WELCOME TO WORSHIP
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED SCRIPTURE — Isaiah 35:1-10 (pew Bible Old Testament page 811) This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. SERMON — “Gift of Joy”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT OFFERTORY Joy (He Shall Reign) — Davis, Farren, Weaver, Davis & Wood 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.
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THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT • DECEMBER 11, 2022 • 9:00AM
THE COMMUNITY GATHERS The gathering music 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
GATHERING MUSIC Joy to the World —
PRAYER OF DEDICATION 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.
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GREETING OPENING PRAYER O Lord Jesus Christ, who at your first coming sent your messenger to prepare your way before you, grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready your way by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in your sight; for you are alive and reign with the Father, and the Holy Spirit, one God world without end. Amen.
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HYMN
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD HYMN
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#240 Hark, the Herald Angels Sing — MENDELSSOHN
BENEDICTION
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BENEDICTION RESPONSE Winter Snow — Audrey Assaud
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CELEBRATION MUSIC I Pray on Christmas — Harry Connick, Jr.
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#211 O Come, O Come, Emanuel — VENI EMMANUEL
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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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.
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
SERMON NOTES
___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP PREACHING The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III Senior Minister LITURGISTS Tammy Pollock, Director of Youth Ministries
MUSIC Eddie Pollock, Band Leader Lydia Berger • Nathan Clark • Sam Clark Matthew Epermanis • Joanna Holden • Jacob Hollar • Larry Hollar • Amy Goodman • Lilly Robbins
ADVENT WREATH Will Clouse and Jeanette Juran
The anthem texts are printed with permission. One License A-707342 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 11, 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.
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 Gaston (336-724-6311 ext. 1361)/mgaston@ centenary-ws.org to schedule a time to meet.
VIEW
ADULT FORMATION
JUSTICE & RECONCILLIATION
A GIFT OF... ADVENT STUDY THURSDAYS • DECEMBER 5 & 22 • 10 AM ROOM 112
CREATION CARE • POINSETTIAS Creation Care will once again be re-purposing and re-gifting our Christmas poinsettias. If you are interested in helping, save the date: Wednesday, December 28, 8:30am. We will meet on Fifth Street in front of the sanctuary. Each year, we load the plants onto the church bus and proceed to Chrystal Towers, Sunrise Towers, and Healy Towers in order to disperse these gifts to our neighbors. You are welcomed to ride along for the gift giving. To RSVP or if you have any questions, call or text Frank Hassell at 336-456-4399.
SUNDAY • 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
HEARING LOOP
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.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CENTENARY
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).
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. 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. 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 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 PRESCHOOL PAJAMA PARTY SATURDAY • DECEMBER 24 • 9:30 AM On Christmas Eve morning all preschoolers and their grown-ups are invited to the Community Room in the East Building to celebrate Jesus’ birthday the preschool way! Wear your pajamas and come enjoy music, games, snacks and more! Stay and play in our awesome play spaces until 11:30 am. 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! SUMMER DATES 2023: MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW! Older Elementary Mission Week: June 27-29; Rising 4th-6th Graders Centenary Week at Camp Tekoa: July 9-15; Rising 4th-6th Graders, register now at www.camptekoa. org Children’s Music and the Arts Camp: July 17-20; 2 year olds through rising 5th Graders Vacation Bible School: 4 year olds through rising 6th Graders For more information, please contact Kate May (kmay@centenary-ws.org/ext. 1331).
CHILDREN’S MUSIC & ART NIGHT CONTINUES IN JANUARY – NEW PARTICIPANTS WELCOME! Children ages 2 through 6th grade are invited to join us every Thursday night beginning January 5 from 5:00-6:35 pm for Children’s Music & Art Night. Programming includes choir, handbells, handchimes, Kindermusik, art and more! Dinner (suggested $5 donation) is available from 4:30-6:30pm. Adult supervision is required for dinner. (Children ages 2-3 are dismissed at 5:40, and those participants require adult accompaniment.) Current participants need not register; the QR code below will direct new participants to the registration form. For more information, please contact Music Ministry Assistant, Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenaryws.org).
THE COLOSSIAN WAY You are invited to join a small group study as we learn how to engage faithfully with one another and strengthen our relationships in the process. The Colossian Way is a model for how Christians can discuss diverse topics such as politics, gun violence, healthcare, etc. There is a maximum of 10 participants. The seminar will run on Wednesdays, January 11- March 22, except February 22 from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm. If you would like to learn more, please contact Suzanne Epermanis or Doug Haynes.
SENIOR ADULTS
MISSIONS
EVENTS •December 11: Lesson and Carols (with Christmas party after) •December 18: No Youth •December 25: Merry Christmas! (No Youth)
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR ANGEL TREE This week, gifts for over 200 children will leave Centenary and make their way to families all over Winston-Salem in preparation for Christmas. A huge thank you to everyone who adopted an angel, sponsored an angel, shopped for an angel, inputted all of the data about our angels, organized gifts, wrapped gifts, and helped deliver gifts. Through this ministry you have given a huge gift of hope to our community. Thank you for your generosity! 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.
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. SUBSCRIBE TO SIGHTINGS & SOUNDINGS Check out Centenary’s monthly Music & Arts magazine! Find the latest edition on Centenary’s website (Music & Arts’ page), subscribe via the QR Code below, or pick up a printed copy from the Music Suite.
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. 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.
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.
YOUTH MINISTRY
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. LESSONS & CAROLS Come join us for the lessons and carols service Sunday afternoon! After the service we will have a Christmas party where we can enjoy some deserts, watch the Grinch and celebrate our time together before the holidays.
Advent Worship At Centenary DECEMBER 11
4:00PM
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols 5:00PM • Sanctuary Prelude begins at 4:30PM
Children’s Christmas Eve Worship Sanctuary
Christmas Eve
Candlelight Worship Memorial Auditorium • Communion
9:30AM
Pre-school Pajama Party Community Room • East Building
6:00PM
11:00PM
Candlelight Worship Sanctuary • Communion
2:00PM
Candlelight Worship Memorial Auditorium • Communion
Christmas Day 11:00AM Christmas Day Worship Only 11am • No Sunday School