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.)
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT • MARCH 23, 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. †
CANTICLE Like as the Hart — Herbert Howells Like as the hart desireth the waterbrooks: so longeth my soul after thee, O God. My soul is athirst for God, yea, even for the living God: when shall I come to appear before the presence of God? My tears have been my meat day and night: while they daily say unto me, Where is now thy God? SCRIPTURE — Luke 14:1, 7-14 This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. SERMON — “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”
Please stand as you are able
PRELUDE
Love So Wondrous — arr. Karen Thompson
GREETING INTROIT
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT OFFERTORY I Will Arise and Go to Jesus — arr. Matthew Compton 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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Love Is Little (from Shaker Songs) — Kevin Siegfried Love is little, love is low, love will make our spirit grow. Grow in peace, grow in light, Love will do the thing that’s right.
OPENING PRAYER O God, help us to embrace the spirit of generosity and kindness, recognizing that true greatness is found in putting others before ourselves. May we learn to love and invite those who cannot repay us, just as you have invited us into your loving embrace. May our hearts be open to your guidance, our spirits be uplifted by your presence, and our lives be transformed by your holy Word. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING God of all grace, we are grateful for the blessings you have given us. We recognize that every good gift comes from you. Help us to remember the essence of humility as we offer these gifts back to you. May they be a reminder that our true purpose is not to seek recognition or reward, but to serve others with love and compassion. Inspire us to use these offerings to meet the needs of those around us, to uplift the downtrodden, and to share your love with everyone we encounter. May we make a difference in the lives of others, through the power of your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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HYMN OF PROCESSION #339 Come, Sinners, to the Gospel Feast — HURSLEY
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AFFIRMATION OF FAITH We are not alone, we live in God’s world. We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit. We trust in God. We are called to be the church: to celebrate God’s presence, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God. Amen.
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
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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.
HYMN
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#581 Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service — BEACH SPRING
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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SERMON NOTES
___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP PREACHING The Reverend Oliver Helsabeck, Assoc. Minister
CRUCIFER Marianne Rowland
LITURGIST Tammy Pollock, Director of Youth Ministries
TORCHBEARERS Beau Rowland Hank Conrad
MUSIC Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar The Chancel Choir Sam Howell, Music Ministry Intern Carillonneurs: Camille Jones, Director
FLOWERS The Chancel Flowers are given to the Glory of God, and in loving memory of Brad Roquemore, Penny Roquemore, and Emmett McCall by Allison & Wayne Roquemore.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
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.