Sunday, November 27, 2022 - The First Sunday in the Season of Advent

Order of Worship Sunday, November 27, 2022 The First Sunday in the Season of Advent ~ Quietly meditate as the light moves forward ~ BRINGING IN THE LIGHT Julie Thackrah MUSIC FOR THE GATHERING Arr. Murray C. Bradshaw (b. 1930) Variations (I and II) on “Lo, How A Rose” LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH Led by Linda Sullivan (seated) The first Advent candle, the candle of hope, glows on our wreath. Leader: We cry out for God’s presence and we are heard. All: Come, child of hope! Leader: God arrives through the sick, the poor, and the helpless. All: Come, child of hope! Leader: God works through us to bring a better future for those in need. All: Come, child of hope! Leader: We live in the promise that on the darkest night, a new light will arrive. All: Come, child of hope! Sung Response He Came Down (hope) Black Bk ~ No. 2085 WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Larry Cox CALL TO WORSHIP Lead by Linda Sullivan (standing) L: In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. P: “Hail, O favored one! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women.” L: But Mary was much perplexed by the words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. P: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. L: “He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High. P: “And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. L: “He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” CAROL OF PRAISE Once In Royal David’s City Blue Bk ~ No. 250 (standing) Text: Cecil Frances Alexander (1848 ~ Music: Henry J. Gauntlett (1849) OPENING PRAYER Led by Linda Sullivan (seated) Stir up, O Lord, your people to pray to you and prepare for you to usher in your king-dom through your birth in the same town of King David’s birth. O Son of David and Son of God, reign in our hearts with your love. Guide us as a good shepherd would, and lead us to the pastures of your paradise in heaven. Rule over us with your mighty power until we find our rest in you. Amen. HYMN We Three Kings of Ancient Times Sung to Kings of Orient (seated) We three kings of ancient times humbly bow, the Savior to see. King forever, failing never, Ruler of all is he! Oh-oh, Christ the Savior, Christ the Lord, Christ by heav’n and earth adored! Come and praise him, anthems raise him—praise the King with one accord! EPISTLE LESSON Acts 2:22-36 Ready by Brian Christian The Word of God for the children of God. Thanks be to God. RESPONSE TO THE SCRIPTURE Sung to Kings of Orient ~ (standing) Son of David, shepherd of old, bearer of God’s promise foretold, God’s anointed King appointed comes now to tend the fold. Oh-oh, Christ the Savior, Christ the King, Christ whose birth the angels sing! Bow before him, kneel, adore him; let the world its tribute bring! SERMON “David” Pastor Emily and Brian Christian PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Pastor Emily The Lord’s Prayer – Blue Bk – No. 895 CELEBRATING COMMUNION See insert with sung responses GIVING OF OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS You can give at any time by going to Centenary’s web page click on the Donate tab at www.centenary-umc.com. ++ Doxology ~ Blue Bk ~ No. 95 Praise God from whom all blessings flow Praise Him, all creatures here below Praise Him above the Heavenly host Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen Offertory Prayer Pastor Emily CLOSING ADVENT HYMN The Advent of Our God (Insert ~ standing) BENEDICTION Pastor Emily ~ seated ~ POSTLUDE Lift Up Your Gates Arr. Barry H. Cornwall Music from 1789 ~ The Postlude is part of our worship celebration. Quietly reflect as the Postlude is provided ~  The printed music, lyrics, videos, and music selections are covered under CCLI-11024657, St. James Music Press # 21308, and ONE LICENSE #738667-A. Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, #A-700000. All rights reserved.  Today’s scripture is from the Common English Version of the Bible (CEB). The Advent wreath liturgy is from Imagine No More Malaria Resources for Advent. The call to worship, opening prayer, and the narrative message is covered under #1992/2006/2022 Creative Communications for the Parish, a division of Bayard, Inc. All rights reserved.