December 6 • 11am Worship

WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT

"FOLLOW THE STAR — THE GIFT OF HOSPITALITY LUKE 2:4-7

SUNDAY • DECEMBER 6, 2020 11:00AM

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 Meg Gaston The Reverend Susannah Pittman

MUSIC

Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries Susan Bates, organ Centenary Chamber Ensemble Martha Bassett, guitar Sara Lynch, oboe

Musical texts are printed with permission.

One License A-707342

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LET US WORSHIP Second Sunday of Advent • 11:00 am • December 6, 2020

THE COMMUNITY GATHERS VOLUNTARY

To God Alone on High Be Glory — Johann Sebastian Bach

GREETING INTROIT

City of God — Dan Schutte We are sons of the morning; we are daughters of day. The One who has loved us has brightened the way. The Lord of all kindness has called us to be a light for his people to set their hearts free. Let us build the city of God, may our tears be turned into dancing! For the Lord, our light and our love has turned the night into day!

CALL TO WORSHIP

O come to us, abide with us, our Lord, Emmanuel! God with us, You came to us long ago as a helpless babe, as one in need of human love and care. You taught us how to love and care for one another. Help us to hold on to child-like wonder, amazement, and love, and help us to love one another all year long. Guide our feet into the way of peace, as only the Prince of Peace can lead us, by laying down our lives for one another and serving one another. In the name of Christ, Emmanuel, God with Us, we pray. Amen.

HYMN (found on page six) AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

#203 Hail to the Lord's Anointed — ELLACOMBE 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.

LIGHTING OF ADVENT WREATH PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE THE LORD'S PRAYER

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

All may respond: Hear our 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.

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WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED CANTICLE

In the Bleak Midwinter — arr. Mark Shepperd In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; snow had fallen snow on snow, in the bleak midwinter, long ago. Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain; heaven and earth shall flee away, when he comes to reign. In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ. Angels and archangels may have gathered there, cherubim and seraphim thronged the air; but his mother only, in her maiden bliss, worshiped the beloved with a kiss. 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.

SCRIPTURE Luke 2:4-7

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

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

SERMON

"Follow the Star — The Gift of Hospitality"

WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT INVITATION TO OFFERING

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OFFERTORY

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly (Polish Caro) — arr. Mack Wilberg Infant Holy, infant lowly, for his bed a cattle stall; oxen lowing, little knowing Christ the Babe is Lord of all. Swiftly winging angels singing, Nowells ringing, tidings bringing, Christ the Babe is Lord of all. Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping vigil till the morning new saw the glory, heard the story, tidings of a gospel true. Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow, praises voicing, greet the morrow; Christ the Babe was born for you.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Almighty and most merciful God, from you comes every good and perfect gift. We give you praise and thanks for all your mercies.

Your goodness has created us, your bounty has sustained us, your discipline has chastened us, your patience has borne with us, your love has redeemed us. Give us a heart to love and serve you, and enable us to show our thankfulness for all your goodness and mercy by giving up ourselves to your service, and cheerfully submitting in all things to your blessed will; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

WE GO AS GOD'S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD HYMN (found on page seven)

#219 What Child Is This — GREENSLEEVES

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

Morning Star, O Cheering Sight — HAGEN Morning star, thy glory bright far excels the sun's clear light. Jesus be, constantly, more than thousand suns to me.

VOLUNTARY

Toccata in F Major — Johann Sebastian Bach

SERMON NOTES _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________

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7. O come, desire of nations bind all peoples in one heart and mind.

From dust thou brought us forth to life; deliver us from earthly strife.

Refrain

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POINSETTIAS The Poinsettias are given in Memory of Katherine Boone by Mr. & Mrs. Frank Coan Mr. & Mrs. Thomas S. Douglas Jr. by Suzan Elster J. Robert Elster by Suzan Elster Mr. & Mrs. H. Kapp Ogburn Sr. by Mr. & Mrs. Sam Ogburn Sr. James, Corinne & Ronald Newcomb by Danny & Kathy Newcomb Charlie, Lois & Ronnie Oakes by Danny & Kathy Newcomb Ann Grant by Dr. & Mrs. Robert Dillard Jack Grant by Dr. & Mrs. Robert Dillard Myra Grant by Dr. & Mrs. Robert Dillard Dean Henrichs by The Henrichs Family Barclay L. Setzer by Stephanie, Thomas & Anna Setzer, Melanie & Mary Poyner York, Michael & Sandee Lawless W.E. & Amy Ruth Lawless by Stephanie, Thomas & Anna Setzer, Melanie & Mary Poyner York, Michael & Sandee Lawless Walter & Frances Johnson by Stephanie, Thomas & Anna Setzer, Melanie & Mary Poyner York, Michael & Sandee Lawless Bill & Velma Ansell by Stephanie, Thomas & Anna Setzer, Melanie & Mary Poyner York, Michael & Sandee Lawless Betty March by Mark March Valentine Bauer, Frances Bauer & Laurel Zaks by Jason, Kristen, Lilly & Charlie Zaks Joseph Glenn Butler & Robert Glenn Butler by Diann Butler & Stewart Cherney Katherine Cochran & Max W. Debruhl Jr. by Lynn Debruhl John & Margaret Keely by Alan & Susan Keely Ian Stokes by Phil & Louise Kinken Judy Jones by Phil & Louise Kinken Sylvia Shelton by Phil & Louise Kinken Mary Anne Maynard by Doug Maynard Lenora S. Carter by Allison Burns & Austin Carter Lenora S. Carter by Tom & Kay Carter R. Patrick Spangler Sr. & Eloise Young Spangler by Steve & Jane Poe William E. Poe Sr. & Mary Virginia Warren Poe by Steve & Jane Poe Jack B. Yarbrough by Sylvia Yarbrough Jack B. Yarbrough by Chris & Teresa Yarbrough Bill Hathcock by Marie Hathcock Ted Keith by Mary Jane Keith Sara G. Rayburn by Frank Rayburn Doris Melton Terrell by Julie Sayers Rock by Jane, Robert, Harold & Betsy Welch Jim Sifford by Barbara Sifford Jim Sifford by Mary Whisenant and Amy & John Morrow Bob Stevens by Susan Stevens Franklin G. Markley Jr. by Franklin R. Markley "Kathie" Kathleen Lee Hoyle Masten by the Celebration Sunday School Class Larry Lee Hutchens by the Celebration Sunday School Class Janet Parris by Judson & Lois Davis Edith Myers by Judson & Lois Davis Lisa Freshwater by Judson & Lois Davis Lloyd Walter by Judson & Lois Davis Jim & Ruby Hartman by Ralph & Gayle Atkinson and family

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POINSETTIAS The Poinsettias are given in Honor of The Chancel Choir by David Arnold Paris Martha Bassett by James & Mary Carrow Mabry Ministers & Staff by Sue Stephens T. Ray Branton by Mr. & Mrs. Gary Martin Will, Bailey & Austin Johnson by Danny & Kathy Newcomb Charlie & Lila Birkins by Danny & Kathy Newcomb Dr. Glenn Kinken by Dr. & Mrs. Robert Dillard UMW Circle 13 by Dr. & Mrs. Robert Dillard Ray Ebert by Mr. & Mrs. Gary Martin David & Shelley Holden, Beth Overman, Jay & Kimberly Ward by Jason, Kristen, Lilly & Charlie Zaks Diane Womack by Warren Boyer Cindy & Max Debruhl III and Dawn & Dan Boyer by Mom Rebecca & Marty Debruhl and Debbie & Will Burns by Mom Kane, Katie, Staten, Bailey, Lilly, Charlie, William & Max by Mimi Sally Dunnagan by Jason, Elizabeth & Chandler Marley Jackson & Whit Shealy and Reaves Mickle by Sharon & Ron Shealy Meredith, Win, Caroline, Edwin & Henry Welch by Jane, Robert, Harold & Betsy Welch Nell, Soren, Louise, Thor & Scott Johnson by Jane, Robert, Harold & Betsy Welch Lou Lou by Jane, Robert, Harold & Betsy Welch Grammi & Papa by Jane, Robert, Harold & Betsy Welch Nancy Frye & Cathy Canzona by Bryan, Magan, Avery & Corbin Smith Shannon, Kendall, Bentley, Cooper, Ally, Taylor, Jacob, Meredith, Cole, Emily, Chad, Mark & Ellie by their grandparents Ralph & Gayle Atkinson

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ADVENT BOOK STUDY Sundays • 7:00pm • Zoom Join Rev. Bret Cogan for an Advent book study featuring Walter Brueggemann's Advent Study: Names for the Messiah. This is a Zoom Study meeting on Sunday evenings at 7:00pm. We will then meet on each of the following Sundays of Advent at 7pm (12/6, 12/13, 12/20).

You can order the book at Christian Book Distributors, Amazon and several others. Participation is limited to 12-15. If there is enough interest there will be an additional option beginning on Monday, November 30 at 7:00pm and then the next three Mondays in December. Register on the Engage tab on the website or contact Rev. Bret Cogan.

ADVENT PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Wednesdays • December 9, 16 & 23 • Noon • Zoom Our Prayers of the People service will resume during the season of Advent as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Each Wednesday at Noon, we will gather via Zoom for a 30-minute worship experience of music, prayer, and contemplation. To register, please visit the Engage tab on the Centenary website. .

ADVENT SUNDAY SCHOOL During the four Sundays of Advent (November 29 – December 20), Children’s Ministry will have Zoom Sunday school lessons for our kids.

Each age group will meet with Kate and Jeanette for 20 minutes starting November 29. 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, email Jeanette Juran.

FAMILY CHRISTMAS EVE BOX Christmas is coming and we want your family to be able to fully participate in all of our virtual Christmas Eve offerings including a Zoom Preschool Pajama Party and pre-recorded Children’s Christmas Eve service. A Christmas Eve Box has all the goodies you'll need for an amazing Christmas Eve experience! Using the link below, you can access our sign-up form so that on December 20 from 4-5 pm you can drive through the 5th Street parking lot and receive your Christmas Eve box filled with all the goodies you’ll need for an amazing Christmas Eve experience! You will still enjoy the services without the goodies, but the goodies make it way better! Make sure to sign up by Noon on Wednesday, December 16.

SIGN UP FOR CHRISTMAS EVE BOX

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CENTENARY

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

MINISTRY

DECEMBER 6 10:00 am Sunday school (Via Zoom) 11:00 am Worship (Via Live Stream) 3:45 pm Birthday Party Parade! Come help us celebrate our youngest church babies by partnering with our Children's Ministry to help them with their monthly Birthday Party Parade. Wear your craziest (ugliest) Christmas sweater and we will supply you with awesome Christmas glasses, headbands, and masks. Bring your chair and water bottle.

COFFEE BREAK with DOUG PENINGER December 16 • 10:15am • Zoom Join Director of Communications, Doug Peninger, as he welcomes Senior Minister, Rev. Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III, to a 30-minute coffee break. Sign up by clicking on the Engage tab on the Centenary website. For more information, contact Doug Peninger.

SERVICE OF HOPE AND HEALING Sunday • December 13 • 5pm • Virtual As we journey through the season of Advent, we are reminded that the One who is coming is Emmanuel—“God with us”—and is present with us in all of life’s seasons. We offer this Service of Hope and Healing as a time to reflect upon and experience Christ’s peace, comfort, and hope in the midst of our pain, sorrow, and hardships.

We will release this worship service via email so that you worship in the safety and comfort of your home. For any questions, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman.

CHECK-IN DURING ADVENT Tuesdays • December 8-22 • 12 pm-1 pm • Zoom/Virtual You are invited to join Rev. Susannah Pittman for four, stand-alone sessions where we will Check-in. Each session will use a Scripture passage from the lectionary for Advent to center and guide the conversation as we seek to offer support and care in this season. To register, visit the Engage tab on the Centenary website.. For more information, contact Rev. Susannah Pittman.

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We will have several drop-off dates. You will drive to the 4 ½ St entrance of The Haven (the red awning) where a volunteer will collect your gifts and bring them inside. You will not need to leave your car or come into the building. Please remember to wear a mask. Volunteers will be placing your gifts in the traditional red bags, please make sure all gifts are wrapped and labeled with the angel’s number.

DROP-OFF DATES Sunday, December 6 from 1 - 5 pm Monday, December 7 from 11:30 am - 3:30 pm If these drop off times do not work for you, please call, text or email with Jeanette Juran (336-701-014) so we can coordinate a drop off.

S P E C I A L A DV E N T W O R S H I P AT

CENTENARY SERVICE OF HOPE & HEALING Sunday • December 13 • 5pm • Virtual IMPROMPTU CHRISTMAS PAGEANT Sunday • December 20 • 10am • Virtual LESSONS & CAROLS Sunday • December 20 • 5pm • Virtual PRE-SCHOOL PAJAMA PARTY Thursday • December 24 • 10am • Virtual CHRISTMAS EVE CHILDREN’S WORSHIP Thursday • December 24 • 10:00am • Virtual CHRISTMAS EVE TRADITIONAL WORSHIP Thursday • December 24 • 10:00am • Virtual CHRISTMAS EVE COMMUNION* Thursday • December 24 • Sanctuary 11:30am • 1:00pm • 2:30pm • 4:00pm Limited Seating & Registration Required *Subject to change based upon restrictions To register for in-person worship, visit www.centenary-ws.org and click on the Engage tab. Once there, locate the service you wish to attend. Strict safety guidelines will be in place, including mandatory mask wearing and social distancing.

Our virtual worship services will be distributed through an email with a link.

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DECEMBER PROGRAM Thursday • December 17 • 11:30am • Zoom We will be blessed with a beautiful presentation of Christmas Carols

by Martha Bassett, along with a devotion by Bishop Thomas Stockton.

This program will be online using Zoom. You can plan to join the Zoom conference call as early as 11:30 am, with the program scheduled to begin at noon. Information you’ll need to join the Zoom call will be emailed to all recipients of the senior adult newsletter. If you are new to Centenary or new to our senior adult programs, please contact Rev. Craig Ford so we can make sure you receive that information (336-7246311 ext. 1353).

2020 PORTAIT DIRECTORY PICK-UP Sunday • December 6 & 13 • 1:00pm-2:00pm If you participated in the 2020 Portrait Directory, you may pick up your copy! Simply drive to the 4½ entrance, tell us who you are, roll your back window down or open your trunk, and we will place your directory in your car. If you did not participate and still would like a copy, those will be made available in mid-January 2021. Contact Doug Peninger, Director of Communications, for any questions.

FOR THE RECORD

November 24 - November 30, 2020 Worship Attendance

Contributions

11:00 am Live Stream Roots Revival

679 69

Total Virtual Sunday School (Includes Adult, Youth & Children)

160

Offering Special Gifts Centenary Fund Capital Campaign

$51,172 3,877 50 12,562

Total

$67,661

PO Box 658 • Winston-Salem. NC 27102

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www.centenary-ws.org