WELCOME TO WORSHIP
CANTICLE Come, Come Emmanuel — Lynn Shaw Bailey and Becki Slagle Mayo Come, come Messiah, come. Come, Emmanuel. Come, come O Promised One. Come, Emmanuel. Prophets of old have told of your coming; long we have waited, long we have prayed. Kingdoms and kings will bow down before you. Come, Emmauel, today. We are your children, you are our Savior. Lovingly guide us, guide us we pray. Help us to follow, help us to listen. Come, Emmanuel, today.
POSTLUDE
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Thank you for joining us in worship today. SERMON NOTES
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT • DECEMBER 17, 2023 • 11:00AM
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.)
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. †
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED SCRIPTURE — Luke 1:39-55
Please stand as you are able
PRELUDE
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. SERMON — “Deck the Halls with Joy”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
GREETING INTROIT
O Come, Little Children — Ronald B. Davis and Tammy Waldrop
OPENING PRAYER Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. HYMN OF PROCESSION #234 O Come, All Ye Faithful — ADESTE FIDELES (The children will sing stanza 1, then the congregation is invited to stand and sing stanzas 1, 2, and 3.)
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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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AFFIRMATION RESPONSE Come, Renew Your Love for Him — GLORIA Come, renew your love for Him: Jesus Christ, who sets us free! Cast off fear and doubt and shame; live in grace eternally! Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!
OFFERTORY Ecce novum — Ola Gjeilo Behold, a new joy, behold, a new wonder! A virgin 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. (Sung in Latin.) 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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PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING All things come from you, O God, and with gratitude we return to you what is yours. You created all that is, and with love formed us in your image. When our love failed, your love remained steadfast. You gave your only Son Jesus Christ to be our Savior. All that we are, and all that we have, is a trust from you. And so, in gratitude for all your gifts, we offer you ourselves, and all that we have, in union with Christ’s offering for us. By your Holy Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
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WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
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LIGHTING OF ADVENT WREATH
HYMN
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#246 Joy to the World— ANTIOCH
BENEDICTION
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BENEDICTION RESPONSE 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!
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___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP PREACHING The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III, Senior Minister LITURGIST Tammy Pollock, Director of Youth Ministries
CRUCIFER Charlotte Doud TORCHBEARERS Thomas Doud Leighton Doud
ADVENT WREATH Jennie and Clay Hughett MUSIC Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar The Chancel Choir Children’s Music & Arts: Creative Arts Experience
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.
ANNOUNCEMENTS • DECEMBER 17, 2023
WELCOME!
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
The congregation and staff of Centenary welcome you to today’s worship. It is our honor to have you with us! Our ministers, staff, welcome team and ushers are happy to assist you with any questions you may have. We hope our worship will inspire, comfort and challenge you as we hear God’s message proclaimed through preaching, music, prayer and liturgy.
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
IN MEMORIAM
WORSHIP AT CENTENARY
Cindy Lee Davis November 27,2023
SUNDAYS
9:00 am • Memorial Auditorium 11:00 am • Sanctuary
Judith Ann Russell Salisbury December 2,2023
MEMBERSHIP
We are eager to share Centenary’s story with you. If you are interested in learning about church membership, please contact Rev. Meg Peters (336-724-6311 ext. 1361)/mpeters@ centenary-ws.org to schedule a time to meet.
WATCH
Each Sunday morning, our 11:00 am worship service is broadcast on the Internet through our Live Stream. Visit www.centenary-ws.org. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the home page and click on either Live Stream or the Live Stream arrow.
HEARING LOOP
Our Sanctuary is fitted with a Hearing Loop system. Please switch your hearing device to T-coil. If you need a listening device, please contact one of our ushers. Be sure to sit in the pews located on the floor of the Nave.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CENTENARY
There is always something happening at Centenary and we invite you to join us. To learn more about Centenary ministries and events, visit our website at www.centenary-ws.org. You may also contact our receptionist who will guide you to the appropriate ministry area.
STAY CONNECTED
The ministers and members of Centenary Church extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved families and pray they may know the comfort and peace of our Heavenly Father.
SAVE THE DATE “NOURISH” Our all-new Wednesday evening dinner and programming night is here! Learn more about programming and sign up by scanning the QR code. To learn more about “Nourish” programming and register for dinner, please scan our QR code or visit www.centenaryws.org/nourish. CHILDREN’S MINISTRY SAVE THE DATES FOR 2024 SUMMER EVENTS! • Older Elementary Mission Week: June 25-27 (Rising 4th – 6th graders) • Centenary Week at Camp Tekoa: July 7-13 (Rising 4th – 6th graders) • Children’s Music and Arts Camp: July 15-18 (2 year olds – rising 5th graders) • Vacation Bible School: July 29-August 1 (4 year olds – rising 6th graders)
Reception Desk • 336-724-6311
SAVE THE DATE FOR CREATED BY GOD FRIDAY MARCH 1 AND SATURDAY MARCH 2 We hope that 4th and 5th graders and their parents will join us Friday, March 1 from 5:30-8 pm and Saturday, March 2 from 9 am-3:30 pm to learn about their growing and changing bodies through a Christian lens. Watch for more information and registration information coming soon.
CENTENARY LEADERSHIP CONNECTIONS 336.724.6311 + Extension (for the Minister on Call • Option 2) Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III Senior Minister
ext. 1362
Tammy Pollock Director of Youth Ministries
ext. 1337
Mary Ann Wexler Executive Director
ext. 1346
Rick Gibbons Congregational Care Assistant
ext. 1342
Jonathan Emmons Director of Music Ministries
ext. 1339
Stacy Holley Exec. Assistant to Senior Minister
ext. 1359
Reverend R. Craig Ford Associate Minister
ext. 1353
John Markle Director of Operations
ext. 1347
Reverend Kate May Associate Minister with Children
ext. 1331
Doug Peninger Director of Communications
ext. 1368
John Rogers Director of Information Technology
ext. 1356
Reverend Meg Peters ext. 1361 Assoc. Minister of Evangelism, Engagement & Missions
CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 646 W. FIFTH STREET • WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27101 WWW.CENTENARY-WS.ORG • 336-724-6311
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY UPDATES DECEMBER 24 AND 31 On Sunday, December 24 there will be no Sunday School and no nursery offered at any of the services. There will be Children’s Worship (for Kindergarten – 3rd graders) at the 11 am service. On December 31, there will no Sunday School. There will be nursery for the 11 am service and Children’s worship (for Kindergarten – 3rd graders) at the 11 am service. STUDENTS WITH FULL BELLIES ARE MORE SUCCESSFUL Centenary has the privilege of partnering with the Backpack Program organized by Second Harvest Food Bank. We are currently partnered with Brunson Elementary, Wiley Middle School, Reynolds High School and the Winston Salem Street School. This program helps provide food for students who receive free breakfast and lunch at school throughout the year but may not have access to food over the weekends. For just under $200, you can provide weekend food for a student for a whole school year! If you’re interested in getting involved, please contact Anna Thomas (athomas@centenaryws.org/ext 1332) or select the “Backpack Program” Fund when you give online.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE STEPHEN MINISTRY Christmas joy and happy celebrations surround us during Advent and Christmas Day. If you are experiencing the loss of a loved one, the holidays can be very difficult. A Stephen Minister will walk this journey with you, providing a listening heart, care, and hope. If you or someone you know could benefit from Stephen Ministry, please contact Deena Morgan (336-692-2314), Wilba Brady (336-723-6236), Rev. Craig Ford (336-724-6311 ext. 1353). WEEKLY PRAYER IN THE CHAPEL TUESDAYS • NOW - DECEMBER 19 NOON- 12:30PM You are invited for a time of prayer each week in our Chapel. Resources will be provided for a time of independent reflection and contemplation. MISSIONS MISSION FAIR WEDNESDAY • JANUARY 10 • 6 PM MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM You are invited to come and meet our mission partners, learn more about volunteer opportunities, and see how your mission dollars are at work! Contact Rev. Meg Peters (mpeters@centenary-ws. org) if you have any questions. MEN’S MINISTRY THURSDAY MORNING FELLOWSHIP JANUARY 4 • 7:30 AM-8:30 AM COMMUNITY ROOM Join us for coffee, biscuits and fellowship. Our January meeting will be a time of post-holiday fellowship, encouragement for the new year and group planning for Men’s Ministry, led by Dr. Glenn Kinken. You may enter the East Building from the 4 1⁄2 Street or 5th Street entrances. To learn more about Men’s Ministry at Centenary, contact Chris Munnelly, Tanner Robinson, Michael Rogers or Tom Lawson. MUSIC & ARTS A JOYOUS NOEL! ADVENT MUSIC SERIES Please join us in the Sanctuary this afternoon at 4:00 pm for the final concert of our Advent series, given by the celebrated Bel Canto Company. Thank you to all who have joined us as we have given musical offerings to celebrate of the birth of Christ this Advent season!
SIGN UP NOW FOR CHILDREN’S MUSIC & ART CAMP 2024 JULY 15 - 18, 2024 CMA Camp is offered for infants through rising 5th grade. Offerings include singing, handbells, handchimes, creative movement, art, Kindermusik, and more! Snacks are provided daily. The week ends with a camper-led worship service on Thursday at 12:30 pm followed by a reception to celebrate the accomplishments of each child during camp. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled week! Register via the QR Code today! For more information, please contact Music Ministry Assistant, Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.org). UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH COOKBOOKS There are still plenty of UWF Cookbooks for sale if you are looking for Christmas gifts for friends and family. They are $25 each or two for $40. Please email Rev. Meg Peters at mpeters@centenary-ws. org if you would like to purchase one. YOUTH MINISTRY Today 10:00 am: Youth Sunday School (@ Youth Commons) 10:00 am: Parents of Teens Sunday School classes 5:00 pm: Annual Youth Christmas Party on the 4th Floor! ALL youth are invited to join us for this super fun evening with dinner, games, and friends to celebrate Christmas. Wear your favorite ‘ugly’ Christmas attire and bring a wrapped ornament to exchange. Dinner is $3 per person. December 24 10:45 am: NO Sunday school today! Stop by the 4th floor for a sweet treat and a cup of coffee before worship. 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm, and 11:00 pm: Christmas Eve worship experiences NO Youth groups tonight! Enjoy Christmas Eve worshipping with your family. YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL Join us every Sunday at 10:00 am on the fourth floor (@Youth Commons) for ALL youth Sunday School. As always there are breakfast snacks, coffee & drinks, and friends & fellowship before the lesson every week! Throughout the season of Advent, we will explore how God told his people all about the birth of Jesus long before it happened. We will discover the prophecies of Jesus’ birth, when they were fulfilled, and what this means to us today. So, plan to come explore a different perspective of the Christmas story with us!
CHILDREN’S MUSIC & ART ATRIUM SHOWCASE We are excited to display the work of Centenary’s youngest artists beginning today and throughout the month of January! Created during our weekly Creative Arts Experience, their art will delight and amaze you. Be sure to stop by the Atrium to admire their creations! CHILDREN’S CREATIVE ARTS EXPERIENCE CONTINUES IN JANUARY – NEW PARTICIPANTS WELCOME! Is your child leading in worship today? If not, join us in the new year for NOURISH every Wednesday night beginning January 10 for Children’s Creative Arts Experience! Programming includes activities for children ages 2 through 5th grade. CAE will immerse young people in a wide-ranging program which will include singing, ringing, Orff, Kindermusik (ages 2-Kindergarten), drumming, visual arts, drama, and more! This diverse model engages children with various levels of musical and artistic interests, all while cultivating more regular, more varied worship leadership opportunities for Centenary’s youngest! Register via the QR Code. Current participants need not register again. Email Music Ministries Assistant Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenaryws.org)with any questions.
CONFIRMATION 2024 Confirmation by definition is faith formation and one part of a lifelong journey. Our hope is that through our Confirmation ministry you will be given the opportunity, tools, love, support, and inspiration you will need to build your faith on a firm foundation (Matthew 7:24-25). Starting on January 3, 2024 (through May 19), we invite all 7th graders to join us as we meet each Wednesday night from 6:00pm—7:30pm to learn about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the spiritual life, and how they form us and help us to change the way we live our lives. You will not go through this class alone; you will pick a Shepherd (a faithful adult spiritual companion from our church) who will walk beside you all throughout your Confirmation. There will be several field trips, two retreats, lots of meals, and space to ask all your questions to help us grow. The hope is that through these experiences, you will come to encounter Jesus in a very tangible way. You can register for Confirmation in Realm. With questions, contact Tammy Pollock, Director of Youth Ministries. LOOKING AHEAD January 3, 2024: Confirmation begins! January 4: Confirmation Shepherds Orientation January 5: Sixers! Goes to the movies January 7: Confirmation Bible Sunday January 19 & 20: Confirmation Retreat (Camp Hanes) February 10 & 11: Love her Well event with Kari Kampakis For more information or to sign up to receive Youth Ministry updates by email, contact Tammy Pollock (tpollock@centenary-ws.org). Follow us on Instagram @centenary_youth. CHRISTMAS EVE SCHEDULE We invite you to worship with us as we anticipate the birthday of Jesus Christ. We will not have Sunday school. For worship, we offer five opportunities. 11:00 AM • Sanctuary 2:00 PM • Candlelight & Communion • Auditorium 4:00 PM• Children’s Christmas Eve • Sanctuary 6:00 PM • Candlelight & Communion • Auditorium 11:00 PM • Candlelight & Communion • Sanctuary OPEN FLOWER DATE A wonderful way to honor or remember a loved one, friend, group, birthday, or anniversary is by providing flowers in our Sanctuary for Sunday morning services. Our Flower Calendar has a shared open date available on January 7, 2024. This is on a first-come basis, and as I said, you would be sharing the cost with another family. 2 arrangements cost $350.00 and your portion of the bill would be $175.00. This has been an important ministry for our Church by keeping our Sanctuary looking beautiful and welcoming. If you are interested, please contact Paige Morgan Foy (pmorganfoy@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1358)
MONDAY • DECEMBER 18 Isaiah 1-4 & Psalm 109
THURSDAY • DECEMBER 21 Isaiah 13-17 & Psalm 112
TUESDAY • DECEMBER 19 Isaiah 5-8 & Psalm 110
FRIDAY • DECEMBER 22 Isaiah 18-22 & Psalm 113
WEDNESDAY • DECEMBER 20 Isaiah 9-12 & Psalm 111
SATURDAY • DECEMBER 23 Isaiah 23-27 & Psalm 114
SUNDAY • DECEMBER 24 Isaiah 28-30 & Psalm 115