FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT • MARCH 30, 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.
PRELUDE
I Dream a World — Rollo Dilworth
Dream! I dream a world where man no other man will scorn. Where love will bless the earth and peace its paths adorn. I dream a world where all will know sweet freedom’s way, where greed no longer saps the soul nor avarice blights our day. A world I dream where black or white, whatever race you be, will share the bounties of the earth and every man is free. Where wretchedness will hang its head and joy, like a pearl, attends the needs of all mankind. Of such I a world I dream!
GREETING
INTROIT
Exsultate Justi — Rollo Dilworth
Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous ones: it is fitting for the upright ones to give praise. Acknowledge the Lord with the harp. Sing to Him with a psaltery of ten strings. Sing to Him a new song. Sing praises to Him well with a loud voice, for the word of the Lord is right, and all His works are done in faithfulness.
†OPENING PRAYER
Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#117 O God, Our Help in Ages Past — ST. ANNE
†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.
(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
Poor Wayfaring Stranger — arr. Mary Ann Cooper
I’m just a poor, wayfaring stranger, a travelin’ through this world of woe. I’m going there to meet my father/mother, I’m going there, no more to roam. I’m just a going over Jordan, I’m just a-going over home. I know dark clouds will gather ‘round me, I know my way is tough and steep. But golden fields lie out before me where God’s redeemed, their vigil keep. I want to wear a crown of glory when I get home to that bright land. I want to shout salvation’s story in concert with that blood-washed land! I’m going there to see my Savior, to sing his praise forever more.
SCRIPTURE — Luke 15:1-10
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Forgiven Before You Know It”
OFFERTORY
I Choose Love — Mark Burrows
In the midst of pain, I choose Love. In the midst of pain, sorrow falling down like rain. I await the sun again; I choose love. In the midst of war, I choose peace. In the midst of war, hate and anger keeping score. I will seek the good once more; I choose peace. When my world falls down, I will rise. When my world falls down, explanations can’t be found. I will climb to holy ground. I will rise.
†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
God of all creation, source of every blessing: you have given us so much. As we bring our tithes and gifts to you this day, these seem so small by comparison, unless we see that we are truly called to give ourselves back to the world. May we be the ones who bring value in relationship with those around us. May we be the ones who show your light to the world. We pray all of this in the mighty name of Jesus, who came to help us see all we could be. Amen.
RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS
We give thanks for all that God has already given you and we welcome you in Christian love. As members together with you in the body of Christ and in this congregation of the United Methodist Church, we renew our covenant faithfully to participate in the ministries of the church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
Deep Peace — Gwyneth Walker
Deep peace of the running waves to you. Deep peace of the flowing air to you. Deep peace of the quiet earth to you. Deep peace of the shining stars to you. Deep peace to you.
†POSTLUDE
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
SERMON NOTES
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
Winston Salem Choral Academy
Anne Saxon, Founding Artistic Director
Suzanne Maggs, Assistant Director
Cynthia Saylor, Collaborative Pianist
Laura Stevens, Flute
†HYMN
#140 Great Is Thy Faithfulness —
CRUCIFER
Jojo Johnson
TORCHBEARERS
Matthew Frye
Christopher Frye
FLOWERS
The Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of Bess Richardson by her husband Scott, and children, Libby, Susan, and George.
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 30, 2025
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
HOLY WEEK OPPORTUNITIES
PALM SUNDAY WORSHIP • APRIL 13
9 am Worship in Memorial Auditorium 11 am Worship in the Sanctuary
MONDAY • APRIL 14 - FRIDAY • APRIL 18
Holy Week Labyrinth • 9:30 am — 6 pm
You are invited into a period of intentional reflection, prayer, and contemplation by walking a labyrinth in our sanctuary during Holy Week. Join us for a time of self-guided spiritual practice as we conclude the season of Lent and journey toward the cross. Enter from 4½ Street and follow signage.
TUESDAY • APRIL 15 • NOON
Lenten Noontime Music Series in the Sanctuary
HOLY THURSDAY WORSHIP • APRIL 17
7 PM
Worship in the Sanctuary and Live Stream
GOOD FRIDAY WORSHIP • APRIL 18 • 7 PM
“The Seven Last Words of Christ” by Theodore Dubois & Tenebrae in the Sanctuary and Live Stream
EASTER SUNDAY WORSHIP • APRIL 20
9 am Worship in Memorial Auditorium 11 am Worship in the Sanctuary
CENTENARY SCHOLARSHIPS
FAMILY LABYRINTH DAY
April 18 • 9 am - 11 am
Join us for our first ever Family Labyrinth Day! Celebrate Holy week and learn together about how we can all grow closer to God. This includes a snack, art and musical labyrinth activities.
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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Sunday • April 13 • 4 pm • Dining Room
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. This week we welcome soprano Kristin Schwecke. We hope you will attend 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: CHRISTMAS IN JULY
July 14 - 17, 2025
Tomorrow is your last chance for early bird camp registration! Get ready to bring joy to the world and share festive carols with everyone who will listen!
Open to ages 4 through rising 5th graders, this funfilled week features singing, handbells, art, Kindermusik, and more! Register now via the QR code! For more information, please contact Music Ministry Assistant, Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.org).
April 2
6:30 pm - 8 pm: Confirmation, “Creativity & Work” (@ Youth Commons)
April 6
10 am: Youth Sunday school (@ Youth Commons)
11 am: LTN set up (@Memorial Auditorium) Noon - 2 pm: Love Thy Neighbor lunch and Medical Clinic 2:15 pm: LTN clean up (@Memorial Auditorium)
LISTEN EVENT: “Seen” with Dr. Williams Sunday • April 27 • 5 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
Centenary is honored to offer endowed scholarships made possible by the dedication and generosity of past members. The application deadline is April 28, 2025 at 5 pm. There are significant changes to this year’s application process. To apply, please visit https:// centenary-ws.org/church-events/resources/.
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.
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@ centenary-ws.org) with any questions.
TOUGH QUESTIONS: DEATH AND GRIEF
May 4 • 5 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.
FATHER DAUGHTER MINIGOLF
April 27 • 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Calling all fathers and daughters of all ages for a fun afternoon of minigolf, arcade games and bumper boats at Adventure Landing on Stratford Road! $10/person. Registration opens April 1!
End-of-life planning is something no one looks forward to, and yet, having some things prepared ahead of time can be a gift to a family that is overwhelmed. Congregational Care Ministries will host “Things to Know Before You Go,” a program led by Rev. Oliver Helsabeck and David Gentry of Gentry Family Funeral Services in Yadkinville. We will cover funeral and memorial service planning, how to prepare necessary materials and documents, where to store them, and what’s generally helpful for end-of-life planning. If you have any questions, please email or call Rev. Oliver Helsabeck
MEN’S MINISTRY
THURSDAY MORNING FELLOWSHIP
April 3 • 7:30 am - 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 presentation by Rev. Meg Peters about the Mission Committee budget and appropriation process. 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.
MISSIONS
BLOOD DRIVE
Tuesday • April 15 • 12:30 pm – 5 pm
Community Room
VOLUNTEER FOR CHILDREN’S MUSIC & ART CAMP 2025: CHRISTMAS IN JULY
July 14 - 17, 2025
We’re decking the halls early for Children’s Music & Arts Camp 2025: Christmas in July — and we need YOU to help make it merry & bright! We are looking for volunteers of all ages to serve as counselors, crossing guards, room/activity assistants and snack providers! Whether you wish to help for a day or the whole week, you will make this the holly jolliest camp ever! Please contact Music Ministry Assistant, Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@ centenary-ws.org) to sign up today!
ART IN THE ATRIUM Lenten Expressions: Glimpses of Grace Opening Reception: Today • Noon Exhibit Dates: March 30 – April 30 • Atrium & 4 ½ St. Galleries
We are proud to announce our Lenten exhibit, Lenten Expressions: Glimpses of Grace. Featuring the art of Centenary’s new Faith & Artistry class lead by Dr. Steve Martin, we invite you to come, engage with and reflect on images inspired by this most sacred of seasons.
SENIOR ADULTS
LUNCHEON
Thursday • April 17 • Noon Memorial Auditorium
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
May 11: Graduation Recognition Sunday May 18: Confirmation Sunday June 1: Summer Kick-Off/9th Grade Promotion (@ ROAR)
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.
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).
RISE AGAINST HUNGER
Sunday • April 13 • 2 pm – 4 pm
Community Room
Centenary is participating in Rise Against Hunger. Set up will start at 12:30pm. We look forward to packing as many meals as possible. All ages are welcome! Contact Rev. Meg (mpeters@centenary-ws.org), if you have any questions.
This month’s guest speaker is Keith Byrd, Centenary’s Alternative Worship Leader, who will present a special program of music for Holy Week. We gather at 11:45 am 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, April 9. The Senior Adult Council will meet briefly in the choir room at 11:00 am before the luncheon.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today 10 am: Youth Sunday School (@ Youth Commons) 5 pm - 7 pm: ALL Youth & Parents Game Night (@ Youth Commons)
April 1
6:30 pm - 8 pm: LTN Leadership Team Meeting (@ The LOOP)
