THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER • APRIL 19, 2026 • 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
GREETING
INTROIT
All that Hath Life and Breath — René Clausen
All that hath life and breath, praise ye the Lord. Shout to the Lord, alleluia. Praise Him, Laud Him, Alleluia!
†CALL TO WORSHIP
We come on weary roads, seeking hope.
Like the Emmaus travelers, we long to believe. Christ walks with us, even unseen.
Our hearts begin to burn with hope.
In simple moments, our eyes are opened. We rise with hope, and worship the risen Lord.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#158 Come, Christians, Join to Sing — SPANISH HYMN
†AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation or distress, or persecution or famine, or nakedness or peril or sword?
No! In all things we are more than conquerors through the One who loved us. We are sure that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
† AFFIRMATION RESPONSE
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.)
CANTICLE
I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light — arr. Paul Manz (The congregation will be invited to stand and sing.)
I’m looking for the coming of Christ, I want to be with Jesus. When we have run with patience the race, we shall know the joy of Jesus. In him there is no darkness at all. The night and they day are both alike. The Lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
SCRIPTURE — Luke 24:13-35
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Easter Encounters: Emmaus Disciples”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
Crown Him! — Dan Forrest (The congregation will be invited to stand and sing.)
Crown Him the Lord of life! Who triumphed o’er the grave, who rose victorious in the strife for those He came to save; His glories now we sing who died and rose on high, who died eternal life to bring and lives that death may die.
Crown Him the Lord of heaven: One with the Father known, One with the Spirit through HIm given, from yonder glorious throne. To Thee be endless praise. For Thou for us hast died; be Thou, O Lord, through endless days, adored and magnified!
†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
WE GO
AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN
#89 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee — HYMN TO JOY
†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
SERMON NOTES
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
Reverend Oliver Helsabeck
Associate Minister for Congegational Care
LITURGIST
Tammy Pollock Director of Youth Ministries
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music & Arts
Joshua Sobel, Organist
The Chancel Choir Gateways Festival Brass Ensemble
CRUCIFER
Taylor Paris
TORCHBEARERS
Georgia Elliott
Thompson Dugan
FLOWERS
The Chancel flowers are given in loving memory of Jr. & Lorene Strange, and Joseph Kennedy by Steven, Heather, and Chelsea Strange.
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.
SUNDAY MORNINGS AT CENTENARY
• Worship • 9:00AM • Memorial Auditorium
• Worship • 11:00AM • Sanctuary
• Sunday School for all Ages • 9:45AM or 10:00AM (Based on Classes & Ministry Area)
• Nursery is available for infants through pre-kindergarteners during both worship services and Sunday school on the first floor of the East Building.
MEMBERSHIP
We are eager to share Centenary’s story with you. If you are interested in learning about church membership, please contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck (336-724-6311 ext. 1357/ ohelsabeck@centenary-ws.org) to schedule a time to meet.
WATCH
Each Sunday morning, our 11:00AM 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 Lara “Willis” Greene ext. 1362 Senior Minister wgreene@centenary-ws.org
Mary Ann Wexler ext. 1346 Executive Director mwexler@centenary-ws.org
Jonathan Emmons ext. 1339 Director of Music & Arts jemmons@centenary-ws.org
Reverend Oliver Helsabeck ext. 1357 Associate Minister for Congregational Care ohelsabeck@centenary-ws.org
Reverend Kate May ext. 1331 Associate Minister with Children kmay@centenary-ws.org
ANNOUNCEMENTS • APRIL 19, 2026
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
CENTENARY SCHOLARSHIPS
Centenary is honored to offer endowed scholarships made possible by the dedication and generosity of past members. T.B. and Mary Neal Dixson fund applications are due April 27 by 5PM. For more information, please visit https://centenary-ws.org/church-events/ resources/.
JUSTICE & RECONCILIATION
Creek Clean Up Day
May 17 • 4:00PM-6:00PM
Help us care for God’s creation by cleaning up around the creek near Shaffner Park! Pack a picnic dinner and enjoy the after party at the park. Contact Kate May if you are interested in participating.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Vacation Bible School
June 15-18 • 9:00AM-Noon
We are excited for potty trained 3-year-olds through rising 6th graders to join us this year at Rainforest Falls VBS! Register by scanning the QR code above. Youth and grownups, you know you don’t want to miss out on all the fun!
Contact Marty Coan, Diane Eshelman, Ashley Maner, or Kate May.
Older Elementary Mission Week
July 21-23 • 9:00AM-3:00PM
Rising 4th-6th graders are invited to join us as we do mission projects around Winston Salem and have fun fellowship time together! $45/ student. Scan the QR code above to register.
Centenary Helps Students Succeed
Centenary has the priviledge to partner with the Backpack Program through Second Harvest Food Bank, serving students at Brunson Elementary, Wiley Middle, Reynolds High, and the Winston-Salem Street School. This program provides weekend meals for children who rely on school breakfast and lunch during the week. Just $216 feeds one child for an entire school year. To get involved, contact Anna Thomas at athomas@centenary-ws.org (ext. 1332).
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Centenary Cares
Sharing Care & Encouragement
Tammy Pollock ext. 1337 Director of Youth Ministries tpollock@centenary-ws.org
Stacy Holley ext. 1359 Executive Assistant sholley@centenary-ws.org
John Markle ext. 1347 Director of Operations jmarkle@centenary-ws.org
Doug Peninger ext. 1368 Director of Communication dpeninger@centenary-ws.org
John Rogers ext. 1356 Director of Information Technology jrogers@centenary-ws.org
CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
646 W. FIFTH STREET • WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27101 WWW.CENTENARY-WS.ORG • 336-724-6311
SENIOR ADULTS
Luncheon
Thursday • May 21 • Noon • Auditorium
May’s guest speaker will be Lee Covington, President and CEO of Senior Services. 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 $12.00 and the signup deadline is Wednesday, May 13. If you need a ride to the luncheon, please let Rev. Oliver Helsabeck know. The Senior Adult Council will meet briefly in the choir room at 11:00 before the luncheon.
MUSIC & ARTS
The WSSU Singing Rams Are Back! Today • April 19 • 4:00PM • Sanctuary Free Concert
You are invited to attend the Annual Spring Concert of the Grammy-Award-Winning WSSU Singing Rams this afternoon in our Sanctuary. Kick off a week of exceptional music at Centenary with this phenomenal ensemble conducted by Maestra D’Walla Simmons Burke. We hope you will attend.
Gateways Music Festival at Centenary
Thursday • April 23 • 7:00PM • Sanctuary Free Concert
Centenary is thrilled to host the renowned Gateways Music Festival this week. Founded by concert pianist and Centenary congregant, Armenta Hummings Dumisani, Gateways is rooted in over three decades of tradition in motion, guided by artistic brilliance, sustained by a vibrant community of support, and committed to be a lasting home for Black artistry in classical music. We are honored to have their brass ensemble lead us in worship this morning.
Children’s Music & Arts Camp 2026
All Creatures Great and Small July 13 - 16, 2026
Even in difficult, private mental health struggles, you are cared for, prayed for, and loved by your church family. Centenary Cares, part of Shining Light on Mental Health provides confidential care bags to offer encouragement. To support someone, contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck or visit the church website under Congregational Care/Shining Light for more information.
Refresh Wednesdays • Noon-12:45PM • Sanctuary
The Refresh Prayer Ministry invites you to be refreshed in a mid-week service of worship, reflection, and prayer in a sacred space. 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.
Two by two… the animals are coming! This summer, we invite children aged 4 through rising 5th graders to step into the story of Noah and discover how God’s love and promise extends to “all creatures great and small!” Through music, art, movement, and storytelling, campers will explore this beloved biblical journey. We look forward to spending a week singing, ringing, painting and playing together! Register now via the Announcements QR code! For more information, please contact Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws. org).
Senior Adults • Save These Dates!
• June 11 - Picnic at South Fork Park
• July 23 - Trip to Barter Theatre, Abingdon, VA More information coming soon.
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
May Luncheon
May 4 • Noon • Memorial Auditorium
Did you know Loaves & Fishes has served our community for decades, providing food and financial help to families in need with compassion and dignity? All women are invited to hear Marianne Bach, longtime Centenary member and Loaves & Fishes leader, who will share about this volunteer ministry. The cost us $15 (cash, check to CUMC-UWF, or Realm). Resgister by April 24 to your Circle Leader, or contact Susan Grubbs (shgrubbs4@ gmail.com) if you’re not in a Circle.
Sanctuary Ornaments & Church Cookbook Now Available Commemorate baptisms, weddings, confirmations, or joining the church with a personalized Centenary sanctuary ornament. The cookbook Be Present at Our Table features cherished recipes, photos, and our congregation’s history—perfect for gifts. Both items are available at the Reception Desk. Proceeds support missions serving women, children, and families locally and around the world. For purchases or questions, contact Laurie Dray at (336-830-4701).
YOUTH MINISTRY
Sixers!
April 24 • 5:30 - 8:30 pm • Celebration Station
Join us for a super fun night of putt-putt, gokarting, arcade-play, and eating lots of ’za at this month’s Sixers! outing. For trip details and registration, scan the QR code above or sign into Realm. If you have questions about or need to make changes to your registration, contact Kevin Garrity.
April 26 • 5:00PM-6:30PM
Homes of Grade Hosts (TBA)
We are so excited for our springtime class dinners, a chance for each individual grade to gather at a youth ministry family’s home for dinner, connection, games and bible study. Addresses of host families will be shared via the Youth Ministry email blast the week of Class Dinners. No registration is required, but if you have questions ahead of time, please contact Tammy Pollock.
Youth Ministry Summer Kick-off & 9th Grade Promo Party
May 31 • 5:00PM-7:00PM Calling ALL youth, and most especially you rising freshman! Join us for a summer kick-off party to celebrate the end of school and the promotion of our rising freshman at ROAR W-S -- for a night of bowling, simulator games and to chow down on some nuggets, burger sliders and other snacks! To register, scan the QR code above, or visit the Realm Events page. If you have any questions, please contact Kevin Garrity.
Wilderness Trail • Summer Hike June 20-25 • Troutdale, VA
Do you love camping, hiking, and campfires? Then this trip is for you! For 38 years, Wilderness Trail Ministry has been “leading backpacking faith adventures that bring teens closer to God and each other.” Join our youth ministry as we hop on the bus and attend our first guided summer hike this June. Cost is $375 and spots are limited. For details and registration, scan the QR code above or sign-up via Realm. If you have any questions,If you have any questions, please contact Kevin Garrity.
