Third Sunday of Advent (Blue)
Prayer Focus: Joy December 15, 2024
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.
Order of Worship
GATHERING The People Come Together in the Lord’s Name
PARISH CONCERNS
(The prelude is offered to the entire congregation. Quiet meditation and private prayer are encouraged.) OPENING VOLUNTARY ............................................................................................... arr. Jason Krug People, Look East
*CHIMING OF THE HOUR (*All who are able are asked to stand.) *GREETING
Leader: Proclaim the mercy of the One who comes as one of us. Trust and do not be afraid. People: The Lord is our strength and our salvation. Hallelujah!
*HYMN IN PROCESSION 202 ............................................................................................ BESANÇON People, Look East ADVENT WREATH MEDITATION RESPONSE (sung by all)
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH 881 ..................................................................................... Apostles’ Creed *GLORIA PATRI 71 ........................................................................................................... GREATOREX
Glory Be to the Father COLLECT AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
Merciful God, break our resistance to love you, show us the path toward just relations, and bring us into your unimaginable joy. 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. RITUAL OF FRIENDSHIP
PROCLAMATION God’s Word is Shared
ANTHEM ..........................................................................................................................
Natalie Sleeth
Light One Candle for Hope
Light one candle for hope, one bright candle for hope. He brings hope to every heart, He comes, He comes! Light two candles for peace... Light three candles for joy... Light four candles for love... OLD TESTAMENT LESSON ............................................................................................. Isaiah 12:2-6
Leader: The Word of the Lord!
People: Thanks be to God!
ANTHEM .................................................................................................................
The People Who Walked in Darkness
Mary Louise Bringle
The people who walked in darkness awaken to see a great light. The people who dwelt in the land of the shadow rise to a star shining bright. His name is Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Father Forever, Prince of Peace! For us now a child is given, for all the despised and forlorn. The rule of compassion shall rest on His shoulder. God's own Messiah is born! His name is Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Father Forever, Prince of Peace!
EPISTLE LESSON ......................................................................................................... Philippians 4:4-7
Leader: The Word of the Lord!
People: Thanks be to God!
ANTHEM .................................................................................................................... Jack Noble White
The First Song of Isaiah CHILDREN’S TIME
(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.)
Leader: The Word of the Lord!
People: Thanks be to God!
IN MEMORY OF
EPWORTH CHILDREN'S HOME
Bob Sharpe .................................................................................................................................. by Tracie & Hud Paschal
BEDS MINISTRY
Lawrence R. Dixon III .................................................................................................................................. by Gale Dixon
GENERAL OPERATING BUDGET
Ronda & David Alderman, Zilphy & John DuRant, Dr. & Mrs. Bill Hester, Alice & Webb Jones, Beth Ann & Marvin Owen, Nancy & Clary Rawl, Norma & Jim Sandlin ....................................................................... by Gale & Dick Dixon
Rev. & Mrs. Thomas Smith, Rev. Meg Jiunnies & Jay Jiunnies, Rev. Dr. Ann Kovan & Andy Kovan, Willa Burdette, Susan Elvington, Ginny Hill, Ann Orr, Leila Rogers ........................................................................ by Gale & Dick Dixon
HANDBELLS
The Handbell Choir ........................................................................................................ by Frances & Laurence McIntosh
SANTAHATCHIE MISSION
Houston Jones, Dargan & Camden Adams, and Griffin Rabon ........................................................ by Gale & Dick Dixon Heyward & Susie King ................................................................................................................... by Frances & Will King
Bobbie Collins, Beth Ann Owen, and Katri Skinner ......................................................................... by Pam & Doug Maloy Dr. Will and Anne Walker Payne ........................................................................................................ by Lori & Jeff Payne
Anna Reaves, Shep, Harper, and Byrnes .................................................................................... by Donna & Steve Reaves
SPECIAL GIFTS
BEDS MINISTRY, UMCOR, SANTAHATCHIE MISSION ................................... by United Methodist Women DISCRETIONARY FUND, YOUTH MINISTRY .......................................................... by Kriste & Chuck Lindler HELP4KIDS ............................................................................................................................................. by Anonymous
SANTAHATCHIE MISSION .............................................................................. by Anonymous, Karen & Sam Hill, ............................................................................................... Betty Gail & Reamer King, Frances & Laurence McIntosh
UMCOR .................................................................................................................................................... by Anonymous
THE WELL WORSHIP ....................................................................................................................... by Warren Coker YOUTH MINISTRY ............................................................................................................. by Sally & Tom Carringer
