December 5, 2021 • 9am Worship

WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT

SUNDAY • DECEMBER 5, 2021 9AM WORSHIP

WELCOME! Welcome to Centenary United Methodist Church.

Thank you for worshiping with us today! We are grateful for your presence and invite you to participate in our worship, program and ministry life here at Centenary. We hope the worship will inspire and comfort you as we hear God’s message proclaimed. During this time, now more than ever, may the grace and love of Christ surround you.

Centenary United Methodist Church provides multi-generational ministries that offer innovative ways to grow deeper in faith and discipleship. From Worship to Missions and from Spiritual Formation to Music and the Arts, there is a way for everyone to engage. To learn more, visit our website to select the Ministries tab.

EVERY DAY FOR EVERYONE We invite you to register your in-person worship attendance by scanning the QR code below with your smart phone.

OUR MISSION “The mission of the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

PARTICIPATING IN WORSHIP PREACHING

The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III

LITURGIST

The Reverend Bret Cogan

MUSIC

Martha Bassett, vocals Matt Kendrick, bass Federico Pivetta, piano Ken Wilmot, trumpet John Wilson, drums

Musical texts are printed with permission.

One License A-707342 COVER PHOTO: "Easter Morning" by Doug Peninger

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ADVENT WREATH Patsy Dwiggins Suzanne Epermanis Ginger Thomas

LET US WORSHIP Second Sunday of Advent • December 5, 2021

THE COMMUNITY GATHERS GATHERING MUSIC GREETING OPENING PRAYER

O God, whose will is justice for the poor and peace for the afflicted, let your herald’s urgent voice pierce our hardened hearts and announce the dawn of your kingdom.

Before the advent of the One who baptizes with the fire of the Holy Spirit, let our complacency give way to conversion, oppression to justice, and conflict to acceptance of one another in Christ.

We ask this through the One whose coming is certain, whose day draws near: your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

HYMN (found on page seven)

#214 Savior of the Nations, Come — NUN KOMM, DER HEIDEN HEILAND

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

We are not alone, we live in God’s world. We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit.

We trust in God. We are called to be the church: to celebrate God’s presence, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God. Amen.

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LIGHTING OF ADVENT WREATH PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

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Please stand as you are able.

After each prayer, the leader may conclude: Lord, in your mercy.

All may respond: Hear our prayer.

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GOD'S WORD PROCLAIMED SCRIPTURE

Luke 3:1-6

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’” (NRSV) This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

SERMON

"The Heart of Christmas: Peace"

THE COMMUNITY RESPONDS AND GIVE THANKS INVITATION TO OFFERING OFFERTORY

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Peace — Horace Silver

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.

WE CELEBRATE HOLY COMMUNION INVITATION TO COMMUNION 4

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

Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have failed to be an obedient church. We have not done your will, we have broken your law, we have rebelled against your love, we have not loved our neighbors, and we have not heard the cry of the needy. Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hear the good news: Christ died for us while we were yet sinners; that proves God's love toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!

In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! Glory to God. Amen

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.

The pastor gives thanks appropriate for the occasion, remembering God's acts of salvation, and concludes: And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven we praise your name and join their unending hymn: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might.

Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

The pastor continues the thanksgiving. The institution of the Lord's Supper is recalled. The pastor concludes: And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice in union with Christ's offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith.

Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.

The pastor invokes the present work of the Holy Spirit and then praises the Trinity, concluding: All honor and glory is yours, almighty Father, now and forever. Amen.

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.

RECEIVING OF ELEMENTS 5

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.

THE COMMUNITY GOES FORTH TO SERVE HYMN (found on page eight) †

BENEDICTION

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#196 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus — HYFRYDOL May the Lord bless you and keep you, May the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you, May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen.

CELEBRATION MUSIC

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SERMON NOTES _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________

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POINSETTIAS The Poinsettias are given in Memory of Barclay L. Setzer by The Setzer, York & Lawless Families W.E. & Amy Ruth Lawless, Walter & Frances Johnson, Bill & Velma Ansell by The York, Setzer and Lawless Families Frances Bauer, Valentine Bauer & Laurel Zaks by Jason, Kristen, Lilly and Charlie Harold Pollard by Nell and Soren Johnson Susan Clark Jeffords by Rick & Erin Bonsall Jerry & Brenda Thomas by Gary & Chris Martin Jerry & Ruth Mundy & Ronald Jones by Frances R. Mundy Mr. & Mrs. Thomas S. Douglas, Jr. by Suzan Elster Bob Elster by Suzan Elster Mr. & Mrs. William E. Poe, Sr. & W. Edward Poe, Jr. by Steve & Jane Poe Mr. & Mrs. R. Patrick Spangler, Sr. & Patrick Spangler, Jr. by Steve & Jane Poe Mr. & Mrs. Vernon Fulton, Mr. & Mrs. J.C. Fox and LeeAnn Baker by Sheila & John Fox Sue Morgan by Anne Louise Morgan Jack Rogers by Margaret Rogers Steven Emerson Davis by Jackie Davis Lois & Edward Clarke by Jackie Davis Dean Henrichs by Barbara Bremer Henrichs Marlene Cannon & Ida Peninger Friend by Rick Gibbons & Doug Peninger John & Margaret Keely by Alan & Susan Keely Kitty & Jack Felts by Margaret & Scott Huber Kathryn & Stanley Huber by Scott & Margaret Huber Robert Huber by Scott & Margaret Huber Dr. Harold Pollard by Louise Pollard Nell Tucker & James Curtis Brock by Louise Pollard Ruth & Clifton Pleasants by Ed & Nancy Pleasants Mary Hazel Thompson Lucas & Leon Thompson by Ed & Nancy Pleasants Bob Stevens by Susan M. Stevens Katherine Boone by Frank & Mary Coan Maenell "True" Pollock by Tom & Sue Ellen Bennett Lloyd Walter By Gwen Walter Max W. DeBruhl, Jr. & Katherine Cochran by Lynn DeBruhl Glenn Butler & Rob Butler by Diann Butler & Stewart Cherney Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Ogburn, Sr. by Missy Butler Mr. & Mrs. William Butler, Sr. by Missy Butler Mr. William (Buck) Butler, Jr. by Missy Butler Mr. Glenn Butler by Missy Butler Mr. Robert Butler by Missy Butler Nick Mitchell, Jr. & Meriel & Nick Mitchell by Caroline Mitchell and family Caroline & Marchant Cottingham by Caroline Mitchell and family Jim Fridy by Helen Fridy Richard Gwyn Brame by Sheila Brame William & Dorothy Bondurant by Sheila Brame Frances Pollock by Eddie Pollock Gloria & J. Frank King by Lynda Morris Dr. Robert Cordell & Dewitt Cordell by Mark & Ann Cordell Edna Helms & Bunky Stockton by Hill & Kathy Stockton Robert Pulliam by Judson & Lois Davis Jim Fridy by Judson & Lois Davis Ann Lewallen Spencer by Shippey McDowell Mason Linker by Dave & Janet Hill Matthew Gfeller by Laura Young Dr. H. Bruce Clapp by Bill & Louise Bazemore Robert Pulliam by Anne Pulliam Tambling, Bob Pulliam, Rosemary Pulliam & their families Lenora S. Carter by Allison & Austin William G. Hathcock by Marie T. Hathcock Hayes M. Jones by Jean M. Jones

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POINSETTIAS The Poinsettias are given in Honor of Shelley & David Holden & Kimberly & Jay Ward by Charlie Zaks Beth Overman by Lilly Zaks Tammy Pollock by Jason, Kristen, Lilly & Charlie Zaks Louise Pollard by Nell & Soren Johnson Tammy Pollock by Joanna & Libby Holden Margaret Townsend by Joanna Holden Kate May by Joanna & Libby Holden Kristen Zaks by Libby Holden Jonathan Emmons & the Chancel Choir by Mr. David Scott Arnold Paris Martha Bassett & Pat Lawrence by Jim & Carrow Mabry Mark, Evan, Caroline, Jay & Sally Dunnagan by Barbara & Brent Kirby Mr. & Mrs. H. Kapp Ogburn, Sr. by Sam & Mary Ceile Ogburn Susan & John Elster by Suzan Elster Mary & Colin Peters by Suzan Elster Diane Myers Boyer by Warren Boyer The Chancel Choir by Anne Louise Morgan Ben & Georgie Thompson; Kevin, Ben & Hank Williams by Danielle & Kevin Williams David & Holly Lee, Matthew & Ethan by Tracey Haupt Max & Cindy DeBruhl, Dawn & Dan Boyer, Marty & Becky DeBruhl, Debbie & Will Burns by Mom Kane, Katie, Staten, Bailey, Lilly, Charlie, William & Max by Mimi Dr. Anne & Dr. Walter Henley by Bonnie Cook Mr. & Mrs. Scott Long and Family by Missy Butler Mr. & Mrs. Doug Harrington and Family by Missy Butler Gwyn, Henry & Charlie Erikson by Sheila Brame Carolyn Culler by Jason Delano Amon & Imogene Baucom by Chip & Carol Holden Tammy Pollock by Eddie Pollock Ralph & Gayle Atkinson's grandchildren: Shannon, Bentley, Cooper, Ally, Taylor, Jacob, Meredith, Cole, Emily, Chad, Markie & Ellie by Ralph and Gayle Marie T. Hathcock by Frank Hassell, Jr.

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OUR DIGITAL WORSHIP BULLETIN IS INTERACTIVE

Our digital worship bulletin is fully interactive. Within our announcements, when you see text that is red and bold, it is a link to an email address or web page. Click on the text and you will be re-directed.

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY NO CHILDREN’S WORSHIP TODAY Because we celebrate communion on the first Sunday of each month, there is no Children’s Worship. K-3rd graders will remain in the service with their grown-ups to participate in worship and communion together. If you did not pick up a worship bag on your way in, they are available in the narthex and outside the East transept. We look forward to having your child join us for children's worship next week!

IMPROMPTU PAGEANT Families are invited to our impromptu pageant at 10am (during Sunday School) on December 19. We will gather in the sanctuary where we'll have costumes for those who want to participate and share in the story of Christ's birth. Bring hats, scarves, or mittens for our Tree of Warmth which will support kids at Brunson Elementary to keep them warm in the new year. There will be no elementary Sunday School on December 19, we hope you’ll join us for the impromptu pageant instead.

PRESCHOOL PAJAMA PARTY Preschoolers (infants - preK) and their grown-ups are invited to join us for an age-appropriate Christmas pajama party including telling the Christmas story and music! We’ll kick off Christmas Eve with a pajama party at 10am on Dec 24. Don't forget to wear your pajamas!

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP Friday • December 24 • 4pm • Sanctuary On Christmas Eve at 4 pm in the sanctuary we celebrate Christmas with our children in mind. This service which lasts approximately 45 minutes is filled with music and movement and tells the Christmas story in a way that connects with children of all ages. We do not offer nursery during this service but children of all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend. This year we will be asking that everyone kindergarten age and older wear masks so that we can make sure to do what we can to keep healthy those who are not yet able to be vaccinated or not yet fully vaccinated.

CONGREGATIONAL CARE STEPHEN MINISTRY “Christmas is the most joyful time of the year”…unless you are feeling alone or dealing with the loss of a loved one. In that case, the holidays may be unbelievably difficult. A Stephen Minister can help you find meaning and joy in life again by supporting you through the hardest times.

If you or someone you know could benefit from Stephen Ministry please contact Deena Morgan (336-692-2314) Wilba Brady (336723-6236), Rev. Craig Ford: cford@centenary-ws.org/336-7246311 ext. 1353/, or Rev. Susannah Pittman: spittman@centenaryws.org/336-724-6311 ext. 1357.

CARENOTES CareNotes offer inspirational booklets on a variety of topics to help individuals heal mind, body, and spirit. The Congregational Care ministry has a collection of CareNotes on topics ranging from navigating grief and loss, dealing with depression and anxiety, issues specific to adolescents, and more. For more information, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman.

MISSIONS OVERFLOW SHELTER TRANSPORTATION December 1 - March 31 This vital ministry provides persons experiencing homelessness a meal and a warm place to sleep, and we are honored to be a partner with City with Dwellings in this effort. Centenary furnishes transportation from the check-in site to overflow shelters on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings. We are in need of drivers and ride-alongs. Ride-alongs help with boarding the buses and serve as an extra pair of eyes for drivers. To volunteer as a driver or a ride-along, please contact Rev. Meg Gaston (ext. 1361)/ mgaston@centenary-ws.org.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN UMW DECEMBER MEETING Monday • December 6 • Noon • Memorial Auditorium Our December meeting will feature the Reynolds High School Choir.

A boxed lunch will be served for $10 per person. Reservations for lunch are due no later than Friday, November 26. UMW members are asked to help re-stock the RJR Demon Pantry by bringing breakfast bars, crackers, granola bars, individual mac and cheese, soups, canned meats, etc.

SERVICE OF HOPE AND HEALING Sunday • Today • 5pm • Memorial Auditorium As we journey through the season of Advent, we are reminded that the One who is coming is Emmanuel—“God with us”—and is present with us in all of life’s seasons. We offer this Service of Hope and Healing as a time to reflect upon and experience Christ’s peace, comfort, and hope in the midst of our pain, sorrow, and hardships.

We invite you for a worship service of reflection and remembrance.

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Text cumcws to 73256 and you will be linked to enter your payment information and make your contribution.

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