December 8, 2024
Second Sunday of Advent (Blue)
Prayer Focus: Peace
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
Have you ever wondered what those BWV numbers listed in compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach mean? BWV stands for Bach-Werke-Verzeichnis, or Bach Works Catalog. Wolfgang Schmieder assigned numbers to J.S. Bach's compositions in 1950. He took all the music known to be by Johann Sebastian Bach (some of Bach's music has been lost), grouped it by genre, and gave each piece a number. Every piece of music by Bach therefore has a BWV number. 1,126 compositions by Bach were thus identified in the 20th century. In the 21st century, scholarship has revealed additional pieces, adding to that total. All the works for organ are numbered between BWV 525 and BWV 771.
Advent Greenery
One of the wreaths in the sanctuary is given to the glory of God in memory of her husband, Jack Wacker, and her daughter, Bonnie LaRocca, by Joan Wacker.
The garlands are given by Marvin & Beth Ann Owen to the glory of God in memory of their parents, Jimmy & Helen Owen and John & Ann Kenney, whose love of the Lord has been impressed on the hearts of their children.
PARISH CONCERNS
(The service of worship begins. The prelude is offered to the entire congregation. Quiet meditation and private prayer are encouraged.)
OPENING VOLUNTARY .......................................................................................................
J. S. Bach
*CHIMING OF THE HOUR
Savior of the Nations, Come BWV 659
(*All who are able are asked to stand.)
*GREETING
Leader: John came out of the wilderness to preach repentance; he preaches to us still. People: Make straight the paths we now walk and prepare the way for God’s reign of justice.
*HYMN IN PROCESSION 213 .................................................................................................... TRURO
Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH 881 ..................................................................................... Apostles’ Creed
*GLORIA PATRI 71 ........................................................................................................... GREATOREX
Glory Be to the Father COLLECT AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
Holy One, through your Holy Spirit, instruct us by the light of your prophets. Illumine our hearts, that we may hear your call to become your path into the world. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, we now pray:
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.
ADVENT WREATH MEDITATION RESPONSE (sung by all)
RITUAL OF FRIENDSHIP
ANTHEM .........................................................................................................................
Michael Larkin
Prepare the Way of the Lord
Prepare the way of the Lord. Prepare the way of the Lord. Make straight in the desert a highway, a highway for our God. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd, and carry the lambs in his arms, for he is meek and lowly of heart, and we shall find rest for our souls. Every valley shall be exalted, every mountain and hill made low; the crooked straight, and the rough places plain.
Leader: The Word of the Lord!
People: Thanks be to God!
*ACT OF PRAISE 208 ..........................................................................................................
CHILDREN’S TIME
Canticle of Zechariah
(Children are invited to the chancel. Following Children’s Time, children in 3K-1st grade will go with a leader to Children’s Church and may be picked up in room #145 or #147 after the service.)
*HYMN
Leader: The Word of the Lord!
People: Thanks be to God!
Sermon Note
CHILDREN'S
Linda Richardson ..................................................................................................................................... by Jody Parker
Melody Collins, Bob Sharpe, Linda Richardson .......................................................... by Frances & Laurence McIntosh
Bob Sharpe, Linda Richardson ............................................................................................................. by Kathy Jamison
GENERAL OPERATING BUDGET
Linda Richardson ........................................................................................................................ by Betty & Bill Hester YOUTH FUND
Bob Sharpe .................................................................................................... by Betty & Bill Hester, Jean Leatherman
IN HONOR OF
GENERAL OPERATING BUDGET
Maree Cherry, Jules Hesse .................................................................................................................. by Kathy Jamison
Rev. Thomas Smith, Rev. Dr. Ann Kovan, Rev. Meg Jiunnies ............................................................... by Rita Phillips MUSIC MINISTRY
Dr. Don Grice, Ashlei Jones, Dianna Wilson ........................................................................................... by Jody Parker
SANTAHATCHIE MISSION
Jody Parker ................................................................................................. by Erin Glenn Mary Motte Herbert Circle
SPECIAL GIFTS
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY .............................................. by Cassandra & Steve Smith, Anna Reaves Yarborough
DISCRETIONARY FUND, YOUTH MINISTRY ..................................................... by Kriste & Chuck Lindler
EPWORTH CHILDREN'S HOME ....................................................................... by Heather & Charles Williams
MUSIC MINISTRY .......................................................................................................... by Debi & Panos Kalaritis
SANTAHATCHIE MISSION ..................... by Sandra & RD Craddock, Spiritual Journeys Sunday School Class
YOUTH MINISTRY .......................................................................... Caren & Jim Canup, Sally & Tom Carringer