December 22, 2024
Fourth Sunday of Advent (Blue)
Prayer Focus: Love
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
As early as the 9th century, it was customary for the Great O Antiphons to be sung during Advent Vespers before and after the Magnificat (Canticle of Mary). In 1851, John Mason Neale prepared an English translation that forms the basis for our hymn O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (The United Methodist Hymnal #211). The associated tune Veni Emmanuel dates from the 15th century. Originally a plainsong (chant or melody only) processional of the French Franciscan nuns, it was harmonized by Thomas Helmore in 1854.
Special Services
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
GATHERING The People Come Together
PARISH CONCERNS
(The service of worship begins. The prelude is offered to the entire congregation. Quiet meditation and private prayer are encouraged.)
OPENING VOLUNTARY ................................................................................ arr. Michael D. Costello
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (VENI EMMANUEL)
*CHIMING OF THE HOUR
(*All who are able are asked to stand.)
*GREETING
Leader: Nothing will be impossible for God, but when and where we least expect it, People: look among the straw and the stars: The Messiah is coming.
*HYMN IN PROCESSION 211 ................................................................................
VENI EMMANUEL
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel 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
Stir up your power and come to set us free by the righteousness of your birth in our midst, by the light of your face shining upon us. 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
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON ............................................................................................ Micah 5:2-5a
Leader: The Word of the Lord! People: Thanks be to God!
ANTHEM ............................................................................................................................
Harold Darke
In the Bleak Midwinter
In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan. Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone. Snow had fallen snow on snow, snow on snow. In the bleak midwinter, long ago. Our God, heav'n cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain; heav'n and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign In the bleak midwinter, a stable place sufficed the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ. Enough for Him, whom cherubim worship night and day, a breastful of milk, and a mangerful of hay, enough for Him, whom angels fall down before, the ox and ass and camel which adore. What can I give Him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; if I were a wise man, I would do my part; yet what can I give Him: give my heart.
EPISTLE LESSON .........................................................................................................
Leader: The Word of the Lord! People: Thanks be to God!
*ACT OF PRAISE 199 .........................................................................................................
CHILDREN’S TIME
1:46b-55 Canticle of Mary
(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 198 .................................................................................................................
Soul Gives Glory to My God *GOSPEL LESSON ................................................................................................................
Leader: The Word of the Lord! People: Thanks be to God!
Laurie Barefoot ...................................................................................................................... by Anja & Walt Barefoot SANTAHATCHIE MISSION
Ina Boggs ...................................................................................................................................... by Rose & John Holt
IN HONOR OF
GENERAL OPERATING BUDGET
Sara Barefoot ......................................................................................................................... by Anja & Walt Barefoot THE MANNA HOUSE
Julia Sisco ................................................................................................... by Erin Glenn Mary Motte Herbert Circle
SANTAHATCHIE MISSION
Gale & Dick Dixon, Alice & Webb Jones, Nancy & Clary Rawl, Norma & Jim Sandlin ................................................. ........................................................................................................................................ by Ronda & David Alderman
Bubba Brunson ..................................................................................................................................... by Meg Brunson
Billy, Owen, and James Hardaway ....................................................................................... by Betty & Dan Hardaway
Katri Skinner, Bobbie Collins, Pam Maloy ..................................................................... by Beth Ann & Marvin Owen
SUNSHINE CLASS
Debbie Whisenhunt ............................................................................................................ by Christian Women Circle
SPECIAL GIFTS
DISCRETIONARY FUND, YOUTH MINISTRY ..................................................... by Kriste & Chuck Lindler SANTAHATCHIE MISSION ......................................... by Gale & Dick Dixon, Ken Goss, Becky & Joe Harlan,
.................................................................................................................................. Jody Parker, Mike & Patti Wright
THE WELL WORSHIP, YOUTH MINISTRY .......................................................................... by Warren Coker YOUTH MINISTRY .................................................................................. by Anonymous, Sally & Tom Carringer
