FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT • MARCH 9, 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
Lay Me Low (from Shaker Songs) — Kevin Siegfried Lay me low, where the Lord can find me, own me, bless me.
†OPENING PRAYER
Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#421 Make Me a Captive, Lord — DIADEMATA
†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 Walt and Miller 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 Walt and Miller with a community of love and forgiveness, that they may grow in their service to others. We will pray for them, that they may be true disciples who walk in the way that leads to life.
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.)
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
CANTICLE
Give Me Jesus — Moses Hogan
In the mornin’ when I rise, give me Jesus.
SCRIPTURE — Luke 12:13-21
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Possessed by Possessions”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing — Mack Wilberg Come, thou fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace; streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above. Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it, mount of thy redeeming love. Here I raise my Ebenezer, hither by thy help I’m come; and I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home. Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God; he, to rescue me from danger, interposed his precious blood. O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be! Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; here’s my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above.
†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
Receive these gifts, O Lord. May they be magnified by your Holy Spirit to teach your children about your love, to show the world your grace, to bring healing to the broken hearted, to comfort the grieving, to embrace the needy, and to praise your name. We offer ourselves as instruments of your peace to the world. We offer our talents, our time, and our gifts to you. Use us as you will. Deploy us for your benevolence. Transform our hearts as we transform the world. We pray this in your Holy name. Amen.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN #399 Take My LIfe, and Let It Be — MESSIAH
†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
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III, Senior 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
Logan Webber, Tenor
CRUCIFER Chandler Robinson
TORCHBEARERS MacRae Robinson
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 9, 2025
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
Today we celebrate the baptism of Walter Louis Matthews son of McKay and Sarah Alice Matthews and brother of Murph Matthews.
Today we celebrate the baptism of Katherine Miller Thompson, daughter of Harrison Thompson and Katie Van Dorsten and sister of Jamie Thompson.
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”
UPCOMING DATES
• Rise Against Hunger
April 13 • 2 - 4 pm
• Easter Egg Hunt
April 20 • 10 am
• Father/Daughter Mini-Golf April 27 • 3 - 5 pm
TOUGH QUESTIONS: DEATH AND GRIEF
May 4 • 5 - 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
MUSIC & ARTS
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.
CHILDREN’S MUSIC & ART CAMP 2025
July 14 - 17, 2024
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 community-wide 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.
LOOKING AHEAD
March 21: Sixers! Go Rock Climbing (@ FirstHand Climbing)
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
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
Sunday • March 23 • 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Memorial Auditorium
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).
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@centenaryws.org/ext. 1357) before Monday, March 10, to reserve a spot on the bus and for the tour.
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.
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 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.
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)
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.
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.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today 10:00 am: Youth Sunday school (@ Youth Commons) *NO YOUTH GROUP
March 16
10:00 am: Youth Sunday school (@ Youth Commons)
5:00pm: Middle School Youth Group (@ Middle School Room) 6:15pm: Youth Dinner, $3 per person (@ Youth Commons)
6:50pm: Senior High Youth Group (@ Senior High Room)
