December 7, 2025, • 11am Worship by Centenary United Methodist Church

WELCOME TO WORSHIP

SCRIPTURE — Luke 1:26-38 This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

BENEDICTION

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BENEDICTION RESPONSE Of the Father’s Love Begotten — DIVINUM MYSTERIUM O ye heights of heaven, adore him; angel hosts, his praises sing; all dominions, bow before him, and extol our God and King; let no tongue on earth be silent, every voice in concert ring, evermore and evermore!

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SERMON — “Prepare the Way: Treasure Keepers”

WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT

POSTLUDE

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OFFERTORY Ecce novum — Ola Gjeilo Behold, a new joy, behold, a new wonder! A virgin bears a son. As the peartree bears a pear, the flourishing papyrus brings forth the lily from the soil. See how nature changes her laws. A pure virgin brings forth the son of God. SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT • DECEMBER 7, 2025 • 11:00AM

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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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. †

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

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Please stand as you are able

WE CELEBRATE HOLY COMMUNION

PRELUDE GREETING INTROIT

INVITATION TO COMMUNION

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel — VENI EMMANUEL

CONFESSION AND PARDON

CALL TO WORSHIP In the quiet longings of our hearts, we wait for God’s promised hope. In the darkness of unspoken fears, we watch for God’s light to break forth. In a world restless for peace, we bring our prayers for God to draw near. Come, God-with-us, and awaken our expectation. Come, Emmanuel—we lift our voices in hope.

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

HYMN OF PROCESSION #211 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (vv. 1-4, 7) — VENI EMMANUEL (Children sing the first stanza.)

RECEIVING OF ELEMENTS

LIGHTING OF ADVENT WREATH ADVENT RESPONSE While We are Waiting — WAITING (The congregation 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

WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED CANTICLE Today a Savior Is Born — Lynn Shaw Bailey Today a Savior is born for you. Glory to God in the highest! This will be a sign to you, the babe asleeep on the hay. Tell the news to everyone, Jesus, Messiah, is born today! Shepherds ran to Bethlehem to see the babe on the hay. Angels in the heavens sang, “Jesus, Messiah, is born today.”

Thank you for joining us in worship today.

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.

MUSIC AT COMMUNION Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountain — Carolyn Jennings Climb to the top of the highest mountain, joyous tidings proclaim to the world, lift up your voice, shout the good news: Behold, your Lord comes to you. He will feed his flock like a shepherd, He will carry the lambs in his arms, He will ever keep them safe from harm. Behold, your Lord comes to you. He who made the stars in the heaven, He who fashioned the earth and the sea, from time eternal he was God, the Alpha and Omega, He. Behold, your Lord! He will come in power and glory, He will rule with mercy truth, hope of all the nations, light of all the world! He will love the little children, He will hold them in his arms. Love him and trust him as a child, Behold, your Lord comes to you. CLOSING PRAYER Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for others, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BLESSING OF PRAYER SHAWLS

WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD

SERMON NOTES

___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP PREACHING The Reverend Lara “Willis” Greene Senior Minister LITURGIST The Reverend Oliver Helsabeck Associate Minister for Congregational Care MUSIC Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music & Arts Joshua Sobel, Organist The Chancel Choir Children’s Creative Arts Experience

ADVENT WREATH Congregational Care Ministry CRUCIFER Taylor Paris TORCHBEARERS Stella Jane Pierce Vida Kennedy

HYMN

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#216 Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming — ES IST EIN ROS

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