WELCOME TO WORSHIP
CANTICLE Go, Tell It on the Mountain — African American Spiritual, arr. John W. Work Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere; go, tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born. While shepherds kept their watching o’er silent flocks by night, behold throughout the heavens there shown a holy light. The shepherds feared and trembled, when lo! above the earth, rang out the angel chorus that hailed the Savior’s birth. Down in a lowly manger the humble Christ was born, and God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn. (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 SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • JULY 20, 2025 • 11:00AM
SCRIPTURE — John 1:35-41 This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
THE COMMUNITY GATHERS
SERMON
“The Middle Seat”
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. †
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
Please stand as you are able
PRELUDE
Still, Still, Still — Austrian carol
GREETING INTROIT
O Come, Little Children — J. Schutz, arr. Charles Maggs
CALL TO WORSHIP O come, let us sing to the Lord; Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; Let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
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HYMN OF PROCESSION #89 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee — HYMN TO JOY
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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.
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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.
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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.
OFFERTORY Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ — Bradley Ellingboe Let us talents and tongues employ, reaching out with a shout of joy: bread is broken, the wine is poured, Christ is spoken and seen and heard. Jesus lives again; earth can breathe again. Pass the Word around: loaves abound! Christ is able to make us one, at His table, He sets the tone, teaching people to live to bless, love in word and in deed express. Jesus lives again; earth can breathe again. Pass the Word around: loaves abound! Jesus calls us in, sends us out, bearing fruit in a world of doubt, gives us love to tell, bread to share: God (Immanuel) everywhere! Jesus lives again; earth can breathe again. Pass the Word around: loaves abound! 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.
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SERMON NOTES
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PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
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WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD HYMN
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
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#451 Be Thou My Vision — SLANE
BENEDICTION
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BENEDICTION RESPONSE Go Now in Peace — Robert Lau Go now in peace, and may God’s peace go with you. Believe and trust His holy word. Amen.
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POSTLUDE
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Thank you for joining us in worship today.
PREACHING The Reverend Lara “Willis” Greene Senior Minister LITURGIST The Reverend Kate May Associate Minister with Children MUSIC Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries Joshua Sobel, Organist The Chancel Choir Children’s Music & Arts Camp Participants
CRUCIFER Anna Jane Owen TORCHBEARERS Clark Bonsall Sloan Bonsall FLOWERS The Chancel flowers given in loving memory of William Griffin by his wife, Ruby Griffin.
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.