WELCOME TO WORSHIP
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED CANTICLE Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming — arr. Jan Sandström Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath sprung! Of Jesse’s lineage coming, as men of old have sung. It came a floweret bright, amid the cold of winter, when half spent was the night. SCRIPTURE — Isaiah 2:1-5 (pew Bible Old Testament page 773) This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. SERMON — “Gift of Peace”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT • DECEMBER 4, 2022 • 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. †
Please stand as you are able
PRELUDE GREETING INTROIT
OFFERTORY Prayer for Peace — David Cherwien O God of love, O King of peace, make wars throughout the world to cease; the wrath of nations now restrain. Give peace, O God, give peace again. Remember, Lord, thy works of old, the wonders that thy people told; remember not our sin’s dark stain. Give peace, O God, give peace again! Whom shall we trust but thee, O Lord? Where rest but on thy faithful word? None ever called on thee in vain. Give pece, O God, give peace again! DOXOLOGY #221 In the Bleak Midwinter — CRANHAM What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part, yet what I can I give him: give my heart.
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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.
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People, Look East — BESANÇON People, look east. The time is near of the crowinging 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.
CALL TO WORSHIP Father in heaven, who sent your Son to redeem the world and will send him again to be our judge give us grace so to imitate him in the humility and purity of his first coming that when he comes again, we may be ready to greet him with joyful love and firm faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray. Amen.
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HYMN OF PROCESSION #213 Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates — TRURO
WE CELEBRATE HOLY COMMUNION
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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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GLORIA PATRI #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.
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LIGHTING OF ADVENT WREATH PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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 congregation is invited to follow the communion liturgy beginning on page 12 of the hymnal. 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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#218 It Came Upon the Midnight Clear — CAROL
BENEDICTION
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BENEDICTION RESPONSE Go Now in Peace — Robert Lau Go now in peace, and may God’s peace go with you. Believe and trust His holy word. Amen.
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POSTLUDE
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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 Gaston, Assoc. Minister The Reverend Susannah Pittman, Assoc. Minister
MUSIC Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar The Chancel Choir Natalie Parker, Cello
ADVENT WREATH Stephen Ministry Team
RECEIVING OF ELEMENTS The anthem texts are printed with permission. One License A-707342
RESPONSE
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.
ANNOUNCEMENTS • DECEMBER 4, 2022
WELCOME!
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/engage
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 proclamed through preaching, music, prayer and liturgy.
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS IN MEMORIAM
WORSHIP AT CENTENARY
John Percy Van Zandt November 18, 2022
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 Gaston (336-724-6311 ext. 1361)/mgaston@ 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
The ministers and members of Centenary extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved family and pray they may know the comfort and peace of our Heavenly Father.
ADULT FORMATION A GIFT OF... ADVENT STUDY THURSDAYS • DECEMBER 1-22 • 10 AM ROOM 112 SUNDAYS • NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 18 10 AM • MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM All are invited to join Rev. Susannah Pittman in exploring the hope, peace, joy, and love of Advent through Scripture and carols. This 4-week class will be offered on Sunday and Thursday mornings. Registration is not required, and there are no additional resources to purchase. For questions or more information, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Reception Desk • 336-724-6311
STEPHEN MINISTRY “Christmas is the most joyful time of the year”… unless you are feeling alone or dealing with the loss of a loved one. In that case, the holidays may be unbelievably difficult. A Stephen Minister can help you find meaning and joy in life again by supporting you through the hardest times. If you or someone you know could benefit from Stephen Ministry, please contact 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).
CENTENARY LEADERSHIP CONNECTIONS 336.724.6311 + Extension (for the Minister on Call • Option 2) Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III Senior Minister
ext. 1362
Rick Gibbons Congregational Care Assistant
ext. 1342
Mary Ann Wexler Executive Director
ext. 1346
Stacy Holley Exec. Assistant to Senior Minister
ext. 1359
Jonathan Emmons Director of Music Ministries
ext. 1339
John Markle Director of Operations
ext. 1347
Reverend R. Craig Ford Associate Minister
ext. 1353
Doug Peninger Director of Communications
ext. 1368
Reverend Meg Gaston ext. 1361 Assoc. Minister of Evangelism, Engagement & Missions
Tammy Pollock Director of Youth Ministries
ext. 1337
Reverend Kate May Associate Minister with Children
John Rogers Director of Information Technology
ext. 1356
ext. 1331
Reverend Susannah Pittman ext. 1357 Associate Minister of Congregational Care & Adult Formation CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 646 W. FIFTH STREET • WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27101 WWW.CENTENARY-WS.ORG • 336-724-6311
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY KIDS DAY IN SATURDAY • DECEMBER 10 • 9:30-11:30 am Infants through 2nd graders are invited to join us for Kids Day In on December 10 from 9:30-11:30 am. We’ll enjoy a morning of holiday themed fun with age appropriate programming for all kids including crafts, ages, and more. Registration will open November 8 through Realm and the Engage page of the church website. Cost is $5/child and registration closes Wednesday, December 7. For more information please contact Kate May (kmay@ centenary-ws.org/ext. 1331).
IMPROMPTU CHRISTMAS PAGEANT SUNDAY • DECEMBER 18 • 10 am On Sunday, December 18 at 10 am in the Sanctuary, you are going to want to be a part of our Impromptu Christmas Pageant. Kids of all ages are invited to come and choose a costume and become part of making a beautiful picture of what the first Christmas might have looked like. We’ll tell the story using the Rhyme Bible Storybook and sing carols. In addition we’ll decorate a “Tree of Warmth” with new children’s gloves, hats, scarves, and mittens that will be given to the children of Brunson Elementary School. Whether you participate or simply come to watch you don’t want to miss it!
MISSIONS ANGEL TREE WRAPPING PARTY TODAY! Thank you to everyone who adopted and sponsored all of our angels! Today, December 4, we hope you will join us in the Community Room in the East Building from 3-5 pm for our wrapping party! We’ll have Christmas music, a Christmas movie, and all the wrapping supplies. All we need is you and your Christmas spirit! Questions? Contact Kate May (kmay@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1331). WINTER OVERFLOW SHELTER DECEMBER 15 – MARCH 28 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 the overflow shelter on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings. We are in need of drivers and ridealongs. Ride-alongs help with boarding the busses and serve as an extra pair of eyes for drivers. To volunteer as a driver or a ride-along, please contact Rev. Meg Gaston (mgaston@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1361) or sign-up on our Engage Page.
YOUTH MINISTRY EVENTS •December 4: Love Thy Neighbor •December 11: Lesson and Carols (with Christmas party after) •December 18: No Youth For more information or to sign up to receive Youth Ministry updates by email, contact Tammy Pollock (tpollock@centenary-ws.org). Or follow us on Instagram @centenary_youth. LOVE THY NEIGHBOR We are so excited to be starting back our Love Thy Neighbor Ministry for the year! One Sunday a month, the youth and other church volunteers work together to provide a hot meal and medical clinic for our homeless and marginally housed neighbors from all around Winston. This is a beautiful time of community building that we hope you will feel called to join us for. LTN takes place from Noon – 2 pm on the following Sundays:
CONFIRMATION Confirmation by definition is faith formation, one part of a life-long journey. We have designed an incredible Confirmation process to help our 7th grade youth begin to claim their faith as their very own. Through our Confirmation ministry you will have opportunities, be given tools, support, and the inspiration you need to build your faith on a firm foundation. Registration is now open. Check the Youth Announcements for more details.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Are you a people person? Do you enjoy chatting with folks? We are building a roster of front desk volunteers to direct phone calls and open the door for our guests. Office hours are 9 am - 4 pm, Monday - Thursday. If you’re interested in a particular day of the week and can assist occasionally or every week, please contact John Markle (jmarkle@centenaryws.org/ext. 1347).
OPEN FLOWER DATES
•December 4, 2022 •January 8, 2023 •February 5, 2023 •March 5, 2023 •April 16, 2023 •May 7, 2023 SUNDAY SCHOOL Join us every Sunday at 10:00 am on the fourth floor for all youth Sunday School taught by our associate Andrew Epermanis. There will be snacks and time for fellowship before the lesson every week! During this advent season we will be looking at the book of Luke. As we explore the story of Jesus through these pages, we will begin to understand the importance of the Christmas season and the gift that Jesus is.
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 date available on January 29, 2023. If you are interested, please contact Paige Morgan Foy (pmorganfoy@centenary-ws.org).
MUSIC & THE ARTS ON THIS DAY THE EARTH SHALL RING: LESSONS & CAROLS 2022 Our annual festival of Nine Lessons & Carols will be held on December 11, prelude at 4:30 pm and service at 5:00 pm. The service will feature the Centenary Choir, Carillonneurs, and a brass choir with an extended prelude presented by the Centenary’s Children’s Choirs and the WinstonSalem Girls Chorus. Please join us as we celebrate the music and liturgy of the season.
SENIOR ADULTS LUNCHEON THURSDAY • DECEMBER 15 • 11:45 AM MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM Soloist, Gail Phillips, will present a program of Christmas music. We gather at 11:45 am and lunch will be served at noon. Email Charles Monroe to register: chasmonroe@yahoo.com. Luncheon cost is $10.00.
Advent Worship At Centenary DECEMBER 4
A Service of Hope and Healing 5:00PM • Memorial Auditorium
DECEMBER 11
4:00PM
Children’s Christmas Eve Worship Sanctuary
6:00PM
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols 5:00PM • Sanctuary Prelude begins at 4:30PM
Candlelight Worship Memorial Auditorium • Communion
Christmas Eve
Candlelight Worship Sanctuary • Communion
11:00PM
9:30AM
Pre-school Pajama Party Community Room • East Building
Christmas Day
2:00PM
11:00AM Christmas Day Worship Only 11am • No Sunday School
Candlelight Worship Memorial Auditorium • Communion