WELCOME TO WORSHIP
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
Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life and include Landon, now before you, in your care?
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.
With God’s help we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround Landon with a community of love and forgiveness, that he may grow in his service to others. We will pray for him, that he may be a true disciple who walks in the way that leads to life.
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HYMN
PRELUDE
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
GREETING INTROIT
Prepare the Way — BEREDEN VÄG FÖR HERRAN Prepare the Way, O Zion, your Christ is drawing near! Let every hill and valley a level way appear. Greet One who comes in glory, foretold in sacred story. O blest is Christ who came in God’s most holy name.
OPENING PRAYER Loving God, as we gather to worship, we come with hearts full of gratitude. We thank you for the gift of Jesus, who came to save us and lead us in truth. Just as Joseph and Mary listened to your voice and followed your guidance, help us to be attentive to your call in our lives. May we lean on your wisdom and strength. Fill this place and our hearts with your presence and inspire us to carry your love and light in the world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
SCRIPTURE — Matthew 2:13-23 This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. SERMON — “God Found in Impossible Plans”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
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HYMN OF PROCESSION #224 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice — IN DULCI JUBILO
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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!
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#191 Jesus Loves Me — JESUS LOVES ME
(Following the Baptism, 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.)
Please stand as you are able
BENEDICTION RESPONSE He is Born — IL EST NÉ He is born, the holy Child, play the oboe and bagpipes merrily! Hie is born, the holy Child, sing we all of the Savior mild. Thru long ages of the past, prophets have foretold his coming; thru long ages of the past, now the time has come at last!
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POSTLUDE
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BAPTISMAL RESPONSE Do you as Christ’s body, the church, reaffirm both your rejection of sin and your commitment to Christ? We do.
FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMASTIDE • DECEMBER 29, 2024 • 11:00AM
BENEDICTION
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OFFERTORY Climb to the Top of the Hightest Mountain — Carolyn Jennings Climb to the top of the highest mountain, joyous tidings proclaim to the world, lift up your voice, shout the good news: behold, your Lord comes to you. He will feed his flock like a shepherd, He will carry the lambs in his arms, He will ever keep them safe from harm. Behold, your Lord comes to you. He who made the stars in the heaven, He who fashioned the earth and the sea, from time eternal he was God, the Alpha and Omega, He. Behold, your Lord! He will come in power and glory, He will rule with mercy and truth, Hope of the nations, Light of the world, Light of all the world! He will love the little children, He will hold them in his arms. Love him and trust him as a child. Behold, your Lord comes to you as a child. DOXOLOGY #95 Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow — OLD 100th Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below; praise God above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
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PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING God Most High, receive the gifts of our lives as an offering of gratitude for your grace. Overshadow us with your Holy Spirit and let it be with us according to your word, for nothing is impossible with you. Amen.
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Thank you for joining us in worship today.
SERMON NOTES
___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP PREACHING The Reverend Oliver Helsabeck, Assoc. Minister LITURGIST Tammy Pollock, Director of Youth Ministries MUSIC Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar The Chancel Choir Sam Howell, Music Ministry Intern Jonathan Blake Borton, Piano
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE HYMN
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#251 GO, TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN — GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN
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.