May 2, 2021 • 11am Worship

WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT

"LOVE IS MORE THAN AN IDOL" 1 JOHN 4:7-21

SUNDAY • MAY 2, 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.

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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

LITURGISTS

The Reverend Kate May The Reverend Meg Gaston

MUSIC

Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries Susan Bates, Organist/Music Associate Centenary Chamber Ensemble Anna Lampidis, oboe

CHANCEL FLOWERS

The Chancel flowers are given in loving memory of Ted Keith and T.R. Keith by their family, Mary Jane Keith, Melissa Keith Lewis and Stacy Keith Ritch.

Musical texts are printed with permission.

One License A-707342 COVER PHOTO: Easter Morning by Doug Peninger.

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LET US WORSHIP Fifth Sunday of Easter • May 2, 2021

THE COMMUNITY GATHERS VOLUNTARY

Adorn Yourself with Joy, Beloved Soul — Johannes Brahms

GREETING INTROIT

Love Is Little — Ron Barnett Love is little, love is low, love will make our spirit grow - grow in peace, grow in light; love will do the thing that's right.

CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 22:25-31

From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you will fulfill my vows.

The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the LORD will praise him— may your hearts live forever!

All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations.

All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before him— those who cannot keep themselves alive.

Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it!

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† HYMN (found on page six)

#578 God of Love and God of Power — UNSER HERRSCHER

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.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

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

All may respond: Hear our prayer.

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Please stand as you are able.

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WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED SCRIPTURE 1 John 4:7-21

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit.

And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.

Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

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

SERMON

"Love Is More Than an Idol"

WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT INVITATION TO OFFERING OFFERTORY

The Servant Song — David Schwoebel If anyone would be first, they shall be the last of all; be the servant of all.

We are travelers on a journey, fellow pilgrims on the road; we are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load. I will hold the Christlight for you in the night-time of your fear; I will hold my hand out to you, speak the peace you long to hear. Sister, let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you; pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant, too. Brother, let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you; pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant, too.

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

You may follow along with the Communion liturgy on page 8.

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.

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

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Your Love, O God, Has Called Us Here — GIFT OF LOVE Your love, O God, has called us here, for all love finds its source in you, the perfect love that casts out fear, the love that Christ makes ever new.

O gracious God, you consecrate all that is lovely, good, and true.

Bless those who in your presence wait and every day their love renew.

O God of love, inspire our life, reveal your will in all we do; unite our hearts and keep from strife that we may live in love for you.

BENEDICTION

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.

BENEDICTION RESPONSE

Jesu, Joy of Our Desiring — arr. Johann Sebastian Bach Jesu, joy of our desiring, holy wisdom, love most bright; drawn by thee, our souls aspiring soar to uncreated light. Word of God, our flesh that fashioned, with the fire of life impassioned, striving still to truth unknown, soaring, dying round thy throne.

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VOLUNTARY

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Praeludium in C — Dietrich Buxtehude

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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 & 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.

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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.

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OUR WORSHIP BULLETIN IS INTERACTIVE Our worship bulletin is fully interactive. If you see a website address, simply click on the text and you will be redirected. Also, within our announcements, when you see text that is red and bold, it is a link to an email address or web page. Again, click on the text and you will be re-directed.

STEPHEN MINISTRY "I haven’t been the same since my mother passed away two years ago.

I’m exhausted, irritable, and often withdrawn. I’ve been so busy taking care of my surviving father and my own family that I didn’t really allow myself time to grieve her death. It’s time now. I need help."

If you or someone you know could benefit from Stephen Ministry please sontact Deena Morgan (336-692-2314) Wilba Brady (336-723-6236), Rev. Craig Ford (336.724.6311 ext. 1353), or Rev. Susannah Pittman (336.724.6311 ext. 1357).

SPRING CHECK-IN Tuesdays • Now – May 25 • Noon - 1 pm • Zoom Rev. Susannah Pittman invites you to six, stand-alone sessions where we will Check-in with one another. Each session will offer a Scripture passage to center and guide the conversation as we seek to offer support and care during this season. To register, CLICK HERE. For more information, contact Rev. Susannah Pittman.

LET'S HAVE LUNCH Wednesday • May 5 • Noon - 1 pm • Zoom “Let’s Have Lunch” is a one-hour gathering on Zoom hosted by our Shining Light on Mental Health ministry. Rev. Susannah Pittman will facilitate the conversation on “Cultivating Hope”, as we explore ways to nurture and experience hope in our daily lives. To register, visit the Centenary website and click on the Engage tab. Once there, scroll to this event for the registration link. For questions, contact Sandra Gramley (336-724-6311 ext. 1352).

MAY SUNDAY SCHOOL Our theme for Zoom Sunday School in May is "5K" where we’ll be learning about commitment. Each age group will meet with Kate and Jeanette for 20 minutes. Preschool will meet at 8:30 am, K-2nd will meet at 9 am, and 3rd - 5th will meet at 9:30 am. We hope you and your kids will join us! If you have not received the Zoom information by email, contact Jeanette Juran.

MAY 2 10:00 am Sunday school (Via Zoom) 11:00 am Worship (In-person & Via Live Stream) 2:00 pm West End Ringer rehearsal 5:00 pm Love Thy Neighbor leadership team meeting

CENTENARY

To love youth on behalf of Jesus in hopes of loving them to Jesus.

MINISTRY

MAY 3, 4, & 6: Confirmation Interviews MAY 5 7:00 am 6th Grade Bible Study. All 6th graders are invited for breakfast & short Bible Study before school! (Make sure to dress warm & wear your mask!)

6:00 pm Confirmation: Prayer & Practice

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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.

Sympathy is extended to Pamela Harris in the death of her mother, Joan Worth, on April 11, 2021.

PO Box 658 • Winston-Salem. NC 27102

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www.centenary-ws.org