cross to host a blood drive. If you would like to sign up to donate blood, you may do so by scanning the QR code or visiting our website. If you cannot give blood but would like to volunteer, please email Rev. Meg Peters (mpeters@centenaryws.org).
MUSIC & ARTS
LENTEN NOONTIME SERIES
Tuesdays • Now – 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.
CHILDREN’S MUSIC & ART CAMP 2025
July 14 - 17, 2024
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
EASTER CANDY COLLECTION
Through April 2, we will be collecting candy to fill our easter eggs for our annual Easter Egg Hunt (April 20). Please bring individually wrapped, non-chocolate candy to the buckets at either the 4 ½ Street reception desk or the 5th Street reception desk.
MOTHER/SON BOWLING
March 30 • 2:30-4:30 pm
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.
SHINING LIGHT ON MENTAL HEALTH
Peer Connector Ministry
If someone in your family is experiencing a crisis of mental health, it’s important to know you are not alone. Shining Light on Mental Health is launching the Peer Connector Ministry, which establishes a confidential connection between you and someone who has experienced a similar situation. Peer Connectors serve as supportive friends and listening ears, and they can provide prayerful, emotional support and can help to direct you to additional support or resources, as needed. Send a confidential message to Rev. Oliver Helsabeck (ohelsabeck@centenaryws.org) and he will connect you with a Peer Connector.
JUSTICE & RECONCILIATION
MAPPING PREJUDICE WORKSHOP
The countdown for Camp is officially on! We are thrilled to reveal this year’s theme! We’ll be decking the halls with our creative arts and sharing our festive carols with everyone who’s ready to listen. This year, we’re combining the two “most wonderful times of the year” for a very merry Christmas in July: CMA Camp 2025! Register your child via the QR code today! Open to ages 4 through rising 5th graders. For more information, please contact Music Ministry Assistant, Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.org).
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today
10:00 am: Youth Sunday school (@ Youth Commons)
5:00 pm: Middle School Youth Group (@ Middle School Room)
6:15 pm: Youth Dinner, $3 per person (@ Youth Commons)
6:50 pm: Senior High Youth Group (@ Senior High Room)
March 19
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm: Confirmation – “Creation & Bodies” (@ Youth Commons)
March 21
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Sixers! Goes Rockclimbing (@ FirstHand Cilmbing)
We will meet at Creekside Lanes for a fun time of bowling for mothers and sons of all ages! The cost is $10/person. Includes 2 hours of bowling and a great snack! Register by March 24. Questions? Contact Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1332)
Sunday • March 23 • 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Memorial Auditorium
This workshop, presented by Dr. Russ Smith and the Spacial Justice Studio, will contribute to a community-based research project that intends to advocate for legislation to remove racially restrictive language in deeds and develop a community fund to provide financial support to distressed communities. This event is free and open to both adults and middle/high school youth. Please note that in order to participate, you must bring a laptop— cell phones and iPads are not compatible.
March 23
10:00 am: Youth Sunday school (@ Youth Commons)
5:00 pm: Middle School Youth Group (@ Middle School Room)
6:15 pm: Youth Dinner, $3 per person (@ Youth Commons)
6:50 pm: Senior High Youth Group (@ Senior High Room)
If you’re a 6th-12th grader, March 30 is the night to bring your parents to Sunday Night Youth Group -- as we host our first ever BIG GAME NIGHT! Join us on the 4th floor for an evening of exciting games, competition, food, fun, and faith! As always, friends are welcome, and so are siblings or other family members (for this event). Please be sure to register any guests ahead of time!
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.
SUMMER IN THE CITY 2025
This summer, for the first time, our Youth Ministry will team up with our missional partners to serve right here in Winston Salem for a local mission week. Plan to spend June 10-12, 2025 at Centenary and serving each day at these various partner organizations, worshiping together, growing in your faith & friendships, experiencing some incredible evening activities, and witnessing God in our midst right in our own ‘backyard’. Cost for this mission experience is $200 per person. Mark your calendar and watch for registration and more details coming soon!
LOOKING AHEAD
April 25-26: Confirmation Retreat to Blowing Rock April 27: Parents’ Coffee & Conversation & “LISTEN” event with Dr. Williams May 11: Graduation Recognition Sunday May 18: Confirmation Sunday June 1: Summer Kick-Off/9th Grade Promotion (@ ROAR) June 10 -12: Summer in The City
Love Thy Neighbor Dates 2025: 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.
