December 19, 2021 • 9am Worship by Centenary United Methodist Church

WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT

SUNDAY • DECEMBER 19, 2021 9AM WORSHIP

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. Centenary United Methodist Church provides multi-generational ministries that offer innovative ways to grow deeper in faith and discipleship. From Worship to Missions and from Spiritual Formation to Music and the Arts, there is a way for everyone to engage. To learn more, visit our website to select the Ministries tab.

EVERY DAY FOR EVERYONE 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

LITURGIST

Tamara M. Pollock

MUSIC

Eddie Pollock, band leader Lydia Berger Nathan Clark Sam Clark Matthew Epermanis Joanna Holden Jacob Hollar Larry Hollar Amy Goodman Lilly Robbins

Musical texts are printed with permission. One License A-707342 & CCLI 3760614 COVER PHOTO: "Easter Morning" by Doug Peninger

ADVENT WREATH The Bonsall Family

LET US WORSHIP Fourth Sunday of Advent • December 19, 2021

THE COMMUNITY GATHERS GATHERING MUSIC

This Advent Day — Eddie Pollock

GREETING OPENING PRAYER

HYMN (found on page six) †

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

†

In the advent seasons, when the past has fled, unasked, away and there is nothing left to do but wait, God, shelter us. Be our surrounding darkness; be the fertile soil out of which hope springs in due time. In uncertain times, help us to greet the dawn and labor on, love on, in faith awaiting your purpose hid in you waiting to be born in due time. Amen. Mary Did You Know — Buddy Greene and Mark Lowry 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.

LIGHTING OF ADVENT WREATH PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE THE LORD'S PRAYER

†

Please stand as you are able.

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.

GOD'S WORD PROCLAIMED SCRIPTURE Luke 1:39-45

In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” (NRSV) This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

SERMON

"The Heart of Christmas: Love"

THE COMMUNITY RESPONDS AND GIVE THANKS INVITATION TO OFFERING OFFERTORY

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING †

You may give by capturing our QR code, mailing to our post office box or place your offering in our boxes located at the entrance to the auditorium. Breath of Heaven — Amy Grant and Chris Eaton

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.

THE COMMUNITY GOES FORTH TO SERVE †

HYMN (found on page seven)

Glory (Let There Be Peace) — Chris Stevens, Matt Maher and Rachel Taylor Popadic

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.

†

† 4 CELEBRATION MUSIC

I Pray on Christmas — Harry Connick, Jr.

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Mary Did You Know Music by Buddy Greene, Lyrics by Mark Lowry Mary did you know That your baby boy would one day walk on water? Mary did you know That your baby boy would save our sons and daughters? Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new? This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you. Mary did you know That your baby boy would give sight to the blind man? Mary did you know That your baby boy would calm a storm with His hand? Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod, And when you kiss your little baby, you’ve kissed the face of God? Oh, Mary did you know? Oh Mary did you know? The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again. The lame will leap, the dumb will speak the praises of the Lamb. Mary did you know That your baby boy is Lord of all creation? Mary did you know That your baby boy will one day rule the nations? Did you know that your baby boy was heaven’s perfect Lamb? And the sleeping Child you’re holding is the great I AM? Oh, Mary.

Glory (Let There Be Peace) Music and lyrics by Chris Stevens, Matt Maher and Rachel Taylor Popadic First Verse: One star Burns in the darkness Shines with the promise Emmanuel One child Born in the stillness Living within us Emmanuel Chorus: We're singing Glory, Glory Let there be peace let there be peace Singing Glory, Glory Let there be peace let it start in me Second Verse: One voice Speaks for the voiceless Hope for the hopeless Emmanuel One love Brings us together Now and forever Emmanuel CHORUS Bridge: Do not be afraid His love is strong enough to save us Nothing stands in the way His love is strong enough to lead us (REPEAT) CHORUS REPEAT CHORUS Ending: Let there be peace let it start in me

POINSETTIAS The Poinsettias are given in Memory of

Barclay L. Setzer by The Setzer, York & Lawless Families W.E. & Amy Ruth Lawless, Walter & Frances Johnson, Bill & Velma Ansell by The York, Setzer and Lawless Families Frances Bauer, Valentine Bauer & Laurel Zaks by Jason, Kristen, Lilly and Charlie Harold Pollard by Nell and Soren Johnson Susan Clark Jeffords by Rick & Erin Bonsall Jerry & Brenda Thomas by Gary & Chris Martin Jerry & Ruth Mundy & Ronald Jones by Frances R. Mundy Mr. & Mrs. Thomas S. Douglas, Jr. by Suzan Elster Bob Elster by Suzan Elster Mr. & Mrs. William E. Poe, Sr. & W. Edward Poe, Jr. by Steve & Jane Poe Mr. & Mrs. R. Patrick Spangler, Sr. & Patrick Spangler, Jr. by Steve & Jane Poe Mr. & Mrs. Vernon Fulton, Mr. & Mrs. J.C. Fox and LeeAnn Baker by Sheila & John Fox Sue Morgan by Anne Louise Morgan Jack Rogers by Margaret Rogers Steven Emerson Davis by Jackie Davis Lois & Edward Clarke by Jackie Davis Dean Henrichs by Barbara Bremer Henrichs Marlene Cannon & Ida Peninger Friend by Rick Gibbons & Doug Peninger John & Margaret Keely by Alan & Susan Keely Kitty & Jack Felts by Margaret & Scott Huber Kathryn & Stanley Huber by Scott & Margaret Huber Robert Huber by Scott & Margaret Huber Dr. Harold Pollard by Louise Pollard Nell Tucker & James Curtis Brock by Louise Pollard Ruth & Clifton Pleasants by Ed & Nancy Pleasants Mary Hazel Thompson Lucas & Leon Thompson by Ed & Nancy Pleasants Bob Stevens by Susan M. Stevens Katherine Boone by Frank & Mary Coan Maenell "True" Pollock by Tom & Sue Ellen Bennett Lloyd Walter By Gwen Walter Max W. DeBruhl, Jr. & Katherine Cochran by Lynn DeBruhl Glenn Butler & Rob Butler by Diann Butler & Stewart Cherney Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Ogburn, Sr. by Missy Butler Mr. & Mrs. William Butler, Sr. by Missy Butler Mr. William (Buck) Butler, Jr. by Missy Butler Mr. Glenn Butler by Missy Butler Mr. Robert Butler by Missy Butler Nick Mitchell, Jr. & Meriel & Nick Mitchell by Caroline Mitchell and family Caroline & Marchant Cottingham by Caroline Mitchell and family Jim Fridy by Helen Fridy Richard Gwyn Brame by Sheila Brame William & Dorothy Bondurant by Sheila Brame Frances Pollock by Eddie Pollock Gloria & J. Frank King by Lynda Morris Dr. Robert Cordell & Dewitt Cordell by Mark & Ann Cordell Edna Helms & Bunky Stockton by Hill & Kathy Stockton Robert Pulliam by Judson & Lois Davis Jim Fridy by Judson & Lois Davis Ann Lewallen Spencer by Shippey McDowell Mason Linker by Dave & Janet Hill Matthew Gfeller by Laura Young Dr. H. Bruce Clapp by Bill & Louise Bazemore Robert Pulliam by Anne Pulliam Tambling, Bob Pulliam, Rosemary Pulliam & their families Lenora S. Carter by Allison & Austin William G. Hathcock by Marie T. Hathcock Hayes M. Jones by Jean M. Jones Those in the Helms family who have passed on before us, peace be with you, by Robert & Victoria Helms

POINSETTIAS The Poinsettias are given in Honor of Shelley & David Holden & Kimberly & Jay Ward by Charlie Zaks Beth Overman by Lilly Zaks Tammy Pollock by Jason, Kristen, Lilly & Charlie Zaks Louise Pollard by Nell & Soren Johnson Tammy Pollock by Joanna & Libby Holden Margaret Townsend by Joanna Holden Kate May by Joanna & Libby Holden Kristen Zaks by Libby Holden Jonathan Emmons & the Chancel Choir by David Arnold Paris Martha Bassett & Pat Lawrence by Jim & Carrow Mabry Mark, Evan, Caroline, Jay & Sally Dunnagan by Barbara & Brent Kirby Mr. & Mrs. H. Kapp Ogburn, Sr. by Sam & Mary Ceile Ogburn Susan & John Elster by Suzan Elster Mary & Colin Peters by Suzan Elster Diane Myers Boyer by Warren Boyer The Chancel Choir by Anne Louise Morgan Ben & Georgie Thompson; Kevin, Ben & Hank Williams by Danielle & Kevin Williams David & Holly Lee, Matthew & Ethan by Tracey Haupt Max & Cindy DeBruhl, Dawn & Dan Boyer, Marty & Becky DeBruhl, Debbie & Will Burns by Mom Kane, Katie, Staten, Bailey, Lilly, Charlie, William & Max by Mimi Dr. Anne & Dr. Walter Henley by Bonnie Cook Mr. & Mrs. Scott Long and Family by Missy Butler Mr. & Mrs. Doug Harrington and Family by Missy Butler Gwyn, Henry & Charlie Erikson by Sheila Brame Carolyn Culler by Mindy DeLano Amon & Imogene Baucom by Chip & Carol Holden Tammy Pollock by Eddie Pollock Ralph & Gayle Atkinson's grandchildren: Shannon, Bentley, Cooper, Ally, Taylor, Jacob, Meredith, Cole, Emily, Chad, Markie & Ellie by Ralph and Gayle Marie T. Hathcock by Frank Hassell, Jr.

OUR DIGITAL WORSHIP BULLETIN IS INTERACTIVE

Our digital worship bulletin is fully interactive. Within our announcements, when you see text that is red and bold, it is a link to an email address or web page. Click on the text and you will be re-directed.

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY IN-PERSON ELEMENTARY SUNDAY SCHOOL 10 AM K-5th Grade Sunday School will be combined on Sundays Dec 26 and Jan 2 at 10 AM. We’ll have a birthday party for baby Jesus on Dec 26 and celebrate the new year on Jan 2. SPRING PLAYDATES Families with infants through two-year-olds are invited to a once a month playdate at Centenary! Come anytime from 9-10:30 AM. We'll gather on the first floor of the East Building in the play place for a time of free play and fellowship for kids and their grown-ups! Friends are welcome. Spring Playdates - January 8, February 12, March 12, April 9, May 14 Park in the 4 1/2 St parking lot and enter through the 4 1/2 St entrance by the auditorium. Questions? Contact Jeanette Juran (ext 1332)/jjuran@centenary-ws.org. SAVE THE DATE – SUMMER EVENTS Save the date to join us this summer! Older Elementary mission week for rising 4th-6th graders will be June 28-30. Centenary Week at Tekoa for rising 4th - 6th graders will be July 10-16. Vacation Bible School for 4 year olds through rising 6th graders will be July 24-28. More information and registrations coming this spring. PARENTS FIRST – JAN 9 All parents are invited to the third floor of the East building (Room 304) on January 9 for a time of fellowship, learning, and a time of hands-on service to benefit agencies and ministries that Centenary partners with during Sunday School (10 AM). Learning will include topics like what you need to know about the Bible to feel smarter than your child, celebrating Advent and Christmas with your family, etc. We recommend parking in the lot next to the East building and entering at the 5th St entrance to the East building. Check-in your kids for Sunday School and then head upstairs for fellowship, learning, and service.

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. If you or someone you know could benefit from Stephen Ministry please contact Deena Morgan (336-692-2314) Wilba Brady (336723-6236), Rev. Craig Ford: cford@centenary-ws.org/336-7246311 ext. 1353/, or Rev. Susannah Pittman: spittman@centenaryws.org/336-724-6311 ext. 1357.

CARENOTES CareNotes offer inspirational booklets on a variety of topics to help individuals heal mind, body, and spirit. The Congregational Care ministry has a collection of CareNotes on topics ranging from navigating grief and loss, dealing with depression and anxiety, issues specific to adolescents, and more. For more information, please contact Rev. Susannah Pittman.

MISSIONS OVERFLOW SHELTER TRANSPORTATION December 1 - March 31 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 overflow shelters on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings. We are in need of drivers and ride-alongs. Ride-alongs help with boarding the buses and serve as an extra pair of eyes for drivers. To volunteer as a driver or a ride-along, please contact Rev. Meg Gaston (ext. 1361)/ mgaston@centenary-ws.org.

YOUTH MINISTRY DECEMBER 19 9:00am Worship (Memorial Auditorium)    10:00am Sunday school (4th floor Youth Commons)    11:00am In-person & livestream Worship (via our YouTube channel)    3:00pm Troop #920 set up luminaries for Lessons & Carols (@ front steps of the church)  5:00pm All youth mission event! Everyone join us on the 4th floor for a special Christmas project for our neighbors at Crystal Towers. Dinner will be provided, and joy will be had by all.

Today we welcome Andrew Seymore and Rachel Wolfe into membership and celebrate the baptism of their sons Harold Frederick Seymore (Harry) and Noah Sullivan Seymore.

In Memoriam Thomas Hamilton Milner III December 4, 2021 The ministers and members of Centenary Church extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved family and pray they may know the comfort and peace of our Heavenly Father.

TEXT TO GIVE You may now text your gifts of tithes and offerings! Text cumcws to 73256 and you will be linked to enter your payment information and make your contribution.

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