November
24, 2024 Reign of Christ (White)
Prayer Focus: Gratitude for God’s Blessings
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
The hymn Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending (UMH 718) was written by Charles Wesley in 1758. The text is based on Revelation 1:7 Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account, all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. Amen. The tune HELMSLEY paired with it was written by Thomas Olivers in 1765, who originally named it OLIVERS. It appears that Wesley sent a copy of the tune to Dr. Richard Conyers, vicar of Helmsley, who renamed it HELMSLEY.
Fruit on the Altar
The fruit on the altar is given to the glory of God in memory of Patsy and Frank McLeod, and Miriam Culberson, and in honor of Caroline and David Strait by Sloan McLeod Cormell and family.
GATHERING
PARISH CONCERNS
Order of Worship
The People Come Together in the Lord’s Name
(The service of worship begins. The prelude is offered to the entire congregation. Quiet meditation and private prayer are encouraged.)
OPENING VOLUNTARY .................................................................................
F. Cunningham Woods
Variations on “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come”
*CHIMING OF THE HOUR
(*All who are able are asked to stand.)
*GREETING
Leader: Make a joyful noise to the Lord!
People: Let us come into God’s presence with song!
Leader: Rejoice, for we are the Lord’s;
People: Give thanks and bless God’s Name!
*HYMN IN PROCESSION 694 ...................................................................
ST. GEORGE’S WINDSOR Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
COLLECT AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
Almighty and everlasting God, who begins and ends all good things:
Grant that as we glory in your grace we may rejoice in its fulfillment in your promised reign. 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
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM 39 ............................................................................
Elaina Claire Gettys daughter of Marcie and Kyle Gettys
(Following the profession of faith on page 41, we will sing the Gloria Patri on page 71.) BAPTISM HYMN 608 ...............................................................................................................
This Is the Spirit’s Entry Now
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON ....................................................................................... 2 Samuel 23:1-7
The World Is Filled with Awe
The whole world is filled with awe, is filled with awe at your wonder, your wonder. Where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth your songs of joy, you call forth songs of joy and praise. You care for the land and water it. The streams of God are full. You drench its furrows, level its ridges, soften with showers and bless its crops. You crown the year with bounty, the grasslands overflow. The hills are clothed, are clothed with gladness. The whole world is filled with awe, is filled with awe at your wonder, your wonder. Fields filled with flocks; valleys mantled with grain. They shout for joy, they sing your praise, they sing your praise and shout for joy and sing, sing your praise. (based on Psalm 65) *GOSPEL LESSON .............................................................................................................. John 18:33-37
Leader: The Word of the Lord! People: Thanks be to God!
*ACT OF PRAISE 849 ............................................................................................. Psalm 132:1-5, 11-18
CHILDREN’S TIME
(Children are invited to the chancel. An offering will be received from the children during Children’s Time. After Children’s Time, children ages 2nd grade and older will return to their seats, and children ages 3K to 1st grade will go with a leader and may be picked up in room #145 or #147 after the service.)
*HYMN 718 ............................................................................................................................. HELMSLEY
Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON ....................................................................................
Revelation 1:4b-6
Leader: The Word of the Lord!
People: Thanks be to God!
SERMON .................................................................................................................. Rev. Thomas Smith Love of God
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
OFFERTORY ANTHEM ...........................................................................................
Jesus Shall Reign
Jesus shall reign where'er the sun does its successive journeys run, his kingdom stretch from shore to shore, till moons shall wax and wane no more. To him shall endless prayer be made, and praises throng to crown his head. His name like sweet perfume shall rise with every morning sacrifice. People and realms of every tongue dwell on his love with sweetest song, and infant voices shall proclaim their early blessings on his name. Blessings abound where'er he reigns: the prisoners leap to lose their chains, the weary find eternal rest, and all who suffer want are blest. Let every creature rise and bring the highest honors to our King, angels descend with songs again, and earth repeat the loud amen.
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Assisting in Worship
