December 26, 2021 • 11am Worship

WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT

SUNDAY • DECEMBER 26, 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

LITURGIST

The Reverend Kate May The Reverend Bret Cogan

MUSIC

Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries Reid Gilliam, Guest Organist

Musical texts are printed with permission.

One License A-707342 COVER PHOTO: "The Ship on Fifth" 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 First Sunday of Christmas • December 26, 2021

WE GATHER AS GOD'S PEOPLE VOLUNTARY

In Dulci Jubilo — Bach, Pachelbel, Dupre, & Dello Joio

GREETING INTROIT

In the Bleak Midwinter — arr. Mark Hayes In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone. Snow had fallen, snow on snow, in the bleak midwinter, long ago.

CALL TO WORSHIP

O God our Father, you have brought us again to the glad season when we celebrate the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant that his Spirit may be born anew in our hearts this day and that we may joyfully welcome him to reign over us. Open our ears that we may hear again the angelic chorus of old. Open our lips that we, too, may sing with uplifted hearts. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill toward all; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

HYMN (found on page eight)

#234 O Come, All Ye Faithful — ADESTE FIDELES

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AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

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Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation or distress, or persecution or famine, or nakedness or peril or sword?

No! In all things we are more than conquerors through the One who loved us. We are sure that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Thanks be to God! Amen.

GLORIA PATRI

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PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE THE LORD'S PRAYER

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Please stand as you are able.

#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.

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

All may respond: Hear our 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.

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GOD'S WORD PROCLAIMED SCRIPTURE Isaiah 9:2-7

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.

For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

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

SERMON

"Go Tell It on the Mountain"

Good King Wenceslas Choir: Page and monarch, forth they went Good King Wenceslas looked out Forth they went together On the Feast of Stephen Through the rude winds wild lament When the snow lay round about And the bitter weather Deep and crisp and even Brightly shone the moon that night Soloist: Though the frost was cruel Sire, the night is darker now When a poor man came in sight And the wind blows stronger Gathering winter fuel Fails my heart, I know not how I can go no longer.

ALL: Mark my footsteps, good my page Hither, page, and stand by me, Tread thou in them boldly If thou knowst it, telling Thou shall find the winters rage Yonder peasant, who is he?

Freeze thy blood less coldly.

Where and what his dwelling?

Sire, he lives a good league hence, ALL: Underneath the mountain In his masters step he trod Right against the forest fence Where the snow lay dinted

By Saint Agnes fountain.

Heat was in the very sod Which the Saint had printed Soloist: Therefore, Christian men, be sure Bring me flesh and bring me wine Wealth or rank possessing Bring me pine logs hither Ye, who now will bless the poor Thou and I shall see him dine Shall yourselves find blessing.

When we bear them thither.

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Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella Choir: Choir: Bring a torch, Jeanette, Isabella Hasten now, good folk of the village; Bring a torch, to the cradle run!

Hasten now the Christ Child to see.

It is Jesus, good folk of the village; You will find Him asleep in the manger; Christ is born and Mary's calling; Quietly come and whisper softly, Ah! ah! beautiful is the Mother Hush! hush! Peacefully now He Ah! ah! beautiful is her Son! slumbers.

Hush! hush! Peacefully now He sleeps.

Congregation: It is wrong when the Child is sleeping Congregation: It is wrong to talk so loud; Softly to the little stable.

Silence, all, as you gather around.

Softly for a moment come; Lest your noise should waken Jesus.

Look and see how charming is Jesus Hush! hush! see how fast He slumbers! How He is born, His cheeks are tender!

Hush! hush! see how fast He sleeps!

Hush! hush! see how the Child is sleeping; Hush! hush! see how He smiles in his dreams.

I Saw Three Ships Congregation: ALL: I saw three ships come sailing in O they sailed into Bethlehem, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; I saw three ships come sailing in O they sailed into Bethlehem, On Christmas Day in the morning.

On Christmas Day in the morning.

Soloist: And what was in those ships all three, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day? And what was in those ships all three, On Christmas Day in the morning?

Soloist: And all the bells on earth shall ring, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; And all the bells on earth shall ring, On Christmas Day in the morning.

Choir: The Virgin Mary and Christ were there, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; The Virgin Mary and Christ were there, On Christmas Day in the morning.

Choir: And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing, On Christmas Day in the morning.

Soloist: Pray, wither sailed those ships all three, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; Pray, wither sailed those ships all three, On Christmas Day in the morning?

Soloist: And all the souls on earth shall sing, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; And all the souls on earth shall sing, On Christmas Day in the morning.

Congregation: Then let us all rejoice again, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; Then let us all rejoice again, On Christmas Day in the morning.

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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

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly — arr. Mack Wilberg Infant Holy, infant lowly, for his bed a cattle stall; oxen lowing, little knowing Christ the Babe is Lord of all. Swiftly winging angels singing, Nowells ringing, tidings bringing: Christ the Babe is Lord of all. Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping vigil till the morning new saw the glory, heard the story, tidings of a gospel true. Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow, praises voicing, greet the morrow: Christ the Babe was born for you.

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 God, giver of every good and perfect gift, teach us to render to you all that we have and all that we are, that we may praise you, not with our lips only, but with our whole lives, turning the duties, the sorrows, and the joys of all our days into a living sacrifice to you; through our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

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

#251 Go, Tell It on the Mountain — GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN

BENEDICTION

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BENEDICTION RESPONSE

Joy to the World — ANTIOCH Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing.

VOLUNTARY

Break Forth Into Joy (from Christmas Oratorio) — arr. Van Denman Thompson

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

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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 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 FOR 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 • JANUARY 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 Street 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 26 9:00am Worship (Memorial Auditorium) 10:00am Sunday school Christmas breakfast (4th floor Youth Commons) 11:00am In-person & livestream Worship (via our YouTube channel) NO YOUTH GROUP

ALTAR FLOWERS OPEN FLOWER DATES 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 an open dates available on January 16 & 30, February 27 and March 6, 2022. This is a first come basis and it can be for one family or shared by 2 or 3 families who wish to honor or remember different family members or other people. This has been an important ministry for our church during this pandemic. It has helped to keep our services looking normal as well as beautiful. If you are interested, please contact Paige Morgan Foy by email at pmorganfoy@centenary-ws. org.

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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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