December 13 • 11am Worship

WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT

"FOLLOW THE STAR — AWE AND WONDER" LUKE 2:8-20

SUNDAY • DECEMBER 13, 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 Susannah Pittman Tamara M. Pollock

MUSIC

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

Musical texts are printed with permission.

One License A-707342

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LET US WORSHIP Third Sunday of Advent • 11:00 am • December 13, 2020

THE COMMUNITY GATHERS VOLUNTARY

Savior of the Nations, Come (Chorale and Variations) —Hugo Distler

GREETING INTROIT (Sung in Latin) CALL TO WORSHIP

HYMN (found on page six) AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

Gloria in excelsis deo (from Gloria, RV 589) — Antonio Vivaldi Glory to God in the highest.

Holy One, into mess you sent Perfection. Wrapped in flesh like ours, flesh that is weak, flesh that makes mistakes, flesh that has a liking for wrong even more than it does for right, you sent Jesus for your people. However, he never messed up! He never went the wrong way! He never broke your heart! May we, those whom you love more than we know how to love ourselves, strive to be more like him. We pray, God, that our lives make room for you to appear. Powerful God, we are unworthy of even unlacing your shoes, but let all we do bring you glory! In Christ’s precious name, we pray. Amen! #240 Hark! the Herald Angels Sing — MENDELSSOHN 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 SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM 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

Ding! Dong! Merrily On High — arr. Mack Wilberg Ding! dong! merrily on high in heaven the bells are ringing; ding! dong! verily the sky is riven with angel singing. Gloria! Hosanna in excelsis! E’en so here below, below, let steeple bells be swungen, and “I-o, i-o, i-o!” by priest and people sungen. Gloria! Hosanna in excelsis! Pray you, dutifully prime your matin chime, ye ringers! May you beautifully rime your eventime song, ye singers! Gloria! Hosanna in excelsis!

SCRIPTURE Luke 2:8-20

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

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

SERMON

"Follow the Star — Awe and Wonnder"

WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT INVITATION TO OFFERING

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OFFERTORY

How Great Our Joy! — arr. Craig Courtney While by the sheep we watched at night, glad tidings brought an angel bright. How great our joy. There shall be born, so did he say, in Bethlehem a Child today. How great our joy. There shall a Child lie in a stall, this Child who shall redeem us all. This gift of God we'll cherish well, that ever joy our hearts shall fill. Praise we the Lord in heaven on high.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

All things come from you, O God, and with gratitude we return to you what is yours. You created all that is, and with love formed us in your image. When our love failed, your love remained steadfast.

You gave your only Son Jesus Christ to be our Savior. All that we are, and all that we have, is a trust from you. And so, in gratitude for all your gifts, we offer you ourselves, and all that we have, in union with Christ's offering for us. By your Holy Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

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

#238 Angels We Have Heard on High — GLORIA

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 Thy glad beams, thou Morning Star, cheer the nations near and far. Thee we own, Lord alone, our dear Savior, God's dear Son.

VOLUNTARY

Savior of the Nations, Come (Toccata and Chaconne) — Hugo Distler

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

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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 T. R. 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 Mark, Evan, Caroline, Jay and Sally Dunnagan by Barbara and Brent Kirby

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In Memoriam Mary Nell Meroney West November 20, 2020 Gisele Alexandre Simpson November 20, 2020 Stuart Norfleet Miller November 22, 2020 Lloyd Guy Walter, Jr. November 24, 2020 William Booth Simpson, Jr. November 27, 2020 The ministers and members of Centenary Church extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved families and pray they may know the comfort and peace of our Heavenly Father.

We celebrate the baptism of Miller Swift Munnelly (Miller), son of Chris and Annsley Munnelly.

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).

EPIC OF EDEN: OLD TESTAMENT BIBLE STUDY Begins January 10, 2021 • Zoom Would you like to know the Old Testament better, join us for a 12week course that includes daily readings, a weekly video and group discussions. This Zoom based study is focused on the "fundamentals,” so if your Old Testament knowledge is shallow or deep (or somewhere in between), this study is for you! We will start Sunday January 10 @ 9:45-10:45 am and wrap up on March 28. Suzanne Cooke Epermanis will be the facilitator. To watch an introductory video, click on the video link below. For more information contact Bret Cogan. Also, click on the link below to register.

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INTRODUCTION VIDEO

REGISTER

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

CENTENARY

For 2020, all of our worship services will be virtual. Each service will be distributed through an email with a link at the listed time of the service. Immediately after the first viewing, you may watch again on the Centenary website by clicking on the tab:

SPECIAL WORSHIP ARCHIVES 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 • 11:00am • Virtual CHRISTMAS EVE TRADITIONAL WORSHIP Thursday • December 24 • Noon • Virtual CHRISTMAS EVE COMMUNION Due to current health care concerns and in an abundance of safety and precaution, we will not have in-person worship on Christmas Eve. We hope you will worship with us from our pre-recorded link, shared via email.

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2020 PORTAIT DIRECTORY PICK-UP Sunday • December 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.

ADVENT PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Wednesdays • December 16 & 23 • Noon • Zoom Our Prayers of the People service continues 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 Advent (Now – December 20), Children’s Ministry will have Zoom Sunday school lessons for our kids. 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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DECEMBER 13 10:00 am Sunday school (Via Zoom) 11:00 am Worship (Via Live Stream) 2:00 pm Love Thy Neighbor (More Details Coming)

CENTENARY

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

MINISTRY

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 15 & 22 • Noon-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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FOR THE RECORD

November December 1 - December 7, 2020 Worship Attendance

Contributions

11:00 am Live Stream Roots Revival

674 79

Total

753

Virtual Sunday School (Includes Adult, Youth & Children)

236

Offering Special Gifts Centenary Fund Capital Campaign Total

PO Box 658 • Winston-Salem. NC 27102

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www.centenary-ws.org

$60,613 4,820 1,475 43,920 $110,828