April 19, 2026
Third Sunday of Easter (White) Sanctuary | 11:00 AM
Prayer Focus: Our Confirmands
Welcome to Worship at Central!
In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to worship at Central where it is our mission to follow Jesus by loving God and loving our neighbors. If it is your first time worshiping with us, please fill out a Connect Card and take it to the Welcome Center where you will receive a gift from the church. Once again, welcome!
Giving to Central
At Central, we offer numerous convenient ways to give, making it easy to support our mission from anywhere. Every gift helps us continue our ministry and make a difference in our church, community, and beyond. Scan the QR Code for a full list of ways to give to Central UMC!
Sermon Note
While two disciples were walking along the road to Emmaus, Jesus appeared when they least expected Him. In the same way, He comes to us often at unexpected moments. His presence may catch us off guard, but when our hearts are open, He leads us into deeper faith and greater understanding.
Altar Flowers
The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in honor of Jennifer Powers’ birthday by Jason, Weston, Oliver, and Ian Powers.
GATHERING
PARISH CONCERNS
The People Come Together in the Lord’s Name
(The service of worship begins. The prelude is offered to the entire congregation. Quiet meditation and private prayer are encouraged.)
OPENING VOLUNTARY ........................................................................................
Michael Burkhardt
Crown Him with Many Crowns (DIADEMATA)
*CHIMING OF THE HOUR
(*All who are able are asked to stand.)
*GREETING
Leader: Praise the Lord!
People: Praise God’s holy Name!
Leader: The Lord has heard our cries and listened to us.
People: We call upon the Lord as long as we live!
*HYMN IN PROCESSION 327 .........................................................................................
DIADEMATA
Crown Him with Many Crowns
COLLECT AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
Everlasting God, you have sustained us in despair by your continuing presence: Make new once more a faith which burns within us that, being rooted and grounded in your Word, we may live forever with him, who died and rose again. We pray as you taught us:
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.
RITUAL OF FRIENDSHIP
Leader: The Word of the Lord!
People: Thanks be to God!
Stay with Us
Stay with us, Lord Jesus, stay with us. Stay with us, it soon is evening, and night is falling. Jesus Christ, the world’s true light! Shine so the darkness cannot overcome it! Let your light pierce the darkness and fill your church with its glory.
EPISTLE LESSON
Leader: The Word of the Lord!
People: Thanks be to God!
*ACT OF PRAISE 837 (R1) .......................................................................................................
CHILDREN’S TIME
(Children are invited to the chancel. Following Children’s Time, children in 3K-1st grade will go with a leader to Children’s Church and may be picked up in room #145 or #147 after the service.)
*HYMN 309 ................................................................................................................................ EMMAUS
On the Day of Resurrection
*GOSPEL LESSON .............................................................................................................. Luke 24:13-35
Leader: The Word of the Lord! People: Thanks be to God!
SERMON .................................................................................................................. Rev. Thomas Smith Unexpected Revelation PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE SERVICE OF CONFIRMATION 33
(Following the profession of faith on page 35, we will sing the Gloria Patri on page 71.)
RESPONDING IN FAITH We Respond to God’s Word in Worship
OFFERTORY ...................................................................................................................... Marcel Dupré Antiphon No. 3
*DOXOLOGY 94 .............................................................................................. LASST UNS ERFREUEN
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
SENDING FORTH We Respond to God’s Grace with Our Lives
*BENEDICTION
*HYMN 310 .................................................................................................................................. ACKLEY He Lives CLOSING VOLUNTARY ........................................................................................... David N. Johnson Trumpet Tune in D
Assisting in Worship
Preacher ......................................................................................................................................... Rev. Thomas Smith
Liturgists ................................................................................................. Rev. Rusty Crimm, Rev. Meg Bryce Jiunnies
Children’s Time Leader ..................................................................................................................... Catherine Lucius Organist/Choir Director ......................................................................................................................... Dr. Don Grice
Choir Accompanist ........................................................................................................................ Beverly Hazelwood
Lay Readers ......................................................................................................... Coleman Jones, James Wade Timms
Acolyte......................................................................................................................................................... Lucas Jones
Crucifer .................................................................................................................................................. Carson Timms
Chancel Choir
Music text reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-732051. All rights reserved.
Music Note
Have you ever glanced at the information shown underneath the hymns of our hymnal? There is a wealth of information contained there that is interesting and informative. The author of the text is listed with the year the text was written, plus any scripture references or translation information if the original is not in English. The composer (and arranger) of the music is listed along with the date of composition and references to any collections or hymnals in which the music first appeared. Across the page in upper case, we find the tune name. All hymn tunes are named, and there is often an association with a place or person of significance to the composer. Finally, numbers (and letters) such as 87.87.87 show the meter. This refers to the number of syllables in each line of the text. The metrical index at the back of the hymnal has all the tunes in the book organized by meter.
BEDS MINISTRY
David Alderman .......................... by Laura & Finley Clarke, Libby & Bob Davis, Nelda & Andy Fowler, Yvonne Griggs, Marti & Pete Hoogendonk, Brooke Johnson, Beth & Stewart Jones, Charles Maxwell, Ansley McGinnis, Jeanne McGowan, Peg & Chrissie McLeod, Desirae O’Cain, Mary & Holden Reaves, Lawrence Rotann, Ann & David Wansley
DISCRETIONARY FUND
Heather Craven .............................................................................................................................. by Beth & Stewart Jones
David Alderman ...................................................................................................................... by United Methodist Women
DISCRETIONARY FUND & MUSIC MINISTRY
Dr Bruce White, Elizabeth Commander, Robert Thomas, David Alderman ............................................... Mrs. Bruce White
GENERAL OPERATING BUDGET
David Alderman ......... by Peggy & DD Edmonds, Corrine & Don Hunt, Jan Hursey, Gaye & Roger Jordan, Rett Padgett
David Alderman, Glenda McLeod ........................................................................... by Mincy & Jim Peterson, David Yoder
David Alderman, Hunter Stokes, Judy Blackwell ................................................................................. by Jane & Larry Hubis
Patsy Hoffmeyer ............................................................................................................................................... by Tim Smith
PRAYER GARDEN
David Alderman .............................................................................................................................. by Sue & Bryan Hensley
BUDGET
Rev. Thomas Smith, Rev. Rusty Crimm, Rev. Meg Jiunnies, Don Grice, Nick Townsend ...................... by Ronda Alderman Renae Chadwick, Bill Flynn, Christian Discussion Class .................................................................... by Julia & Robby Sisco IN HONOR OF