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 "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 2 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 3 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 4 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 5 6 7 8 9 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 10 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. 11 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. 12 You may register for the Veterans breakfast by contacting Charles Monroe (773-0446)/chasmonroe@yahoo.com. 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 chasmonroe@yahoo.com 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, jbrake@centenary-ws.org. 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). 13 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 (showell@centenary-ws.org/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 14 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)/jjones@centenaryws.org. 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 mralls@centenary-ws.org | 397-1362 Reverend Jonathan L. Brake Reverend R. Craig Ford Associate Minister jbrake@centenary-ws.org | 397-1334 Associate Minister cford@centenary-ws.org | 397-1353 Reverend Kate May Associate Minister with Children kmay@centenary-ws.org | 397-1331 Reverend Sarah Howell Assistant Minister showell@centenary-ws.org | 397-1348 Tamara M. Pollock Director of Youth Ministries tpollock@centenary-ws.org | 397-1337 Mary Ann Wexler, Executive Director mwexler@centenary-ws.org | 397-1346 Susan Bates Organist and Music Associate sbates@centenary-ws.org | 397-1340 Stacy Holley Exec. Assistant to Senior Minister sholley@centenary-ws.org | 397-1359 John Markle Director of Operations jmarkle@centenary-ws.org | 397-1347 Kristy Eaton Financial Assistant keaton@centenary-ws.org | 397-1341 Judy Jones Congregational Care Coordinator jjones@centenary-ws.org | 397-1361 Doug Peninger Director of Communications dpeninger@centenary-ws.org | 397-1368 Dr. Robert E. Frazier Director of Music and the Arts rfrazier@centenary-ws.org | 397-1339 Thad Lewallen Director of Stewardship/Planned Giving tlewallen@centenary-ws.org |397-1352 John Rogers Director of Information Technology jrogers@centenary-ws.org | 397-1356 Jan Sawyer Director of DAYBreak Respite Care jsawyer@centenary-ws.org | 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 15 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 Printed on recycled paper