December 15, 2024 Third Sunday of Advent (Blue) Prayer Focus: Joy 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 Our opening processional hymn today People, Look East (UMH 202), is described by Carlton Young in Companion to The United Methodist Hymnal as a rousing an imaginative proclamation of Christ’s coming. The text by Eleanor Farjeon first appeared in The Oxford Book of Carols, 1928. The music is an old Besançon carol tune that was harmonized by Martin Shaw. Its name is derived from the city of Besançon located in eastern France, near the Switzerland border.
Sermon Note This week is about the beautification of the paths of our faith journeys as they produce the fruit following repentance. We don’t put off producing fruit until the Gardener returns, but live in the in-between time with generosity, care, and justice. This Advent season is like a practice session for attitudes and behaviors we should be performing year-round. John’s delivery is hard to swallow, but its truth is clear.
Advent Greenery The Advent wreath is given to the glory of God in loving memory of John Dean by his wife, Cherrie Dean. The vases of greenery are given to the glory of God in honor of Jody Parker by Adriane Reynolds.