WELCOME TO WORSHIP
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.)
FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT • MARCH 22, 2026 • 11:00AM
THE COMMUNITY GATHERS
CANTICLE Inscription of Hope — Z. Randall Stroope I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining, and I believe in love, even when there’s no one there. And I believe in God, even when God is silent; I believe through any trial, there is always a way. But sometimes in this suff’ring and hopeless despair, my heart cries for shelter, to know someone’s there. But a voice rises within me, saying “hold on my child”. I’ll give you strength, I’ll give you hope, just stay a little while.
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. †
Please stand as you are able
PRELUDE
Beyond Borders — Tom Shelton Stardust — B. E. Boykin
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED SCRIPTURE — John 19:28-29 This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. SERMON — “I Thirst”
GREETING INTROIT
Kind Hearts — Bruce Tippette Kind hearts are the gardens, kind thoughts are the roots. Kind words are the flowers, kind deeds are the fruits. Take care of your garden and keep out the weeds. Fill it with sunshine, kind words, kind deeds.
CALL TO WORSHIP In this season of Lent, return to the Lord your God, for God is gracious. Confess to the Lord your God, for God is merciful. Repent to the Lord your God, for God is slow to anger. Praise the Lord your God, for God abounds in steadfast love. Worship the Lord your God. Together, let us worship God!
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WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT OFFERTORY Like as the Hart — Herbert Howells Like as the hart desireth the waterbrooks: so longeth my soul after thee, O God. My soul is athirst for God, yea, even for the living God: when shall I come to appear before the presence of God? My tears have been my meat day and night: while they daily say unto me, Where is now thy God? 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.
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PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
HYMN OF PROCESSION #397 I Need Thee Every Hour — NEED 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.
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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
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SERMON NOTES
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD HYMN
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#301 Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross — NEAR THE CROSS
BENEDICTION
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BENEDICTION RESPONSE A Clare Benediction — John Rutter May the Lord show his mercy upon you; may the light of his presence be your guide: may he guard you and uphold you; may his spirit be ever be your side. When you sleep, may his angels watch over you; when you wake, may he fill you with his grace: may you love him and serve him all your days, then in heaven may you see his face.
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POSTLUDE
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PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP PREACHING Reverend Lara “Willis” Greene Senior Minister LITURGIST Tammy Pollock Director of Youth Ministries MUSIC Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music & Arts Joshua Sobel, Organist The Chancel Choir Winston-Salem Choral Academy Anne Saxon, Founder & Artistic Director Suzanne Saxon Maggs, Anna Wade, Brandon Winbush, Assistant Directors Cynthia Saylor, Collaborative Pianist
CRUCIFER Hamilton Norman TORCHBEARERS Hank Conrad Mary Claire Norman FLOWERS The Chancel flowers are given by Frank and Becky Foster in celebration of their 56th Wedding Anniversary, today and in memory of their daughter, Julie Foster Hedrick. (Interested in flower sponsorship? Contact Paige MorganFoy at pmorganfoy@centenary-ws.org.)
The anthem texts are printed with permission. One License A-707342
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
By entering the Sanctuary, you grant to Centenary United Methodist Church unrestricted right to use and publish, transmit or telecast photographs or likenesses that might be taken of you this day for use in communications related to the church.