December 27 • 11am Worship

WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT

"WHAT NOW?" LUKE 2:22-40

SUNDAY • DECEMBER 27, 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 Meg Gaston

LITURGISTS

The Reverend Kate May The Reverend Bret Cogan

MUSIC

Reid Gilliam, guest organist Karon McKinney, soprano Jason McKinney, baritone Martha Bassett, guitar Meg Gilliam, piano

Musical texts are printed with permission.

One License A-707342

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LET US WORSHIP First Sunday after Christmas Day • 11:00 am • December 27, 2020

THE COMMUNITY GATHERS VOLUNTARY

Angelic Medley — arr. Sharon Wilson

GREETING INTROIT

CALL TO WORSHIP

HYMN (found on page six) AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

Christmas Carol — Vienna Teng It's the season of grace coming out of the void where man is saved by a voice in the distance. It's the season of possible miracle cures, where hope is currency and death is not the last unknown, where time begins to fade and age is welcome home. It's the season of eyes meeting over the noise and holding fast with sharp realization. It's the season of cold making warmth a divine intervention. You are safe here you know now.

Don't forget, I love you. It's the season of scars and of wounds in the heart, of feeling the full weight of our burdens. It's the season bowing our heads in the wind and knowing we are not alone in fear, not alone in the dark. And don't forget, I love you.

O Lord, through your birth we are shown the meaning of love.

With you comes the gift of overwhelming joy and peace.

Your light illuminates the darkness of our lives.

Remind us of the ways in which you call us to follow after You. Guide us in all that we do that we might glorify You #220 Angels from the Realms of Glory — REGENT SQUARE 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.

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 SCRIPTURE Luke 2:22-40

Gesu Bambino — arr. Jason McKinney When the time came for their ritual cleansing, in accordance with the Law from Moses, they brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. (It’s written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord.”) They offered a sacrifice in keeping with what’s stated in the Law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. A man named Simeon was in Jerusalem. He was righteous and devout. He eagerly anticipated the restoration of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he wouldn’t die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple area. Meanwhile, Jesus’ parents brought the child to the temple so that they could do what was customary under the Law. Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God. He said, “Now, master, let your servant go in peace according to your word, because my eyes have seen your salvation. You prepared this salvation in the presence of all peoples. It’s a light for revelation to the Gentiles and a glory for your people Israel.” His father and mother were amazed by what was said about him. Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “This boy is assigned to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that generates opposition so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your innermost being too.” There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, who belonged to the tribe of Asher. She was very old. After she married, she lived with her husband for seven years. She was now an 84-year-old widow. She never left the temple area but worshipped God with fasting and prayer night and day. She approached at that very moment and began to praise God and to speak about Jesus to everyone who was looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

When Mary and Joseph had completed everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to their hometown, Nazareth in Galilee.

The child grew up and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.

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

SERMON

"What Now?"

WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT INVITATION TO OFFERING OFFERTORY

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Wonder As I Wander — John Jacob Niles I wonder as I wander out under the sky why Jesus the savior did come for to die for poor onry sinners like you and like I. I wonder as I wander out under the sky. When Mary birthed Jesus twas in a cow's stall with angels and shepherds and farmers and all, when down from the heavens a star's light did fall and the promise of ages it then did recall. If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing, a star in the sky or a bird on the wing or all of God's angels in Heaven for to sing, he surely could've had it, 'cause He was the King.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Loving God, the gift of your life is all that we could ever want. Help us to give to others in the ways that you have given to us. You have shown us how best to love those in our midst. All that we are and all that we have is yours. May our offerings be just part of what we give to you this day and always, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

BENEDICTION RESPONSE VOLUNTARY

#245 The First Noel — THE FIRST NOEL 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.

The First Noel — TRADITIONAL Noel! Born is the King of Israel.

Hark! the Herald Angels Sing — David Willcocks

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

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POINSETTIAS The Poinsettias are given in Memory of

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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 Gloria and J. Frank King by Lynda King Morris

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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We celebrate the baptism of Carter Davis Karpinski, son of Kevin and Kaycie Karpinski, grandson of Bo and Diane Davis, and greatgrandson of Bill Pollok.

JANUARY SUNDAY SCHOOL We had so much fun doing Zoom Sunday School for Advent, we will do it again in January! We will meet for 4 Sundays in January (January 10, 17, 24, and 31). Each age group will meet with Kate and Jeanette for 20 minutes. 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, contact Jeanette Juran.

DECEMBER 27 10:00 am Sunday school (Via Zoom) 11:00 am Worship (Via Live Stream) NO YOUTH GROUPS TONIGHT…Enjoy time with your family

CENTENARY

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

MINISTRY

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.

INTRODUCTION VIDEO

REGISTER

FOR THE RECORD

November December 15 - December 21, 2020 Worship Attendance

Contributions

11:00 am Live Stream Roots Revival

1,166 71

Total

1,237

Virtual Sunday School (Includes Adult, Youth & Children)

226

Offering Special Gifts Centenary Fund Capital Campaign

$209,739 6,450 225 38,896

Total

$255,310

PO Box 658 • Winston-Salem. NC 27102

www.centenary-ws.org

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