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 today. If it is your first time worshiping with us, please visit the rear Greeters Table and fill out a Connect Card where you will receive a gift from the church. Once again, welcome!
Sermon Note
John brings strong words, but he is speaking to skeptics who came out to the wilderness to see the “crazy” prophet. He reminds us what we are called to do in this in-between time. He calls us to honor God with the way we live our lives. For example, he doesn’t tell the tax collectors to quit their jobs, but to be honest in their dealings. This time of year, we have a tendency to be more charitable, but John reminds us that right-living is not associated with Christmas nostalgia. Rather, it is how we are to live our lives all year long.
Special Services
Service of the Longest Night
A service of comfort and hope for those experiencing loss, suffering, or loneliness
Sunday, December 15 | 6:00 PM
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 22 | 4:00 PM
Pre-service Recital | 3:40 PM
Christmas Eve Worship
Tuesday, December 24
Sanctuary | 4:00 PM
The Well | 4:00 PM
Sanctuary | 6:00 PM
Parish Concerns
Opening Prayer
Candle Lighting Meditation Music (Sung by all)
*I Believe (Affirmation of Faith) ............................................................................ The
*King of Kings ....................................................................................................
Away in a Manger ............................................................................................................... Hymn Prayers of the People
The Lord’s Prayer Connect & Refresh
(Offering one another signs of reconciliation and love within worship is an ancient Christian practice. This is a time to greet others, both familiar and new, whether in your seat, at a table, or while refilling your cup and plate. The countdown on the screen will alert you when it’s time to return to your seats for the next act of worship.)
Music
The People Who Walked in Darkness ........................................................... Mary Louise Bringle Elementary & Junior Choirs Light One Candle for Hope ..................................................................................... Natalie
Preschool Choir Children’s Dismissal
(Children ages 3K to 1st grade are welcome to attend Children’s Church and
in room #145 or #147 after the service )
Stay Connected with The Well’s Worship Music
Did you enjoy the worship songs from The Well today? Now you can sing along all week long! The Well has a dedicated YouTube playlist featuring the songs we sing during our blended genre Methodist worship service. Scan the QR Code to explore videos of your favorite worship songs, discover new songs for upcoming Sundays, and keep the spirit of worship alive in your daily life. Let the music of The Well uplift and inspire you throughout the week!
Sermon Notes
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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
