December 1, 2024
First Sunday of Advent (Blue)
Prayer Focus: Hope
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! 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 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!
Music Note
During Communion today, we sing the important Advent hymn, Savior of the Nations, Come, (UMH 214). Carlton Young, editor of the hymnal states “This hymn is one of the most simple lyrical restatements of God’s saving and reclaiming grace in Jesus’ sonship with the Father, his virgin birth, death, and ascension. The final stanza proclaims Christ as the Light of the world.” The original Latin text (attributed to Ambrose of Milan 4th c.) was translated by Martin Luther into German in 1523, subsequently translated into English in 1851, and expanded in 1969. The tune Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland (Now comes the Nations’ Savior) also has a storied past. The melody can be traced to the 13th-century plainsong Jesu Dulcedo Cordium. It was given shape by Martin Luther or Johann Walther in 1524 and published that year in the hymnal Enchiridion Oder handbüchlein. The version in our hymnal is adapted from a harmonization by Johann Sebastian Bach.
Advent Greenery
The vases of greenery in the sanctuary are given to the glory of God in honor of Carol Baxley, Betty Hineline, Barbara Holladay, Gail Onley, and Carol Stone by Adriane Reynolds.
The Advent Wreath is given to the glory of God in loving memory of Bill Love by his family.
The wreaths on The Commons doors are given to the glory of God in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Thad D. Gaddy by Robert and Margaret Morgan.
Order of Worship
PARISH CONCERNS
(The service of worship begins. The prelude is offered on behalf of the entire congregation. Quiet meditation and private prayer are encouraged.)
OPENING VOLUNTARY ......................................................................................................
J. S. Bach
Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying (WACHET AUF) BWV 645
*CHIMING OF THE HOUR
(*All who are able are asked to stand.)
*GREETING
Leader: O that God would tear open the heavens and come down!
People: Of that day or hour, no one knows, only God.
Leader: Be alert! Keep awake! The time is drawing near:
People: The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the son of God.
*HYMN IN PROCESSION 730 ........................................................................................ ST. MICHAEL
O Day of God, Draw Nigh ADVENT WREATH MEDITATION RESPONSE (sung by all)
RITUAL OF FRIENDSHIP
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM 39 ...........................................................................
John Emerson Dent son of Caroline and Tyler Dent
(Following the profession of faith on page 41, we will sing the Gloria Patri on page 71.)
BAPTISM HYMN 608 ...............................................................................................................
This Is the Spirit’s Entry Now
ANTHEM ....................................................................................................................
Henry Lebedinsky
People, Look East
People, look east. The time is near of the crowning of the year. Make your house fair as you are able, trim the hearth and set the table. People, look east and sing today: Love, the guest, is on the way. Furrows, be glad. Though earth is bare, one more seed is planted there: give up your strength the seed to nourish, that in course the flower may flourish. People, look east and sing today: Love, the rose, is on the way. Birds, though you long have ceased to build, guard the nest that must be filled. Even the hour when wings are frozen God for fledging time has chosen. People, look east and sing today: Love, the bird, is on the way. Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim one more light the bowl shall brim, shining beyond the frosty weather, bright as sun and moon together. People, look east and sing today: Love, the star, is on the way. Angels, announce with shouts of mirth Christ who brings new life to earth. Set every peak and valley humming with the word, the Lord is coming. People, look east and sing today: Love, the Lord, is on the way.
Leader: The Word of the Lord! People: Thanks be to God!
SERMON ..................................................................................................................
Looking for the Fig Tree Series – Living in Between PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE OFFERTORY ............................................................................................................
Comfort, Comfort, Now My People *DOXOLOGY 95 ......................................................................................................................
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING *COMMUNION HYMN 626 ....................................................................................................
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION 12 THE LORD’S PRAYER (UMH 895) GIVING THE BREAD AND THE CUP HYMNS DURING COMMUNION (sung by all)
Linda Richardson ............................................................................................................. by United Methodist Women
John Orr ............................................................................................................................................... by Cherrie Dean
Bob Sharpe, David & Lynda Grant ........................................................................................................ by David Grant
Bob Sharpe .......................................... by Brandie & Nathan Love, Jennifer & Jason Powers, Susan & Steve Powers MUSIC MINISTRY
Bob Sharpe .................................................................................................................................. by Jane & Larry Hubis
Mike Ballenger, Gloria Brown, John Orr, Nancy Player, Bob Sharpe .................................... by Harlene & Jerry Shealy SANTAHATCHIE MISSION
Steve West ...................................................................................................................................... by Kari & Ben King SUNSHINE CLASS
Linda Richardson .............................. by Gale & Dick Dixon, Pearl Jones/Rosa Sanders Circle, Nancy & Clary Rawl
Rev. Thomas Smith, Rev. Dr. Ann Kovan, Rev. Meg Jiunnies .................................................... by Carol & Ken Stone
Betty Gail & Reamer King .............................................................................................................. by Kari & Ben King
MINISTRY Dr. Dan & Mrs. Burnie Welch ................................................................................................. by Frances & Will King
