WELCOME TO 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 — “Prepare the Way: Not What was Planned”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT • DECEMBER 14, 2025 • 11:00AM
THE COMMUNITY GATHERS Welcome to worship at Centenary! We are a church for everyone. As you prepare for worship, we invite you to greet your neighbor and share the love of Christ. Please silence all mobile communication devices. †
Please stand as you are able
DOXOLOGY #221 In the Bleak Midwinter — CRANHAM What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part, yet what I can I give him: give my heart.
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PRELUDE GREETING INTROIT
OFFERTORY O Little Town of Bethlehem — arr. Stephen Paulus O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie; above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light; the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. For Christ is born of Mary; and gather’d all above, while mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wond’ring love. O morning stars together proclaim the Holy Birth; praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth. O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel.
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.
CALL TO WORSHIP In the midst of confusion and fear, God brings hope. Thanks be to the God of hope. In the midst of strife and stress, God brings peace. Thanks be to the God of peace. In the midst of weariness and waiting, God brings joy. Thanks be to the God of joy. Let us come before God with expectant hearts. We come now to worship the God who brings hope, peace, and joy.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
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WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
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HYMN OF PROCESSION #230 O Little Town of Bethlehem — ST. LOUIS
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LIGHTING OF ADVENT WREATH ADVENT RESPONSE While We are Waiting — WAITING (The congragetion is invited to sing the second time.) While we are waiting, come. While we are waiting, come. Jesus, our Lord, Emmanuel. While we are waiting, come. 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. (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.)
HYMN
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#219 What Child Is This — GREENSLEEVES
BENEDICTION
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BENEDICTION RESPONSE Christ, to thee with God the Father, and, O Holy Ghost, to thee, hymn and chant and high thanksgiving and unwearied praises be, honor, glory, and dominion and eternal victory, evermore and evermore! Amen.
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POSTLUDE
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SERMON NOTES
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Thank you for joining us in worship today.
LITURGISTS Reverend Kate May Associate Minister with Children Tammy Pollock Director of Youth Ministries
ADVENT WREATH Music & Arts CRUCIFER Anna Jane Owens TORCHBEARERS Charlie Harris Tripp Harris
MUSIC Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music & Arts Joshua Sobel, Organist The Chancel Choir
The anthem texts are printed with permission. One License A-707342 By entering the Sanctuary, you grant to Centenary United Methodist Church unrestricted right to use and publish, transmit or telecast photographs or likenesses that might be taken of you this day for use in communications related to the church.