March 30, 2025
Fourth Sunday in Lent (Purple)
Prayer Focus: Central’s Sunshine Ministry
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! If it is your first time worshiping 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!
Sermon Note
With whom do we identify in the parable of the prodigal son? Which son are we? Like the prodigal, we squander God’s blessings. Like the older brother, we cling to resentment and entitlement. Regardless, we are all children of the same Father, and God loves us all.
Midweek Lenten Service
This Wednesday, April 2 at 12:00 PM in the sanctuary, our Midweek Lenten Speaker will be Florence District Superintendent Rev. Terry Fleming. He has served as superintendent of the Florence District since 2018 and, in 2024, was assigned 27 additional churches in the Walterboro District. A New Orleans native, he and his wife Carla began ministry in 1989, serving in multiple states before settling in South Carolina in 2001. He’s pastored several churches, including New Beginnings UMC, and actively serves on various conference committees. The Flemings have three adult children, two granddaughters, and a very goofy dog.
Celebration of Baptism
Today we joyfully share in the Christian baptism of David Coke Callahan. Coke is the son of Taylor and Duck Callahan and the grandson of Mona and Randall Pipkin.
PARISH CONCERNS
(The service of worship begins. The prelude is offered to the entire congregation. Quiet meditation and private prayer are encouraged.)
OPENING VOLUNTARY ............................................................................................ Herbert Howells Air No. 1
*CHIMING OF THE HOUR
(*All who are able are asked to stand.)
*GREETING
Leader: Grace and peace in Jesus our Lord.
People: Amen.
Leader: Blessed are those whose transgression is forgiven.
People: Thanks be to God.
*HYMN IN PROCESSION 132 ...............................................................................................
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
All My Hope Is Firmly Founded
Merciful God, we confess that we have strayed from your ways. Like the Prodigal Son, we have wasted our inheritance. You gave us the earth for our home, but we squander earth’s resources and hoard its bounty. You gave us neighbors to love, but we pursue selfish ambitions. You gave us the commandments that lead to human flourishing, but we break your law and forsake your love. Forgive us our sin and bring us to repentance. Draw our wandering hearts back to you that we may find freedom in obedience to your love. Through Christ our Lord we pray. Amen.
(All offer prayers of confession in silence.)
KYRIE ELEISON (Lord, Have Mercy) (sung three times) ..................................................
ASSURANCE OF PARDON RITUAL OF FRIENDSHIP
SUNSHINE CLASS SPOTLIGHT
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM 39 ......................................................................... David Coke Callahan son of Duck and Taylor Callahan
(Following the profession of faith on page 41, we will sing the Gloria Patri on page 71.)
MUSIC FOR BAPTISM .................................................................... English Melody, arr. Martin Shaw
All Things Bright and Beautiful
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON ............................................................................................ Joshua 5:9-12
Leader: The Word of the Lord!
People: Thanks be to God!
ANTHEM ...................................................................................................................
He, Watching Over Israel (from “Elijah”)
Felix Mendelssohn
He, watching over Israel, slumbers not, nor sleeps. Shouldst thou, walking in grief, languish, He will quicken thee.
EPISTLE LESSON ................................................................................................. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Leader: The Word of the Lord!
People: Thanks be to God!
*ACT OF PRAISE 766 .................................................................................................................. Psalm 32
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.)
*HYMN 348 ..........................................................................................................................
Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling
*GOSPEL LESSON ..................................................................................................... Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Leader: The Word of the Lord! People: Thanks be to God!
SERMON .................................................................................................................. Rev. Thomas Smith
Sermon Title: Who Are We?
Sermon Series: Who’s Who in Lent PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
The King of Love My Shepherd Is The king of love my shepherd is, whose goodness faileth never; I nothing lack if I am his and he is mine forever. Where streams of living waters flow, my ransomed soul he leadeth, and where the verdant pastures grow with food celestial feedeth. Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, but yet in love he sought me, and on his shoulder gently laid, and home rejoicing brought me. In death's dark vale I fear no ill with thee, dear Lord, beside me; thy rod and staff my comfort still, thy cross before to guide me. And so through all the length of days thy goodness faileth never: good shepherd, may I sing thy praise for ever.
*DOXOLOGY 95 ..................................................................................................................... OLD 100th Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING *HYMN 384 ................................................................................................................................
Dolly Brunson, Susan Senseney ........................................................................................................ by Saunders Bridges Dolly Brunson
by Joseph McLean
Susan Senseney .......................................................................... by Rett & Shot Padgett, David Searcy, Lucy Thrower
Donna
................................................................................................................................... by Joe & Randy Seif Maree
............................................................................................................................. by Casey & Don Fisher
Susan Senseney ........................................................................................................................................ by Florie Ervin
Sunday School Teachers .................................................................................................................. by Ansley McGinnis
Russ Barnes ............................................................................................................................................. by Anonymous
Lynn Clary, Sharon & Johnny Tanner ....................................................................................... by Rett & Shot Padgett