November 28, 2021 • 9am Worship

WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT

SUNDAY • NOVEMBER 28, 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 our QR code 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

ADVENT WREATH Sheila Brame

Musical texts are printed with permission.

One License A-707342 & CCLI 3760614 COVER PHOTO: "Easter Morning" by Doug Peninger

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LET US WORSHIP First Sunday of Advent • November 28, 2021

THE COMMUNITY GATHERS GATHERING MUSIC GREETING OPENING PRAYER

Merciful God, you sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation. Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

HYMN (found on page sixand seven, stanzas 1,2,4,6)

#211 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel — VENI EMMANUEL

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

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LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE THE LORD'S PRAYER

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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.

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 Luke 21:25-36

“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (NRSV) This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

SERMON

"The Heart of Christmas: Hope"

THE COMMUNITY RESPONDS AND GIVE THANKS INVITATION TO OFFERING OFFERTORY

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING †

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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 auditorium.

Of the Father's Love Begotten — 11th Cent., Prudentius

Most holy and gracious God accept these gifts from our hearts. May they be used to share the message of your love with a world that is hurting. May these gifts shine like light in the darkness offering hope, and peace. May we offer ourselves and dedicate our lives to your service this week using our talents and time to build your kingdom. All this we pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

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

BENEDICTION

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#707 Hymn of Promise — PROMISE 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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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.

ADULT FORMATION

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

FIRST FIFTEEN READINGS NOW ON THE CENTENARY WEBSITE If you have been enjoying the First Fifteen Daily Reading each week you can now find them on our website, centenary-ws.org, under the Engage Tab. Look for the First Fifteen Archives and you will find the past worksheets and accompanying videos for weeks you may have missed or want to review again. If you have questions or need more information, contact Rev. Bret Cogan.

STEPHEN MINISTRY As Christians, we are called to love each other. Stephen Ministers seek to convey God’s love to those who are hurting. We are grateful for His many gifts, especially to be allowed to care for His children during difficult times. At the season of Thanksgiving, and throughout the year, please know that your Stephen Ministers stand ready to provide Christ-centered, confidential care.

LIVING ADVENT In Person • Wednesdays • December 1-22 • Noon Zoom • Tuesdays • November 30 - December 21 • 6:30pm All are invited to join Rev. Bret Cogan and Rev. Susannah Pittman as they co-facilitate a "Living Advent" study. Each week, we will explore a Scripture passage that is integral to the Advent narrative as well as a spiritual practice that will help us experience the Advent season meaningfully. This study will be offered in-person on Wednesdays and via Zoom on Tuesday evenings. For questions or more information, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman or Rev. Bret Cogan. Scan the QR code to register.

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.

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY ANGEL TREE Please return Angel Tree gifts to the church this week, no later than Sunday December 5. You can drop-off your angel’s gifts in the 4 ½ St lobby when you come for worship Sunday morning (Nov 28 or Dec 5). Drive-thru drop-off will be available in front of the Haven on Wednesday, December 1 from 8-10 AM and Thursday, December 2 from 3-5 PM. If those times do not work for you, drop-off at reception at the 4 ½ St entrance Monday – Thursday between 9 AM and 4 PM. Contact Jeanette Juran with questions (ext. 1332/jjuran@centenary-ws.org).

KIDS DAY IN Infants through 2nd graders are invited to join us for Kids Day In on December 4 from 9:30-11:30am. We’ll enjoy a morning of holidaythemed fun with age-appropriate programming for all kids including crafts, games, and more. Register on the Engage page or in the Realm app, $5 per kid. Register by Tuesday, November 30.

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 City with Dwellings is partnering with two host churches to provide winter shelter December 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022.

St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church will host women and Augsburg Lutheran will host men. New Story Church will host White Flag Nights when the temperature is below freezing, or below 38 degrees with precipitation. Augsburg Lutheran needs a few more site coordinators for the men’s shelter. If you are interested in volunteering at this site, please contact Katie@alcws.org.

No overnight volunteers are needed, but if you are interested in helping with check-in and bringing dinners, you can sign up and find more information at citywithdwellings.org. Let Rev. Meg Gaston know if you have any additional questions.

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.

YOUTH MINISTRY NOVEMBER 28 10:00am Sunday school on the 4th Floor 6:00pm All Youth Friendsgiving! Everyone is welcome to join us for this annual event where we gather around the table, give thanks for one another and the One who brought us together. Tammy & Eddie will provide the turkey, you provide the sides! We can't wait to welcome you to our new home (address can be found in our weekly email).

Contact Tammy or Abby with any questions you may have.

SERVICE OF HOPE AND HEALING Sunday • December 5 • 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.

CALLED CHARGE CONFERENCE Tuesdayday • November 30 • 7pm • Memorial Auditorium Centenary UMC will conduct a called Charge Conference to act upon the recommendation of the UMC lawyers, in conjunction with annual conference leadership, and the Council of Bishops as to whether or not to approve the BSA plan of reorganization/ settlement of claims. Members of the congregation are welcome to attend. The voting members of the Charge Conference are the members of the Church Council, and appointed and retired clergy with a charge conference relationship with Centenary.

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Today we celebrate the baptism of Matthew Richard Lowenthal, son of Brett and Caroline Lowenthal, and brother of Lillian Lowenthal.

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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PO Box 658 • Winston-Salem. NC 27102

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