THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT • DECEMBER 15, 2024 • 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.
PRELUDE
Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (Sleepers Awake, BWV 645) — J.S. Bach
GREETING
INTROIT
Prepare the Way — BEREDEN VÄG FÖR HERRAN
Prepare the Way, O Zion, your Christ is drawing near! Let every hill and valley a level way appear. Greet One who comes in glory, foretold in sacred story. O blest is Christ who came in God’s most holy name.
†OPENING PRAYER
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#238 Angels We Have Heard on High — GLORIA
†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. (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.)
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
CANTICLE
Sussex Carol — Barlow Bradford
On Christmas night all Christians sing to hear the news the angels bring. News of great joy, news of great mirth, news of our Merciful King’s birth. Then why should men on earth be sad since our Redeemer made us glad, When from our sin he sets us free, all for to gain our liberty? When sin departs before his grace, then life and health come in its place. Angels and men wth joy may sing all for to see the new-born King. All out of darkness we have light, which made the angels sing this night. All Glory to God and peace to men now and forevermore, Amen.
SCRIPTURE — Isaiah 35:1-10
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Joy Made Possible”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing — Dan Forrest Hark! the herald-angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King; peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” Joyful, all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies; With th’angelic host proclaim, “Christ is borh in Bethlehem!” Hark! the herald-angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord; Late in time behold him come, offspring of a virgni’s womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail th’incarnate Diety, Pleased with us in flesh to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel. Hark! the herald-angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings. Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die, Born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth. Hark! the herald-angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
†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
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.
†HYMN
#245 The First Noel — THE FIRST NOEL
COMISSIONING OF STEPHEN MINISTERS
†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 ‘Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme’
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III, Senior Minister
LITURGIST
The Reverend Meg Peters, Assoc. Minister
MUSIC
Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries
Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar
The Chancel Choir
Sam Howell, Music Ministry Intern
Jonathan Blake Borton, Piano
Karen Beres, Piano
CRUCIFER
Thomas Doud
TORCHBEARERS
Leighton Doud
Henry Clegg
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 15, 2024
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
IN MEMORIAM
Virginia Mae Boyd Smith
November 29, 2024
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.
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
DISCIPLE BIBLE FAST TRACK: NEW TESTAMENT
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS AT NOURISH BEGINNING JANUARY 15, 2025
5:45 - 7:00 PM • ROOM 115 • ZOOM
IMPROMPTU PAGEANT
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!
SAVE THESE SUMMER DATES!
VBS: June 16-19; 4 year olds - rising 6th graders
Camp Tekoa: July 6-12; rising 4th – 6th graders
Children’s Music and Arts Camp: July 14-17; 2 year olds – rising 5th graders
Older Elementary Mission Week: July 22-24; rising 4th – 6th graders
Watch for registration information in the new year!
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
SERVICE FOR HOPE AND HEALING
SATURDAY • DECEMBER 21 • 5:00 PM
SANCTUARY
SIGN UP NOW FOR CHILDREN’S MUSIC & ART CAMP 2025
TRUST – A RETREAT FOR JUNIORS & SENIORS
JULY 14 - 17, 2024
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).
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
Today 10:00 am: Youth Sunday school 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm: Annual ALL Youth Christmas Party (@Youth Commons) Join us following the Lessons & Carols Service for games (with lots of fantastic prizes), food, fun, and an ornament exchange.
December 17
6:00 pm: Twin City Conference Basketball game – Centenary vs. Ardmore Baptist (@ Fulton YMCA)
This group will cover major themes of the New Testament using the Disciple Fast Track study material designed to give busy people comprehensive engagement with the Bible over time. You do not need to know anything about the Bible to join this study. We meet for twelve sessions: Jan 15 – April 9. Group participants will spend about 30 minutes a day reading and reflecting on scripture in preparation for weekly group meetings, led by Kathy Chaney and Rev. Marilyn Weiler. Cost is $20 for the study guide and you may also want to purchase a recommended study Bible. Childcare is available. Please click here/use our QR code to register by Wednesday, January 8.
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).
Christmas is a season filled with joy and warmth, but for some, it can be a reminder of loss. Whether you are grieving someone you love, a lost opportunity, a strained relationship, stress about current events, or just having a hard time when people around you are celebrating, our Service for Hope and Healing can be a safe space for remembrance, prayer, Holy Communion, and healing. Join us for an intimate evening where we can acknowledge our grief and yet embrace hope together. For more information, contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck (ohelsabeck@centenaryws.org/ext. 1357).
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.
Today • 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.
December 22
10:00 am: Youth Sunday school 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Youth Christmas “Coffeehouse” (@ Youth Commons) Do you play an instrument? Do you love to sing? How about writing poetry or reflections? Come share your gift with everyone over a cup of hot cocoa and some yummy Christmas treats.
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).
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 29: New Year’s Eve, Eve Party (@Bowlero) January 5: ALL Youth Ice Skating (@ Winston-Salem Fairgrounds)
January 8: 2025 Confirmation begins January 10-11: Junior/ Senior Retreat to Blowing Rock January 31: Sixers! Go to the Movies! 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
THANK YOU FOR PARTNERING WITH US FOR ANGEL TREE!
This year because of your generosity with your time, talents and treasures, we were able to provide Christmas gifts for almost 350 children in Winston-Salem! We could not have done this without our army of volunteers who helped with everything from data entry to delivery. No matter how you participated, whether it was adopting an angel, sponsoring an angel, shopping or volunteering, we are so incredibly thankful for you!
