C entenar y u n i t e d m e t h o d i s t w i n s t o n - s a l e m "The Fullness of God" Colossians 1:15-17, 19 Sunday, November 23, 2014 11:00 am Sanctuary Focus: The verse that comes immediately before our Scripture passage this morning says this: "[God] has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." As we draw near to the season of Advent, the nights grow longer and the darkness deepens. It is into this darkness that God shines the brightest and most beautiful light that ever was. This light is Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us, and that light changes us. Our vision at Centenary is "Go--the kingdom of God is right at your doorstep." In Colossians, the apostle Paul tells us that whereas once we were members of a kingdom of darkness, that membership has been transferred to the kingdom of God, a kingdom where there is redemption, forgiveness, and light. That light is the light of creation, of Jesus himeslf, in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell." ~ The Reverend Sarah S. Howell Thank you for worshipping with us today. Participating in Worship Preaching Dr. W. Mark Ralls Liturgists The Reverend Kate May The Reverend R. Craig Ford Lector The Reverend Sarah S. Howell Director of Music & the Arts Dr. Robert Frazier Organist/Music Associate Susan Bates Choir Chancel Choir 2 Crucifer Molly Rivers Torchbearers Connor Haas Kate Wattleworth Carillonneurs Lauren Branyon Susie Campbell Ian Goodman Judi Griffiths Emily Hoar Mary Isom Temple Kennedy Ernest Logemann Lauren Lott Johnsie Mason Anne Morgan Dennis Moser Jennifer Rogers Musical Text: Deana Vickers O Clap Your Hands Sarah Young is printed with permission. One License A-707342 Camille Jones, director LET US WORSHIP Christ the King • 11:00 am • November 23, 2014 The Community Gathers Voluntary Greeting & Mission Moment Introit *Call to Worship Psalm 100 *Hymn of Procession Hymn of Grateful Praise ~ arr. Karen Buckwalter We invite you to pass the Fellowship Folder located at the end of the pew. All That Hath Life and Breath Praise Ye the Lord! ~ René Clausen Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing. Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we are his. We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. #715 Rejoice, the Lord Is King ~ DARWALL'S 148TH 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. *Act of Praise Go, Tell It on the Mountain ~ GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere; go, tell it on the mountain: God's kingdom now has come! Baptism hymn Baptized in Water ~ BUNESSAN Baptized in water, sealed by the Spirit, cleansed by the blood of Christ, our King; heirs of salvation, trusting his promise, faithfully now God’s praises we sing. Brothers and sisters in Christ: Through the Sacrament of Baptism we are initiated into Christ’s holy church.We are incorporated into God’s mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through water and the Spirit. All this is God’s gift, offered to us without price. Together with these parents, we as a congregation promise to pass on, and nurture in this child, a faith in God. As we make this promise, let us remember and reaffirm our faith together: * please stand as you are able 3 We belong to God, eternal and infinite, Creator of all things and all that is to come. We follow Christ, who comes to us from God, and reveals God to us. He heals people and transforms lives, and calls us to join in his ministry. He was crucified, died, and was raised again by God, and reigns over all Creation; and he bids us to die and rise with him in the service of the healing of the world. We are moved by the Holy Spirit, together with the communion of saints, as members of the Body of Christ, God's holy universal church. We are confident in the forgiveness of sin, the power of resurrection and the reality of eternal life. In all things it is our desire to follow Christ,by the grace of the Holy Spirit, for God's glory. As a community of faith, we covenant together to surround this family with steadfast love. We will nurture Corbin as he grows in his trust of God and service to others. Hymn Baptized in water, sealed by the Spirit, marked with the sign of Christ, our King; born of the Father, we are his children, joyfully now God’s praises we sing. (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 Scripture Colossians 1:15-17, 19 Now Thank We All Our God ~ arr. Cynthia Dobrinski He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers— all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. for in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell. (NRSV) This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. Sermon The Word in Song Let All Things Now Living ~ ASH GROVE Choir: Let all things now living a song of thanksgiving to God our Creator triumphantly raise; Who fashioned and made us, protected and stayed us, by guiding us on to the end of our days. God's banners are o'er us, pure light goes before us, a pillar of fire shining forth in the night: Till shadows have vanished, all fearfulness banished, as forward we travel from light into Light. Congregation By law God enforces. The stars in their courses, the sun in its orbit obediently shine; The hills and the mountains, the rivers and fountains, the depths of the ocean proclaim God divine. We, too, should be voicing Our love and rejoicing with glad adoration, a song let us raise: Till all things now living Unite in thanksgiving, to God in the highest, hosanna and praise. The Word in Prayer 4 "The Fullness of God" We Renew Our Commitment Offertory Anthem Psalm 47: 1-7 O Clap Your Hands ~ John Rutter O clap your hands together all ye people; O sing unto God with the voice of melody. For the Lord is high and to be feared: He is the great King upon all the earth. He shall subdue the people under us and the nations under our feet. He shall choose out an heritage for us, even the worship of Jacob whom he loved. God is gone up with a merry noise and the Lord with the sound of the trumpet. O sing praises unto our God, for God is the King of all the earth. Sing ye praises with understanding. O clap your hands together all ye people! *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 Dedication O Lord our God, you are the good shepherd. You continually reach out to help us. When we are distracted and scattered, you draw us near with your loving voice. We dedicate our offerings to further your work in the world: to bring back the strayed, bind up the injured, strengthen the weak, rescue those in danger, and feed them with justice. We pray through Christ your Son, the great shepherd of the sheep. Amen. Reception of New Members We give thanks for all that God has already given you and we welcome you in Christian love. As members together with you in the body of Christ and in this congregation of the United Methodist Church, we renew our covenant faithfully to participate in the ministries of the church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. We Go As God's People Into the World *Hymn of Recession #327 Crown Him with Many Crowns ~ DIADEMATA *Benediction *Choral Response Voluntary All That Hath Life and Breath Praise Ye the Lord! ~ René Clausen Now Thank We All Our God ~ Sigfrid Karg-Elert 5 Guests, Visitors and Friends... The congregation and staff of Centenary welcome you to today’s service. It is our honor to have you in worship with us today. If we can be of assistance to you, please visit with one of our friendly ushers, located by the Narthex entrance. They will gladly answer your questions and help you with any needs you may have during your visit. We welcome all our visitors as special guests. At the conclusion of today's worship, we invite you to speak to one of our ministers who will be at the Welcome Desk in the Narthex. We want to address any questions you may have and provide you with pertinent information about Centenary. Please return and visit with us again soon. A NOTE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR I hope you all are enjoying the cool brisk days that we have been having in Winston-Salem lately. It reminds me that the holidays will soon be upon us. This is also the time when the church begins to plan our budget for next year. If you look at the numbers in the table below, you will see that Contributions have fallen short of our expectations so far this year. We are $103,205 behind where we thought we would be at this time. Thankfully, expenses are less than expected which helps our overall totals. You may have received a note from me last week asking you to make your pledge to Centenary and go with us in 2015 as we spread the word of Jesus Christ. If you haven’t made your commitment yet, I am asking you to do so now. You are welcome to email your pledge to me at [email protected], or if you prefer, give me a call at 336-397-1346. Your pledge is held in confidence within the Business Office. If you have a question or concern about making a pledge, I’d like to hear from you as well. Thank you for being a part of Centenary as we “GO” and grow in our faith. ~ Mary Ann Wexler FINANCIAL UPDATE: JANUARY - OCTOBER January - October Actuals Year-to-Date Contributions $2,264,872.69 Other Revenues $1,310,850.75 Total Revenues $3,575,723.44 Total Expenses $3,778,356.36 Total Variance ($202,632.92) 6 Budget Year-to-Date Variance Year-to-Date $2,368,078.00 $1,220,583.96 $3,588,661.96 ($103,205.31) $90,266.79 ($12,938.52) $3,843,985.80 ($65,629.44) ($255,323.84) $52,690.92 ANNOUNCEMENTS CELEBRATIONS AND CONCERNS PORTRAIT DIRECTORY MAKE-UPS The chancel flowers are given in honor of the 60th Wedding Anniversary of Dr. and Mr. W.J. Grant, III by Dr. and Mrs. Robert G. Dillard and Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Grant, IV; and also in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. William Logan Jackson, Sr., and Mrs. Eve Taylor and Mr. Blake Taylor and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hewes Parrish, Sr. and Mr. Joseph Hewes Parrish, Jr. by Ellen and Logan Jackson. There is still time to be included in the next portrait directory! Due to popular demand, three additional days have been added: December 2, 3 and 4 from 3 pm - 7 pm. To make your appointment, you may call Divine Designs Portrait Directories (4315892). Be sure to ask for the Centenary make-up appointments. We celebrate the birth of (Walter) Scott Petree, born September 24, 2014, son of Tucker and Chip Petree, grandson of Louise and Harold Pollard, and nephew of Elizabeth and Rob Welch and Nell and Soren Johnson. PORTRAITS ARE HERE We celebrate the baptism of Corbin Taylor Smith, son of Bryan & Magan Smith, brother of Avery (5 years), and grandson to Susan Reiner. We welcome new members Hector Perez, Rebecca MacNeilage, Boyd & Randi Honeycutt and Olivia Money. We offer our prayers and concern for those who are ill at home, hospitalized and in hospice care. HAITI TRIP LUNCH PRESENTATION Today • Noon • Dining Room You are invited to hear from members of the mission team that traveled to Haiti in October, who will host a lunch presentation to share photos, stories and reflections from the trip. The team will provide a meal very much like those they ate in Haiti—rice and beans, fresh salad, and pikliz (a Haitian dish of spicy pickled vegetables). This simple but delicious fare will be a great backdrop to the team’s sharing. Join us in the Dining Room immediately following the 11:00 worship service. We will serve food at 12:15 and give the presentation over lunch. Contact Rev. Sarah Howell (397-1348)/showell@centenary-ws. org with any questions. Today • Parlor • 9:30 am to 12:30 pm All portraits from the Portrait Directory project are in. You may see Rick Gibbons in the Parlor to pick up you order. STEPHEN MINISTRY Two Weeks’ Notice! These three words can express so much heartache. A Stephen Minister can be a caring listener to those experiencing financial problems. A Stephen Minister won’t give advice or make judgments – he or she will care. If you would like to find out more about Stephen Ministry for yourself or someone you know (possibly a friend, neighbor, coworker, or relative) talk with Mark Ralls (397-1362), Craig Ford (397-1353) or Deena Morgan (764-4239) to find out how you can receive help from a Stephen Minister. All calls are confidential. ANGEL TREE All gifts should be returned on December 7. Please bring gifts to the second floor gallery. For questions about Centenary’s Angel Tree, please contact Ashley Maner (397-1332)/[email protected]. 7 CHILDREN'S MINISTRY YOUTH MINISTRY Nursery Care November 23 Nursery care for infants through pre-kindergarten is offered during every Sunday morning worship service. During the 11:00 am worship service, 3's and 4's in the nursery have a time of engaged Bible storytelling led by children’s ministry staff. Our nursery classrooms, staffed by professional childcare workers, are located on the second floor of the children’s building. Join us for our Youth Ministry events today! 8:45, 9:00, 10:10 & 11:00 am: Worship 9:45am: Sunday school NO YOUTH GROUPS TONIGHT! Worship Bags As you and your family enjoy worship together please know that we have worship bags available during all services on Sunday mornings for children ages 3-5th grade. The bags are located outside of both the auditorium and the sanctuary. If you have trouble locating them please ask an usher. You will notice that the bags are different colors for different aged children. We ask that at the end of the service you replace the bags with their contents on their racks so that we can refresh them for the next week’s worship. Feel free to take home the children’s bulletin inside and use it for activities during the week with your child. Christmas Craft Night Today • 4:30 pm Don’t forget, if you have signed up for Christmas Craft Night that it will begin this afternoon at 4:30 and will be finished by 6:30. We hope to see you there! Kids Day In December 13 • 9:00 am Kid’s day in this year will be from 9am-Noon for all kids ages 0-5th grade. Cost is $5 per child which covers, snack, supplies, and gifts for parents. To Register; email [email protected] with your participating children’s name, age, and allergy information. 8 December 2 6:00 pm: LTN Leadership Team meeting at LOOP (Thruway) Mark Your Calendars! December 10: Confirmation Parent orientation January 7: Confirmation begins January 8: Confirmation Shepherd Night orientation SENIOR ADULTS Poinsettia Delivery December 5 • 8:00 am • Memorial Auditorium We will be delivering between 140-150 poinsettias to the homebound. Volunteers are needed to help with this annual delivery. Please come to the Memorial Auditorium at 8:00 am. Thanks in advance for your help. Senior Adult Luncheon December 18 • 11:30 am • Memorial Auditorium A beautiful program of Christmas music will be presented by one of the finest soloist in the chancel choir, Kristin Schwecke. The Senior Adult luncheon will also provide an opportunity to recognize all who have helped with the Senior Adult program throughout the year. You may register for the luncheon by contacting Charles Monroe (773-0446)/[email protected]. Note that the Senior Adult Council will meet at 10:30 am, prior to the luncheon. ADULT ED. / SPIRITUAL FORMATION November Food of the Month Food for Thought (Lunch and a Lesson) Martha Bassett Band Christmas Concert December 3 • Noon • Memorial Auditorium The November food of the month is canned fruit and cereal. Please bring your food donations to the Missions bins, located in the Reception Narthex at 4½ Street. Lunch is still $7/person. Come enjoy a great meal and wonderful music as we welcome the Martha Bassett Band back to the stage again this year at Food for Thought. The Big Silence Retreat January 25-28, 2015 St. Francis Springs Prayer Center Only a few rooms remain, so register now! Rev. Jonathan Brake will be leading this “4-day mostly silent” retreat again for the third time! If you would like to experience the closeness of God in a beautiful setting, then contact Rev. Brake. This retreat is open to all adults, regardless of experience, with silence, meditation, contemplation and other forms of prayer. Optional activities on sight include a nature trail, walking the labyrinth, praying the hours and much more. Registration is now open and space is limited. Information and registration can be found in the information stations, in Glad Tidings Books and Gifts or in the box outside Rev. Brake’s office (Room 317). H.O.P.E. (Help Our People Eat) Thanks to the generous support of Centenary, the UMW and others, H.O.P.E. of Winston-Salem is pleased to report that as of November 17, 2014, 27,950 nutritious meals have been served to children at risk of hunger in Forsyth County and 28,179 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables have been delivered to their families along with tips on preparing the food. Your generous support and your time and efforts have made this possible! We have children doing better in school on Mondays because they are no longer hungry, and families whose diet and health are improving. Cooking classes have been started and simple utensils are being given out because a lack of equipment is another impediment to healthy diet. Every dollar still furnishes a nutritious meal. Visit hopews.org to see how to volunteer or contribute, or look for H.O.P.E. through Love Came Down At Christmas. MUSIC AND THE ARTS MISSIONS New Exhibit • Go Out and Create Now through January 22 First Gifts Every year, as we approach the holidays, Centenary members gather canned food to donate to our Loaves & Fishes community ministry. Through these donations, we are able to feed our hungry neighbors and provide a meal at a time of year when shared meals are an important hallmark of community and family. You and your family can be a part of making this possible! White bags are available around the church for you to pick up and fill with food to donate. Each bag will have a list of needed items attached to it. Bring your full bags back on First Gifts Sunday, November 30 (that’s next week!), the first Sunday of Advent. We will dedicate these gifts in all services as we join together to share the many good gifts that God has given us. If you have any questions, contact Rev. Sarah Howell (397-1348)/[email protected]. You are invited to enjoy the latest exhibit, located on the first floor. The works of art are created by members of the Centenary family. 9 ROOTS REVIVAL GLAD TIDINGS Wednesday • November 26 • Memorial Auditorium SEE’S CANDIES ORDER ENDS TODAY! If you haven’t ordered, come in today and we will be happy to help you. Roots Revival is a midweek worship service grounded in Americana/roots-based music featuring Martha Bassett and friends. Each service is centered around one or two focus songs and an accompanying Scripture passage and theme. This week, the theme will be gratitude as we relate the national holiday of Thanksgiving to the theme of thanks in Luke 17:11-19. Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” will be one of the focus songs that will support our conversation. We meet at 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Auditorium. Learn more at www.rootsrevivalws.com UNITED METHODIST WOMEN Luncheon • December 1 • Noon • Auditorium The United Methodist Women present "A Very Merry Christmas Luncheon" with special guest speaker, Tammy Pollock. Musical guests will include Susan Bates and Cat Zachary. You will not want to miss The Snappy Tappers as they tippity-tap us into the holiday season. LONGEST NIGHT A Service of Healing and Comfort Sunday • December 21 • 7:00 pm • Chapel Christmas is a season defined by joy and warmth— and yet for many, it is the time of year when loss and grief are felt most deeply. Whether you lost a loved one this year or many years ago, are experiencing a painful separation or a strained friendship, feel the grief of tragic world events, or are simply having a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit, a Longest Night service (sometimes called “Blue Christmas”) may be a welcome change of pace. This contemplative service will be help in the chapel as a time for prayer, remembrance, healing, and song. Our Stephen Ministry team will offer support through prayer partners and lay ministers who may be a valuable connection even after the service. Join us for an intimate evening in a space where we might experience grief and hope together at this simultaneously joyful and difficult time of the year. Contact Rev. Sarah Howell (397-1348)/[email protected] with any questions. 10 Today, we have Centenary Authors signing their books in the Reading Room. Harry Underwood, Martha Brown and Anne Pierce will have copies galore and will place that special inscription just for you. For those of you who have requested puzzles and crafts kits from Melissa and Doug, we have received a great selection of items from babies up to 10 years old. What better time to Christmas Shop in a nice relaxed atmosphere and really take time to select the perfect gift for the children on your list. Two’s Company has sent excellent hair accessories for the girls on your list and we have some very cute board books that are priced so well, you will want to pick up two! Christmas Craft Night is tonight and Glad Tidings will be open for some Secret Santa Shopping! A special discount will be offered to all who shop tonight! Good things happen when you shop Glad Tidings! Judy Jones, Manager (918-0346)/[email protected]. FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING The next open finance committee meeting will be December 16. The meeting will be held in the Dining Room at 5 pm. All are invited to attend. CENTENARY LEADERSHIP CONNECTIONS Dr. W. Mark Ralls, Senior Minister [email protected] | 397-1362 Reverend Jonathan L. Brake Reverend R. Craig Ford Associate Minister [email protected] | 397-1334 Associate Minister [email protected] | 397-1353 Reverend Kate May Associate Minister with Children [email protected] | 397-1331 Reverend Sarah Howell Assistant Minister [email protected] | 397-1348 Tamara M. Pollock Director of Youth Ministries [email protected] | 397-1337 Mary Ann Wexler, Executive Director [email protected] | 397-1346 Susan Bates Organist and Music Associate [email protected] | 397-1340 Stacy Holley Exec. Assistant to Senior Minister [email protected] | 397-1359 John Markle Director of Operations [email protected] | 397-1347 Kristy Eaton Financial Assistant [email protected] | 397-1341 Judy Jones Congregational Care Coordinator [email protected] | 397-1361 Doug Peninger Director of Communications [email protected] | 397-1368 Dr. Robert E. Frazier Director of Music and the Arts [email protected] | 397-1339 Thad Lewallen Director of Stewardship/Planned Giving [email protected] |397-1352 John Rogers Director of Information Technology [email protected] | 397-1356 Jan Sawyer Director of DAYBreak Respite Care [email protected] | 397-1345 Reception Desk • 724-6311 + Minister On Call (Prompt 2) Pastoral Care: Reverend Craig Ford • 397-1353 RECORD OF OUR FAITHFULNESS November 11 - November 17 Worship Attendance Tithes and Offerings 8:45 Traditional 9:00 Simplify 10:10 Rejoice! 11:00 Traditional Nursery & Children's Worship Roots Revival Food for Thought 86 76 138 355 55 50 58 Total 818 Offering Miscellaneous $106,911 3,710 Total $110,621 Sunday School 243 11 Ash Wednesday PO Box 658 646 West Fifth Street Winston-Salem, NC 27102 centenary-ws.org 336-724-6311 C entenar y u n i t e d m e t h o d i s t w i n s t o n - s a l e m A Stephen Ministry Congregation Printed on recycled paper
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