WELCOME TO WORSHIP
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
SERMON NOTES
SCRIPTURE — Isaiah 7:10-14 (pew Bible Old Testament page 779) This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. SERMON — “Gift of Love”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT OFFERTORY Magnificat — M. Bassett DOXOLOGY #221 In the Bleak Midwinter — CRANHAM 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.
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FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT • DECEMBER 18, 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 GREETING OPENING PRAYER God our redeemer, who prepared the blessed Virgin Mary to be the mother of your Son, grant that, as she looked for his coming as our savior, so we may be ready to greet him when he comes again as our judge; who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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HYMN
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#202 People, Look East — BESANÇON
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.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Almighty God, giver of every good and perfect gift, teach us to render to you all that we have and all that we are, that we may praise you, not with our lips only, but with our whole lives, turning the duties, the sorrows, and the joys of all our days into a living sacrifice to you; through our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
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WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD HYMN
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#242 Love Came Down at Christmas — GARTAN
BENEDICTION
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BENEDICTION RESPONSE Emmanuel — Kenneth Wilmot Sr. Emanuel, Emanuel, his name is called Emanuel. God with us, revealed in us. His name is called Emanuel. Let every heart prepare him room. O come, O come Emanuel. God with us, revealed in us. His name is called Emanuel.
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CELEBRATION MUSIC
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Thank you for joining us in worship today.
___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP PREACHING The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III Senior Minister LITURGISTS The Reverend Susannah Pittman, Assoc. Minister
MUSIC Martha Bassett, vocals Matt Kendrick, bass Federico Pivetta, piano Ken Wilmot, trumpet John Wilson, drums
ADVENT WREATH Will, Kristy, Champ, & Virginia Mae Ernst
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 18, 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
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS Today we celebrate the baptisms of Caroline Stuart Karpinski (Caroline), daughter of Kevin and Kaycie Karpinski and sister of Carter and Rosemary Diane Taylor (Rosie), daughter of Ben and Jaclyn Taylor.
SUNDAYS
Sympathy is extended to Judy and Harry Smith on the passing of Judy’s mother, Dorothy Louise Stanford Odgers, on November 26, 2022.
MEMBERSHIP
ADULT FORMATION
9:00 am • Memorial Auditorium 11:00 am • Sanctuary 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.
VIEW
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.
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
A GIFT OF... ADVENT STUDY THURSDAY • DECEMBER 22 • 10 AM ROOM 112 All are invited to join Rev. Susannah Pittman in exploring the hope, peace, joy, and love of Advent through Scripture and carols. This class concludes this week. For questions or more information, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman. NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS PARENT FOUNDATIONS ROOM 310 Raising young children is a challenge. From teething and tantrums to homework and soccer practice, it can be hard to find a free minute to spend time with God. We are parents of younger children who participate in member-led studies of books and topics to enhance our faith as parents. Conversation is geared so that those who have not been able to read the material can participate. We also discuss ideas, strategies, and support one another as we hope to raise our children with a strong Christian foundation. On January 8, we begin a new study on “Undistracted” by Bob Goff. We would love to have you join us! For more information about this class, please contact Katie Allen (kpallen846@ gmail.com).
CONGREGATIONAL CARE 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.
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 Kate May Associate Minister with Children
ext. 1331
Tammy Pollock Director of Youth Ministries
ext. 1337
John Rogers Director of Information Technology
ext. 1356
Reverend Meg Peters ext. 1361 Assoc. Minister of Evangelism, Engagement & Missions
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
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).
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).
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).
JUSTICE & RECONCILLIATION 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. 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. Register your interest by January 8. If you would like to learn more, please contact Suzanne Epermanis or Doug Haynes.
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). CHILDREN’S MUSIC & ART ATRIUM SHOWCASE During the month of December, we are excited to display the work of Centenary’s youngest artists! Created during our weekly Children’s Music & Art Night, their art will delight and amaze you. Be sure to stop by the Atrium to admire their creations!
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.
OPEN FLOWER DATES A wonderful way to honor or remember a loved one, friend, group, birthday, or anniversary is by providing flowers in our Sanctuary for Sunday morning services. Our Flower Calendar has an open date available on January 29, 2023. If you are interested, please contact Paige Morgan Foy (pmorganfoy@centenary-ws.org).
YOUTH MINISTRY EVENTS •December 18: No Youth •December 25: Merry Christmas! (No Youth) •January 1: Happy New Year (No Youth and No Sunday School) 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. 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.
MISSIONS WINTER OVERFLOW SHELTER NOW – 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 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.
Advent Worship At Centenary Christmas Eve 9:30AM
Pre-school Pajama Party Community Room • East Building
2:00PM
Candlelight Worship Memorial Auditorium • Communion
4:00PM
Children’s Christmas Eve Worship Sanctuary
6:00PM
Candlelight Worship Memorial Auditorium • Communion
11:00PM
Candlelight Worship Sanctuary • Communion Live Stream
Christmas Day 11:00AM Christmas Day Worship Only 11am • No Sunday School