FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT • DECEMBER 22, 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
Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 659 — 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
Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
†HYMN OF PROCESSION
#234 O Come, All Ye Faithful — ADESTE FIDELES (Stanzas 1,2,3)
†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.
BAPTISM
BAPTISMAL RESPONSE
Do you as Christ’s body, the church, reaffirm both your rejection of sin and your commitment to Christ? We do.
Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life and include this family, now before you, in your care?
We give thanks for all that God has already given you and welcome you in Christian love. With God’s help we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround Clara with a community of love and forgiveness, that she may grow in her service to others. We will pray for her, that she may be a true disciple who walks in the way that leads to life.
HYMN
#191 Jesus Loves Me — JESUS LOVES ME
(Following the Baptism, 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
SCRIPTURE — Matthew 1:18-25
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON — “Love Made Possible”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
OFFERTORY
Love’s Pure Light — Elaine Hagenberg
Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright round yon virgin, mother and child. Holy infant so tender and mild. Sleep in heavenly peace. Silent night, holy night, Son of God, Love’s pure light.
†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
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.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†BENEDICTION RESPONSE
Hallelujah (from Messiah) — G. F. Handel
Hallelujah, for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth, and He shall reign for ever and ever. King of Kings, and Lord of Lords! Hallelujah!
†POSTLUDE
Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 661 — J.S. Bach
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
SERMON NOTES
†HYMN
#246 Joy to the World — ANTIOCH
†BENEDICTION
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
PREACHING
The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III, Senior Minister
LITURGIST
The Reverend Oliver Helsabeck, 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
CRUCIFER
Louise Johnson
TORCHBEARERS
Thor Johnson
Chandler Marley
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 22, 2024
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-events
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
Today we celebrate the baptism of Clara Elizabeth Muhlenkamp, daughter of Cameron and Katie Muhlenkamp.
CHURCH-WIDE OPPORTUNITIES
NOURISH RETURNS
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
BACKPACK PROGRAM
CHILDREN’S CAE RETURNS JANUARY 8 –NEW PARTICIPANTS WELCOME!
LOOKING AHEAD
Our Wednesday evening church-wide dinner and spiritual formation classes returns on January 8. We invite you to join us as we begin the new year taking exciting steps in our faith journey. There is something for everyone! For a full listing of courses available and weekly dinner menus, visit www.centenary-ws.org/nourish or scan our QR code.
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
Thank you all so much for your generosity during the holiday season as we sent additional food home for Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks. School returns on January 6 and we will resume our weekly food distribution. For $200, you can sponsor a child’s weekend meals for a whole school year! Reach out to Anna Thomas (athomas@centenary-ws.org) with any questions.
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!
MISSIONS
CREATION CARE
MONDAY • DECEMBER 30 • 9 AM SANCTUARY
We are re-purposing and re-gifting our Christmas poinsettias to our friends at Chrystal Towers, Sunrise Towers, and Healy Towers. Please join us! Contact Rev. Meg Peters (mpeters@centenary-ws.org), if you have any questions.
BLOOD DRIVE
TUESDAY • JANUARY 28 • 12:30 - 5 PM COMMUNITY ROOM
Children’s Creative Arts Experience includes activities for children ages 2 through 5th grade each Wednesday during Nourish. CAE’s multi-faceted model engages children with various levels of musical and artistic interests, all while cultivating more regular, more varied worship leadership opportunities for Centenary’s youngest! Register via the QR Code. Current participants need not register again. Email Music Ministries Assistant Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.org) with any questions.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Today 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.
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.
CHURCH OFFICES CLOSED
The Centenary campus will be closed December 25, 26 & 27 for Christmas as well as January 1 & 2 for the New Year.
December 29 10:00 am: Youth Sunday school 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm: New Year’s Eve, Eve Party (@ Bowlero, 811 Jonestown Rd.) Everyone is welcome to bring friends to bowl, eat (pizza and chicken nugget bar), play in the arcade, and make some New Year’s resolutions! Cost is $20 per person.
CONFIRMATION 2025
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.
Centenary is partnering with the Red Cross to host a blood drive. If you would like to sign up to donate blood, you may do so by scanning the QR code or visiting our website. If you cannot give blood but would like to volunteer, please email Rev. Meg Peters (mpeters@centenaryws.org).
MUSIC & ARTS
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@centenary-ws.org).
TRUST – A RETREAT FOR JUNIORS & SENIORS
SIGN UP NOW FOR CHILDREN’S MUSIC & ART CAMP 2025: 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).
In a world that continues to spin in uncertainty and chaos, we invite all our Juniors and Seniors in High school 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)
