C entenary "Where You Go, I Will Go Sunday, November 9, 2014

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"Where You Go, I Will Go"
Ruth 1:1-16
Sunday, November 9, 2014
10:10 am Rejoice!
Focus:
“Where you go, I will go. Your people will be my people. Your God will be my God.”
Little wonder these words from the Book of Ruth are among the most popular scriptures shared during a
wedding. They speak of love, devotion and above all commitment.
Today, is Stewardship Sunday but we could as easily call it Commitment Sunday. We follow the example
of Ruth. We commit ourselves not just to run off as individuals looking out for our own best interests but
to go together as the people of God sharing a common purpose. Such commitment lies at the heart of our
faith. We would not be here – worshipping together – unless someone before us had not made some bold
commitment to this congregation and to the purpose we now share.
It is now our turn. Like Ruth, we have a decision to make. As I pray for each one of us, I am deeply grateful. In part, because I believe I already know what we will decide. We will take the first step of our new
vision. We will go as one people devoted to the One, True God.
Today, will not only be Stewardship Sunday. It will be Commitment Sunday. And, God, I truly believe, will
be pleased by the pledges we make.
Artwork: Ruth & Naomi ~ He Qi
Participating in Worship
Preaching
Dr. W. Mark Ralls
Liturgist
Tamara M. Pollock
Musicians
Ken Wilmot, trumpet/bandleader
Martha Bassett, lead vocals
Federico Pivetta, piano
Matt Kendrick, bass
John Wilson, drums
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Thank you for worshipping with us today.
LET US WORSHIP
Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost • 10:10 am • November 9, 2014 • Rejoice!
The Community Gathers
We welcome you to worship today! Our deepest desire is that you
have come to encounter the living, loving God and find yourself
knowing His great love for you.
Gathering Music
Greeting
Prelude
*Call to Worship
2 Corinthians 9
*Hymn
Jazz Variations ~ Band Members
We invite you to pass the Fellowship Folder located at the end of the pew.
My Lord, What a Morning ~ Spiritual
The one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who
sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
For God loves a cheerful giver.
And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that
by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in
every good work.
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
#711 For All the Saints ~ SINE NOMINE
(Found on page 6 of the bulletin.)
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.
Stewardship Moment
* please stand as you are able
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We Hear the Word Proclaimed
Scripture
Ruth 1:1-16
In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land,
and a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to live in the country
of Moab, he and his wife and two sons. The name of the man was
Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two
sons were Mahlon and Chilion; they were Ephrathites from Bethlehem
in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there.
But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her
two sons. These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah
and the name of the other Ruth. When they had lived there about
ten years, both Mahlon and Chilion also died, so that the woman
was left without her two sons and her husband. Then she started to
return with her daughters-in-law from the country of Moab, for she
had heard in the country of Moab that the Lord had considered his
people and given them food. So she set out from the place where she
had been living, she and her two daughters-in-law, and they went on
their way to go back to the land of Judah. But Naomi said to her two
daughters-in-law, "Go back each of you to your mother's house. May
the Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and
with me. The Lord grant that you may find security, each of you in the
house of your husband." Then they wept aloud again. Orpah kissed
her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. So she said, "See, your
sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after
your sister-in-law." But Ruth said, "Do not press me to leave you or
to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; where you
lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my
God.
(NRSV)
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
Sermon
"Where You Go, I Will Go"
We Renew Our Commitment
Offertory
*Doxology
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That’s What Friends are For ~ Burt Bacharach/Carole Bayer Sager
#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.
*A Celebration of
Commitment
(see insert)
You are invited to come to the altar for a time of prayer and commitment.
At this time you may bring your pledge card, or if you already pledged,
you may bring a card from the fellowship folder. All are invited to
participate in this time of prayer and commitment as we offer our whole
selves to God.
Upon returning to your seat, you will be given a First Gifts bag to stock
the pantry for Loaves and Fishes. You are encouraged to return your bag
on November 30 as we celebrate First Gifts and the ministry these items
provide.
*Prayer of
Dedication
O God, we know that all good gifts come from you. Bless this return of
the abundance with which you have blessed us. Strengthen us to serve
you and your church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service,
and our witness. Amen.
We Go As God's People Into the World
*Hymn
#408 The Gift of Love ~
(Found on page 8 of the bulletin.)
*Benediction
*Musical Response
Emmanuel “God With Us” ~ Ken Wilmot, Sr.
Emmanuel, Emmanuel. His name is called, Emmanuel. God with us,
revealed in us. His name is called, Emmanuel
Let every heart, prepare Him room. O Come O Come, Emmanuel. God
with us, revealed in us. His name is called, Emmanuel
*Sending Forth
Close to You ~ Burt Bacharach /Hal David
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Guests, Visitors and Friends...
The congregation and staff of Centenary welcome you to today’s service. It is our honor to have you
in worship with us today. If we can be of assistance to you, please visit with one of our friendly ushers,
located by the Narthex entrance. They will gladly answer your questions and help you with any needs
you may have during your visit.
We welcome all our visitors as special guests. At the conclusion of today's worship, we invite you to
speak to one of our ministers who will be at the Welcome Desk in the Narthex. We want to address any
questions you may have and provide you with pertinent information about Centenary. Please return and
visit with us again soon.
Are you hungry for hospitality?
Each Sunday morning, Centenary provides morning snacks to our congregation and visitors in the 4 1/2
Street narthex, at the second floor coffee station, and kitchenette at Room 115. In keeping with our yearlong "Are you Hungry?" theme, we have expanded our morning snack offerings to include locally sourced
nutritious items such as banana bread and whole grain muffins. We encourage you to enjoy these items
along with juice and coffee as you meet and greet fellow worshipers. Your offering into the basket at the
4½ Street and 2nd floor hospitality sites will allow us to continue, and expand, our hospitality food items.
If you have suggestions for food on these tables, please write a note and put it in the basket
with your offering.
FELLOWSHIP
MEMBERSHIP
LISTEN
There is always something
happening at Centenary and we
invite you to join us. Learn more
about Centenary offerings by
visiting centenaryonline.com. You
may also find us on Facebook by
searching “UMCCentenary.”
Our Senior Minister, Dr. Mark Ralls,
is eager to share Centenary's story
with you. If you are interested in
learning about church membership,
please contact Dr. Ralls (397-1362)
to schedule a time to meet.
Each Sunday morning, from 11:00
am -12:00 pm, you can tune your
radio to WSJS 600 AM to hear the
worship service. You may also go
to WSJS.com from anywhere in the
world and hear streaming audio of
the service as it happens. Should you
miss a live broadcast, you can always
go to centenaryonline.com and listen
to the latest series of sermons found
in our “Sermons and Downloads”
feature.
CONTACT US
To learn more about life at Centenary,
contact the church office (724-6311)
and ask to speak with a minister.
WORSHIP TIMES AT CENTENARY
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8:45 am
9:00 am
10:10 am
11:00 am
7:30 pm
Traditional Worship
Simplify Praise Service
Rejoice (Jazz Inspired Worship)
Traditional Worship
Roots Revival
Sanctuary
Memorial Auditorium
Memorial Auditorium
Sanctuary
Wednesday Evenings
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CELEBRATIONS AND CONCERNS
POINSETTIAS FOR ADVENT
The chancel flowers are given in loving memory of
Marvin Ward by Mrs. Marvin Ward, Betty Ward
Cone and Tom Ward; and also in loving memory of
Winifred Meredith Barr and Richard C. Barr by their
family.
Poinsettia order forms are now available in the
information centers around the church campus. All
orders and payment are due by November 15.
We offer our prayers and concern for those who are
ill at home, hospitalized and in hospice care.
DIVORCE CARE
Wednesdays • 6:30 pm • Room 116
We begin with a 30 minute video followed by
conversation to help you navigate the rough waters
of separation and divorce. If you have any questions,
please contact Pink Willis (306-4236)/pinkwillis@
gmail.com or Frankie Perry-Oates (816-5234).
STEPHEN MINISTRY
Two Weeks’ Notice!
These three words can express so much heartache.
A Stephen Minister can be a caring listener to those
experiencing financial problems. A Stephen Minister
won’t give advice or make judgments – he or she
will care. If you would like to find out more about
Stephen Ministry for yourself or someone you
know (possibly a friend, neighbor, coworker, or
relative) talk with Mark Ralls (397-1362), Craig
Ford (397-1353) or Deena Morgan (764-4239) to
find out how you can receive help from a Stephen
Minister. All calls are confidential.
ANGEL TREE
PORTRAIT DIRECTORY MAKE-UPS
There is still time to be included in the next portrait
directory! Due to popular demand, three additional
days have been added: December 2, 3 and 4 from
3 pm - 7 pm. To make your appointment, you
can call Divine Designs Portrait Directories (4314892. Be sure to ask for the Centenary make-up
appointments.
It is time to stop by the second floor gallery to pick
up an angel from one of our trees. Our angels are
from Marvin UMC, El Aposento Alto, and Winston
Salem Street School. For questions about the Angel
Tree contact Ashley Maner (397-1332)/amaner@
centenary-ws.org.
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CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
YOUTH MINISTRY
Nursery Care
November 9
Nursery care for infants through pre-kindergarten is
offered during every Sunday morning worship service.
During the 11:00 am worship service, 3's and 4's in the
nursery have a time of engaged Bible storytelling led
by children’s ministry staff. Our nursery classrooms,
staffed by professional childcare workers, are located
on the second floor of the children’s building.
Join us for our Youth Ministry events today!
8:45, 9:00, 10:10 & 11:00 am: Worship
9:45am: Sunday school
Worship Bags
As you and your family enjoy worship together please
know that we have worship bags available during
all services on Sunday mornings for children ages
3-5th grade. The bags are located outside of both
the auditorium and the sanctuary. If you have trouble
locating them please ask an usher. You will notice
that the bags are different colors for different aged
children. We ask that at the end of the service you
replace the bags with their contents on their racks so
that we can refresh them for the next week’s worship.
Feel free to take home the children’s bulletin inside
and use it for activities during the week with your
child.
Christmas Craft Night
November 23 • 4:30 pm
Mark your calendars for Christmas Craft Night on
Sunday, November 23 from 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm. You
can sign up at the Children's Ministry tables, located
in the Reception Narthex. Stop by and check it out
as some of the more popular crafts go quickly!
Our Cornerstone middle school youth group (6th8th grades) meets from 5:00-6:00 pm each Sunday
evening, followed by a youth dinner at 6:00 pm. Our
evening finishes up with our senior high youth group
(9th-12thgrades), The Well, from 6:45-8:00 pm.
Come be a part of this incredible ministry where we
seek to know God and to soak up the love of Christ
so we can share that knowledge and love with all
who we encounter. We meet upstairs on the 4th floor
and can’t wait to see you!
Mark Your Calendars!
November 14 & 15: Youth Hand Bell Festival in Roanoke
November 17: Hoops4Him Registration Opens
December 10: Confirmation Parent orientation
January 7: Confirmation begins
January 8: Confirmation Shepherd Night orientation
SENIOR ADULTS
Veterans Day Breakfast
November 11 • 8:30 am • Auditorium
The annual veterans breakfast sponsored by the Senior Adult
Council will be held November 11, 8:30 am. The speaker will
be Major General Charles Swannack. General Swannack is
a graduate of Reynolds High School where he excelled in
athletics and academics. Following graduation he attended
and graduated from West Point. He served several different
assignments throughout his military career in the army,
retiring as a Major General. One of his most challenging
duties was the invasion of Iraq. He was in the first invasion of
Iraq, fighting along with and beside the troops on the ground.
General Swannack will share many of his experiences and
give insight into the issues that are currently being faced. This
will be a very timely program in view of the military activity
and problems that the United States and other countries are
confronting. General Swannack will also share his personal
faith that has sustained him throughout his military career.
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You may register for the Veterans breakfast by contacting
Charles Monroe (773-0446)/[email protected].
Please note that you do not have to be a veteran to attend the
breakfast. All are welcome.
Senior Adult Luncheon
November 20 • 11:30 am • Memorial Auditorium
The Senior Adults will be honored to have Lanie Pope,
the chief meteorologist from Channel XII as their guest
speaker. She will no doubt tell about the methods used
to gather information about the weather but more
importantly she will speak on behalf of Respite Care. Mrs.
Pope has witnessed the need for Respite Care and is a
strong advocate for respite care ministry. The Respite care
committee will give an update on the ministry of care that
is being conducted here at Centenary. This will be a very
informative program and you will have the opportunity
to hear and meet Lanie Pope. You may register for the
luncheon by emailing [email protected] or phoning
773-0446. The cost of the luncheon is $7.00.
ADULT ED. / SPIRITUAL FORMATION
Food for Thought (Lunch and a Lesson)
Fall Series: “Indispensable Relationships”
Noon • Wednesdays from September – November •
Memorial Auditorium
$7 includes lunch, drink, dessert, music and message
You’ve heard it said that life is a journey, which means
that there is a destination we’re headed toward. But
how are we going to get there? Or more importantly,
WHO will be with us on this journey? Rev. Jonathan
Brake will introduce us to the people we need in our
life to reach our destination, to release the dynamic
power of traveling together and to draw us beyond
ourselves. Pulling from Leonard Sweet’s book, “11
Indispensable Relationships You Can’t Be Without,”
we will learn from various relationships in the
Bible. Food for Thought is open to the community
and is a great place to come for employees working
downtown!
Centenary Creation Care Meeting
November 13 • 6:30 pm • Room 222
All meetings of the Creation Care Team are on the
2nd Thursday of each month. We will be discussing
preliminary plans for 2015 and wrapping up our
action items from 2014. There is plenty of room for
new people and ideas for how to put our faith into
action through creation care. Contact: Rev. Jonathan
Brake, [email protected].
The Big Silence Retreat
January 25-28, 2015
St. Francis Springs Prayer Center
Only a few rooms remain, so register now! Rev.
Jonathan Brake will be leading this “4-day mostly
silent” retreat again for the third time! If you would
like to experience the closeness of God in a beautiful
setting, then contact Rev. Brake. This retreat is open
to all adults, regardless of experience with silence,
meditation, contemplation and other forms of prayer.
Optional activities on sight include a nature trail,
walking the labyrinth, praying the hours and much
more. Registration is now open and space is limited.
Information and registration can be found in the
information stations, in Glad Tidings Books and
Gifts or in the box outside Rev. Brake’s office (Room
317).
MISSIONS
November Food of the Month
The November food of the month is canned fruit
and cereal. Please bring your food donations to the
Missions bins, located in the Reception Narthex at 4½
Street.
First Gifts
Every year, as we approach the holidays, Centenary
members gather canned food to donate to our
Loaves & Fishes community ministry. Through these
donations, we are able to feed our hungry neighbors
and provide a meal at a time of year when shared
meals are an important hallmark of community and
family. You and your family can be a part of making
this possible! Starting on November 9, white bags
will be available around the church for you to pick
up and fill with food to donate. Each bag will have a
list of needed items attached to it. Bring your full bags
back on First Gifts Sunday, November 30, the first
Sunday of Advent. We will dedicate these gifts in all
services as we join together to share the many good
gifts that God has given us. If you have any questions,
contact Rev. Sarah Howell (showell@centenary-ws.
org/397-1348).
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Overflow Shelter Volunteer Training
Starting on January 1, First Presbyterian Church will
join other area churches in opening an overflow shelter
for our homeless neighbors. Centenary has been
assigned to the family group of churches supporting
the shelter at First Pres, so we will be recruiting
volunteers to provide meals, assist with check-in, and
stay overnight with our guests. To help prepare us, we
are offering some volunteer training opportunities on
Tuesday, November 11 and Wednesday, November 12
at 7:00 pm in the fellowship hall at First Presbyterian
Church. Although these sessions are not required in
order to volunteer starting in January, they will be
beneficial in helping future volunteers get comfortable
with the process and expectations of this overflow
shelter. Training will cover a new check-in procedure
for this year, lessons learned from last year, fire and
safety procedures, and information on volunteer
roles, scheduling, and how to sign up. Contact Rev.
Sarah Howell ([email protected]/397-1348)
if you plan to participate or if you have any questions.
MUSIC AND THE ARTS
New Exhibit • Go Out and Create
Now through January 22
You are invited to enjoy the latest exhibit, located
on the first floor. The works of art are created by
members of the Centenary family.
ROOTS REVIVAL
Wednesday • November 12 • Memorial Auditorium
Roots Revival is a midweek worship service grounded in Americana/roots-based music featuring Martha
Bassett and friends. Each service is centered around
one or two focus songs and an accompanying Scripture passage and theme. This week, our service will be
centered on the theme of shame and vulnerability. We
will use Randy Newman’s “Real Emotional Girl” and
James Taylor’s “Shower the People” along with Song
of Songs 2 to help us talk about the role emotion plays
in faith, the difference between shame and guilt, and
the power of vulnerability. We meet at 7:30 p.m. in
Memorial Auditorium. Learn more at www.rootsrevivalws.com
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GLAD TIDINGS
See’s Candies brings smiles to some faces that are
familiar with their delicious chocolate delights! Now
is your chance. For a limited time (ends November23),
Glad Tidings volunteers will help you place an order
that will arrive the first week in December. You will
get a discount plus you will not have to pay shipping
costs. Now what more can you ask for?! There will be
samples for you to enjoy on top of all that!
There is a great deal of excitement about a new line
being carried called Wee Believers. These are the cutest
stuffed animals and lo and behold, press their little paw
and you hear a sweet voice saying the Lord’s Prayer or
singing Away in a Manger. How early can you teach
your children to pray? These little critters help them
to say the words, learn the words, and feel the words.
Next week, we will have more tastings from Nancy
O’s. Time to stock up on your pepper jellies for the
holidays!
Good things happen when you shop Glad Tidings!
Judy Jones, Manager (918-0346)/[email protected].
DAYBREAK/RESPITE CARE
Family Caregiver Support Group
The Family Caregiver Support Group will meet from
10-11 am on Thursday, Nov. 13 in the parlor of Centenary UMC. Topic for November will be “Preparing for the Holidays.” For more information, contact
Alma Thompson (724-6784) or Jan Sawyer (3971345).
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
Luncheon • December 1 • Noon • Auditorium
The United Methodist Women present "A Very Merry
Christmas Luncheon" with special guest speaker,
Tammy Pollock. Musical guests included Susan
Bates and Cat Zachary. You will not want to miss
The Snappy Tappers as they tippity-tap us into the
holiday season.
CENTENARY LEADERSHIP CONNECTIONS
Dr. W. Mark Ralls, Senior Minister
[email protected] | 397-1362
Reverend Jonathan L. Brake
Reverend R. Craig Ford
Associate Minister
[email protected] | 397-1334
Associate Minister
[email protected] | 397-1353
Reverend Kate May
Associate Minister with Children
[email protected] | 397-1331
Reverend Sarah Howell
Assistant Minister
[email protected] | 397-1348
Tamara M. Pollock
Director of Youth Ministries
[email protected] | 397-1337
Mary Ann Wexler, Executive Director
[email protected] | 397-1346
Susan Bates
Organist and Music Associate
[email protected] | 397-1340
Stacy Holley
Exec. Assistant to Senior Minister
[email protected] | 397-1359
John Markle
Director of Operations
[email protected] | 397-1347
Kristy Eaton
Financial Assistant
[email protected] | 397-1341
Judy Jones
Congregational Care Coordinator
[email protected] | 397-1361
Doug Peninger
Director of Communications
[email protected] | 397-1368
Dr. Robert E. Frazier
Director of Music and the Arts
[email protected] | 397-1339
Thad Lewallen
Director of Stewardship/Planned Giving
[email protected] |397-1352
John Rogers
Director of Information Technology
[email protected] | 397-1356
Jan Sawyer
Director of DAYBreak Respite Care
[email protected] | 397-1345
Reception Desk • 724-6311 +
Minister On Call (Prompt 2)
Pastoral Care: Reverend Craig Ford • 397-1353
RECORD OF OUR FAITHFULNESS
October 28 - November 3
Worship Attendance
Tithes and Offerings
8:45 Traditional
9:00 Simplify
10:10 Rejoice!
11:00 Traditional
Nursery & Children's Worship
Roots Revival
Food for Thought
160
102
136
369
67
45
57
Total
936
Offering
Miscellaneous
$61,238
3,263
Total
$64,501
Sunday School
259
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Ash Wednesday
PO Box 658
646 West Fifth Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27102
centenary-ws.org
336-724-6311
C
entenar y
u n i t e d
m e t h o d i s t
w i n s t o n - s a l e m
A Stephen Ministry Congregation
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