December 19, 2021 • 11am Worship

WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT

SUNDAY • DECEMBER 19, 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 Maner and Carrigan Families

LITURGIST

The Reverend Bret Cogan The Reverend R. Craig Ford The Reverend Meg Gaston The Reverend Kate May The Reverend Susannah Pittman Tamara M. Pollock

MUSIC

Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries Susan Bates, Organist/Music Associate The Chancel Choir Carillonneurs, Camille Jones, director Ken Wilmot, trumpet Lydia Berger, trumpet Gilson Fearnow, timpani

Musical texts are printed with permission.

One License A-707342 COVER PHOTO: "The Trumpet En chamade" 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 Fourth Sunday of Advent • December 19, 2021

WE GATHER AS GOD'S PEOPLE VOLUNTARY

Noel — Jean-François Dandrieu Morning Star — Margaret V. Sandresky

GREETING INTROIT

Good King Wenceslas — arr. Sandra Eithun

CALL TO WORSHIP

In the advent seasons, when the past has fled, unasked, away and there is nothing left to do but wait, God, shelter us. Be our surrounding darkness; be the fertile soil out of which hope springs in due time.

In uncertain times, help us to greet the dawn and labor on, love on, in faith awaiting your purpose hid in you waiting to be born in due time. Amen.

† HYMN (found on page seven)

#250 Once in Royal David's City — IRBY

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AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

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Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is the one true church, apostolic and universal, whose holy faith let us now declare: We believe in God the Father, infinite in wisdom, power, and love, whose mercy is over all his works, and whose will is ever directed to his children's good. We believe in Jesus Christ, Son of God and Son of man, the gift of the Father's unfailing grace, the ground of our hope, and the promise of our deliverance from sin and death. We believe in the Holy Spirit as the divine presence in our lives, whereby we are kept in perpetual remembrance of the truth of Christ, and find strength and help in time of need. We believe that this faith should manifest itself in the service of love as set forth in the example of our blessed Lord, to the end that the kingdom of God may come upon the earth. Amen.

GLORIA PATRI

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#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 †

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.

BAPTISM & RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS

#217 Away in a Manger — AWAY IN A MANGER Be near me Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay, close by me forever, and love me, I pray; bless all the dear children in thy tender care and fit us for heaven to live with thee there.

Do you as Christ's body, the church, reaffirm both your rejection of sin and your commitment to Christ? We do.

Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life and include Harry and Noah now before you, in your care?

We give thanks for all that God has given you and welcome you in Christian love. With God's help we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround Harry and Noah with a community of love and forgiveness, that they may grow in their service to others. We will pray for them, that they may be true disciples who walk in the way that leads to life.

HYMN

Be near me Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay, close by me forever, and love me, I pray; bless all the dear children in thy tender care and fit us for heaven to live with thee there.

(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

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CANTICLE

Hope for Resolution — arr. Paul Caldwell & Sean Ivory Of the Father’s love begotten, e’er the worlds began to be. He is Alpha and Omega, He the source, the ending he. Of the things that are, that have been, and that future years shall see, evermore and evermore. Oh, that birth, forever blessed, when the virgin full of grace, by the Holy Ghost conceiving, bare the Saviour of our race. And the babe, the world’s redeemer, first revealed his sacred face, evermore and evermore. O ye heights of heaven adore him, angel hosts his praises sing, powers, dominions bow before him, and extol our God and King. Let no tongue on earth be silent, every voice in concert ring evermore and evermore.

SCRIPTURE Luke 1:39-45

In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the

sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”

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

"The Heart of Christmas: Love"

OUR RESPONSE TO THE WORD AND THANKSGIVING 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

What Child Is This? — arr. Cameron Scott Hagler

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

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 HYMN (found on page eight) †

#238 Angels We Have Heard On High — GLORIA

BENEDICTION

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BENEDICTION RESPONSE Revelation 19:6,11:15, 19:16 †

VOLUNTARY

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Hallelujah (from Messiah) — George Frideric Handel Hallelujah, for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth, and He shall reign for ever and ever. King of Kings, and Lord of Lords! Hallelujah!

Concerto in G Major — Johann Sebastian Bach

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

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POINSETTIAS The Poinsettias are given in Memory of

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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 Those in the Helms family who have passed on before us, peace be with you, by Robert & Victoria Helms

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 IN-PERSON ELEMENTARY SUNDAY SCHOOL 10 AM K-5th Grade Sunday School will be combined on Sundays Dec 26 and Jan 2 at 10 AM. We’ll have a birthday party for baby Jesus on Dec 26 and celebrate the new year on Jan 2.

SPRING PLAYDATES Families with infants through two-year-olds are invited to a once a month playdate at Centenary! Come anytime from 9-10:30 AM. We'll gather on the first floor of the East Building in the play place for a time of free play and fellowship for kids and their grown-ups!

Friends are welcome.

Spring Playdates - January 8, February 12, March 12, April 9, May 14 Park in the 4 1/2 St parking lot and enter through the 4 1/2 St entrance by the auditorium. Questions? Contact Jeanette Juran (ext 1332)/jjuran@centenary-ws.org.

SAVE THE DATE – SUMMER EVENTS Save the date to join us this summer! Older Elementary mission week for rising 4th-6th graders will be June 28-30. Centenary Week at Tekoa for rising 4th - 6th graders will be July 10-16.

Vacation Bible School for 4 year olds through rising 6th graders will be July 24-28. More information and registrations coming this spring.

PARENTS FIRST – JAN 9 All parents are invited to the third floor of the East building (Room 304) on January 9 for a time of fellowship, learning, and a time of hands-on service to benefit agencies and ministries that Centenary partners with during Sunday School (10 AM). Learning will include topics like what you need to know about the Bible to feel smarter than your child, celebrating Advent and Christmas with your family, etc. We recommend parking in the lot next to the East building and entering at the 5th St entrance to the East building. Check-in your kids for Sunday School and then head upstairs for fellowship, learning, and service.

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.

YOUTH MINISTRY DECEMBER 19 9:00am Worship (Memorial Auditorium) 10:00am Sunday school (4th floor Youth Commons) 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 All youth mission event! Everyone join us on the 4th floor for a special Christmas project for our neighbors at Crystal Towers.

Dinner will be provided, and joy will be had by all.

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Today we welcome Andrew Seymore and Rachel Wolfe into membership and celebrate the baptism of their sons Harold Frederick Seymore (Harry) and Noah Sullivan Seymore.

In Memoriam Thomas Hamilton Milner III December 4, 2021 The ministers and members of Centenary Church extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved family and pray they may know the comfort and peace of our Heavenly Father.

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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