WELCOME TO WORSHIP
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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 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.)
FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT • MARCH 15, 2026 • 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
PRELUDE
I Will Arise — arr. Robert Shaw & Alice Parker Will the Circle Be Unbroken — arr. J. David Moore Ah, Holy Jesus — arr. Arnold Sherman
CANTICLE When I Can Read My Title Clear — arr. Alice Parker When I can read my title clear to mansions in the skies, I’ll bid farewell to every fear and wipe my weeping eyes. Should earth against my soul engage, and hellish darts be hurled, then I can smile at Satan’s rage and face a frowning world. Let cares like a deluge come, and storms of sorrow fall, may I but safely reach my home, my God, my Heaven, my All. There shall I bathe my weary soul in seas of heavenly rest, and not a wave of trouble roll across my peaceful breast.
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
GREETING INTROIT
Death Shall Not Destroy My Comfort — arr. Alice Parker & Robert Shaw Death shall not destroy my comfort, Christ shall lead me through the gloom, down He’ll send some heav’nly convoy to escort my spirit home. O Hallelujah, how I love my Saviour. O Hallelujah, yes, I do; O Hallelujah, how I love my Saviour, mourners, you can love Him too. Jordan’s stream shall not o’erflow me, while my Saviour’s by my side. Canaan, Canaan lies before me! Soon I’ll cross the swelling tide. See the happy spirits waiting, on the banks beyond the stream! Sweet responses still repeating, “Jesus! Jesus!” is their theme.
CALL TO WORSHIP From the heights of praise to the depths of the valley, we come to seek the Lord. Do not be far from us, O God, for trouble is near and there is none to help. Our ancestors trusted in you; they trusted, and you delivered them. To you they cried and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame. We bring our honest hearts today—our fears, our weariness, and our “Why?” Yet we know you are holy, enthroned on the praises of your people. From the ends of the earth, the world shall remember and turn to the Lord. For dominion belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations. Let us worship the One who does not hide his face from the suffering but hears when we cry out. Let us praise the Lord!
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HYMN OF PROCESSION #295 In the Cross of Christ I Glory — RATHBUN
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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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SCRIPTURE — Mark 15:29-36 This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. SERMON — “Why Have You Forsaken Me?”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT OFFERTORY Fantasy on KINGSFOLD — arr. H. Dean Wagner 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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PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
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WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD HYMN
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#528 Nearer, My God, To Thee — BETHANY
BENEDICTION
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BENEDICTION RESPONSE Ubi Caritas — Ola Gjeilo Where charity and love are, God is there. Christ’s love has gathered us into one. Let us rejoice and be pleased in Him. Let us fear, and let us love the living God. And may we love each other with a sincere heart.
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POSTLUDE
SERMON NOTES
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PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP PREACHING Tammy Pollock Director of Youth Ministries LITURGISTS Reverend Lara “Willis” Greene Senior Minister
CRUCIFER Meg Gilliam TORCHBEARERS Mary Blythe Maner Thomas Pierce
MUSIC Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music & Arts Joshua Sobel, Organist The Chancel Choir Jack Britt High School Choirs: Richard Butler, conductor Carillonneurs: Camille Jones, director
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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.
Thank you for joining us in worship today.