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
Nun komm der Heiden Heiland, (from Orgelbüchlein, BWV 599)
— J.S. Bach
Herr Christ, der ein’ge Gottes Sohn, (from Orgelbüchlein, BWV 601) — J.S. Bach
GREETING
INTROIT
Hope, Peace, Joy, Love! — FRÈRE JACQUES
Hope, peace, joy, love, Advent’s here. Now we wait for Christmas. Advent’s here!
OPENING PRAYER
Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#218 It Came Upon the Midnight Clear — CAROL
(The children sing stanza 1. Then, the congregation is invited to stand and sing stanzas 2, 3, and 4.)
†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
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.
BAPTISM
BAPTISMAL RESPONSE
Do you as Christ’s body, the church, reaffirm both your rejection of sin and your commitment to Christ? We do.
Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life and include this family, now before you, in your care?
We give thanks for all that God has already given you and welcome you in Christian love. With God’s help we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround Kendal with a community of love and forgiveness, that she may grow in her service to others. We will pray for her, that she may be a true disciple who walks in the way that leads to life.
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
CANTICLE
Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming — arr. Anna Laura Page Light of Hope, Light of Peace — Mark Patterson Light of hope, light of peace, you are just the light we need. Shine for all the world to see: Christ is coming soon. Light of hope, light of peace, promise of the love he brings. Shine for the all the world to see: Christ is coming soon. Light of hope, light of peace, gift of joy that gladly rings. Shine for the all the world to see: Christ is coming soon. (Following the Canticle, children, kindergartners through third grade, are invited to exit the Sanctuary for Children’s Worship. Children will return to reserved pews in the Sanctuary at the close of worship.)
SCRIPTURE — Isaiah 2:1-5
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Peace Made Possible”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
Angels from the Realms of Glory — Dan Forrest Angels from the realms of glory wing your flight o’er all the earth. Ye who sang creation’s story now proclaim Messiah’s birth. Come and worship, worship Christ the newborn King. Shepherds in the field abiding, watching o’er your flocks by night. God with us is now residing, yonder shines the infant light. Sages, leave your contemplation, brighter visions beam afar. Seek the great Desire of Nations, ye have seen His natal star. All creation, join in praising God, the Father, Spirit, Son. Evermore your voices raising to the eternal Three in One.
†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
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.
†HYMN #213 Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates — TRURO
†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
Improvisation on TRURO Thank you for joining us in worship today.
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III, Senior Minister
LITURGIST
Tammy Pollock, Director of Youth Ministries
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar
The Chancel Choir
Sam Howell, Music Ministry Intern Children’s Creative Arts Experience Participants
Jonathan Blake Borton, Piano
Karen Beres, Piano
CRUCIFER
Meg Gilliam
TORCHBEARERS
Taylor Paris Camilla Boehnlein
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, click on the link at the top of the home page.
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
HTTPS://CENTENARY-WS.ORG • 336-724-6311
ANNOUNCEMENTS • DECEMBER 8, 2024
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
Today we celebrate the baptism of Kendal Leigh Garrity, daughter of Kevin and Jenna Garrity.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
SIGN UP NOW FOR CHILDREN’S MUSIC & ART CAMP 2025
JULY 14 - 17, 2024
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. Please bring scarves, hats and gloves to decorate our Tree of Warmth to help keep the kids at Brunson Elementary warm this winter.
PRESCHOOL PAJAMA PARTY
TUESDAY • DECEMBER 24 • 9:30 AM
Activities, storytelling, music, snack and more for our preschoolers and their families! Wear your pajamas and join us as we celebrate Christmas Eve morning the preschool way!
SENIOR ADULTS
CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON
THURSDAY • DECEMBER 19 • NOON
MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
Join Centenary’s Senior Adults as we celebrate the joys of the season with a special music program featuring Virginia Sheffield, Oliver Helsabeck, and Jonathan Emmons! We gather at 11:45 and lunch will be served at noon. To register, send an email to seniorlunch@ centenary-ws.org or call the church office during business hours. Luncheon cost is $10.00 and the signup deadline is Wednesday, December 11. The Senior Adult Council will meet briefly in the choir room at 11:00 a.m. before the luncheon.
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
SANCTUARY ORNAMENT
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
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)
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
Register now for CMA Camp 2025! Open to infants through rising 5th graders, this fun-filled week features singing, handbells, art, Kindermusik, and more! The highlight of Camp each year is the camper-led worship service that concludes our week together. Register now via the QR code for a special early bird discount! For more information, please contact Music Ministry Assistant, Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@ centenary-ws.org).
CHILDREN’S CAE CONTINUES IN JANUARY NEW PARTICIPANTS WELCOME!
Is your child leading in worship today? These truly talented children are a part of our Children’s Creative Arts Experience and we are looking for new friends to join us in 2025! Programming includes activities for children ages 2 through 5th grade.
CAE’s multi-faceted model engages children with various levels of musical and artistic interests, all while cultivating more regular, more varied worship leadership opportunities for Centenary’s youngest! Register via the QR Code. Current participants need not register again. Email Music Ministries Assistant Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws. org) with any questions.
Today 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
December 10
6:00 pm: Twin City Conference Basketball game – Centenary vs. Ardmore Baptist
December 11
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Parents/Caregivers’ Confirmation Orientation (@ Youth Commons)
December 13
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Sixers! Goes to Tanglewood Festival of Lights for a hayride
December 15
10:00 am: Youth Sunday school
6:30 - 8:00 pm: Annual ALL Youth Christmas Party
CONFIRMATION 2025
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@centenaryws.org).
GIFT WRAPPING PARTY TODAY • 3-5 PM Bring your family and join us in the Community Room this afternoon to wrap the angel tree gifts! Please contact Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1332) with any questions.
