FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT • DECEMBER 1, 2024 • 11:00AM
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.
PRELUDE
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus — arr. Jason Krug
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, foretolk in sacred story. O blest is Christ who came in God’s most holy name.
†OPENING PRAYER
Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#211 O Come, O Come Emmanuel — VENI EMMANUEL Stanzas 1,4,6,7
†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.
†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!
LIGHTING OF ADVENT WREATH
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
SCRIPTURE — Isaiah 11:1-10
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Hope Made Possible”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence — Chad Fothergill Let all mortal flesh keep silence, and with fear and trembling stand; ponder nothing earthly minded, for with blessing in his hand Christ our God to earth descendeth, our full homage to demand. King of kings, yet born of Mary, as of old on earth he stood, Lord of lords in human vesture, in the body and the blood, he will give to all the faithful his own self for heavenly food. Rank on rank the host of heaven spreads its vanguard on the way; as the Light of light, descendeth from the realms of endless day, that the powers of hell may vanish, as the darkness clears away. At his feet the six-winged seraph, cherubim with sleepless eye, veil their faces to the presence, as with ceaseless voice they cry: “Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia, Lord Most High!”
†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.
†PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Almighty and forgiving God, we your unworthy servants give you most humble thanks for all your goodness and loving kindness, to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. Give us such an awareness of your mercies, that our hearts may be thankful, and that we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to your service and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
WE CELEBRATE HOLY COMMUNION
The congregation is invited to follow the communion liturgy beginning on page 12 of the hymnal.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another. Therefore, let us confess before God and one another.
CONFESSION AND PARDON
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
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.
RECEIVING OF ELEMENTS
MUSIC AT COMMUNION
Of the Father’s Love Begotten — arr. Sandra Eithun
CLOSING PRAYER
Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for others, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†HYMN #196 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus — HYFRYDOL
BLESSING OF PRAYER SHAWLS
†BENEDICTION
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
People Look East — BESANÇON
People, look east. The time is near of the crowning of the year. Make your house fair as you are able, trim the hearth and set the table. People, look east and sing today: Love, the Guest, is on the way.
†POSTLUDE
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
SERMON NOTES
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III Senior Minister
LITURGISTS
The Reverend Meg Peters, Assoc. Minister
The Reverend Oliver Helsabeck Assoc. Minister
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar
The Chancel Choir
Sam Howell, Music Ministry Intern Carillonneurs, Camille Jones, Director
CRUCIFER
Marianne Rowland
TORCHBEARERS Beau Rowland
Sloan Clark
WELCOME!
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.
WORSHIP AT CENTENARY
SUNDAYS
9:00 am • Memorial Auditorium
11:00 am • Sanctuary
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
Reception Desk • 336-724-6311
CENTENARY LEADERSHIP CONNECTIONS
336.724.6311 + Extension (for the Minister on Call • Option 2)
Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III ext. 1362
Senior Minister
Mary Ann Wexler ext. 1346
Executive Director
Jonathan Emmons ext. 1339 Director of Music Ministries
Reverend Oliver Helsabeck ext. 1357
Associate Minister for Congregational Care
Reverend Kate May ext. 1331
Associate Minister with Children
Reverend Meg Peters ext. 1361
Associate Minister of Outreach
Tammy Pollock ext. 1337 Director of Youth Ministries
Stacy Holley ext. 1359
Adult Discipleship Specialist & Pastoral Assistant
John Markle ext. 1347 Director of Operations
Doug Peninger ext. 1368 Director of Communications
John Rogers ext. 1356
Director of Information Technology
CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
646 W. FIFTH STREET • WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27101
WWW.CENTENARY-WS.ORG • 336-724-6311
ANNOUNCEMENTS • DECEMBER 1, 2024
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CHRISTMAS EVE AT CENTENARY
We invite you to our Christmas Eve offerings as we anticipate the birth of Jesus Christ.
9:30 AM • Pre-School Pajama Party Community Room
2:00 PM • Candlelight & Communion Memorial Auditorium
4:00 PM • Children’s Christmas Eve Sanctuary
6:00 PM • Candlelight & Communion Memorial Auditorium
11:00 PM • Candlelight & Communion Sanctuary
ADULT FORMATION
SAVE THE DATE!
Centenary Women’s Retreat April 4-6, 2025 Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
NO CHILDREN’S WORSHIP TODAY
Today, rather than leaving for children’s worship, K-3rd graders will remain in the service with their grown-ups to participate in worship and communion together. If you did not pick up a worship bag on your way in, they are available in the narthex and outside the East transept. We look forward to having your child join us for children’s worship next week!
PARTNER WITH US TO HELP FEED KIDS IN WINSTON-SALEM
We will be sending extra food home with children to help make up the difference during Christmas break in addition to partnering with the Backpack Program organized by Second Harvest Food Bank. Please consider a financial donation to help make this possible. If you’re interested or have questions, please contact Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws.org/ ext. 1332).
KIDS DAY IN
SATURDAY • DECEMBER 14
9:30-11:30 AM
Infants through 2nd graders are invited to join us for a morning full of holidaythemed fun including crafts, games and more. The cost is $5 per kid. Register using the QR code, registration closes on December 11. Contact Anna Thomas athomas@ centenary-ws.org) with any questions!
IMPROMPTU PAGEANT
SUNDAY • DECEMBER 22 • 10 AM
Join us as we gather in the Sanctuary where everyone will choose a costume and take part in creating a beautiful picture of what the first Christmas might have looked like as the story is told through rhyme and song. There will be no Sunday school for elementary aged kids. Stay tuned for specific items we will be collecting for our Tree of Warmth.
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
SANCTUARY ORNAMENT
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
REFRESH PRAYER SERVICE
WEDNESDAYS • NOON – 12:45 PM SANCTUARY
Enter from Fifth Street for a service of prayer. 12:00-12:15, silent meditation; 12:15-12:45, prayer service. Come be refreshed and renewed in the middle of a busy week.
HEALING HANDS MINISTRY
FIRST MONDAYS • 10 AM - NOON GATHERING ROOM
Calling all knitters and crocheters! Join us for a time of fellowship, instruction, and service as members create prayer shawls, lap throws, and other handmade items to provide a tangible blessing for people experiencing loss, crisis, or other need for prayerful care. Items are prayed over and blessed to be given away to others in time of need. No experience is necessary. Contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck or Dianne Moore for more information.
MEN’S MINISTRY
THEOLOGY ON TAP
DECEMBER 3 • 5:30 PM
Centenary UMC Men invite everyone to join them for the Advent Theology on Tap gathering. We will gather at Lesser Known Brewery (901 South Broad Street) on Tuesday, December 3 from 5:30 pm - 7 pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy fellowship and help support a number of ministries with a gift. For more details, please contact Tom Lawson at 336-577-2223.
THURSDAY MORNING FELLOWSHIP
DECEMBER 5 • 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
COMMUNITY ROOM
We will gather in the second floor Catering Kitchen for coffee, biscuits, and fellowship. Then we move to the Community Room for prayer, announcements and a brief program. 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 THRILL OF HOPE: ADVENT WITH MUSIC & ARTS
You are invited to spend the Advent season with us as we prepare for the joy of Christmas.
Tuesday • December 3 • 7:30 PM
Sanctuary
Piedmont Wind Symphony presents Holiday Bells, a Benefit Concert with the Centenary Chancel Choir
Sunday • December 8 • 11:00 AM
Sanctuary Children’s Choirs in Worship
Sunday • December 8 • 4:00 PM • Sanctuary WSSU Singing Rams present Great Joy!
Sunday • December 15 • 5:00 PM
Sanctuary Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
Sunday • December 22 • 6:00 PM
St. Paul UMC
A Christmas Collaboration at St. Paul United Methodist Church with the Centenary Chancel Choir.
The Centenary ornaments have arrived and are ready for pick up. You can pick up ornaments at Nourish on Wednesdays from 5:00-6:00 pm or on Sundays after the 9:00 and 11:00 o’clock services. We will have the ornaments at the 4 1/2 Street entrance on those days. If you need to arrange a different time please contact Susan Grubbs at shgrubbs4@gmail.com Ornaments are also available to purchase. We will be at the 4 1/2 Street entrance during Nourish on Wednesdays and at 10:00am on Sundays. We will be on the front lawn on Sundays after the 11:00 am worship service.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today 10:00 am: Youth Sunday school 11:00 am: LTN set up Noon – 2:00 pm: Love Thy Neighbor & Medical Clinic 2:15 pm: LTN clean up
December 3 8:00 pm: Twin City Conference Basketball game – Centenary vs. St. Paul’s
December 8 10:00 am: Youth Sunday school 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm: Middle school youth group 6:15 pm - 6:45 pm: Youth Dinner 6:45 pm - 8:00 pm: Senior high youth group
CONFIRMATION 2025
LOOKING AHEAD
December 13: Sixers! Goes to Tanglewood for a hayride
December 15: Annual ALL Youth Christmas Party
December 22: ALL Youth Christmas Coffee House
December 29: New Year’s Eve, Eve Party (@ Bowlero)
January 8: 2025 Confirmation begins January 10 & 11: Junior/Senior Retreat to Blowing Rock
February 23: Love Thy Neighbor Annual Fundraiser
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.
ANGEL TREE
Thank you for your continued support of this mission opportunity! If you’d like to sponsor an angel, please contact Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1332). We ask that gifts be returned by Wednesday, December 4. You can put them at any of the three Angel Trees around the church. On December 8, from 3-5 pm, we will have a wrapping party to wrap all of the Angel Tree gifts! Grab the whole family and join us!
Starting on January 8, 2025 (through May 18), we invite all 7th graders to join our Confirmation class. We will meet each Wednesday night from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm 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. The hope is that through these experiences, you will come to encounter Jesus in a very real way and that encounter will change the way you live your life! For more information contact Tammy Pollock (tpollock@centenary-ws.org).
TRUST – A RETREAT FOR JUNIORS & SENIORS
In a world that continues to spin in uncertainty and chaos, we invite all our Juniors and Seniors in High schoool to retreat away, January 10-11, 2025, to the beautiful mountains at Blowing Rock Conference Center near Bass Lake. We will spend the weekend remembering our Confirmation and how we continue to live trusting the Lord in all things. Together we will rest, remember, and recommit ourselves to the One who reaches out to us in love. The cost of the retreat is $150 per person. For more information contact Tammy Pollock (tpollock@centenary-ws.org)
