December 12, 2021 • 11am Worship

WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT

SUNDAY • DECEMBER 12, 2021 11AM 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 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

ADVENT WREATH The Burns Family

LITURGIST

The Reverend Meg Gaston The Reverend R. Craig Ford

MUSIC

Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries Susan Bates, Organist/Music Associate The Chancel Choir

Musical texts are printed with permission.

One License A-707342 COVER PHOTO: "The East Door" by Doug Peninger

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By entering the Sanctuary, you grant Centenary United Methodist Church unrestricted rights to use and publish, transmit or telecast photographs and videos of likenesses that might be taken of you this day for use in communications related to the church.

LET US WORSHIP Third Sunday of Advent • December 12, 2021

WE GATHER AS GOD'S PEOPLE VOLUNTARY

Savior of the Nations, Come: Chorale and Variations — Hugo Distler

GREETING INTROIT Psalm 100

Jubilate Deo — Michael Praetorius Be joyful in the Lord! Alleluia!

CALL TO WORSHIP

Eternal God, in your providence you made all ages a preparation for the kingdom of your Son. Make ready our hearts for the brightness of your glory and the fullness of your blessing in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

HYMN (found on page seven)

#224 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice — IN DULCI JUBILO

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AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

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GLORIA PATRI

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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 #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.

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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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.

(Children, kindergartners through third grade, are invited to exit the Sanctuary for Children’s Worship. Children will return to reserved pews in the Sanctuary at the close of worship.)

GOD'S WORD PROCLAIMED CANTICLE

Ecce novum — Ola Gjeilo Behold, a new joy, behold, a new wonder! A Virgin, who knew not a man, bears a son. She knew not a man, but as the pear-tree bears the pear, the flourishing papyrus brings the lily from the soil. See how nature changes her laws! A pure virgin bears the son of God.

SCRIPTURE Zephaniah 3:14-20

Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more.

On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands grow weak. The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing as on a day of festival. I will remove disaster from you, so that you will not bear reproach for it. I will deal with all your oppressors at that time. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth. At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the Lord.

(NRSV) This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

SERMON

"The Heart of Christmas: Joy"

OUR RESPONSE TO THE WORD AND THANKSGIVING

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INVITATION TO OFFERING

You may give by capturing our QR code, mailing to our post office box or place your offering in our boxes located at the entrance to the Sanctuary.

OFFERTORY Isaiah 40:5

And the Glory of the Lord (from Messiah) — George Frideric Handel And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

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.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Almighty and most merciful God, from you comes every good and perfect gift. We give you praise and thanks for all your mercies. Your goodness has created us, your bounty has sustained us, your discipline has chastened us, your patience has borne with us, your love has redeemed us. Give us a heart to love and serve you, and enable us to show our thankfulness for all your goodness and mercy by giving up ourselves to your service, and cheerfully submitting in all things to your blessed will; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

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WE GO AS GOD'S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD HYMN (found on page eight) †

RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS

#246 Joy to the World — ANTIOCH We give thanks for all that God has already given you and we welcome you in Christian love. As members together with you in the body of Christ and in this congregation of the United Methodist Church, we renew our covenant faithfully to participate in the ministries of the church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.

BENEDICTION

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BENEDICTION RESPONSE

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VOLUNTARY

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Sussex Carol — arr. Elaine Hagenberg On Christmas night all Christians sing, to hear the news the angels bring, news of great joy, news of great mirth, news of our merciful King's birth. All out of darkness we have light, which made the angels sing this night, "Glory to God in highest heaven, now and forevermore," Amen!

Savior of the Nations, Come: Chaconne and Toccata — Hugo Distler

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SERMON NOTES _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ 6

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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 David 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 Mindy 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 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.

SUPPORT GROUPS As we seek to promote mental, emotional, and spiritual health and wellbeing, we affirm that there is no human experience that is beyond God’s reach. You do not journey alone. Below you will find links to the Mental Health Services of Forsyth County and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Our Congregational Care ministry, including our pastoral staff, Shining Light on Mental Health team, Stephen Ministry, and grief support, are also here for you. Please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman if we can be of support. www.triadmentalhealth.org www.samhsa.gov

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.

SENIOR ADULTS SENIOR ADULTS DECEMBER PROGRAM The December 16 Senior Adult Program will feature soloist, Christian Blackburn, who will present a program of Christmas Carols. We will also be honoring Susan Bates who is retiring. Note the date and time of the Program is December 16 at 11:00 am.

YOUTH MINISTRY DECEMBER 12 9:00am Worship (Memorial Auditorium) 10:00am Sunday school on the 4th Floor 11:00am In-person & livestream Worship (via our YouTube channel) 3:00pm Troop #920 set up luminaries for Lessons & Carols (@ front steps of the church) 5:00pm Lessons & Carols (Sanctuary) 7:00pm All Youth Christmas Party! All youth are welcome for dinner & and movie on the 4th floor! Bring a Christmas ornament to exchange (make sure to wrap it up)! And yes! All your friends are welcome to come too!

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TEXT TO GIVE You may now text your gifts of tithes and offerings!

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

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