WELCOME TO WORSHIP
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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#246 Joy to the World — ANTIOCH
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS • DECEMBER 28, 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
SCRIPTURE — Isaiah 9:2-7 & Luke 1:46-55 This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. SERMON — “A Story of Belonging”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT PRELUDE 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.
CALL TO WORSHIP The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. In God’s light, we find our place and our belonging. For a Child is born to us, a Son is given for us. Christ gathers us in – known, welcomed, and loved. Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord! Let us worship the One who brings light, hope, and home to all.
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OFFERTORY Infant Holy, Infant Lowly - arr. Mack Wilberg Infant Holy, infant lowly, for his bed a cattle stall; oxen lowing, little knowing Christ the Babe is Lord of all. Swiftly winging angels singing, Nowells ringing, tidings bringing: Christ the Babe is Lord of all. Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping vigil till the morning new saw the glory, heard the story, tidings of a gospel true. Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow, praises voicing, greet the morrow: Christ the Babe was born for you. 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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PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
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HYMN OF PROCESSION #224 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice — IN DULCI JUBILO
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AFFIRMATION OF FAITH 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.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
Thank you for joining us in worship today. SERMON NOTES
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GLORIA PATRI #71 Glory Be to the Father — GREATOREX Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
HYMN
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#251 Go, Tell It on the Mountain — GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN
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. BENEDICTION
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BENEDICTION RESPONSE Joy to the World — ANTIOCH oy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing.
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POSTLUDE
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP PREACHING Reverend Oliver Helsabeck Associate Minister for Congregational Care LITURGIST Tammy Pollock Director of Youth Ministries
CRUCIFER Matthew Lycan TORCHBEARERS Ryan Lycan Thomas Lycan
MUSIC Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music & Arts Joshua Sobel, Organist The Chancel Choir
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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.