WELCOME TO WORSHIP
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED SCRIPTURE — Matthew 2:13-23 (pew Bible New Testament page 2)
HYMN
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This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. SERMON
BENEDICTION
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WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT OFFERTORY In the Bleak Midwinter — Richard Shephard DOXOLOGY #221 In the Bleak Midwinter — CRANHAM 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 I can I give him: give my heart.
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FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS • JANUARY 1, 2023 • 11:00AM
PRAYER OF DEDICATION Almighty and forgiving God, we your unworthy servants give you most humble thanks for all your goodness and loving kindness, to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. Give us such an awareness of your mercies, that our hearts may be thankful, and that we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to your service and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
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THE COMMUNITY GATHERS The prelude signifies the beginning of worship. You are invited to be in a spirit of prayer and meditation. Please silence all mobile communication devices. †
Please stand as you are able
PRELUDE GREETING CALL TO WORSHIP Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise the Lord, in the heights! Praise the Lord, all his angels; praise the Lord, all his hosts! Praise the Lord, sun and moon; praise the Lord, all shining stars! Praise the Lord, highest heavens and all waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord, who commanded and they were created, who established them forever and ever; and fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed. Let them praise the name of the Lord, whose name alone is exalted; whose glory is above earth and heaven. God has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his faithful, for the people of Israel who are close to him. Praise the Lord!
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HYMN OF PROCESSION #249 There’s a Song in the Air — CHRISTMAS SONG
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AFFIRMATION OF FAITH I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
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GLORIA PATRI #71 Glory Be to the Father — GREATOREX Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
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#219 What Child Is This — GREENSLEEVES
WE CELEBRATE HOLY COMMUNION INVITATION TO COMMUNION Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another. Therefore, let us confess before God and one another. CONFESSION AND PARDON The congregation is invited to follow the communion liturgy beginning on page 12 of the hymnal. THE GREAT THANKSGIVING THE LORD’S PRAYER 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.
POSTLUDE
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Thank you for joining us in worship today.
SERMON NOTES
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RECEIVING OF ELEMENTS
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
CLOSING PRAYER Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for others, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PREACHING The Reverend Susannah Pittman, Assoc. Minister LITURGIST The Reverend Meg Peters, Assoc. Minister
MUSIC June Stegall, Assistant Director of Music Ministries Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar The Chancel Choir
FLOWERS The Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of Mary Elizabeth Boggan Palermo by her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Clayton Boggan, Jr.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE The anthem texts are printed with permission. One License A-707342 By entering the Sanctuary, you grant to Centenary United Methodist Church unrestricted right to use and publish, transmit or telecast photographs or likenesses that might be taken of you this day for use in communications related to the church.