October
6, 2024
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost (Green)
Prayer Focus: Those Impacted by Hurricane Helene
Welcome to worship at Central!
In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to worship at Central where it is our mission to follow Jesus by loving God and loving our neighbors. Our clergy, Rev. Thomas Smith, Rev. Dr. Ann Kovan, and Rev. Meg Jiunnies, are grateful you ’ ve chosen to make Central a part of your day today. We have prayed for you and planned for you, and we hope you have a meaningful worship experience. Whether it’s your first time worshiping with us or you ’ re a lifelong member, we welcome any opportunity to speak with you about how to connect with God through Central. If it is your first time worshiping with us, please fill out a Connect Card and bring it to the Welcome Center where you will receive a gift from the church. Once again, welcome!
Today’s scripture verses (Hebrews 2:5-12) close with the author of Hebrews writing about Jesus reconciling humanity to himself, speaking of “ many children” (verse 10). I’ll build on this idea, talking about World Communion Sunday and the connection all Christians have through Jesus.
Music
Copies of the anthem Room at the Table by David Lantz III were donated by Robby and Julia Sisco in honor of the Lacy Choral Scholars.
GATHERING
PARISH CONCERNS
Order of Worship
The People Come Together in the Lord’s Name
(The service of worship begins. The prelude is offered for the entire congregation. Quiet meditation and private prayer are encouraged.)
OPENING VOLUNTARY ................................................................................................
Robert Powell
God Hath Spoken by the Prophets (EBENEZER)
*CHIMING OF THE HOUR
(*All who are able are asked to stand.)
*GREETING
Leader: To you, O Lord, we lift up our souls.
People: O God, in you we trust.
Leader: Your steadfast love, O God, is before our eyes,
People: And we walk in your faithfulness.
*HYMN IN PROCESSION 108 ............................................................................................... EBENEZER
God Hath Spoken by the Prophets COLLECT
Lord Jesus Christ, by your love you have shown us the way to heaven. So cleanse us from our sin and deceitfulness that we may be renewed with faith and, thereby, become heirs of eternal life; Hear us, O Blessed and Holy Trinity, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
RITUAL OF FRIENDSHIP
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM 39 ............................................................................. Charles Grey Strait son of Laura and Grey Strait
(Following the profession of faith on page 41, we will sing the Gloria Patri on page 71.) BAPTISM HYMN 608 ............................................................................................................... AZMON
This Is the Spirit’s Entry Now CHILDREN’S CHURCH DISMISSAL
(Children in first grade and below going to Children’s Church are now dismissed and may be picked up in room #145 or #147 after the service.)
ANTHEM ..........................................................................................................................
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
When I survey the wondrous cross on which the prince of glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ, my God! All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to his blood. See, from his head, his hands, his feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down! Did e ’ er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown? Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small; love, so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all! Amen!
SCRIPTURE LESSON .................................................................................................... Hebrews 2:5-12
Leader: The Word of the Lord!
People: Thanks be to God!
SERMON ..................................................................................................................
Rev. Thomas Smith
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Many Children
OFFERTORY ANTHEM .................................................................................................
David Lantz III
Room at the Table
There is room at the table, a place at the feast. There is room for each burden you long to release. Every heartache you carry, each private despair; bring them all to the table, surrender them there. There is room for the bread that is broken in two. It is offered for all that is broken in you. Simply take it and eat it, and hunger no more. You must only accept it; be fully restored. There is room for the cup that is filled with the wine. It is offered to you at this table of mine. Come be filled with remembrance of My sacrifice. All your emptiness ended, your thirst satisfied. There is room, there is room. There is room at the table, so come take your place. Taste the bread of forgiveness, the cup of My grace. Not a meal for the body; a feast for the soul. O come to the table and you will leave it whole. *DOXOLOGY 95