WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT
SUNDAY • JANUARY 2, 2022 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 Susannah Pittman
LITURGIST
The Reverend Meg Gaston The Reverend R. Craig Ford
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries The Chancel Choir Charles Shafer, violin Anne Morgan, percussion
FLOWERS
The Chancel flowers are given in loving memory of Mary Elizabeth Boggan Palermo by her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Clayton Boggan, Jr.
Musical texts are printed with permission. One License A-707342 COVER PHOTO: "Easter Mrorning" 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 Epiphany • Janaury 2, 2022
WE GATHER AS GOD'S PEOPLE VOLUNTARY GREETING INTROIT
Light of a Clear Blue Morning — arr. Craig Hella Johnson It’s been a long dark night, and I’ve been waiting for the morning. It’s been a long hard fight, but I see a brand new day a-dawning. I’ve been looking for the sunshine ‘cause I ain’t seen it in so long. Everything’s gonna’ work out fine. Everything’s gonna’ be alright, it’s gonna’ be ok. I can see the light of a clear blue morning. I can see the light of a brand new day.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
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† HYMN (found on page eight)
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
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GLORIA PATRI
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PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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Please stand as you are able.
#254 We Three Kings — KINGS OF ORIENT 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. #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.
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GOD'S WORD PROCLAIMED CANTICLE
Love Has Come — Zebulon M. Highben Love has come—a light in the darkness! Love shines forth in the Bethlehem skies. See, all heaven has come to proclaim it; hear how their song of joy arises: Love! Love! Born unto you, a Savior! Love! Love! Glory to God on high. Love is born! Come, share in the wonder. Love is God now asleep in the hay. See the glow in the eyes of his mother; what is the name her heart is saying? Love! Love! Love is the name she whispers; Love! Love! Jesus, Immanuel. Love has come and never will leave us! Love is life everlasting and free. Love is Jesus within and among us. Love is the peace our hearts are seeking. Love! Love! Love is the gift of Christmas; Love! Love! Praise to you, God on high!
SCRIPTURE Luke 3:1-6
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. (NRSV) This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON
OUR RESPONSE TO THE WORD AND THANKSGIVING INVITATION TO OFFERING OFFERTORY
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What Star Is This? — Richard Shephard What star is this with beams so bright, more lovely than the noon-day light? ‘Tis sent to herald forth a King, glad tidings of our God to bring. True spake the prophet from afar who told the rise of Jacob’s star; and eastern sages with amaze upon the wondrous token gaze. To God the Father, heavenly Light, to
Christ, revealed in earthly night, to God the Holy Ghost we raise our equal and unceasing praise. Amen. 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 THANKSGIVING
Receive these offerings, O Lord. We give you thanks for the blessings which you have bestowed upon us. We pray these gifts, the employment of our talents, the labor of our hands, the prayers of our hearts, and the witness of our lives will show the world the magnitude of your love and grace. Let us put you first in our lives. Use us this week to build your Kingdom. We ask this in the name of Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever more. Amen.
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WE CELEBRATE HOLY COMMUNION 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
Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have failed to be an obedient church. We have not done your will, we have broken your law, we have rebelled against your love, we have not loved our neighbors, and we have not heard the cry of the needy. Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Hear the good news: Christ died for us while we were yet sinners; that proves God's love toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! Glory to God. Amen
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. The pastor gives thanks appropriate for the occasion, remembering God's acts of salvation, and concludes: And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven we praise your name and join their unending hymn: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. 5
The pastor continues the thanksgiving. The institution of the Lord's Supper is recalled. The pastor concludes: And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice in union with Christ's offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith. Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. The pastor invokes the present work of the Holy Spirit and then praises the Trinity, concluding: All honor and glory is yours, almighty Father, now and forever. Amen. 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 RESPONSE 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 (found on page nine) †
#206 I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light — HOUSTON
BENEDICTION
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BENEDICTION RESPONSE Numbers 6: 24-26
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VOLUNTARY
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The Lord Bless You and Keep You — John Rutter The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. Amen. Festival Flourish on Joy to the World — Jacob B. Weber
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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
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
NO CHILDREN’S WORSHIP TODAY Because we celebrate communion on the first Sunday of each month, there is no 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!
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.
CREATED BY GOD PARENT INFO SESSION Join us Wednesday, January 19 at 8 PM on Zoom for a virtual information session about our upcoming Created by God event for 4th and 5th graders in March. Questions? Contact Jeanette Juran (336-724-6311 ext 1332; jjuran@centenary-ws.org)
MISSIONS
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 (336-724-6311 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 St entrance to the East building. Check-in your kids for Sunday School and then head upstairs for fellowship, learning, and service.
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 JANUARY 2 9:00am Worship (Memorial Auditorium) 10:00am Sunday school on the 4th Floor 11:00am In-person & livestream Worship (via our YouTube channel) Love Thy Neighbor set up (@ Memorial Auditorium) Noon-2:00pm Love They Neighbor (@ Memorial Auditorium)
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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In Memoriam Jean Canaday Reader December 12, 2021 Mary Ann Ratcliff December 18, 2021 Michael Royce Brooks December 18, 2021 The ministers and members of Centenary Church extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved families and pray they may know the comfort and peace of our Heavenly Father.
Sympathy is extended to Trish Williams in the death of her sister, Carolyn Roberts, on November 30, 2021.
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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